Worked and lived in the Netherlands for a long time

Have you lived in the Netherlands for a long time? And did you work here for at least 5 years? Then you may not have to take any integration exams at all. This is called an full exemption because of demonstrable integration.

Conditions

DUO sent you notice that you are required to integrate.
You have continuously lived in the Netherlands for 10 years or longer. During this time, you did not live abroad.
You have worked in the Netherlands for 5 years or longer. Voluntary work also counts.
Your Dutch is good:
- If you are integrating under the 2013 act, your Dutch needs to be at language proficiency level Link opent externe pagina A2.
- If you are integrating under the 2021 act, your Dutch needs to be at language proficiency Link opent externe pagina level B1.

Complete the ‘Aanvraag vrijstelling inburgeringsplicht’ form.
Ask your employer to complete the ‘werkgeversverklaring’ (employer’s statement).
Send the form and the statement to DUO by post.
DUO will invite you for an interview. This interview costs €90.
After the interview, DUO decides if you get an exemption.

Complete the ‘Aanvraag ontheffing inburgeringsplicht’ form.
Ask your employer to complete the ‘werkgeversverklaring’ (employer’s statement).
Send the form and the statement to DUO by post.
DUO will invite you for an interview. This interview costs €90.
After the interview, DUO decides if you get an exemption.

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