Ministerie van Justitie, Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst
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On 1 January 2007, the Integration Act comes into effect. This means that, in phases, the naturalisation test will be replaced by the integration examination. From 2 January 2007 onwards, foreign nationals who want to become Dutch citizens can take the integration examination before they submit their naturalisation application. The integration examination has a different format than the naturalisation test. However, the integration examination has the same level as the naturalisation test and costs about the same. For further information about the Integration Act or the integration examination please visit www.inburgeren.nl.
Until which date can you still take the naturalisation test?
If you have paid before 15 January 2007 you can still take one part of the naturalisation test. The ROCs have until 1 April 2007 to finalise all these tests.
There is one exception to this rule for participants who passed a minimum of one component of part 2 on or before 1 April 2007. From 1 April until 1 October 2007 they have the opportunity to re-sit components of part 2. After 1 October 2007 it will no longer be possible to take the naturalisation test at all.
When can you start taking the integration examination?
Starting on 2 January 2007 you can register for the integration examination. You do not register for this examination with the ROC but with the Informatie Beheer Groep. The integration examination diploma is also valid for your naturalisation application.
What are the consequences for you?
The consequences for you very much depend on your personal situation and what stage you are at with the naturalisation test. In the diagram below you can see what is the best course of action for you in your particular situation.
The Ministry of Justice has formulated rules to ensure the transition progresses as smoothly as possible:
- If you have passed part 1 of the naturalisation test and continue with the integration examination you will be exempt from the ‘KNS’ (Knowledge of Dutch Society) component. The ROC will issue you with a certificate confirming that you have passed part 1.
- All participants who have paid for part 1 or part 2 before 15 January 2007 can still take this part of the test. The ROCs will still be organising dates for taking the naturalisation test until 1 April 2007.
- If you have passed part 1 before 1 April 2007 as well as a component of part 2, you have until 1 October 2007 to re-sit the missing components of part 2.
- After 1 October there will be no more opportunities to take components of the naturalisation test via the ROCs.
- If you failed part I after 1 October 2006, you will no longer have the opportunity to re-sit part I. You can register for the integration examination.
- Starting on 2 January 2007, you can register for the integration examination with the Informatie Beheer Groep. Please call 050-599 9600 or visit www.inburgeren.nl.
Exemption and dispensation
In addition to the changes to the test itself, we would also like to point out the changes in the rules relating to exemption and dispensation from the naturalisation test or integration examination. Different rules for exemption and dispensation from the integration examination than those that previously applied to the naturalisation test will apply to all naturalisation applications that are submitted to the municipality from 1 April 2007 onwards. If you would like to make use of these options we suggest you ask your municipality to provide you with information, or contact the IND.
Where can I find more information?
• Call the IND on telephone number 0900 1234561. Calling this number costs € 0.10 per minute
• Visit www.inburgeren.nl
• Visit the municipality where you plan to submit your naturalisation application.
This is my situation | What do I need to do? |
I want to take another part of the naturalisation test, but I did not pay before 15 January 2007. | This is not possible. You can register for the integration examination from 2 January 2007 onwards. |
I registered with the ROC before 15 January 2007 AND paid for part 1 of the naturalisation test. | The ROC will make an appointment for you to take part 1. Please note: You will need to take into account the fact that you can no longer take part 2 and that you can only continue by taking the integration examination at the IBG. If you still decide to take part 1 and pass this part, you will be exempt from the KNS component of the integration examination. If you fail part 1 you can register for the integration examination. There is NO six-month waiting period for this examination; you can register from 2 January 2007 onwards. |
I registered with the ROC before 15 January 2007 AND paid for (a component of) part 2 of the naturalisation test. | The ROC will make an appointment for you to take (a component of) part 2. If you passed a minimum of one component of part 2 but not all four, you have one more opportunity to re-sit a component until 1 October 2007. If you fail this re-sit you can register for the integration examination. If you do not pass any components of part 2 you can register for the integration examination. There is NO six-month waiting period for this examination; you can register from 2 January 2007 onwards. Because you have already passed part 1 of the naturalisation test you will be exempt from the KNS component of the integration examination. |
I failed part I after 1 October 2006. | You can register for the integration examination |