Ministerie van Justitie, Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst

As of March 15th migrants wishing to settle in the Netherlands for, in particular, the purposes of marrying or forming a relationship are required to take the civic integration examination abroad.

Many people aged between 18 and 65 who need an authorisation for temporary residence (MVV) in order to come to the Netherlands will first be obliged to complete the civic integration examination abroad in their country of residence. This applies, amongst others, to people who wish to form a family with someone in the Netherlands (for example, through marriage or by forming a relationship) and to religious leaders coming to the Netherlands for employment, such as imams or preachers. In many cases, obtaining the integration examination becomes an additional condition needing to be met before an MVV can be issued. 

The examination
This examination tests a person’s basic knowledge of the Dutch language and Dutch society. The examination is taken orally in Dutch at the Dutch Embassy or Dutch Consulate General abroad. The cost for taking the examination is EUR 350. The examination consists of two parts. Part 1 tests the person’s knowledge of Dutch society. Whilst looking at an illustrated booklet, the person being tested is asked a number of questions by telephone. The questions are about such topics as the history of the Netherlands and its form of government. Part 2 tests the person’s knowledge of the Dutch language. This part includes the repetition of sentences and the answering of brief questions 

More information about exemptions and how to prepare for the examination can be found here