Person reading a book and taking notes, symbolising meeting the naturalisation language requirement.

Naturalisatie taaleis: which civic integration diploma do you need?

You want to become Dutch and you've heard about the naturalisatie taaleis. The core: you need a civic integration diploma at level A2 or higher. You get that diploma with the exams of the Wet inburgering 2013 or with the B1 route of the Wet inburgering 2021. A Staatsexamen NT2 diploma (Programme I (B1) or Programme II (B2)) also counts for the language part. Check with DUO or the IND what applies to your situation. Note: there is a proposal to raise the requirement to B1, but it has not yet been introduced. So always check the current rules with the IND.

Why this matters so much: without the right diploma your naturalisation application will be rejected. You then lose not only time but also the money for the application. The language requirement is not a formality; the IND checks your diploma and your length of residence. The standard term is 5 years of uninterrupted residence with a valid residence permit, but there are exceptions. You apply for naturalisation at your municipality. The municipality forwards your application to the IND. They assess whether you meet all the requirements, including the language requirement.

In this guide you'll read exactly which diploma you need, how to get it and which mistakes to avoid. We cover the difference between A2 and B1, the role of KNM and the routes of the Wet inburgering 2021. You'll get example sentences, a step-by-step plan and a checklist. You don't need to be an expert; if you know which steps to take, you can arrange it. This guide helps you with that.

What exactly is the naturalisatie taaleis?

The naturalisatie taaleis means you have to show that you speak Dutch at at least level A2. That level shows you can hold simple conversations, understand letters from the municipality and ask questions at the GP's surgery. You reach this level with the exams Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking. There may also be a knowledge component such as KNM; check this with DUO, the IND or your municipality. KNM is a separate knowledge exam and not a language exam. The Staatsexamen NT2 is a different exam: it tests language at B1 or B2. For naturalisation you may also submit a Staatsexamen NT2 diploma; check with the IND whether that meets the requirements. The IND determines whether your diploma is valid. Check with the IND whether your diploma meets the requirements.

The language requirement is linked to the law that applies to you. If you became subject to the civic integration obligation before 1 January 2022, you fall under the Wet inburgering 2013. Then level A2 is sufficient. If you became subject to the civic integration obligation after 1 January 2022, you fall under the Wet inburgering 2021. Then the B1 route applies: you must then achieve B1 for the language exams. In some cases you may scale down to A2 if you have followed at least 600 hours of lessons and B1 turns out not to be achievable. You discuss that with your municipality. For naturalisation it is important that your diploma matches the route that applies to you. Otherwise the IND may reject your application.

Which diploma do you need for naturalisation?

You need a civic integration diploma at at least A2 level. That can be a diploma from the Wet inburgering 2013 (A2) or a diploma from the B1 route of the Wet inburgering 2021 (B1). A Staatsexamen NT2 diploma Programme I (B1) or Programme II (B2) also counts for the language part. Check with DUO or the IND which exams and diplomas count for your situation. The IND checks your diploma and the level. A certificate from a language course is not enough. Check with DUO or the IND which exams count.

If you fall under the Wet inburgering 2013, you sometimes also need ONA (Oriëntatie op de Nederlandse Arbeidsmarkt) and the participation declaration, in addition to the language exams and KNM. That depends on when your civic integration obligation began. Check with DUO or the IND whether your diploma meets the requirements. A separate Reading certificate is not sufficient. So make sure you complete all components. Doubting whether your diploma is valid? Check with DUO or with the municipality. They can tell you exactly which components you are still missing.

Civic integration diploma Wet inburgering 2013 (A2) with KNM.
Civic integration diploma B1 route Wet inburgering 2021 (B1) with KNM.
Staatsexamen NT2 Programme I (B1) or Programme II (B2) for the language part, plus KNM.
Under the Wet inburgering 2013 sometimes also ONA and participation declaration.
No separate certificate: the full diploma counts.
Always check with the IND whether your diploma meets the requirements.

A2 or B1: which level applies to you?

The level you need depends on the law that applies to you. The Wet inburgering 2013 requires A2. That is the level at which you can, for example, fill in a form from the municipality or have a conversation with the GP. The Wet inburgering 2021 requires B1 for the B1 route. B1 is a step higher: you can then independently conduct a job interview and write a letter to the Tax and Customs Administration. The education route also requires B1 or higher. The Z route (self-reliance route) requires A1. Check with the IND which level you need for naturalisation.

If you are on the B1 route and do not achieve B1, you can under certain conditions scale down to A2. You can discuss with your municipality whether scaling down to A2 is possible; check this with your municipality and with DUO or the IND. You discuss this with your municipality. They assess whether scaling down is possible. For naturalisation it is important that your diploma matches the route that applies to you. Whether an A2 diploma from the B1 route is sufficient depends on your situation. Check this with your municipality and with the IND. So always ask your municipality for written confirmation.

KNM and naturalisation: what you need to know

KNM stands for Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij. It is a compulsory exam for everyone who is subject to the civic integration obligation. The exam tests whether you know how Dutch society works: how education is organised, how you rent a house, how health insurance works and what the role of the municipality is. The questions are in simple Dutch at A2 level. You take the exam on the computer. The curriculum consists of eight themes, including history and geography. KNM is not a language exam but a knowledge exam. You must pass it separately. Check with DUO, the IND or your municipality what is needed for your situation.

KNM is separate from the Staatsexamen NT2. If you have a Staatsexamen NT2 diploma, you still have to do KNM. Many people confuse this. The Staatsexamen NT2 only tests language proficiency. KNM tests your knowledge of society. Check with the IND what is needed for your situation. Check your situation with DUO or the IND.

Wet inburgering 2013 versus 2021: what does this mean for you?

The Wet inburgering 2013 applies to people who became subject to the civic integration obligation before 1 January 2022. They must pass the language exams at A2 or higher within 3 years, plus KNM. Depending on when their obligation began, they must also do ONA and the participation declaration. The Wet inburgering 2021 applies to everyone who became subject to the civic integration obligation from 1 January 2022. This law has three routes: the B1 route, the education route and the Z route. The B1 route requires language at B1 level within 3 years, plus KNM. The municipality also arranges the participation declaration trajectory (PVT) and the Module Arbeidsmarkt & Participatie (MAP). The education route is mainly for young people and requires B1 or higher. The Z route requires A1 and is for people for whom the other routes are too difficult. Check with the IND which level you need for naturalisation.

So it is crucial to know which law you fall under. That determines which diploma you need and which level you must achieve. If you fall under the B1 route, the municipality can discuss with you whether scaling down to A2 is possible. Check this with your municipality and with the IND. If you fall under the Wet inburgering 2013, A2 is sufficient. But even then you must have the full diploma, including KNM and possibly ONA. Doubting? Ask your municipality for an overview of your obligations. They can tell you exactly what you still need to do.

Practical example sentences you can use right away

I would like to naturalise. Can you tell me which civic integration diploma I need?
My municipality says I am on the B1 route. Do I then need to achieve B1 for naturalisation?
I already have my A2 diploma. Is that enough for naturalisation, or do I need to do something else?
I have passed Staatsexamen NT2 Programme I (B1). Do I still need to do KNM?
Can you help me apply for naturalisation at the municipality?
I have followed 600 hours of lessons, but B1 is not working out. Can I scale down to A2?
Where can I see whether my civic integration diploma is valid for naturalisation?
I have lost my KNM certificate. How do I request a new copy?

Step-by-step plan (what you do this week)

Step 1: Check which law you fall under. Look at your civic integration decision or ask your municipality. That determines whether you need A2 or B1.
Step 2: Gather your diplomas and certificates. Do you have all language exams, KNM and possibly ONA and participation declaration? Make an overview.
Step 3: Check with DUO or the IND whether your diploma is valid for naturalisation. They can tell you exactly what is still missing.
Step 4: Plan your naturalisation application. Make an appointment at the municipality. Take your valid residence permit and your diplomas with you.
Step 5: If you still need to take exams, register via Mijn Inburgering or DUO. Practise with sample exams on staatsexamensnt2.nl.
Step 6: Keep all confirmations. Ask for written confirmation from your municipality if you scale down or get an exemption.

Common mistakes (and what works instead)

Mistake: thinking a language course certificate is enough. Fix: check with DUO or the IND which exams count before you submit anything.
Fix: check with DUO or the IND which exams and diplomas you need.
Mistake: assuming A2 is always enough. Fix: under the Wet inburgering 2021 B1 route, B1 is the norm, unless your municipality agrees to scaling down.
Mistake: only checking at the last moment whether your diploma is valid. Fix: check now with the IND or DUO, so you don't get surprises.
Mistake: not keeping proof of scaling down or exemption. Fix: always ask for written confirmation from your municipality or DUO.

Mini checklist

I know which law I fall under (2013 or 2021).
I have a civic integration diploma at at least A2 level, or I know that I still need to complete it.
I have checked with DUO or the IND which exams and diplomas I need.
I have a valid residence permit and have lived in the Netherlands for at least 5 uninterrupted years (unless an exception applies).
I have an appointment at the municipality for the naturalisation application and all documents are complete.

How to practise this (Dutch Fluency + more)

Practising for the naturalisatie taaleis does not mean just memorising words. You have to show that you can function in daily life. You practise that by simulating real situations: a conversation at the GP, filling in a form from the municipality, filling in a return form at Albert Heijn. On Dutch Fluency NT2 you'll find exam-style exercises for Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking. You can also practise with KNM questions. That way you become familiar with the question format and the time you have. The more you practise, the more confident you become.

Do you want to work on your language skills in a targeted way? Use the Dutch Fluency app. You can practise per skill and track your progress. The exercises are not the official exams, but they do help you develop the right habits. Start today with one exercise per day. After a few weeks you'll notice a difference. And if you have questions about naturalisation, ask them to your municipality or to the IND. They are the official bodies.

Oefen voor je naturalisatie taaleis met NT2 B1 →

Practice now

Frequently asked questions

Which civic integration diploma do I need for naturalisation?

You need a civic integration diploma at at least A2 level. That can be a diploma from the Wet inburgering 2013 (A2) or from the B1 route of the Wet inburgering 2021 (B1). A Staatsexamen NT2 diploma Programme I (B1) or Programme II (B2) also counts for the language part. Always check with the IND whether your diploma meets the requirements.

Is A2 enough for naturalisation if I am on the B1 route?

No, in principle not. Under the B1 route of the Wet inburgering 2021 you must achieve B1. If you have followed at least 600 hours of lessons, you can discuss with the municipality whether scaling down to A2 is possible. Check this with your municipality and with the IND. So always ask your municipality for written confirmation.

Does Staatsexamen NT2 replace the KNM exam?

No. Staatsexamen NT2 only tests language proficiency. Check with DUO or the IND which exams and diplomas count for your situation.

How long do I need to live in the Netherlands for naturalisation?

The standard term is 5 years of uninterrupted residence with a valid residence permit. The IND has exceptions, for example for partners of Dutch nationals or people with refugee status. Check the current rules on the IND website. The municipality can also help you with the application.

What if I have lost my KNM certificate?

Check with DUO what you can do. Make sure you have the certificate in time for your naturalisation application.

Do I also need to do ONA and the participation declaration for naturalisation?

That depends on when your civic integration obligation began. Under the Wet inburgering 2013 you sometimes need to do ONA and the participation declaration. Under the Wet inburgering 2021 the municipality arranges the participation declaration trajectory (PVT) and the Module Arbeidsmarkt & Participatie (MAP). Check with DUO or the IND whether your diploma meets the requirements. Check with your municipality what applies to you.

More guides and exam tips

Also read articles about inburgering, NT2 and Dutch life →