Amsterdam – If you ask three different expats what level of Dutch is required for citizenship, you will likely get three different answers. “It’s A2.” “No, they changed it to B1!” “I heard you need B2 now!”

In 2026, the confusion regarding the Inburgering (Civic Integration) requirements is at an all-time high. The reality, however, is not a “one-size-fits-all” rule. Contrary to popular rumors, thousands of international residents are still eligible to apply for permanent residency and citizenship with A2 (Elementary) Dutch, thanks to transitional laws that protect their rights.

Table of Contents

• Busting the Myth: Why B2 is NOT Required
• The Two-Track System: Old Law vs. New Law
• Citizenship Rules: The “A2 Loophole”
• The Solution: How to Pass (Cheaply) Regardless of Level
• Checklist: Which Group Are You In?
• Key Takeaways
• Dutch Learning Corner
• Community CTA

Busting the Myth: Why B2 is NOT Required

First, let’s clear up the biggest misconception circulating in expat Facebook groups: You do not need B2 level Dutch for standard citizenship.

The B2 level (Staatsexamen NT2 Programma II) is an advanced academic standard designed for people who want to:

• Study at a Dutch research university (WO) or University of Applied Sciences (HBO).
• Work in high-level professions requiring fluent Dutch (e.g., doctors, lawyers, psychologists).

For the purpose of Inburgering (Civic Integration), Naturalization, or Permanent Residence, the government does not demand this level of fluency.

The Two-Track System: Old Law vs. New Law

The reason for the confusion is that the Netherlands currently operates two parallel systems. Your required level depends entirely on when your integration obligation (inburgeringsplicht) officially started.

1. The “Old Law” (Wet Inburgering 2013) – Target: A2

If you received your residence permit or became obligated to integrate before January 1, 2022, you generally fall under the 2013 law.

Good News: For this group, the requirement remains at A2. Even though we are in 2026, the government respects the rules that were in place when you arrived. This applies to a massive number of expats and refugees who have been in the country for 4+ years.

2. The “New Law” (Wet Inburgering 2021) – Target: B1

If your integration obligation started after January 1, 2022, you fall under the new system.

The Shift: The government raised the bar to B1 (Intermediate) for this group, arguing that A2 was insufficient for participating in the labor market. If you are a newcomer in 2026, B1 is likely your target.

Citizenship Rules: The “A2 Loophole”

Here is where it gets interesting for expats (Highly Skilled Migrants) who are technically “voluntary” integrators.

To apply for Naturalization (Dutch Passport) or Permanent Residence, you must prove you have passed the integration exams.

As of early 2026, the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) accepts the Inburgering Diploma as proof. If you obtained your diploma at the A2 level (because you fell under the 2013 law or specific transitional rules), the IND accepts this. You do not need to take extra exams to reach B1 if you already possess a valid A2 diploma that satisfies your specific integration requirement.

Important: Politicians frequently debate raising the universal naturalization standard to B1 for everyone, regardless of arrival date. However, until such a law is passed and implemented, the A2 route remains valid for many eligible applicants.

The Solution: How to Pass (Cheaply) Regardless of Level

Whether you need A2 or B1, one problem remains the same: Traditional courses are expensive.

Language schools often charge €2,000+ for a curriculum. This has led to a boom in Online Self-Study Platforms. These digital tools (such as InburgeringOnline and others) have become the “hack” for savvy expats.

Why Go Digital?

• Exam Focus: They teach you how to pass the exam (tricks for multiple choice, standard phrases for speaking) rather than just teaching grammar.
• Price: Monthly subscriptions (~€10-€15) are accessible to everyone.
• Flexibility: You can study for your specific level (A2 or B1) on your commute, without adhering to rigid school schedules.

Checklist: Which Group Are You In?

Don’t guess. Check your status officially:

1. Log in to Mijn Inburgering (via the DUO website) using your DigiD.
2. Look for the section “Mijn Examenprofiel” or “Wat moet u doen?”.
3. It will explicitly state: “Tainniveau: A2” or “Taalniveau: B1”.

Whatever DUO says on that screen is your legal requirement. Trust the portal, not the rumors.

Key Takeaways

• No B2: You do not need academic-level Dutch for citizenship; that is a myth.
• Arrival Date Matters: If you fell under the system pre-2022, you likely still only need A2.
• Newcomers: If you arrived after Jan 1, 2022, your standard is likely B1.
• Official Check: Always verify your personal requirement on the DUO website (Mijn Inburgering).

Dutch Learning Corner

Source / Regulations: IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) & DUO