The Great Inburgering Confusion: Do You Need A2, B1, or B2 for Dutch Citizenship in 2026?

Amsterdam – Is Dutch citizenship possible with A2? Do you need B1? What about B2? These questions are often confused because the language level required for civic integration is not always the same as the minimum language requirement for naturalisation.

The important point is this: there is no general B2 Dutch requirement for Dutch naturalisation. The IND currently states that applicants for naturalisation normally need to have passed the civic integration exam at at least A2 level, unless they qualify for an exemption or another route to citizenship.

However, if you are subject to the Dutch Civic Integration Act, your personal integration programme can require a different language level depending on which law applies to you, your educational route and your Personal Integration and Participation Plan (PIP).

That is why two people living in the Netherlands can have different Dutch-language requirements even when they are both learning Dutch for integration.

Table of Contents

• The Short Answer: A2, B1 or B2?
• What Dutch Level Do You Need for Naturalisation?
• What About Permanent Residence?
• If You Fall Under the 2013 Civic Integration Act
• If You Fall Under the 2021 Civic Integration Act
• The Three Integration Routes Explained
• Why Your PIP Matters
• How to Check Your Personal Requirement
• Do You Ever Need B2?
• Key Takeaways
• Dutch Learning Corner
• Community Discussion
• Sources

The Short Answer: A2, B1 or B2?

There is no single Dutch language level that applies to everyone in the Netherlands.

The answer depends on what you are applying for and, if you are subject to civic integration, which integration system and route apply to you.

This distinction is important because your integration obligation and the language requirement for a later naturalisation application are not necessarily the same thing.

What Dutch Level Do You Need for Naturalisation?

If you want to become a Dutch citizen through naturalisation, the IND currently states that you normally need to have fulfilled the civic integration requirement by passing the civic integration exam at at least A2 level.

This means that B1 or B2 is not the general minimum language requirement for naturalisation.

The IND also lists situations in which an applicant may be exempt from the civic integration exam. For example, certain existing diplomas or other qualifying circumstances can affect whether the exam is required.

If you already have a civic integration diploma under the 2013 Civic Integration Act at A2 or above, the IND lists this as one of the qualifications that can satisfy the integration requirement for naturalisation.

The same applies to a civic integration diploma under the 2021 Civic Integration Act at A2 or above, subject to the applicable naturalisation rules.

So the important distinction is not whether someone has studied B1 or B2 Dutch in general. It is whether they have fulfilled the specific integration requirement that applies to their naturalisation application.

What About Permanent Residence?

Permanent residence is another situation where people often confuse the integration rules with the language level they are currently studying.

The IND states that applicants for a permanent residence permit normally need to have passed the civic integration exam at at least A2 level, unless they are exempt.

Therefore, B2 is not the general minimum Dutch level for a permanent residence permit either.

However, individual circumstances can affect whether the integration requirement applies and whether an exemption or dispensation is available.

If You Fall Under the 2013 Civic Integration Act

If the Civic Integration Act 2013 (Wet inburgering 2013) applies to you, the exams you need depend on the date on which your civic integration obligation started.

For people whose integration obligation started from October 1, 2017 until the introduction of the 2021 system, the language components are generally at A2 or higher, together with the applicable knowledge and participation components.

DUO also states that people integrating under the 2013 Act can take language exams at a higher level, such as B1 or B2, by taking the Dutch as a second language state exam (Staatsexamen Nt2).

Therefore, saying simply “old law means A2” is useful as a general shortcut, but it should not be interpreted as saying that every person under every version of the 2013 system has exactly the same examination package.

If You Fall Under the 2021 Civic Integration Act

The Civic Integration Act 2021 (Wet inburgering 2021) works differently.

There are three main integration routes:

• B1-route
• Onderwijsroute (Education Route)
• Z-route (Self-Reliance Route)

Your route is important because the language level is connected to that route and is recorded in your Personal Integration and Participation Plan (PIP).

This means it is not accurate to say that everyone covered by the 2021 Act simply needs B1.

The Three Integration Routes Explained

B1-route

The B1-route is aimed at helping people participate in Dutch society and move towards work.

The target language level is B1. However, DUO states that the language level can be reduced from B1 to A2 if the applicable conditions are met.

One of the conditions is that the person must have followed at least 600 hours of language lessons at a language school with the appropriate quality certification, with the municipality checking the conditions.

Onderwijsroute

The Education Route is designed primarily to prepare people for further education in the Netherlands, including MBO, HBO or university education.

The language level is B1 or B2, depending on the programme and applicable requirements.

Z-route

The Z-route is designed for people for whom the B1-route or Education Route is too difficult and focuses on self-reliance and participation in Dutch society.

People following the Z-route learn Dutch at the highest achievable level for them. They do not have to complete the standard language exams in the same way as the other routes and complete the route with an assessment conversation with the municipality.

Why Your PIP Matters

The Personal Integration and Participation Plan (PIP) is one of the most important documents for people subject to the 2021 Civic Integration Act.

Your municipality prepares the PIP with you. It sets out your integration route and the exams or requirements that apply to you.

That is why two people who arrived in the Netherlands around the same period can still have different integration requirements.

Instead of relying on Facebook groups, Reddit comments or advice from friends, check the information in your own Mijn Inburgering account and PIP.

How to Check Your Personal Requirement

If you are unsure whether you need A2, B1 or another level, do not try to determine your requirement from your arrival date alone.

1. Log in to Mijn Inburgering using your DigiD.
2. Check which Civic Integration Act applies to you.
3. Check your Personal Integration and Participation Plan (PIP), if you are under the 2021 Act.
4. Look at the exams and language level listed for your situation.
5. If your circumstances have changed or the information appears incorrect, contact DUO or your municipality.

DUO specifically states that Mijn Inburgering shows which exams you need to take, while your PIP sets out the applicable educational route and examinations under the 2021 Act.

Do You Ever Need B2?

Yes. B2 can be relevant in the Dutch education system and in certain integration situations, but it is not the general minimum Dutch level for naturalisation.

Under the 2021 Civic Integration Act, the Education Route can involve language exams at B1 or B2.

Under the 2013 system, DUO also allows integration at a higher language level through the Dutch as a second language state exam.

So if someone tells you “you need B2 to become Dutch,” that statement is misleading when presented as a universal naturalisation rule.

The correct question is:

“What requirement applies to my specific situation?”

Key Takeaways

• Naturalisation: the IND currently requires at least A2 for the civic integration requirement, unless an exemption or other exception applies.
• Permanent residence: the IND normally requires at least A2 or an exemption.
• 2013 Act: the applicable exams depend on when the civic integration obligation started; language components are generally A2 or higher.
• 2021 Act: the required level depends on the integration route and PIP.
• B1: it is the target of the B1-route, but under certain conditions the level can be reduced to A2.
• B2: it can apply to the Education Route or higher-level language qualifications, but it is not the general naturalisation minimum.
• Most important: check Mijn Inburgering and your PIP rather than relying on general claims online.

Dutch Learning Corner

What Level Do You Need?

Are you preparing for A2, B1 or B2 Dutch? Your answer may depend on your integration route, PIP and the type of residence or citizenship application you are preparing for.

Check your Mijn Inburgering account before relying on general advice online.

Sources

• IND – Civic integration for naturalisation
• IND – Becoming a Dutch national through naturalisation
• IND – Permanent residence permit
• DUO / Inburgeren – Which exams
• DUO / Inburgeren – Civic integration routes under the 2021 Act
• DUO / Inburgeren – Exams under the 2013 Act

Updated for 2026. Civic integration and naturalisation requirements can depend on your individual circumstances. Always check the latest information from IND and DUO before making an application.