Learning Dutch As An Expat: Inburgering, Levels And How To Start (2026)

You can get by in English in most of the Netherlands – but “getting by” and “settling in” are different things. Learning Dutch opens up friendships, jobs, and daily life, and for many residents it’s also a legal requirement. This guide explains who has to learn Dutch, what level you need, and how to actually do it.

Do you even need to learn Dutch?

For everyday life in the big cities, English will carry you a long way: shops, restaurants, doctors, and most offices operate comfortably in English. But the picture changes if you want to build a social life beyond the expat bubble, work in a Dutch-facing role, or stay permanently. And depending on your residence status, you may be legally obliged to integrate.

The inburgering requirement

Inburgering (civic integration) is the formal process of learning Dutch and how the country works, and proving it by passing exams. If you live in the Netherlands on a non-temporary residence permit and you’re between 18 and state pension age, you are usually inburgeringsplichtig — required to integrate.

You’re generally exempt if you’re an EU/EEA or Swiss national, you’re over retirement age, you hold a Dutch-language qualification, or you’ve lived here long-term and worked for a qualifying period. EU citizens, in particular, are not obliged to integrate — though many still choose to learn Dutch.

The requirement most often applies to family migrants and refugees, and to anyone pursuing permanent residence or Dutch citizenship, which require passing the integration exams regardless.

A2 or B1? The level you need

Under the Civic Integration Act 2021, the standard level rose. Which level applies to you depends mainly on the date of your obligation:

Permit/obligation dated before 1 January 2022: generally A2.
Dated on or after 1 January 2022: usually B1, a noticeably higher level where you can hold a real conversation.

There’s also a clear policy direction in 2026 toward making B1 the floor for naturalisation, so if you’re close to applying for permanent residence or a passport, it’s worth checking your exact requirement with the IND and DUO and not delaying.

What the exams involve

The integration exam isn’t one test but several: four language exams — speaking, listening, reading, and writing — plus the KNM (Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij), a knowledge-of-society exam. The KNM was revised in mid-2025 to focus more on factual knowledge of how Dutch society works.

You generally have three years to pass everything from the start of your obligation. Costs run to roughly €250–€490 in total depending on the exams, and if you fail one part you only repay for that part — passed components stay valid. Family migrants can usually borrow from DUO (the education authority) to cover approved courses and exams, up to around €10,000.

Registration and official practice materials live at inburgeren.nl, and DUO’s helpdesk is the place to confirm your personal situation.

The best ways to learn

There’s no single right method — pick what fits your goal and schedule:

Language schools and the Delft method — structured courses with conversation practice; the fastest route for most people aiming at an exam.
Apps — Duolingo, Babbel, and similar tools are great for vocabulary and daily habit, though not enough on their own for B1.
Language cafés and tandem partners — free or cheap conversation practice, often run by libraries or community groups.
A private tutor — the quickest progress if you can afford it, especially for the speaking exam, which has the highest failure rate.

Whatever you choose, speaking early and often matters more than perfect grammar. The Dutch will usually switch to English the moment they sense you struggling, so a useful habit is to politely ask them to stay in Dutch.

Frequently asked questions

Do EU citizens have to do inburgering? No. EU/EEA and Swiss nationals are exempt from the legal requirement, though many learn Dutch voluntarily.

What level of Dutch do I need for citizenship? Historically A2, but the requirement is moving toward B1 in 2026. Confirm your specific case with the IND before applying.

How long do I have to pass the exams? Usually three years from the start of your integration obligation, with extensions possible in specific circumstances such as heavy work commitments or medical issues.

How much does it cost? Roughly €250–€490 for the exams, plus course fees. DUO loans are available to many family migrants.

Can I really live here without Dutch? In the cities, day to day, yes. But it limits your social life and job options, and it won’t satisfy integration or naturalisation requirements.

Integration rules and required levels change with government policy. The details here reflect 2026; always verify your personal obligation with DUO and the IND.