Integration
In the Netherlands it is extremely important that you can understand, speak, read and write Dutch. And you also should know how the Dutch people live and work.
Integration means learning Dutch, and learning how the Dutch live and work. You can integrate by following a course. You follow this course at school: you learn Dutch, and you learn about the Netherlands. It is also wise to practice the language by talking with others who already speak Dutch.
You will take an exam to determine whether you have sufficient knowledge of the Dutch language. This is called the integration examination: when you pass the exam you speak sufficient Dutch to take part in Dutch society.
Taking part in Dutch society is very important. For this reason we have laid down the necessary agreements in an Act, the ‘Integration Act’. This Act determines that integration is compulsory for most people who come to live in the Netherlands. In addition, integration can be compulsory for people who have lived in the Netherlands for some time. Do you wish to find out whether you are required to integrate? If so, contact the municipality in which you live.
Are you unable to speak Dutch? Do you have questions about learning Dutch? If so, ask a member of your family, friend, acquaintance or colleague to help you. They can read all the information on this website about learning Dutch. In addition, they can contact your municipality for you, or call a member of the Postbus 51 public information service staff (telephone number 0800 – 8051).or See the gemeente website