Civic integration exam abroad (A1): parts, costs and MVV
✍️ By the PassDutch editorial team · Last updated: 15 November 2026 · About PassDutch
Do you want to live with your partner in the Netherlands and do you need an MVV (entry visa)? Then you usually have to pass the basic civic integration exam abroad first. This exam is at A1 level.
The 3 parts
- KNS: Knowledge of Dutch Society, with photos and short questions.
- Reading: short, simple texts such as messages and signs.
- Speaking: answering questions and finishing sentences.
Registration and costs
- You register with DUO via the Naar Nederland website and pay online.
- The full exam costs €150. A single part costs €50.
- After confirmation you make an appointment at the Dutch embassy or consulate.
After the exam
- Passed all parts? Then you can apply for the MVV.
- Failed a part? Then you only retake that part.
Parts
🇳🇱 KNS
Real exam: 30 questions in 30 minutes. A photo with a short question and 2 answers.
- Format: On the computer
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Cost: €150 for the complete basic exam (KNS, reading and speaking)
- Where: At a Dutch embassy or consulate
How long does the real KNS exam take?
The real exam takes 30 minutes. Real exam: 30 questions in 30 minutes. A photo with a short question and 2 answers.
📖 Reading A1
Real exam: 19 questions in 35 minutes. Short texts, such as messages and signs.
- Format: On the computer
- Duration: 35 minutes
- Cost: €150 for the complete basic exam (KNS, reading and speaking)
- Where: At a Dutch embassy or consulate
How long does the real Reading A1 exam take?
The real exam takes 35 minutes. Real exam: 19 questions in 35 minutes. Short texts, such as messages and signs.
🗣️ Speaking A1
Real exam: 22 tasks in 30 minutes. You answer questions and finish sentences.
- Format: On the computer
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Cost: €150 for the complete basic exam (KNS, reading and speaking)
- Where: At a Dutch embassy or consulate
How long does the real Speaking A1 exam take?
The real exam takes 30 minutes. Real exam: 22 tasks in 30 minutes. You answer questions and finish sentences.
🧭 How PassDutch works
- Choose your language and your exam.
- Practise with questions, audio and videos in the style of the real exam.
- Read the explanation in your own language and see what you still need to practise.
❓ Frequently asked questions
Who does not need to take the basic exam?
Among others people under 18, people of certain nationalities (such as EU citizens) and people with a Staatsexamen NT2 diploma. Check this with the IND.
Is the exam in Dutch?
Yes, the exam is in Dutch. But you can practise with explanations in your own language.
Which exam do I need: A1 abroad or A2 in the Netherlands?
If you live abroad and need an mvv visa, you usually take the basic exam abroad (A1). If you live in the Netherlands, you take the civic integration exam (A2 or B1). Check your letter from DUO or Mijn Inburgering.
Are these official DUO exam questions?
No. PassDutch writes its own practice questions in the style of the real exam. You can also do the free official practice exams on the government websites listed below.
Is PassDutch free?
You can practise the first questions of every part for free. Full access to all questions and mock exams costs €9.95 for 30 days.
In which languages can I practise?
In 24 languages, including Arabic, Turkish, Ukrainian, Persian, Tigrinya and Somali.
📋 The exams at a glance
| Part | Format | Duration | Cost | Where |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇳🇱 KNS | On the computer | 30 minutes | €150 for the complete basic exam (KNS, reading and speaking) | At a Dutch embassy or consulate |
| 📖 Reading A1 | On the computer | 35 minutes | €150 for the complete basic exam (KNS, reading and speaking) | At a Dutch embassy or consulate |
| 🗣️ Speaking A1 | On the computer | 30 minutes | €150 for the complete basic exam (KNS, reading and speaking) | At a Dutch embassy or consulate |
Prices and rules can change. Always check the official source before you book.
🏛️ Official sources
- IND – Basisexamen inburgering in het buitenland
- Naar Nederland (DUO)
- Rijksoverheid – Inburgering in het land van herkomst
Checked by PassDutch in November 2026.
With videos, pronunciation and translation in your language.
Parts
Guides
- The Dutch civic integration exam explained: parts, level and registration
- KNM exam: topics, format and tips
- Which Dutch exam do I need: A1, A2 or B1?
- How much does civic integration cost? Exam fees and loans
- Civic integration obligation: who must integrate, deadline and fine
- Becoming Dutch: civic integration and naturalisation
- 10 tips to pass your Dutch civic integration exam