How much does civic integration cost? Exam fees and loans
✍️ By the PassDutch editorial team · Last updated: 15 November 2026 · About PassDutch
Civic integration costs money: for exams and often for a course. How much you pay depends on your situation.
Exam fees
- Basic exam abroad (A1): €150 for the full exam, €50 per separate part.
- Civic integration exam in the Netherlands: about €50 per part.
- Staatsexamen NT2: €50 per part.
Who pays?
- Refugees with a residence permit under the 2021 act: the municipality usually pays for the course and the first exam attempts.
- Family migrants and others usually pay themselves. Sometimes you can borrow money from DUO.
Save money
- Practise well before your exam so you do not have to pay again.
- You can practise for free at DUO and with the PassDutch practice questions.
Parts
🏛️ KNM
Real exam: 40 questions in 45 minutes. 3 answers per question.
- Format: On the computer
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Cost: €50 per part
- Where: At a DUO exam location in the Netherlands
- Dictionary: Not allowed
How long does the real KNM exam take?
The real exam takes 45 minutes. Real exam: 40 questions in 45 minutes. 3 answers per question.
🇳🇱 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.
🧭 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
Can I borrow money for civic integration?
In some situations, yes, from DUO. You apply for the loan in Mijn Inburgering.
Do I pay again if I fail?
Yes, you usually pay again for each part you retake, unless you have free attempts.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏛️ KNM | On the computer | 45 minutes | €50 per part | At a DUO exam location in the Netherlands |
| 🇳🇱 KNS | 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
- DUO – Inburgeren.nl
- DUO – Practice exams / Oefenexamens
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
- Civic integration exam abroad (A1): parts, costs and MVV
- KNM exam: topics, format and tips
- Which Dutch exam do I need: A1, A2 or B1?
- Civic integration obligation: who must integrate, deadline and fine
- Becoming Dutch: civic integration and naturalisation
- 10 tips to pass your Dutch civic integration exam