Why partners of Dutch nationals have to take integration exams and why it's a good thing

When love crosses borders and two people from different countries decide to start a life together in the Netherlands, the journey is often not only emotional but also administrative. One of the most important steps for non-EU spouses and partners of Dutch nationals is the mandatory civic integration process known as inburgering. This includes taking exams to prove language proficiency and knowledge of Dutch society.

At first glance, this requirement might seem unnecessary or even unfair; after all, if someone marries or moves country for a Dutch citizen, shouldn’t that be enough to show commitment? However, there are deeper reasons behind this policy, rooted in the country’s legal system, cultural expectations, and goals of social cohesion.

The basics: What is the civic integration exam?

The Dutch inburgeringsexamen (civic integration exam) is a formal process designed to help newcomers learn the Dutch language and understand the rules, values, and social norms of life in the Netherlands. It is often a requirement for obtaining a residence permit, and later, permanent residency or citizenship.

The exam consists of several components:

• Dutch language tests (reading, writing, speaking, listening)
• Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM): Questions about Dutch history, politics, healthcare, and education
• MAP: For those aiming for a long-term stay or work

Spouses and partners of Dutch nationals are expected to meet the same requirements as other migrants, unless they are EU/EEA citizens or fall under certain exemptions.

Legal framework: Equal treatment, not special privilege

A common misunderstanding is that marriage or partnership with a Dutch citizen would automatically allow a person to settle in the Netherlands without further obligations. However, Dutch immigration law does not grant automatic residence rights to non-EU spouses. Instead, it follows the principle of integration before settlement.

This approach is based on the belief that anyone planning to live long-term in the Netherlands, regardless of their reason, should contribute to and participate in society. This includes:

• Learning Dutch to reduce dependence on others
• Understanding Dutch values such as equality, freedom of expression, and gender rights
• Increasing the chances of finding employment and building an independent life

So even if a person is married to a Dutch citizen, the government sees civic integration as a tool for empowerment, not as a barrier.

Why does this impact women the most?

Statistically, a large number of family reunification and migration applications involve women moving to the Netherlands to join their husbands, with fewer husbands moving to join their wives, whether they are Dutch nationals or residents with permanent status. This demographic trend is not unique to the Netherlands but is seen across Europe.

The civic integration policy doesn’t specifically target wives or female partners, but due to the pattern of migration, it disproportionately affects women, especially those from countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Eastern Europe.

Historically, authorities noticed that many women who came to the Netherlands through marriage faced challenges, including:

• Limited education or literacy in their own language
• Isolation due to language barriers and cultural differences
• Lack of access to employment or social services
• Dependency on their spouse for information, money, and social integration

To counter this, the Dutch government sees the integration exam as a means of promoting independence, especially among women. By learning the language and understanding their rights and responsibilities, these women are better equipped to make decisions, seek help if needed, and engage with Dutch society on their own terms.

A benefit or an extra barrier?

Critics contend that the policy can have the opposite effect, especially if it is implemented strictly or without sufficient support, despite the fact that women are the ones who move most of the time. There are some common concerns:

• Financial barriers: The cost of courses and exams can be high, especially for newly arrived migrants with limited resources.
• Pressure and anxiety: The fear of failing the exam, and its link to residence status, can be stressful, especially for individuals with learning difficulties or trauma.
• Cultural misunderstandings: Some aspects of the integration process may clash with the cultural or religious values of newcomers, creating feelings of exclusion rather than inclusion.

On the other hand, many women who go through the integration process report that it helped them gain confidence, make friends, find jobs, and feel more at home in their new environment.

Integration is a two-way street

Another important point is that integration isn’t just the responsibility of the newcomer. While the civic integration exam is a formal obligation, true inclusion also depends on Dutch society being open and welcoming.

Spouses of Dutch nationals often find themselves in a unique position: they straddle two cultures and two sets of expectations. Their Dutch partner and in-laws can play a major role in making the transition easier or harder.

Successful integration often requires:

• Supportive partners who respect and encourage language learning and independence
• Inclusive communities that provide space for cultural exchange without prejudice
• Access to services, such as child care, mental health support, and flexible education programmes

The requirement for spouses, especially wives or partners, of Dutch nationals to take the civic integration exam is not about punishment or bureaucracy. It is rooted in the country’s broader goals of creating an inclusive, informed, and cohesive society.

Yes, the process can be demanding. But it can also be a path to empowerment, offering tools to build a meaningful life in the Netherlands. For many, passing the exam is not just a requirement; it’s a milestone that marks their journey from being a foreign spouse to a fully participating citizen.

As the Netherlands continues to evolve into a more diverse and multicultural society, the challenge lies in making the integration process more accessible, more empathetic, and ultimately, more effective for everyone involved.

If you are a spouse preparing for the integration exam, know that you are not alone. Numerous language schools, community organisations, and online resources are available to support you on this journey. And remember: integration is not about losing your identity, but about building bridges between cultures, starting with your own story.