Do I have to integrate? Here's how to be sure
By Redactie Inburgering — samengesteld op basis van officiële bronnenLast checked: 2026-06-28
You're usually subject to the civic integration obligation if you come to the Netherlands from outside the EU/EEA to stay here — for example as an asylum status holder or family migrant. The municipality where you're registered assesses whether the obligation applies to you and guides you from there.
Who must integrate?
- Asylum status holders (people with an asylum residence permit)
- Many family migrants joining a partner or family member in the Netherlands
- Some other migrants with a longer-term residence permit
Coming from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland? Then the obligation usually doesn't apply to you.
Who is exempt or can get relief?
Some people are automatically exempt — for example if they've lived in the Netherlands long enough already or hold a Dutch diploma. Others can apply for relief from the obligation, for example with a demonstrable medical limitation that makes integrating unfeasible.
Read more about exemption and relief
Not sure?
Your municipality or DUO can check whether the obligation applies to your personal situation. Don't wait too long to find out — the 3-year deadline starts running from the moment you become subject to the obligation.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to integrate if I am an asylum status holder?
Yes, in almost all cases. Your municipality guides you through this via a Plan Inburgering en Participatie (PIP).
Do I have to integrate if I come from an EU country?
Usually not. The obligation generally does not apply to EU/EEA citizens and Swiss nationals.
What if I think I'm wrongly subject to the obligation?
Contact your municipality or DUO to have your situation assessed.
Sources
Rijksoverheid — Wet inburgering 2021(official)(opens in new tab)inburgeren.nl (DUO)(official)(opens in new tab)