When you move to the Netherlands and start the integration process, it’s important to understand the rules and costs involved. The costs and requirements can vary depending on whether you are integrating under the 2013 or 2021 Integration Act. In this blog, we will break down the Dutch integration costs under both acts and compare them.
Under the 2013 Act
If you are required to integrate under the 2013 Civic Integration Act, the rules are a bit different. The 2013 act applies to many newcomers, including those who arrived before 2021 and are still required to integrate.
Course and Exam Costs
Under the 2013 Act, you have to pay for your integration course and exams. The cost for each exam is €50. This includes exams like writing, speaking, listening, reading, and the Knowledge of Dutch society (KNM) exam. There is also Orientation on the Dutch labour market (ONA) exam. It is €40. The total cost for all the exams under this act is €290.
Participation Statement
If you are required to integrate under the 2013 Act, the participation statement process costs €150. This statement is a declaration confirming that you are following the integration process and that you are actively participating in it.
Loan Options
Under the 2013 Act, you have the option to borrow money from DUO, but only for courses taken at approved schools. This allows you to pay for the course and exam fees upfront and repay the money later.
Under the 2021 Act
The 2021 Civic Integration Act introduced changes to the integration process, especially for asylum seekers and newcomers who arrived after 2021. This act emphasizes faster integration and clearer procedures for participants.
Course and Exam Costs
Under the 2021 Act, the costs for the integration course and exams are similar to those under the 2013 Act. Each exam costs €50, including exams like writing, speaking, listening, reading, and the Knowledge of Dutch society (KNM). However, asylum status holders do not have to pay for the first two attempts of each exam. This helps reduce financial stress during the integration process.
On the other hand, You will take the Module Labour Market and Participation (MAP) with the municipality. So, you don’t need to pay for this.
The total cost for all exams is €250 if you are an asylum status holder, but you will need to pay if you fail and need to retake the exams.
Participation Statement
The participation statement process is free under the 2021 Act for those required to integrate. This is a significant difference from the 2013 Act, where the participation statement costs €150.
Loan Options
Similar to the 2013 Act, those who are not asylum status holders have the option to borrow money from DUO for approved schools. However, there are no loans available for those who are asylum status holders, as the municipality covers their courses and exams.
Money for Child Care and Travel Expenses
If you are integrating into Dutch society and have children attending childcare, you may be eligible for childcare benefits. The Dutch Tax Administration (Belastingdienst) provides this financial support.
Childcare Benefits
If you received a letter from DUO stating that you are required to integrate, and your children attend childcare, you might qualify for childcare benefits. However, to be eligible, you must be attending an integration course or NT2 course at a school listed on zoekinburgerschool.nl. DUO typically shares your course information directly with the Tax and Customs Administration. If you want to ensure that your information is shared, you can use the form named ‘Verzoek registratie van inschrijfgegevens voor de kinderopvangtoeslag’ to register your course details for childcare benefits.
Travel Expenses
If your integration course is located outside of your hometown, you may be eligible for travel expenses reimbursement. However, not all municipalities provide this support, so it’s important to ask your municipality whether they can cover your travel expenses.
This can help reduce the financial burden of traveling to your course, especially if it is far from your home.
Conclusion
The Dutch integration costs under the 2013 and 2021 acts have some key differences, particularly in terms of financial support for asylum seekers and the costs of participation statements. The 2021 Act offers more financial assistance to asylum status holders, including free exam attempts and a free participation statement process. However, the 2013 Act still applies to many individuals who arrived before 2021, and it offers the option to borrow money from DUO to cover course and exam costs.
Understanding these differences can help you plan better for your integration process in the Netherlands, depending on which law applies to you.
Are you curious about Integration in the Netherlands? Here is a useful blog related to Dutch Integration process including 2013 and 2012 Acts. You can also check it!
Your companion in your Dutch integration process
Nt2 Oefening is a powerful platform for preparing for Dutch exams. This AI-powered platform provides instant feedback on all language skills, including speaking and writing. Also, it’s perfect for practicing exam content and improving your Dutch.
Thanks to Nt2 Oefening, you can:
- Practice real-life scenarios, like job interviews or doctor visits.
- Get tailored feedback to improve faster.
- Also, learn at your own pace, anytime and anywhere.