Years that count
- Work: highly skilled migrant, Blue Card, single permit
- Family and partner permits
- Self-employed, DAFT and treaty permits
- Study – for 50% towards EU long-term status
Which years count
Count your years carefully
Years that do not count
- Orientation year
- Intra-corporate transfer (ICT) and seasonal work
- Au pair and exchange
- Gaps between two permits
Blue Card holders can add years in other EU countries, under conditions.
Civic integration
The exam – or an exemption
What you need
- The civic integration exam at level A2
- Or the civic integration diploma
- Plan the exam well before your fifth year
Who may be exempt
- A qualifying Dutch diploma
- Medical reasons, with a statement
- Reaching state pension age
- Some Turkish workers and their family
Exams, exemptions and forms explained on civic-integration.nl.
Other routes
Other routes to the Netherlands
Citizenship
Dutch citizenship
Naturalisation or the option procedure – to your Dutch passport.
dutch-citizenship.nl Open website FamilyPartner visa
A residence permit for your spouse or long-term partner.
partner-visa.nl Open website FamilyFamily reunification
Bring your children or other family members to live with you.
family-visa.nl Open website WorkHighly Skilled Migrant
The fastest work route, for professionals hired by an IND recognised sponsor.
hsmvisa.nl Open websiteFigures valid for 2026, based on ind.nl. Amounts change every 1 January – always check the latest amounts with us or on ind.nl.