Stronger residence permit
The IND Link opent externe pagina determines if you can get for a stronger residence permit. And which papers you need.
Apply with the IND
On the IND website Link opent externe pagina you can apply for a permanent residence permit or a resident permit for a limited time with the aim 'humanitarian non-temporary'.
First take the exam
To get a stronger residence permit, you must first obtain the integration diploma.
Sometimes you do not need to take an integration exam. You can find out when you can get an exemption or dispensation for your civic integration exam on the IND website Link opent externe pagina .
Exam too difficult
What if you really aren’t able to pass the integration exams? And you still want to apply for a stronger residence permit? You then need an advice from DUO. This advice is called the 'advies aantoonbaar geleverde inspanningen' (advisory statement on demonstrable effort).
Have you taken an integration course? Then you must meet these 3 conditions:
- You have attended at least 600 hours of a course. You can combine hours of an integration course and hours of a Dutch as a Second Language (Nt2) course.
- Your school is listed on zoekinburgerschool.nl Link opent externe pagina .
- You tried to pass all exams at least 3 times. No more than 2 of these attempts can be for the Nt2-exam.
Have you taken a literacy course ? Then you must meet these 3 conditions:
- You have attended at least 600 hours of a course. At least 300 hours need to be a literacy course. The rest can be an integration course, but only if you started the literacy course before the integration course.
- Your school is listed on zoekinburgerschool.nl Link opent externe pagina .
- You must show what you have learned by taking a test at DUO. This test costs €150. DUO will send you a bill for the test. After you have paid the bill, DUO will send you an invitation for the test.
Have you already passed one or more integration exams? Then you might not get a positive advice.
Please use the ‘Advies aantoonbaar geleverde inspanningen’ form to apply for an advice. The advice will be sent to your home address. Did you get a positive advice? Then send it to the IND, along with your application for the residence permit.
You have lived and worked in the Netherlands for a long time
Have you lived in the Netherlands for a long time? And did you work here? Then you may not have to take any exams. For this, you will need an advice from DUO. This is called an ‘advice demonstrable integration’ (‘advies voldoende ingeburgerd'). You need to meet a number of conditions.
- You have lived in the Netherlands for 10 years or longer.
- You have worked in the Netherlands for 5 years or longer. Voluntary work also counts.
- Your Dutch is good.
- Complete the ‘Aanvraag Advies of ontheffing van de inburgeringsplicht op grond van aantoonbaar voldoende ingeburgerd’ form. Ask your employer to complete the ‘werkgeversverklaring’ (employer’s statement). Send both forms to DUO together.
- You will need to take an interview with DUO to show that your Dutch is good enough. This interview costs €90. DUO will send you a bill for the interview.
- Did you pay the bill? Then DUO will send you an invitation for the interview.
- After the interview the advice will be sent to your home.
- Is the advice positive? Send the advice with your application for a residence permit to IND.
Stronger residence permit in case of illness or disability
Are you unable to pass the integration exam, because of an illness or disability? And do you still want to apply for a stronger residence permit? Then check the IND website Link opent externe pagina .
Questions about residence permits
Do you have a question about residence permits? Then put your question to the IND Link opent externe pagina .