Basisexamen inburgering buitenland
The A1 exam you take at a Dutch embassy or consulate before you can move to the Netherlands to join your partner (the MVV).
Whether you have to take it depends on your age and nationality. The exam has three parts: Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNS), Reading and Speaking. Everything here is free: study the official questions, then test yourself under exam conditions.
Level
A1
Parts
3, all on a computer
Time
KNS 30 min · Reading 35 min · Speaking 30 min
Fee
€150 for all parts (Speaking €60 · Reading €50 · KNS €40)
Where
A Dutch embassy or consulate
Results
Within 8 weeks, per part
Study first, then take the timed practice exam to see where you stand.
Kennis van de Nederlandse Samenleving
The 100 official questions with pictures: geography, history, the state, rights, education, health care and work.
Lezen
Six short everyday texts (notices, letters, signs) with two questions each.
Spreken
Answer personal questions and complete sentences aloud. 78 questions and 452 sentences to practise, with example answers.
Neighbouring countries, cities, the Randstad, ports and airports
Weather, roads, bicycles, who decides about your licence
The war against Spain, the VOC, the Second World War, the colonies
The king, parliament, the constitution, elections
Equal rights, freedom of religion, what is forbidden
Learning Dutch, visits, birthdays, family life
From primary school to secondary school, compulsory education
Health insurance, the GP, the pharmacy, the hospital
Finding work, applying, the cost of living
It depends on aspects such as your age and nationality. Check the IND website, or call the IND on +31 88 0430 430. Some people are exempt, for example for health reasons.
The official self-study package “Naar Nederland” is free to download on naarnederland.nl (or €25 on paper, in 33 languages). Practise here on Asagno with the same questions and with timed exams.
Fill in the application form on naarnederland.nl. DUO then emails you how to pay: €150 for all parts together, or per part (Speaking €60, Reading €50, KNS €40).
Once DUO has received your payment, it tells you that you can make an appointment with the embassy or consulate. If your country has none, you choose another country when you sign up.
Bring the DUO confirmation and a recent colour passport photo that meets the Dutch requirements. You show your passport and your fingerprints are taken. The order is KNS (30 min), break, Reading (35 min), break, Speaking (30 min): about two hours at the embassy, on a computer, and you do not have to write.
You pass when you reach the pass mark in each of the three parts. DUO sends the results within eight weeks, usually sooner. You must apply for your temporary residence permit (MVV) within one year of passing the last part.
No. The NT2 state exams (programme I and II, levels B1 and B2) are higher exams taken in the Netherlands. The exam abroad is level A1 and is taken before you get your visa.
You only retake the part you failed. You have to register again and pay again for that part.
The KNS questions and the speaking prompts come from the official free practice material of the Dutch government (Naar Nederland). The real exam may use different questions, so use them to learn the topics and the style, not to memorise answers.
In the timed Speaking exam you record each answer and an AI examiner marks it. It is practice feedback, not an official score.
Fees and rules follow the official brochure at the time of writing. Always check naarnederland.nl and ind.nl before you register. Asagno is not affiliated with DUO, the IND or the Dutch government.
Dutch A1 lessons that build the vocabulary you need for all three parts.