What is the Abroad route · Basisexamen inburgering buitenland?
For people abroad who must pass this exam at a Dutch embassy or consulate before they apply for an MVV (entry visa) to the Netherlands. It is set by DUO · IND. Level: A1 (unverified)
Netherlands · A1 (unverified) · DUO · IND
Abroad route · Basisexamen inburgering buitenland: key facts (2026)
Checked 2026-09-26
Short answer
The Abroad route · Basisexamen inburgering buitenland (A1 (unverified)) is set by DUO · IND and has 3 parts: Kennis van de Nederlandse Samenleving, Lezen, Spreken. Cost: €150 in total: Knowledge of Dutch Society €50, Reading €50, Speaking €50. Pass mark: Each part is marked 1–10; you need at least 6 for each part. Result: Within 8 weeks by e-mail from DUO.
Which parts does the Abroad route · Basisexamen inburgering buitenland have and how long does it take?
3 parts: Kennis van de Nederlandse Samenleving (30 min (practice exam; the real exam looks different)), Lezen (35 min (practice exam; the real exam looks different)), Spreken (30 min (practice exam; the real exam looks different)). About 95 minutes of exam time in total.
Source: naarnederland.nl · checked 2026-09-26
How much does the Abroad route · Basisexamen inburgering buitenland cost in 2026?
€150 in total: Knowledge of Dutch Society €50, Reading €50, Speaking €50.
Source: naarnederland.nl · checked 2026-09-26
What is the pass mark of the Abroad route · Basisexamen inburgering buitenland?
Each part is marked 1–10; you need at least 6 for each part.
Source: naarnederland.nl · checked 2026-09-26
When do I get the result of the Abroad route · Basisexamen inburgering buitenland?
Within 8 weeks by e-mail from DUO.
Source: ind.nl · checked 2026-09-26
What if I fail the Abroad route · Basisexamen inburgering buitenland? Can I retake it?
Register and pay again only for the parts you failed.
Source: ind.nl · checked 2026-09-26
How do I register for the Abroad route · Basisexamen inburgering buitenland?
At an embassy abroad. No public dates. Register and pay at naarnederland.nl (DUO confirms payment within 5 working days), then e-mail the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country for an appointment.
Source: naarnederland.nl · checked 2026-09-26
How long is the waiting time for the Abroad route · Basisexamen inburgering buitenland?
Payment confirmation within 5 working days; appointment availability depends on the embassy and is not published.
Source: naarnederland.nl · checked 2026-09-26
Where can I take the Abroad route · Basisexamen inburgering buitenland?
Taken abroad at a Dutch embassy or consulate, never in the Netherlands. Examples shown for China and Türkiye; see the country page for yours. Locations include Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Ankara.
Source: netherlandsworldwide.nl · checked 2026-09-26
Where can I practise for the Abroad route · Basisexamen inburgering buitenland for free?
On EUpassway: free practice questions with an explanation for every answer and timed mock exams in the exam format, no account needed: https://eupassway.com/en/oefenen/basisexamen-kns — EUpassway is independent; the official sample exams of DUO · IND are linked in the exam guide: https://eupassway.com/en/guides/nl-a1.
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EUpassway (2026). Abroad route · Basisexamen inburgering buitenland: key facts. https://eupassway.com/en/exam-facts/nl-a1
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