Partners and spouses
- Partner of a Dutch citizen
- Partner of a resident with a permanent purpose
- Spiritual counsellors and religious teachers
- Pass the exam before the MVV application
Exam abroad
Who must take the exam abroad?
You need it if you need an MVV to live with your partner in the Netherlands – or to work as a spiritual counsellor.
No exam needed
- Family of a highly skilled migrant or other temporary purpose
- Family of an EU citizen or of an asylum status holder
- Many nationalities – see exemptions
- Under 18, or at state pension age
The exam
Three parts at A1 level
A computer exam with headphones and microphone – you do not have to write anything.
Speaking
You answer spoken questions in Dutch through a headset and microphone.
Reading
You read short texts and answer questions about them.
Dutch society
Knowledge of the Netherlands – work, health, education and living together.
You can take all parts on one day, or one part on another day. Speaking is assessed by certified assessors.
Process
From registration to MVV
1
Register with DUO
Register for the basic exam abroad and pay the €150 exam fee to DUO.
2
Book the exam
With your candidate number, book a date at the Dutch embassy or consulate.
3
Take the exam
Bring your passport, appointment confirmation and a recent colour photo.
4
Result in 8 weeks
DUO emails your result. Failed a part? Only retake that part.
5
Apply for the MVV
Within 1 year your partner files the MVV and residence application.
Preparation
How to prepare well
Official package
The Naar Nederland self-study package – available in several languages.
Practise speaking
Speaking is the part most people find hardest – practise out loud every day.
Plan the timing
Your result is valid for 1 year – plan the exam around the MVV application.
Know the society
Study the film and questions about the Netherlands in the package.
FAQ
Questions about the exam abroad
Where do I take the exam?
At a Dutch embassy or consulate-general in your country, or in a neighbouring country if that is not possible.
What does the exam cost?
€150 in total, paid to DUO. A retake of a failed part must be paid again.
I passed. What next?
Within 1 year your partner applies for the MVV and residence permit, with your exam result enclosed.
Can I get an exemption for medical reasons?
Possibly. A doctor appointed through the embassy examines you – you pay for that examination.
Related routes
Where civic integration matters
Family
Partner visa
Live together in the Netherlands – the exam abroad is often the first step.
partner-visa.nl Open website FamilyFamily reunification
Bring your children and family members to the Netherlands.
family-visa.nl Open website StayPermanent residence
Five years in? Permanent residence or EU long-term resident status.
eu-permanent.nl Open website CitizenshipDutch citizenship
Naturalisation or the option procedure – to your Dutch passport.
dutch-citizenship.nl Open websiteInformation valid for 2026, based on ind.nl, inburgeren.nl (DUO), naarnederland.nl and netherlandsworldwide.nl. Rules and fees can change – always check the latest information with us or on the official websites.