NetherlandsWorldwide

Civic integration examination in Mali

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If you want to come to the Netherlands for an extended period of time you may have to pass the civic integration examination abroad. Find out what you must do.

Warning: You cannot take the civic integration examination at the Dutch embassy in Bamako until January 1, 2025. If you wish to schedule an earlier appointment, please contact the Dutch embassy in Ghana.

Follow the steps below

1. Verify whether you must take the exam

You do not have to take the civic integration exam abroad if you meet the conditions for exemption.

The website of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) lists situations in which you do not have to take the exam.

2. Prepare for the exam

You can prepare for the civic integration exam using the Naar Nederland self-study pack. It is available in different languages. Read the Frequently Asked Questions on Naarnederland.nl for more information.

3. Register with DUO

Before you can sit the civic integration exam, you must register with the Education Executive Agency (DUO).

4. Make payment to DUO

The exam consists of the following parts:

  • Speaking
  • Reading
  • Knowledge of Dutch society

In total the exam costs € 150, which must be paid to DUO.

5. Make an appointment to sit the exam

You must sit the exam at a Dutch mission in a country of which you are a national or for which you hold a residence permit. The section ‘Making an appointment’ below explains how to make an appointment and what you must bring.

6. Wait for your result

You will receive an email from DUO within 8 weeks informing you whether you have passed your exam.

7. Apply for authorisation for temporary stay (MVV)

If you’ve passed your civic integration exam, you can apply for an authorisation for temporary stay (MVV, also called a long-stay visa). You must submit your application within one year of passing your exam.

8. Continue the civic integration process

After arriving in the Netherlands you must continue the civic integration process.

Making an appointment

Within 5 days of paying the exam fees you will receive payment confirmation from DUO. With this confirmation you can make an appointment to sit the exam.

Make an appointment at the Netherlands embassy in Bamako by emailing: bam-ca@minbuza.nl

Information:

Appointments can only be scheduled if you are a resident of Mali. If you reside outside Mali, please contact the Dutch embassy in Ghana to arrange an appointment.

What to bring to your appointment

Bring the following with you to your appointment:

  • a valid passport
  • confirmation of your appointment
  • a recent colour passport photograph

Check the requirements for passport photos.

Contact

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.