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Turkish nationals will need civic integration diploma for stronger residence rights as of 2025
Starting January 1, 2025, Turkish citizens will be required to provide an integration certificate when applying for a permanent residency permit in the Netherlands. This also applies to applications for an EU long-term resident permit and humanitarian residency permits following a stay as a family member.
This measure is part of the Civic Integration Act 2021, which has been in effect since January 1, 2022, and follows the Dutch government’s 2020 announcement that Turkish newcomers would once again be required to complete an integration process.
Transition period until 2025
There is a transition period until January 1, 2025. During this time, Turkish citizens applying for permanent residency do not need to provide a civic integration diploma. However, they must fulfill other requirements, such as proving sufficient income.
Exemptions
Certain groups are exempt from this requirement. Turkish citizens covered by the standstill provision of the EU-Turkey Association Agreement, including those employed in the Netherlands and their family members, will not need to present a civic integration diploma even after January 1, 2025.
Additionally, individuals under 18 years old and pensioners receiving state pensions (AOW) may qualify for an exemption.
The Dutch government aims to use this measure to improve the integration of Turkish citizens and encourage their active participation in Dutch society.
