ONA: exemption, portfolio and final interview

ONA (Orientation on the Dutch Labour Market) is often the last part people need. Here is who needs it and how to get an exemption.

Not legal advice. General information, not legal advice. Always check the linked official source. Last checked: 10 November 2026

Do I have to do ONA?

You need ONA if you integrate under the 2013 Act or voluntarily, for example for naturalisation in the Netherlands. You do not need it under the 2021 Act, if you had to integrate before 1 January 2015, if you have a Dutch MBO level 1 diploma, or if you got an exemption because you worked in the Netherlands. For naturalisation, the IND also lists exemptions for people who registered with DUO before 1 January 2015 and paid before 1 February 2015, people who reached state pension age, and people who are fully unable to work.

Official sources

Can I get an ONA exemption because I work?

Yes, if you were employed and worked at least 6 months in the past 12 months, for at least 48 hours a month. Apply in Mijn Inburgering. DUO decides within 8 weeks. If you already paid for the ONA exam, you do not get a refund. If you lived here for 10 years and worked here for 5 years or more, check whether you can get a full exemption from the exams.

Official sources

I am self-employed. Can I get an ONA exemption?

Yes, if you meet one of these: in the past 12 months your company was registered with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) for at least 6 months and made a profit of at least €4,575.40 in that period or the calendar year before; or you receive Bbz support from your municipality; or your residence permit's purpose is work as a self-employed person. Use DUO's self-employed exemption form and send it by post with your annual figures and the documents the form asks for.

Official sources

How do the ONA portfolio and final interview work?

You fill in result cards and add proof ('bewijzen'), then submit them in Mijn Inburgering. When you submit, you pay €40 and choose between a final interview and 64 hours of an ONA course; the course is not possible if you submit by post. Checking the portfolio takes up to 6 weeks, and the final interview can take another 6 weeks. Results come within 8 weeks. DUO does not help fill in the cards and has no sample portfolio.

Official sources

I cannot find an ONA course. Can I do MAP instead?

Possibly. DUO says there are fewer ONA courses, and you can ask your municipality whether you can follow the Job market and participation module (MAP) instead. After you complete MAP, the municipality informs DUO. DUO then checks whether you can get an ONA exemption and lets you know by letter.

Official sources

Do I need ONA if I have reached state pension age?

No. If you are eligible for AOW (state pension) because of your age, you do not need the ONA exam for naturalisation.

Official sources

Practise for the A2 exams

According to DUO, results for A2 Speaking and Writing take about 16 weeks, so a resit costs you time. MijnJuffie, the makers of this guide, offers practice for every A2 part, KNM and NT2 B1/B2 with exam-style tasks and personal feedback.

The practice page is in Dutch; the app is available in English, Dutch, Turkish, Arabic and Persian.

See the practice packages

Still unsure?

Ask the authority that decides: the IND for permits and naturalisation, DUO for exams, your municipality for your application appointment, and the embassy or consulate of your country for your current nationality.

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