MAP and the participation statement (PVT) explained

Civic integration is more than language. Under the Civic Integration Act 2021 you complete two more parts besides your language exams (or the education route or Z-route): the participation statement programme (PVT) and the Labour Market and Participation Module (MAP) (no MAP in the education route). They are not DUO exams. You do them at your municipality.

PVT and MAP side by side

	PVT	MAP
What is it?	An introduction to the core values of the Netherlands, ending with signing the participation statement	An introduction to and preparation for the Dutch labour market, ending with a final interview
Where?	At your municipality	At your municipality
Cost	Free	Free
How much time?	At least 12 hours	No fixed number of hours, but at least 40 hours of practice
Finish before	The end of your civic integration period (3 years)	The end of your civic integration period (3 years)

Your civic integration period starts on the day after the date of your PIP (personal plan for civic integration and participation). Your PIP and Mijn Inburgering show what you need to do.

The participation statement programme (PVT)

During the PVT you learn about the core values of Dutch society. For example: everyone in the Netherlands is equal, everyone may choose what they believe, and everyone may say what they think, but discrimination is not allowed.

• The programme takes at least 12 hours, with at least one activity or excursion that puts a core value into practice.
• You finish by signing the participation statement. In it, you declare that you know and respect the values and rules of the Netherlands and that you want to contribute actively.
• The municipality passes your signature on to DUO. After about 3 weeks you will see in Mijn Inburgering that you have signed. Not there? Contact your municipality.

The Labour Market and Participation Module (MAP)

The MAP helps you on your way to work and to taking part in society. You do the MAP in the B1 route and the Z-route. In the education route it is not required.

The MAP has two parts:

• Labour market: which jobs exist, which jobs suit you and how to apply. You learn this through assignments.
• Participation: you learn more about Dutch society through practical assignments, for example volunteering, an internship or paid work.

By law it covers topics such as exploring occupations, your job prospects, building a network, finding work and Dutch work culture. At least 40 hours focus on practice. Beyond that, the municipality decides the format and how much time you spend on it; this is in your PIP. There is no exam and no portfolio: the MAP ends with a final interview with the municipality.

What if you are late?

• If you have not completed the PVT or the MAP on time, DUO can give you a fine of € 340. After that you get 6 months extra (1 year if both are late).
• Two months before the end of your period, DUO sends you a letter.
• DUO does not fine asylum permit holders.
• Late through no fault of your own? Contact your municipality. You may get extra time.
• If you do not keep the agreements with your municipality, the municipality can also give you a fine.

Civic integration under the old act (before 2022)?

• PVT: this applies if you became obliged to integrate on or after 1 October 2017. Complete it within 1 year after you first registered with a municipality. It costs € 150 and is free for asylum permit holders. Late through your own fault? Then you get a fine of € 340 and you can no longer borrow money from DUO. DUO does not fine asylum permit holders.
• ONA replaced by MAP: since 10 July 2025 the MAP can replace the ONA (Orientation on the Dutch Labour Market). Cannot do an ONA course? Ask your municipality whether you may follow the MAP. The municipality decides. Once you complete the MAP, you get the ONA exemption automatically; you do not have to apply.

Useful tips

• Ask your municipality which language the PVT and the MAP are given in. This differs per municipality.
• Childcare benefit is also possible for the hours of the PVT and the MAP.
• Not sure which route you follow? Try the route finder “Which exam do I need?” or read the B1 route explained.
• You arrange the PVT and the MAP through your municipality. For the language exams of the B1 route, TaalPro prepares you in the State Exam NT2 I (B1) course, with explanations in Farsi, Dari or English.