CROSSROADS CHRONICLES

Moving the the Netherlands involves more than just learning the language. To truly feel at home, it’s important to understand the values and expectations of Dutch society. That’s where the PVT comes in.

If you are going through the Dutch civic integration process (inburgering), you have probably heard of PVT. But what is it exactly and what should you expect?

Here’s everything you need to know.

What is the PVT?

PVT stands for Participatieverklaringstraject, which translates to Participation Statement Trajectory. It’s a mandatory part of the integration process for most newcomers under the Wet Inburgering 2021 (Civic Integration Act 2021).

In short: it’s a short training where you learn about Dutch core values (things that are considered important in society here). At the end of the training, you sign the participatieverklaring (participation statement) to show that you understand and respect these values.

This is not a test. It’s an orientation or an introduction to the basic principles that help Dutch society function.

Is the PVT Mandatory?

Yes. For most people who fall under the Wet Inburgering 2021, the PVT is a required part of your inburgering. You need to complete it to get your inbugeringsdiploma.

There are some exceptions (for example, if you’ve lived in the Netherlands before or have certain types of residence permits), but in most cases, it’s a compulsory step.

What Will You Learn?

During the PVT sessions, you’ll learn about Dutch norms, values and the expectations for living in the Netherlands. These sessions are interactive and often include group discussions, videos and real-life examples.

Some key topics include:

• Freedom: Different types of freedom (religion, speech, sexual orientation, etc.) and how freedoms can sometimes conflict.
• Democracy and the rule of law: How decisions are made and how rights are protected in the Netherlands.
• Equality: What equality means in Dutch society and the importance of treating everyone equally.
• Personal responsibility: Participating in society and understanding both formal and informal solidarity.

You’ll also discuss about how these values appear in your daily life such as at work, in school and in your neighborhood.

How Long Does It Take?

The total duration of the PVT varies a bit depending on the gemeente or training provider, but it usually takes around 12–16 hours in total. Some offer it over two full days (like mine), while others may spread it out across several shorter sessions.

You may also be able to choose:

• In-person or online training
• Training in Dutch, English or your native language (depending on availability)

Your caseworker or contact at the gemeente will let you know when and where to take the course.

What Happens at the End?

After completing the sessions, you’ll sign the participatieverklaring. This means you agree to respect and uphold the values you learned about. It’s a symbolic step that shows your willingness to take part in Dutch society.

The participatieverklaring is required as part of your integration, and the date of your signature is recorded by your local gemeente.

My Personal Experience

I did the PVT training in February 2025, after arriving in the Netherlands in September 2023. I registered for the training in November 2024. I chose to do it online and in English, and it was held over two Fridays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

There were 10 participants in my group, each from a different country, and we all lived in different parts of the Netherlands. That made the discussions even more interesting, as everyone shared their own cultural views and asked great questions.

Our trainer was friendly and easy to understand, and the atmosphere was very open. There was a lot of Q&A, opinion sharing and discussion. I found the training insightful and thought-provoking; it gave me a better understanding of Dutch society and helped me reflect on how it differs from what I was familiar with.

After the training, I received my participatieverklaring in the mail, signed it, and submitted a copy to my contact at the gemeente. Overall, it was a nice and meaningful experience.

Tips to Get the Most from Your PVT

• Be open and curious: you’ll have the chance to ask questions and learn how Dutch values work in daily life.
• Engage in discussions: you’ll learn a lot from the trainer and from other participants.
• Use this as a first step to feel more connected with your new community.

Have You Done Your PVT?

If you’ve already completed your PVT, what did you learn? Was anything surprising or inspiring? I’d love to hear your thoughts, feel free to share in the comments!

And if you’re still waiting to start, don’t worry. It’s a welcoming and educational experience, and a great step on your integration journey in the Netherlands.

Next up: MAP (Module Arbeidsmarkt en Participatie)