The civic integration programme includes 4 elements:
-
Course on life in Belgium
Read moreDiscover everything about life in Belgium during the social orientation course. You will learn about different topics in a language you speak and understand
-
Dutch language course
Read moreYou will learn the basic level A1 and A2 in Dutch. Atlas will discuss with you which coursesuits you best.
-
Looking for work through the pathway to work
Read moreWork helps you feel at home in Antwerp. If you do not have a job yet, you will register with VDAB. Atlas will discuss your ambitions and skills together with you
-
Participating in social activities through the participation programme
Read moreYou take part in social activities, meet new people and practise your Dutch.
What are the benefits of the civic integration programme?
What are the benefits of the civic integration programme?
- You receive information and counselling in your own language.
- You learn Dutch at your own pace.
- You get up-to-date information on topics that are important to you.
- You get to meet new people.
- You get to learn which services or organisations to address with your questions.
- You get to know Antwerp and the society better.
- You know what to do to look for work or start studying.
- You get a civic integration certificate. Do you want to apply for the Belgian nationality? The certificate can serve as important proof to become a Belgian later. You pay less for Dutch language level B1 courses.
-
Individual counselling in your own language
Read moreDuring the civic integration programme, you will start your new life in Antwerp. You will not be on your own. A programme counsellor will guide you in a language that you speak and understand.
-
Digital support
Read more (in Dutch)Our society has become more and more digital. Digital skills are essential.
Some of the classes and services at Atlas are online. This way, Atlas wants to help you build your skills. At the beginning of your programme, Atlas will check your skills, as well as the things you are struggling with. Do you find it difficult to work with a tablet or laptop? Atlas shows you how to take online lessons.
Do you need help with digital matters? Or would you like to learn a skill on your computer or smartphone? You can find help at Digipunt or other digital help centres (webpunten) in Antwerp.
Cost of the civic integration programme
The price depends on your programme. Courses and tests are free in specific situations. Make a free appointment for information about your programme.
Oral language level B1 after your civic integration certificate
Are you required to follow the civic integration programme? You also have to pass the oral language level B1, maximum 2 years after the date of your civic integration certificate.
Ask your programme counsellor for information.
Frequently asked questions
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Are you new to Belgium or have you been living in Belgium for a while?
- Are you officially registered in the city of Antwerp?
Have you answered 'yes' to all the previous questions? Then you can follow the civic integration programme.
Are you from the European Union?
You have the right to follow the civic integration programme.
Are you from outside the European Union?
You are obliged to follow the civic integration programme.
If you fail to follow the civic integration programme, you will need to pay a fine.
How can you officially register in the city of Antwerp?
Fill in this form. There is also an English version. A staff member of the Immigration office will contact you for an appointment.
If your registration is successful, you can follow the civic integration programme.
You do not live in the city of Antwerp?
You can make an appointment with the Agentschap Integratie & Inburgering.
An Atlas employee will inform you in your own language or a language you speak well.
- Together, you will discuss your personal situation.
- You get information about the civic integration programme. You discuss questions such as:
- How can you combine the social orientation course with a Dutch language course?
- Do you already speak Dutch? Or do you already know a lot about life in Belgium? What should you do in this case?
- What are your digital skills?
- You agree on your enrolment, start date and location of courses. Together, you look for the best options.
You will have a personal counsellor. This counsellor will guide you throughout your programme.
- a valid passport, identity card or residence permit
- Payconiq, Bancontact, Maestro or Visa/Mastercard to pay for the courses and/or textbooks. Read more about the prices.
- (if applicable) certificates from OCMW, VDAB, the asylum centre, civic integration, Dutch certificates.
- proof (if any) that you are working or studying.
You can speak online with an Atlas employee. You discuss about the civic integration programme and learning Dutch via a video call.
What you need:
- You have a computer, a tablet or a smartphone.
- You have a good internet connection.
- You can pay online with Payconiq, Bancontact app, Maestro or Visa/Mastercard.
- You have two hours (maximum) spare time.
- You are in a quiet place
Please note: if you need to take a test in Dutch, you will get an appointment at Atlas.