TL;DR

  • The Agentschap Integratie en Inburgering is the Flemish government body for newcomer integration.
  • It does not teach Dutch directly. It assesses learners and refers them to appropriate Dutch courses and schools.
  • The civic integration programme (inburgeringstraject) combines Dutch learning with social orientation and employment support.
  • Good fit for: newcomers to Flanders or Brussels who need guidance finding the right Dutch course and understanding integration requirements.

What is the agency?

The Agentschap Integratie en Inburgering is the Flemish government agency responsible for integration and civic integration in Flanders and Brussels. Its core mission is to help newcomers — and long-term residents who need Dutch — find their way into Flemish society through language learning, social orientation, and pathways to work or study.

The agency does not run language classes itself. Instead, it operates as a referral and coordination hub. Staff conduct intake interviews, assess a person's Dutch level and learning goals, and direct them to appropriate courses offered by partner schools and organisations.

The civic integration programme

For eligible newcomers, the agency manages the inburgeringstraject (civic integration programme). This programme has four components:

  1. Dutch language learning — referral to a suitable NT2 course
  2. Social orientation — practical information about living in Flanders, including healthcare, housing, education, and civic participation
  3. Employment and education support — help finding work, recognising foreign qualifications, or enrolling in further study
  4. Participation — community activities and volunteer opportunities to practice Dutch in real settings

Participants sign a civic integration contract and commit to completing the programme. The agency tracks progress and provides support throughout.

Practical Dutch practice

Beyond formal courses, the agency promotes informal Dutch practice through www.ikdoemee.be, a platform listing local activities where learners can practice Dutch in real-life settings: conversation tables, volunteer opportunities, sports clubs, and cultural events.

This focus on practice outside the classroom is a strength of the Flemish integration model. It encourages learners to use Dutch in daily life rather than treating it as a subject studied only in class.

Local contact points

The agency works through local partners in each Flemish city and Brussels:

  • Atlas in Antwerp
  • Huis van het Nederlands Brussel in Brussels
  • Amal in Ghent
  • Similar organisations in Bruges, Leuven, Hasselt, and other municipalities

Newcomers typically first contact their local partner, which then coordinates with the agency for intake and referral.

Who is it for?

The agency's services are designed for:

  • Newcomers to Flanders or Brussels who need to fulfil civic integration requirements
  • Long-term residents who want to learn Dutch but do not know where to start
  • Anyone who needs help navigating the landscape of Dutch courses in Flanders

It is not relevant for learners outside Belgium, or for learners already enrolled in a Dutch course who do not need referral services. The agency is a starting point, not a teaching provider.