If you are planning to leave Ukraine and need information about legislation, rights, temporary protection or services in a foreign country, contact us and book an online appointment on our website. Our lawyers will provide answers to your questions and help you find a solution to your problem. We understand that legal matters can create stress and anxiety, but our professionals are ready to take responsibility and relieve you and your family of unnecessary burden.
Who is this information for?
Temporary protection measures apply to the following persons displaced from Ukraine:
- Citizen of Ukraine
- Citizens of third countries who lived in Ukraine with a valid residence permit in Ukraine
Netherlands: immigration information
What documents do I need for entry?
Passport, birth certificate or residence documents. Ukrainians who have a biometric passport can travel freely to the Netherlands. Migrants without a biometric passport should in principle be allowed to obtain a visa, but the government has announced its leniency due to the current circumstances.
How can I enter if I do not have a biometric passport?
By presenting your documents (for example, a Ukrainian birth certificate or residence documents). Migrants from Ukraine must register with the local authority of the area where they are staying (the host municipality). Such registration is also possible for persons who do not have a passport, but other documents. Adults without proof of identification cannot register at the municipality. However, they must notify their host municipality. For persons with incomplete or insufficient documentation, an additional procedure for establishing origin and identification will be established.
Ukrainian children without proof of identification can be registered in the municipality together with their parents. In the absence of identity documents, parents can declare the child’s identification under oath. Then the child will be registered in the municipality.
If you have been refused entry to the Netherlands because you cannot produce identification documents, you can always request asylum by following the official asylum procedure.
How long can I stay here?
You are entitled to stay visa-free for 90 days and you do not need to apply for an extension if your ‘free period’ or visa has expired because the Temporary Protection Directive has been announced. In the near future, the government will clarify the implementation of the Directive.
Are there any Covid requirements and if so what are they?
No Covid requirements .
Where can I register for temporary protection?
People who can prove their identity, origin or legal residence in Ukraine (for example, they have a passport, birth certificate or residence documents) can register in the municipality (local authority) in which they were accepted. This entitles them to certain services such as housing, living expenses, health care and education. Ukrainian refugees do not have to register at the central registration point for all refugees seeking asylum in the Netherlands (which is located in Ter Apel, in a northern province called Groningen).
Once your identity has been established, you will be registered in the municipality’s Personal Records (BRP) database. With this registration, you are also registered in the Basic Provision for Foreigners ( Basisvoorziening Vreemdelingen, BVV ) and automatically known to the Immigration Service of the Netherlands (also known as IND). It is expected that most people from Ukraine can be registered in this way.
If you are a foreign citizen with insufficient documents, an additional origin and identification procedure will be created. IND is developing where and how this assessment will take place, together with other interested institutions. As more information becomes available, this website will be updated accordingly.
After citizenship and, if necessary, legal residence in Ukraine are established through an additional evaluation procedure, registration in the BRP will take place. If identification is not possible, you will be returned to your country of origin or you can apply for asylum.
How long do you have to wait to get temporary protection status?
It is not yet clear how long you have to wait to receive temporary protection status.
What rights do I have while waiting for temporary protection?
In the Netherlands, no final decision has been made on the status of persons under temporary protection.
If you need shelter, you can go to emergency shelters to get basic services like a bed, food, and medical care. The government indicated that the Royal Netherlands Military Police would refer people in need of asylum to emergency shelters at the border.
Currently, there are 3 places where Ukrainians can report that they are seeking asylum:
- Utrecht, Jaarbeurs, Hall 7
- Amsterdam, RAI Convention Centre
- Maastricht, MECC Events Centre
- Eindhoven, Microlab Strijp-S
What documents are required to obtain temporary protection?
To apply for temporary protection, you need to prove your identity, origin or legal place of residence in Ukraine (for example, with a passport, birth certificate or residence documents).
Children without passports can be registered with their parents at the BRP in the municipality. In the absence of other documents, parents can make a statement under oath, according to which the municipality establishes the identity of the children. The municipality also registers these children. This is an exception to the standard rule that confirms identity. This exception only applies to this target group under the current circumstances.
What document(s) will I receive after being granted temporary protection?
There was no final decision on the status of people under temporary protection in the Netherlands, so it is not clear what documents, rights and obligations this will require.
Can I become a citizen after receiving temporary protection? How long do I have to stay to be eligible?
To become a Dutch citizen, you must apply for asylum through the normal asylum procedure by registering at the central refugee registration office. As will be explained below, decision-making on asylum applications for Ukrainians is currently suspended. Below you will also find an overview of the asylum procedure in the Netherlands.
To become a citizen of the Netherlands, you must apply for naturalization. There are various conditions that need to be met. The person must be over 18 years of age and have resided in the Kingdom of the Netherlands for 5 years or more with a valid residence permit. At the time of submitting the application for naturalization, you must also have a residence permit and valid identification/national documentation. The applicant must also pass a civic integration exam, unless exempted from this exam. In some cases, the applicant must renounce his citizenship.
Can I move freely within the country and the European Union with temporary protection status?
Being under temporary protection, Ukrainians can freely move around the country and travel to another Schengen zone country. Ukrainians who have already been here with a residence permit will usually lose their permit if they stay abroad for longer than 6 months, but even in this case the Immigration Service of the Netherlands (IND) has announced its flexibility in relation to Ukrainians who will not be able to return to the Netherlands in time.
Can I apply for asylum with temporary protection status?
The execution of decisions on asylum requests for Ukrainians has been suspended due to the volume of temporary protection measures. The Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) does not make decisions on asylum applications from Ukrainians and extends the decision-making period on current and new asylum applications by 1 year.
If you entered the Netherlands by land and want to apply for asylum, you must go to the IND refugee center in Ter Apel (in a province called Groningen in the north of the Netherlands). Everywhere in the Netherlands you can get a ticket from the police (public transport day card) to travel to Ter Apel. When you arrive at Schiphol Airport or a Dutch port, you must report to the military police. After that, you will be taken to the closed reception center ( Justitieel Complex Schiphol ).
After submitting an application for asylum, the application stage begins. At the application stage, you must fill out an application. This form provides the IND with important information about you. For example, it contains questions about your place of residence, family and travel. You must also briefly answer the question why you are applying for asylum. The IND uses these details to determine how the asylum procedure will proceed.
Then your personal data will be registered. You will be photographed, your fingerprints will be taken, your clothes and luggage will be searched. Your phone will also be taken from you and examined. These items will be returned to you as soon as possible.
Finally, you will have your first interview with the IND, the registration interview. The IND officer will ask you about your place of residence, family, documents and your trip to the Netherlands. The answers to them are important, so give complete and accurate answers. You must also briefly state why you are applying for asylum in the Netherlands.
If I have family members outside of Ukraine, can I apply for family reunification? If so, in what way?
It is still unclear how family reunification will be organized for refugees from Ukraine. In general, if you are 18 years of age or older and have an asylum residence permit, you can apply for family reunification for the following family members:
- An adult spouse or unmarried partner with whom you have a long-term and exclusive relationship.
- A minor child. This applies to both biological children and adopted or adopted children. Adult unmarried dependent children also qualify.
People who have been forced to leave Ukraine and want to reunite with friends or family here in the Netherlands are currently free to do so, as there is no mandatory registration and/or location in which they must stay. The advice below is that people arriving from Ukraine are advised to report themselves to the municipality where they are staying (for example, with family or friends).
Registration can be done at all local town halls; any other matters are dealt with by the IND (Immigration and Naturalization Service of the Ministry of Justice and Security), see here
The official website of the Immigration and Naturalization Service of the Netherlands
Official website of the Netherlands Refugee Council
The official website of the Central Agency for Reception of Asylum Seekers
Official website of the Government of the Netherlands
https://www.refugeehelp.nl/get-help is a website created by the Dutch refugee organization Vluchtelingenwerk Nederland and the Red Cross, which gather information for refugees and volunteers.
The Netherlands Refugee Council also provides detailed information on available services. Their information is available in several languages, see here .
Netherlands: employment information
Do I need to apply for a permit to be able to work? If so, how to do it?
To be able to work officially in the Netherlands, you need a work permit. First you need to find an employer. The employer must apply for a work permit. As an employee, you must meet the following general conditions:
- A valid passport or other travel document is required.
- It is necessary to enter your basic data in the declaration.
- Other conditions you may need to meet depend on the work you are doing.
As of April 1, 2022, new rules apply to refugees from Ukraine who want to work in the Netherlands. Ukrainian refugees now no longer need to obtain a work permit before working in the Netherlands. These rules derive from the Temporary Protection Directive.
In order to obtain a suitable employment contract, refugees from Ukraine must present their employer with a document from the Immigration and Naturalization Service to prove that they are covered by the Temporary Protection Directive. Not every refugee yet has a document from the INS. Thus, this exception applies until May 31, 2022 (transition period) for all Ukrainians who can prove their nationality by having, for example, a passport. It is possible that the transition period will be extended.
As mentioned above, this exception applies to the following persons:
- Persons with Ukrainian citizenship who:
- Lived in Ukraine on February 23, 2022;
- were forced to leave Ukraine on or after November 27, 2021 due to increased tensions, or were at that time in the territory of the European Union (for example, for recreation or work);
- are able to demonstrate that they have already resided in the Netherlands in the period up to 27 November 2021, for example through a previously submitted asylum application that was terminated on the basis of a regular residence permit or a residence permit.
- Stateless persons or citizens of non-EU countries who have citizenship other than Ukrainian, who:
- received international protection or equivalent national protection in Ukraine as of February 23, 2022;
- On February 23, 2022, they had (another) valid Ukrainian residence permit.
- Family members of the above persons:
- A married or unmarried partner with whom a long-term relationship is maintained;
- Minor unmarried children (born in wedlock, out of wedlock or adopted);
- Other close relatives who lived with the family and who are fully or mainly dependent.
Am I entitled to unemployment benefits? How and where can I apply?
No. On Friday, March 18, 2022, the government decided that Ukrainian refugees living in the reception center will receive a living wage of 60 euros per person per week. Ukrainians living with a host family will receive 135 euros per week. This amount is reduced if several residents come from the same family.
Are there programs for the recognition of diplomas and professional qualifications? How and where can I apply?
Yes, there are special procedures for recognition of foreign diplomas and regulated professions, see here
Which governmental and non-governmental bodies can I turn to for additional information on employment?
State authorities:
- UWV (Agency for Employees’ Insurance)
Non-governmental organizations:
The netherlands: information on housing
Can I access public/government-provided housing?
Generally, access to public/state-provided housing is only granted after obtaining a residence permit. As for Ukrainian refugees, there is still no clarity regarding the process.
If you cannot stay with friends or family, the Dutch government will provide you with asylum. You can find information on the website of the municipality in which you are located. You can get referrals to the placement center at the following locations:
- At the border
- Utrecht, Jaarbeurs, Hal 7
- Amsterdam, RAI Convention Centre
- Maastricht, MECC Evenementencentrum
- Eindhoven, Microlab Strijp-S
How and where can I apply for public housing?
Once you receive your residence permit, you can move to the municipality. The government decides in which municipality you will live. This municipality ensures that you get a place to live and will try to take your circumstances into account.
If I live with friends and family for a long time, what documents do I need to fill out to legalize this?
Please inform the municipality of your personal data and (temporary) address. Contact the municipality for more information on the applicable procedure and required documents.
If I personally want to rent a property, what documents do I need?
Renting a house in the Netherlands requires identification and either proof of employment/income that you can pay the rent, or proof of a third party guarantee and income. Immigrants will also need to provide proof of legal residency.
Which governmental and non-governmental bodies can I turn to for additional information about housing?
State authorities:
- Municipality
Non-state authorities (verified initiatives):
- Vluchtelingenwerk (VWN)
- Red Cross
- Leger des Heils
- Takecarebnb
Non-governmental bodies (verified initiatives):
- Shelter4Ukraine
- Guest housing for Ukrainian Families
- Room for Ukraine
- Ukraine Take Shelter
- Host4Ukraine
- Facebook group – Ukraine vluchtelingen NL
Netherlands: information on education
How do I enroll my children (or myself) in an educational institution?
You can enroll your child in any school. The school will check whether your child can be accepted. A child can first go to a ” Schakelklas ” (transition class) or a ” Kopklas” to learn Dutch.
All children in the Netherlands have the right (and duty) to education. This means that schools are obliged to promote an acceptable educational offer for newcomers.
If I have a child with special educational needs, where can I go for help to enroll them in a special school?
You can directly enroll your child in a specialized school. The school will check whether your child can be accepted.
Do universities introduce admission schemes for Ukrainians or people who are forced to leave Ukraine? If so, can you give examples?
We are not aware of any schemes for the admission of displaced persons from Ukraine to universities in the Netherlands.
Which governmental and non-governmental bodies can I turn to for additional information about education?
Government agencies:
- Municipality
Non-governmental bodies:
UAF
Study in Holland (Study in the Netherlands)
Refugee Help
Skazka Cultural Center and Language School
Young Expat Services (Services for young expats)
The netherlands: information on child care
How to enroll young children in daycare centers?
It is still unclear how small children can be enrolled in daycare centers. The Dutch government and municipalities still have to decide how to organize care for refugee children during the day and after school.
There are currently no welfare benefits for refugees to support a child. Each refugee reception center has at least one staff member designated as a “contact person for children”. This person plays a coordinating role in organizing activities for children and providing information about children.
Social benefits, such as childcare allowance and/or the child-related budget (government support for the expenses of families receiving income up to a certain level), are only available to holders of a valid residence permit.
Are there any benefits for pregnant and breastfeeding women?
Currently, there are no benefits for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Which governmental and non-governmental bodies can I turn to for additional information regarding the needs of young children?
Each reception center has at least 1 staff member designated as a ‘contact person for children’. This person plays a coordinating role in organizing activities for children and providing information about children.
- Vluchtelingenwerk (VWN)
- Refugee Help
Netherlands: medical information
Can I use the public health care system?
The provision of medical assistance to forced migrants from Ukraine is fully reimbursed with the help of the Subsidy Scheme for the provision of medical assistance to uninsured persons. Uninsured refugees receive benefits that are included in the basic health insurance package in the Netherlands. You can find out what services are included in the basic health insurance package on the website of the central authorities.
Do I need to register to get health insurance, and if so, how?
You need to register with the municipality. It is not known whether further registration is required for health insurance.
What does the public health care system cover?
The Dutch basic health insurance package covers the following: all consultations with a general practitioner (who provides regular medical care) and referrals to specialist doctors or for blood tests, transport (where a partial personal contribution determined by the state may apply) and hospital stays, operations and emergency procedures, most medicines, pregnancy / birth / midwifery care, disability care, elderly care and assistive devices. It also covers some mental health support services, physiotherapy and dietary advice. Dental care is mostly covered for children, but sometimes for adults.
Do I need additional private health insurance in addition to public health insurance? If so, are there any schemes available to low-income people?
Refugees are not required to have additional private health insurance. Holders of a valid residence permit may be entitled to medical assistance.
Which government and non-government bodies can I turn to for more information about access to health care?
Government agencies:
- GGD (Municipal Health Service)
- GZA Health Care
- Rijksoverheid
Non-governmental bodies:
ForRefugees (Netherlands Council for Refugees)
Doctors of the World (Doctors of the World)
The Zorgverzekeringslijn (Health Insurance Line)
Refugee Help
The netherlands: mental health information
Can I get free mental health support services through the public health system?
The Dutch basic health insurance package covers the following types of mental health support services:
- Basic assistance to people with minor and moderate mental disorders; for example, conversations with a psychologist or Internet treatment (e-health) .
- Services of a specialist in mental health, that is, care for people with serious, complex mental disorders.
- The first 3 years of stay in a psychiatric institution.
Is there any additional administrative process to access mental health support services?
In order to access mental health support services, the following requirements must be met:
- There is an established diagnosis (disorder). Only psychological complaints are not sufficient to use the services provided by the insurance.
- The referral must come from a general practitioner, corporate doctor, youth doctor, specialist or mental health doctor.
- The referral should clearly state who is being referred and why.
- It is necessary to clearly state what type of psychological assistance is needed (basic or specialized).
There are also a number of organizations that provide (free) mental health support and support for survivors of traumatic events (see below).
What government and non-government agencies can I contact for more information about services for people with mental health problems, especially trauma?
Government agencies:
- Dutch Mental Health Association
Non-governmental bodies:
Slachtofferhulp (Support for victims)
Suicide Prevention
Refugee Help
Netherlands: other services
Where can an unaccompanied minor get help?
- Contact person for children in reception centers: Each reception center has a “contact person for children”. This person has a coordinating role and can provide additional information about the children.
- Nidos: The organization is responsible for providing care for unaccompanied and separated children who arrive in the Netherlands without guardians.
- When unaccompanied children arrive, they are met by Nidos guardians . Guardians inform them and organize accommodation in the reception center. They also arrange foster families for younger children (under the age of 15).
- Unicef works closely with Nidos , so if you contact Unicef , they will direct you to Nidos .
- In cases of adoption, it is possible to send a request to the Council for the Protection of Children.
How and where can I apply for disability benefits?
Some municipalities offer disability benefits, but only to local residents.
- Food banks: In various municipalities there are food banks (“voedselbank”) , which distribute food packages for refugees from Ukraine.
- Tap water: All tap water in the Netherlands is purified and therefore safe to drink.
- Sports facilities: Most municipalities have installed sports equipment in public parks that can be used free of charge.
- Public transport: for refugees from Ukraine (with a passport or ID card), travel on the metro, bus, tram is free.
- Community centres: All municipalities have community centers (” buurthuizen ” or ” wijkcentra “) that provide social support and assistance.
- Clothing/Goods: Most municipalities have local initiatives to collect and distribute clothing and goods through drop-in centers.
- Telecom providers KPN, Vodafone, Ziggo, Hollandsnieuwe, Lebara and T-Mobile do not charge for calls and text messages to Ukraine, at least until the end of March 2022.
- Pets: If you have been rescued with a pet and need help, contact the ” Hulp voor Dieren uit Ukraine ” hotline : 088-811 3333. If the animal needs urgent medical attention, call the animal emergency service at 114.
- For other services, also visit the RefugeeHelp website : the online starting point for Ukrainian refugees in the Netherlands and anyone who wants to help.
