FAQs

Questions About Your Rights as a Refugee or Asylum Seeker

I am an asylum seeker, what are my rights?

Shelter, food, basic allowance & healthcare while your case is processed (COA places you; healthcare via GZA/RMA). Government of the Netherland
Free lawyer (assigned automatically) and free interpreter for IND interviews. UNHCR help.unhcr.org
To be heard, receive a written decision, and appeal a refusal. Asylum Info Database
Information in a language you understand (leaflets/multilingual resources). Asylum Info Database

To work after 6 months (if your application is still pending) with an employer-applied TWV work permit; the old 24-week cap has been struck down by the Council of State.

How do I start the refugee application process?

Go to the Application Centre in Ter Apel (or apply at the border/Schiphol if you arrive by air/sea). You’ll be registered (photos/fingerprints), get a temporary ID (“W-document”), and COA arranges reception. IND
After a short preparation period you follow the General (AA/AA+) or Extended procedure (or Border/Dublin where relevant). IND

Where can I find legal information in my language?

RefugeeHelp.nl (VluchtelingenWerk) — pick your language and situation (asylum seeker, status holder, etc.). RefugeeHelp
IND brochures/procedure pages (EN, NL; some topics have multilingual leaflets via IND & VWN). IND
EUAA (EU Asylum Agency) explains procedures and rights with multilingual materials. lsa.euaa.europa.eu

What documents do I need for my asylum application?

Bring any originals you can: passport/ID, birth/marriage certificates, travel tickets, police or court papers, medical reports, party/church membership, news articles, photos, social-media posts—anything that proves identity, nationality, route, and why you fled. If you don’t have them, you can still apply; send anything you obtain later to IND. RefugeeHelp IND

How to get help with paperwork as a newcomer

VluchtelingenWerk Nederland (Refugee Council) helps with forms (asylum, family reunification, housing, work, finances). Ask at your COA site or via RefugeeHelp. RefugeeHelp
COA staff can guide you on healthcare, daily matters and where to get support; healthcare is via GZA at most centres. coa.nl
For everyday admin (e.g., BSN number, bank account) see RefugeeHelp’s step-by-step guides. RefugeeHelp

How to get a lawyer for my asylum case for free

You’re entitled to subsidised legal aid; one is assigned automatically in the asylum procedure. You usually don’t pay. UNHCR help.unhcr.org

What to do when I arrive in the Netherlands

Report to Ter Apel to apply (or to the Royal Marechaussee at Schiphol if arriving by air).
2) Register (photos, fingerprints, basic interview).
3) COA gives you reception.
4) Preparation days and medical screening for interview needs.
5) IND interviews with an interpreter; your lawyer prepares you. IND Government of the Netherlands

Note: People from Ukraine under the Temporary Protection Directive follow a different route (municipal reception & work access rules). Use RefugeeHelp’s Ukraine section. European Union Agency for Asylum

General Questions about Asylum Seekers & Refugees in the Netherlands

How many asylum seekers and refugees are there in the Netherlands?

New first-time asylum applications: ~4,500 in Q1 2025 (about half of Q1 2024). Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek
People entitled to reception (COA): ~72,610 as of 6 Jan 2025 (across regular, emergency and crisis sites). Asylum Info Database
Recognised refugees with residence permits staying in COA (waiting for housing): ~18,651 in Jan 2025. Asylum Info Database
Since 2014, over 280,000 people received an asylum residence permit (to mid-2024). Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek

What is the process for asylum seekers when they arrive?

In COA reception: regular azc (asielzoekerscentrum), emergency reception, or crisis reception, depending on capacity. Overcrowding has led to increased use of temporary sites. Government of the Netherlands

Can asylum seekers work in the Netherlands?

Yes — after 6 months from filing the asylum application, with an employer-applied TWV (work permit). The 24-week annual limit no longer applies after a 29 Nov 2023 Council of State ruling; UWV no longer enforces it. Normal Dutch labour rules (wages, conditions) apply. business.gov.nlUWV

How can I help refugees and asylum seekers in my area?

Volunteer with COA at a local reception centre (activities, buddying, language support). coa.nl
Volunteer or donate via VluchtelingenWerk Nederland (case support, integration, community activities). Vluchtelingenwerk.nl
Look for local opportunities via municipal platforms or national portals. Deedmob