Living in the Netherlands without a residence permit
If your asylum residence permit is rejected, you can choose to remain in the Netherlands without a residence permit. You will be in the Netherlands without permission from then on. On this page you will find information about shelter, income and healthcare.
Information
Preparing for the asylum procedure in the Netherlands
Preparing for the asylum procedure in the Netherlands: steps in IND application, interviews, reception centres and what to expect during your asylum application.
Organisations you encounter when applying for asylum
You apply for asylum in the Netherlands and have to deal with different organisations. In this video we explain who they are and what they do.
What does VluchtelingenWerk Nederland (VWN) do?
VluchtelingenWerk Nederland (VWN) is an independent organisation that helps refugees. VWN supports you during the asylum procedure, explains, answers questions and helps you tell your story clearly so you know what is important.
Your child may have their own reasons for fleeing and may therefore be entitled to asylum
If you flee to the Netherlands with your children, you apply for asylum as a family. The IND usually only speaks to the parents. However, it is important that your children’s stories are heard too. This helps to provide a clearer picture of the situation in the country you have fled from.
What post and documents do you need to keep in the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands, you receive a lot of post. Sometimes it is on paper, sometimes digitally, for example via MijnOverheid, the Berichtenbox or email. The post may come from the municipality, the Dutch tax authorities, the IND, your health insurance provider or your landlord. You need to keep some of it. Other post requires a response or payment.
Why do many couples in the Netherlands live together before they get married?
If you are new to the Netherlands, you may notice that many couples live together without being married. Sometimes they get married later on, sometimes they do not. Things used to be different. You can read about why that is in this article.
Safety in the Netherlands
Do you need the police? On this page, you can find out when to call 112 and when you can contact the police in non-emergency situations. You will also find information on what happens if the police use force and how to make a complaint if you are not satisfied with the police.