If you apply for asylum in the Netherlands, you are entitled to a place in a reception centre. There are different types of reception locations, depending on your situation and how long you have to wait for a decision on your asylum application. Sometimes you will be moved to another reception location during your procedure. Below you can read more about the different reception locations.
During the asylum procedure, you stay in different reception centres of the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA). Sometimes there is not enough space in normal reception centres. You may have to stay in a temporary reception centre. If your request for asylum is approved, you may stay in the Netherlands. You will then qualify for a home.
There is limited space in the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA). Therefore, you can also lodge temporarily with family or friends. Your lodging does not affect your asylum procedure. Read here how it works.
You are staying in a temporary reception centre because the normal reception centre is full. It is often not clear how long you will have to stay here. Sometimes you will have to move between multiple temporary reception centres.
During the asylum procedure, you may encounter discrimination, intimidation or violence. For example, by other asylum seekers in the reception centre where you live. This is not allowed under Dutch law. And this behaviour is punishable. There are organisations that can help you.
Are you younger than 18 and apply for asylum in the Netherlands without your family? Then there is special reception centre for you. Read here which special reception centre is arranged for you in the Netherlands.
If you are in the Netherlands for more than 6 months, you will get a personal number: a citizen service number (BSN). You need this number to arrange your personal affairs in the Netherlands. Read here how to get such a number.
Here, Steffie explains what DigiD is, how to apply for DigiD and how to use it.
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