Housing
Information
These are the different types of reception locations if you apply for asylum in the Netherlands
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.
This is how living in the asylum reception centre that the government arranges for you works
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.
This is how lodging with a host family while in the asylum process works
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.
This is how living in a temporary reception centre 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.
These are your rights and obligations in COA's reception centre
In the reception centre of the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA), you live with others. Every reception location is different, as are the Facilities. You have rights, obligations and house rules. Read more about them on this page.
Here is what you can do if you are unhappy with the COA's reception centre
If you are dissatisfied with the reception centre where you are staying, you can talk to COA or the municipality to complain or protest.
Here is what you can do if you do not feel safe in the reception centre
During your stay in the reception centre, you may encounter discrimination, intimidation, threats or violence. For example, by other asylum seekers in the reception location where you live. This is not allowed under Dutch law. And this behaviour is punishable. You can report this to the police. And there are organisations that can help you.
Additional information about your asylum reception centre if you are under 18
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.
In the Netherlands, you need a BSN
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.
All about DigiD
Here, Steffie explains what DigiD is, how to apply for DigiD and how to use it.
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