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A woman on her phone in a reception centre

This is where you stay during the asylum process

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.

Women with children outside at a reception centre

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These are your rights and obligations in the COA reception centre

In the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) reception centre, you live with others. Each reception centre is different. You have rights and obligations at the reception centres. Read more about them on this page.

The rules of life in COA reception centre

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The house rules in the COA reception centre

The Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) has house rules that are valid in every reception centre. These house rules are about living together in the reception centre and about safety. Read more about COA's house rules here.

People in a crisis emergency reception centre in a sports hall

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I am staying in a temporary reception centre

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.

Two children walk around the grounds of a refugee reception centre

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Here is what you can do if you are unhappy with the 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.

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This is how you get a personal number (BSN) to handle your affairs 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.

Asylum seekers may temporarily lodge with family or friends because COA's reception centres are regularly too full.

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Lodging with a host family while in the asylum process

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.

LGBTQIA+ individuals may face discrimination, harassment or violence in reception centres. Organisations like Roze in Blauw can help.

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You can get extra help in the reception centre as an LGBTQIA+ person

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.

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