Home
Living in the reception centre

Living in the reception centre

If you apply for asylum in the Netherlands, you are entitled to a place in a reception centre. The Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) arranges the reception centre.

Article

A woman on her phone in a reception centre

Article

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

Article

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. So are the facilities. You have rights, obligations and house rules. Read more about them on this page.

People in a crisis emergency reception centre in a sports hall

Article

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

Article

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.

Article

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.

Article

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.

Article

You can get extra support 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.

Syrian boys on the streets of Turkey after the pandemic. Daily life in Urfa.

Article

This is where you stay during the asylum procedure if you are under 18 years old

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.

Do you have a tip for the website?

Let us know what you're still missing or if there's anything you can't find. Based on your suggestions, RefugeeHelp can make this page even better. Please note that this form is for suggestions about the website – not for personal questions or requests. You will not receive a response to your suggestion. Please note: This form is not for personal questions. You will not receive a response.

What do you have a tip for?

Select...

Write an explanation here

Please note: This form is not for personal questions. You will not receive a response.