The asylum procedure

How the asylum procedure works in the Netherlands

Requirements for an asylum residence permit

Do you want to apply for asylum in the Netherlands? In that case, the IND will assess whether you meet the criteria and whether you will be granted asylum. You can only apply for asylum if you are in the Netherlands.

Arrival in the Netherlands at Schiphol Airport, another airport or at a port

Do you arrive by plane at Schiphol Airport, another airport or at a port in the Netherlands? And do you not have a valid visa and passport to enter the Netherlands? Then apply for asylum there. You then await your asylum application in a closed reception centre at Schiphol Airport.

Preparing for the interview with the IND

During your interview with the IND, you will explain why you are applying for asylum in the Netherlands. The IND also refers to this as a hearing. In this article, you can read about how to prepare, how to tell your story clearly, and which documents may be important.

You must collect these documents for the asylum procedure

During your asylum procedure, you submit documents to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) to prove your refugee story. Read about which documents you need to submit and how to send them.

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 what the lawyer does for you during the asylum process

Everyone who applies for asylum in the Netherlands is entitled to a free lawyer. This lawyer helps you during the asylum procedure and gives you legal advice. Your lawyer also ensures that your rights are protected.

Additional information about your asylum procedure if you are under 18 years of age

Are you younger than 18 and have fled to the Netherlands on your own? Then the asylum procedure may go a little differently for you than for adults. There are special rules and you receive additional support. In this article you can read what you need to know.

Additional information about the asylum process if you are LGBTQIA+

Have you fled because you are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex? And do you therefore want to apply for asylum in the Netherlands? If so, it is important that you tell your lawyer and the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) during the asylum procedure.

Applying for asylum if you are suspected of crimes (1F)

To get asylum in the Netherlands, you have to prove that it is too dangerous for you in the country you come from. However, even if you can prove that, sometimes you still will not get asylum. For example, if you are suspected of war crimes, terrorism, torture or other crimes against humanity.