The asylum procedure
When you apply for asylum in the Netherlands, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) investigates whether you are entitled to a residence permit. Below you can read more about the asylum procedure, the waiting period and your rights.
Step-by-step plans (3)
The general asylum procedure
The border procedure: this is how asylum applications work when you arrive at an airport or port
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Dublin procedure: This is how the asylum procedure works if you previously claimed asylum in another European country
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
Information
How does the asylum procedure work?
You apply for asylum in the Netherlands because you were not safe in your home country. The Dutch government investigates whether you are entitled to protection. In this video, we explain how the asylum procedure works and which steps are important.
Requirements for an asylum residence permit
You can apply for asylum in the Netherlands under certain conditions. The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) assesses whether you meet those conditions. After that, the IND will also determine whether you will get an asylum a or b residence permit. You cannot apply for asylum in the Netherlands if you are abroad.
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.
Here is what you can do to properly prepare for your asylum procedure in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, it can take a long time before your asylum procedure starts and you get your first interviews with the IND. You may not remember all parts of your flight story as well as you do now. Below you can read how best to prepare for the procedure if you have to wait a long time.
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.
Need help? Make a video appointment with VWN about your asylum procedure
At VluchtelingenWerk Nederland (VWN) you can make an appointment for digital consultation hours. During this consultation hour, you get 1-on-1 social and legal support for your personal situation. A VWN employee will give you independent advice during this appointment.
Give us a tip
Do you have a tip for RefugeeHelp? Your tips help us make the website better. Let us know what information you are missing or think about new features. This form is not for personal questions. For personal questions, you can make an appointment for the digital consultation hour of RefugeeHelp.