The asylum procedure

How the asylum procedure works in the Netherlands

Preparing for the asylum procedure in the Netherlands

Preparing for the asylum procedure in the Netherlands: steps in IND application, interviews, reception centres and what to expect during your asylum application.

What are the conditions for an asylum residence permit? When can you obtain one?

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.

There are two types of protection available in the Netherlands if you apply for asylum

New Dutch regulations are making the distinction between refugee status and subsidiary protection more significant. In this article, you can find out what these terms mean and where you can check what protection you are entitled to. You can also find out what this means for your residence permit, family reunification and becoming a Dutch citizen.

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.

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.

This is how age verification works if the IND has doubts about your age

The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) can do age testing if they have doubts about whether you are younger than 18. This is because if you are younger than 18, you have other rights during the asylum procedure. You only get these rights if the IND is sure you are younger than 18.

Your child may have their own reasons for fleeing and may therefore be entitled to asylum

If you flee to the Netherlands with your children, you apply for asylum as a family. The IND usually only speaks to the parents. However, it is important that your children’s stories are heard too. This helps to provide a clearer picture of the situation in the country you have fled from.

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.