Living in the Netherlands if you are under 18 and living without family

Even if you have a residence permit,

Reception and living with families (OWG)

If you are 14 years old or younger, you will live with a family. This form of care is called reception and living in families ('Opvang en Wonen in Gezinsverband', OWG). You will live with a family with the same nationality or the same cultural background as you. This helps you to feel at home in the Netherlands faster.

In the Netherlands there are several small-scale reception centres (KSO).

These homes are set up by the Nidos Foundation in cooperation with municipalities. You live here in a small group of usually 3 to 12 youths. Within a small-scale reception centre ('kleinschalige opvangplekken', KSO) you learn the Dutch language and go to school. You also receive lessons and guidance to develop practical and social skills.

If you are 15 years old or older, you will live in a children's residential group ('kinderwoongroep', KWG) or a small residential unit ('kleine wooneenheid', KWE).

Children's residential group (KWG)

For young people who are not yet independent enough, there is the children's residential group (KWG). You then live somewhere where you can get help 24 hours a day. A maximum of twelve children live in a children's residential group. Here you will be supervised throughout the day across all activities. Like getting up on time for school, shopping and cooking.

Small residential unit (KWE)

Up to 4 young people between the ages of 15 and 18 live together in a small residential unit (KWE). Often they are from different backgrounds. You can live here if you are already quite independent, but not yet old enough to stand completely on your own two feet. That is why you receive guidance here from a mentor who helps you learn to live independently.

Nidos own reception (NEO)

Nidos own reception ('Nidos Eigen Opvang', NEO) is a small reception centre run by the Nidos Foundation for underage foreign nationals who are alone and between the ages of 14 and 18. You live here in small groups of 4 to 12 people. You get guidance from youth coaches throughout the day. At NEO, you will also receive support in language, education and social development.

Small-scale reception centre with extra supervision (PON)

If you are vulnerable and in need of specific care, there is Perspective Reception Nidos ('Perspectief Opvang Nidos', PON). This is a special, small reception centre with a lot of personal attention, a lot of guidance and an approach that suits you. You receive daily support with practical matters, such as going to school on time, making appointments. You will also have regular contact with a behavioural scientist or social worker, who will help you with emotional or psychological challenges.

Some young people are victims of human trafficking.

XONAR is an organisation that collaborates with NIDOS.

At XONAR, you live in a house in a closed environment.

Around age 17, you start preparing for independent living.  It is important to think about a plan together with your guardian and supervisors so that you are well prepared for the next step. When you turn 18, you may live, work and study independently. In many municipalities, you can still contact VluchtelingenWerk Nederland (VWN) for extra support.

Even after your 18th birthday, it is possible to keep receiving support. This is called extended reception. You can then stay in your reception family or small-scale reception centre, up to your 21st birthday. This extended reception helps you become more independent and integrate better in the Netherlands.