There is a strong likelihood that temporary protection for Ukrainians will be extended
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The Dutch government expects the European Union (EU) to extend the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) by one year. In this article, you can find out what this means for you. You can also find out how to prepare.
TPD is likely to be extended by 1 year
Ukrainians are allowed to remain in the Netherlands under the
Further information will be posted on RefugeeHelp as soon as the EU has reached a decision.
The Dutch government wants to continue helping Ukrainians
The Dutch government does not intend to stop providing places in reception centres for Ukrainians. The government also wants to help people who are returning to Ukraine voluntarily. For example, by helping them to gather the necessary documents and arrange transport.
Whilst you are in the Netherlands, the government wants you to participate in society as much as possible. For example, by working or following a course of study.
What will be happening at the reception centres in the coming period?
The government intends to further improve reception centres in the coming years. Municipalities will be given more options to keep reception centres open for longer and to create new reception centres. The government is also exploring additional forms of long-term reception centres. In addition, measures will be introduced to prevent and tackle disturbances at reception centres.
From 1 August 2026, the government will increase the
The
Are you currently staying in a municipal reception centre? If so, the government wants you to eventually move into your own home and pay the rent yourself. Due to the shortage of affordable housing, many Ukrainians are still staying in municipal reception centres.
Do you have any questions about your personal situation and rights?
No temporary protection if you already have, or have had, protection in another EU country
From 15 June 2026, the IND will reject new applications for temporary protection if you currently have, or have previously had, temporary protection in another EU country. This rule does not apply to people who already have temporary protection in the Netherlands.
What happens after the TPD?
Residence permit or transition document
Do you want to stay in the Netherlands once your temporary protection has ended? If so, you will need a residence permit for study or work. The Dutch government is assessing how many Ukrainians meet the conditions for such a residence permit. For example, the government will look at your income and whether you have an employment contract.
If you are unable to obtain a residence permit for study or work, there is still the
Conditions for a transition document
Ukrainians in the Netherlands are likely to be able to obtain a transition document if they:
Are granted temporary protection under the TPD.
Do not pose a threat to society. The IND assesses this.
Withdraw their current asylum application.
How does the application process work?
You do not need to apply for the transition document yourself. The IND will send you a letter. In this letter, the IND will ask you to withdraw your asylum application. If you withdraw your asylum application and meet all the conditions, the IND will issue you with a transition document.
Rights and obligations under the transition document
The government wants Ukrainians to play an active part in Dutch society. With a transition document, you can:
Work without a work permit.
Take out a
Study at the same cost as Dutch students.
The government will announce at a later date which other rights and obligations are set out in the transition document.
There is still a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the transition document
Many Ukrainians have questions about their future in the Netherlands. They want to know how they can prepare for the arrival of the transition document. At present, little is known about the transition document. Consequently, many questions cannot yet be answered.
This situation is giving rise to many questions and a great deal of uncertainty. Some people are taking advantage of this. Scammers are active on social media. They claim that, for a fee, they can offer advice on the transition document. Beware of this sort of scammer.
What can you do now to prepare for the changes?
Do not give up your temporary protection
Are you currently entitled to temporary protection under the TPD? If so, do not cancel this protection. The TPD is likely to be a prerequisite for applying for a transition document in the future.
Make sure you apply for a DigiD
A lot of things are going to change in the near future. That is why it is important that you have a
You apply for a DigiD online. You will then receive the activation code by post. That is why it is important that your address details are correct. You can check which address the government has on file. Ask your municipality which address you are registered at in the