RefugeeHelp - Information for asylum seekers in the Netherlands

Welcome to the Netherlands

Have you fled and are you looking for protection in the Netherlands? On these pages you can read about how to apply for asylum in the Netherlands and how the asylum procedure works. You can also read about life in the reception centre.

What can we help you with?

Frequently visited

How do I apply for asylum in the Netherlands?

For what reasons can I get an asylum residence permit?

My fingerprints were taken in another European country. What does the Dublin procedure involve?

Where do I stay during the asylum procedure?

Topics

Arrival in the Netherlands

The asylum procedure

Living in the reception centre

Work

Return to your country of origin

Education

Healthcare

General information about the Netherlands

News

Celebrate Queer & Pride in Amsterdam

Refugees line up for application in Dutch village of Ter Apel

News

Jul 15, 2024

This is how long the asylum procedure takes in the Netherlands

The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) has 15 months to decide on each asylum request in 2024. Therefore, you have to wait a long time for the 1st interview and the 2nd interview with the IND. Read about the waiting times in the asylum procedure here.

People sunbathe, play and swim on a sunny day in and near a lake in the Netherlands

News

Jul 15, 2024

What you need to know when swimming in nature

The weather is nice in the Netherlands. People like to take a dip in the water to cool off. If you are going swimming too, pay close attention to the risks of swimming in natural water.

Two women sitting at a kitchen table laugh together over a funny situation while enjoying a coffee and something sweet

Experience

Jul 10, 2024

Elbarbary: "I managed to feel at home in the Netherlands"

How do you integrate in the Netherlands without losing your own culture? 60-year-old Egyptian Elbarbary and 25-year-old Syrian Yomna share their experiences.

Children in coloured T-shirts run on a lawn chasing an orange ball

News

Jul 10, 2024

The summer holidays have started: schools are closed and it's time for fun summer activities

The summer holidays have started, which means children are free from school. The streets may be quieter and there are lots of fun activities to do in the Netherlands. Below are the most important things you need to know about the summer holidays.

King Willem-Alexander and the new cabinet.

News

Jul 2, 2024

New Dutch government with toughest plans for asylum now officially begins

As of now, the Netherlands officially has a new government. That means there is now officially a government that can introduce new laws and regulations. The new government is a collaboration between right-wing parties with the radical-right PVV as the largest party. They want strict rules for people who want to apply for asylum.

Ursula von der Leyen in the European Parliament.

News

Jul 1, 2024

This is the result of the European elections

After the European elections, the EPP is still the largest party, followed by S&D and Renew Europe. It is still unclear what future plans these parties will make. The asylum rules already adopted before the elections are likely to be implemented as usual.

Free admission to the museum!

Want to get to know Dutch culture better? If so, you can now get free tickets to more than 150 museums in the Netherlands. Together, VluchtelingenWerk Nederland and the museums invite you to visit.

Order for free

More information