Arrival, registration and stay of refugees from Ukraine

  • Refugees from Ukraine are allowed to stay in the Netherlands for 90 days, or longer if necessary.
  • Refugees who have a biometric passport can travel to the European Union (EU) without a visa.
  • To make use of services in the Netherlands, refugees must be registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP).

Requesting accommodation on arrival in the Netherlands

  • Refugees who arrive in the Netherlands from Ukraine can register with the local municipal authority. At the border, the Royal Military and Border Police will direct them to municipality with a suitable reception facilities.

Registration

  • Refugees from Ukraine can register with their local municipal authority if they can show documents to prove their identity or that they are from Ukraine or were a legal resident there. This can be a passport, birth certificate or residence permit, for example. Once they are registered in the Personal Records Database, they are entitled to benefits and services in the Netherlands. These include accommodation, a subsistence allowance, healthcare and education.
  • If a refugee from Ukraine does not have the necessary documents, the municipal authority will start a procedure to verify their identity and country of origin.

Stay

  • Refugees from Ukraine do not need to apply for asylum. They have the right to stay in the Netherlands for 90 days, or longer if necessary. Refugees who have a biometric passport can travel to the European Union (EU) without a visa. A biometric passport has an invisible chip containing personal data. The EU Temporary Protection Directive gives refugees from Ukraine temporary protection while they are in the Netherlands.

Driving licences