Long term policy: return and stay

Temporary Protection Directive

Millions of people from Ukraine have sought refuge elsewhere in Europe since the start of the full-scale war in that country. In November 2025 there were about 135,000 refugees from Ukraine staying in the Netherlands under the Temporary Protection Directive. This arrangement runs until 4 March 2027 (inclusive). Until then refugees from Ukraine will continue to be entitled to use reception facilities and receive other forms of assistance. It is not possible to say how long the war will continue or when refugees from Ukraine will be able to return. The government has therefore drawn up a long-term plan for when protection under the Directive ends. 

Transition document: staying temporarily after 4 March 2027

After 4 March 2027, refugees from Ukraine will be able to obtain a temporary residence permit in the form of a transition document. The transition document will be valid for 3 years. A number of conditions will apply:

• the person must have been granted temporary protection under the Temporary Protection Directive;
• the person must not be assessed as being a threat to public order
• the person must withdraw their current asylum application.

Refugees from Ukraine do not need to apply for the transition document themselves. They will receive a letter from the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) about withdrawing their current asylum application.

Participating in Dutch society

Holders of a transition document will have various rights and obligations and will be able to obtain various forms of assistance. This will be made available in due course so that refugees from Ukraine can participate in and contribute to Dutch society as much as possible. A transition document will enable them to work without an employment permit, take out health insurance, and pay lower tuition fees if they are studying. Where possible, reception facilities will be converted into regular accommodation so that they can pay rent themselves.

In the spring of 2026, the government will provide more information about the rights, duties and assistance associated with the transition document.

Voluntary return

The focus of the long-term plan is on voluntary return. The transition document gives refugees from Ukraine time to prepare for this. The government is working on a special return programme. This programme will help refugees from Ukraine to, for example, arrange documentation and transport. The programme will be aligned as far as possible with the reconstruction of Ukraine. The Repatriation and Departure Service is helping refugees who already wish to return to Ukraine.