SOS Oekraïne
Information to come to the Netherlands
To the Netherlands
No visa required
Ukrainians who want to come to the Netherlands do not need a visa, there is a special arrangement for Ukrainians. So they do NOT have to register like refugees from other countries.
Don’t need a place to stay?
Ukrainians who come to the Netherlands and do not need shelter, for example because they can stay with family or friends, do not have to report somewhere. This also applies to those who already have a host family as their destination.
However, they must register in the Personal Records Database (BRP). (see under “Registering with municipality)
Need shelter?
Ukrainians who want to come to the Netherlands but have no accommodation can be accommodated by:
1. The Dutch government.
Reception locations have been set up throughout the Netherlands. Pets are usually not allowed in these shelters!
2. Organizations and individuals
There are currently many private initiatives that offer shelter. These can be found via Facebook groups but also via organizations such as Takecarebnb
Ukrainians do not have to apply for asylum and do not have to report to the application center in Ter Apel.
Register with municipality
Ukrainians who have accommodation must register in the Personal Records Database (BRP). They do this at the municipality where they reside on presentation of their international passport. The national passport is in Ukrainian and cannot be accepted in some municipalities (see “Ukrainian passports”). This registration is important for receiving further support such as financial and medical assistance. Click here for this information. By registering, every Ukrainian receives a Citizen Service Number (BSN).
Papers required for registration:
1. passports;
2. marriage certificate, if married;
3. birth certificates of any children.
IMPORTANT:
1. A Ukrainian must register himself (!!!) with the municipality where he/she resides. Registration cannot be done by someone else!!!!
2. Registration is only possible at the address where the Ukrainian resides. As in Ukraine, the Netherlands does not have a separate legal address and a different residence address. This is punishable in the Netherlands.
Ukrainian passports
Many Ukrainians only have a “national” passport for use within Ukraine. This passport is entirely in the Ukrainian language. An international Ukrainian passport is in both Ukrainian and English. An international passport can be obtained at the Ukrainian Embassy in The Hague.
Money for living
The Dutch government has opened a scheme for living allowance for Ukrainian refugees. This living allowance is paid out by the municipalities.
A Ukrainian staying in a municipal shelter receives less than one staying with a host family. At a municipal shelter money is withheld for housing and food.
Ukrainians who stay with a host family receive an amount that is paid per month. You can decide for yourself how to spend the money. The living allowance is calculated and paid from the moment registration in the BRP has taken place. To receive the living allowance it is important to open a bank account. This is only possible with a citizen service number (BSN). It is wise to open a bank account immediately after receiving the citizen service number, because the procedure can take up to 5 working days.
Working in the Netherlands allowed
The Dutch government has made it possible for Ukrainians to work in the Netherlands without a work permit from April 1, 2022.
Under normal circumstances, Ukrainians were not allowed to work in the Netherlands without a permit. The “short stay” is only for residence in the Netherlands and not for work. Under normal circumstances, a visa is required to work in the Netherlands.
At the beginning of March 2022, the European Union adopted a special directive that made working possible. As of November 1, 2022, it is mandatory to have proof of residence for working. This means that a Ukrainian from the IND must have a sticker in his/her passport. More information >>
Working in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands there are strict regulations for work. This is mainly to protect the employees. For example, there is a minimum wage and there are provisions for overtime and working conditions. If a Ukrainian goes to work, his/her benefit from the municipality will lapse. The Dutch government has determined that the health insurance will continue as usual. A Ukrainian who goes to work therefore does not have to take out separate health insurance.
Finding your own home
Ukrainians who come to the Netherlands should first make use of a shelter provided by a municipality or live with a host family. From there they can get acquainted with the Netherlands and try to find work.
There are different types of homes in the Netherlands: owner-occupied homes, rental homes from private individuals and homes from social housing associations.
The total supply of homes in the Netherlands is limited, especially in the west in the Amsterdam-Utrecht-Rotterdam area. The houses there are often also very expensive, rents of about 1500 euros per month are no exception in a city like Amsterdam. In other parts of the Netherlands, houses are cheaper. Most homes that are available and will come from private landlords. There are long waiting lists for the homes of social housing associations almost everywhere.
For a home it is first necessary that you have a fixed income. Renting a house is different than in Ukraine. In the Netherlands, a tenant is protected. This means, among other things, that a landlord may not just kick a tenant out on the street. A landlord therefore also wants certainty and a guarantee that the rent will be paid on time.
In the Netherlands you can get an allowance for renting a house: rent allowance. This goes through the tax authorities. The rent may not exceed €763.47 per month (2022). In addition, the assets may not exceed € 31,747 (1 Jan 2022).
Subject to change.