Changes to the temporary protection program in the Netherlands for Ukrainians: new restrictions explained by lawyers at Visit Ukraine

The temporary protection directive for Ukrainians in the Netherlands has been extended until March 2027, but the government is already preparing new rules. Find out what changes have already been approved and what Ukrainians can expect in the coming years

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In early 2025, the Dutch government presented new approaches to organizing temporary protection for Ukrainians and began working on long-term solutions. Although there are no specific changes regarding transitional permits yet, the authorities have confirmed that the EU Directive 2001/55 on temporary protection will remain in force until at least March 4, 2027.

This means that Ukrainians retain the right to reside, work, receive medical care, education, and financial assistance. At the same time, the government has announced new restrictions and the preparation of alternative legalization mechanisms.

In this article, the lawyers at Visit Ukraine have compiled all the important details that those planning to obtain or extend protection in the country should know.

Question: What changes await Ukrainians in the Netherlands under temporary protection? Directive 2001/55 is valid until March 2027, but the government is introducing new rules on housing and financial assistance and preparing alternative options for residence permits.

Extension of temporary protection in the Netherlands

The EU has decided to extend the Temporary Protection Directive for Ukrainians. In the Netherlands, this guarantees Ukrainians the opportunity to remain in the country until spring 2027 with all their basic rights. The IND (Immigration and Naturalization Service) remains the main body responsible for the practical implementation of the policy and publishes official explanations for citizens.

At the same time as extending protection, the government is gradually changing its approach to housing and financial assistance. This applies primarily to Ukrainians who already have a job and a stable income.

Changes in housing and financial support

From 2025, new rules for Ukrainian refugees will be introduced in the Netherlands:

- Employed men must find their own housing. Municipal shelters remain a priority for women with children and vulnerable groups.

- From October 1, 2025, Ukrainians who have an income and live in municipal shelters will pay an increased personal contribution.

- Municipal housing for refugees is also expected to become more expensive — prices may almost double.

These changes are explained by the heavy burden on the system and the lack of places in shelters.

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Transitional permits and long-term solutions

Ukrainians in the Netherlands often ask whether it is possible to replace a temporary protection permit with another type of residence permit. There is currently no clear answer: the government has only just begun work on creating a “national alternative” to the EU directive, which should determine the status of Ukrainians after the protection expires.

Migration Minister Marjolein Faber has announced that the new type of permit is planned to be more long-term and accessible to those Ukrainians who are actively working and integrating into society. The experience of other EU countries is being considered:

in Poland, Ukrainians can obtain a residence permit for 3 years;

in Italy, they can convert temporary protection into a work permit under a simplified procedure;

in Austria, the Czech Republic, and Romania, there are special conditions for working Ukrainians.

It is expected that the model in the Netherlands will be similar: the key criterion will be contribution to the economy and society. However, the exact rules (duration of the permit, income requirements, language exams, or integration) have not yet been determined. They are planned to be worked out during 2025.

What is changing for other categories?

Important: in 2025, it was finally decided that temporary protection would no longer apply to third-country nationals who lived in Ukraine on a residence permit before the war. As of September 4, 2025, this category of persons lost the right to remain in the Netherlands under the Directive. This decision does not apply to Ukrainian citizens, who retain their rights.

Therefore, Ukrainians in the Netherlands can be sure that temporary protection will remain in force until at least March 2027. However, the government is already preparing alternative solutions for those who want to stay for a long time. On the one hand, the authorities are introducing new financial restrictions for those in employment, and on the other, they are promising to create transitional residence permits following the example of other EU countries.

No final decisions have been made yet, so it is worth checking the IND website regularly for the latest information, as it publishes official updates.

Legal assistance with migration issues for Ukrainians

The Visit Ukraine team of lawyers helps Ukrainians deal with all migration issues. Our specialists provide:

● advice on temporary protection, residence permits, and other statuses for legalization abroad;

● assistance with the preparation of necessary documents in Ukraine and abroad;

● assistance in choosing a country to move to depending on your budget and legalization plans, support in finding a job and enrolling in foreign universities;

● services for obtaining visas and permits for long-term stays abroad.

Contact Visit Ukraine lawyers to get an individual migration strategy without the risk of fines or loss of status.

To sign up for a consultation:

1. Select a convenient format (support, written or oral consultation).

2. Fill out the form with your details (full name, email, contact phone number).

4. Select a convenient date for the consultation.

5. Read the terms and conditions of the agreement and make the payment.

Not sure which consultation format to choose? Contact our managers via Telegram or WhatsApp – they will help you choose the best option for your situation.

Visit Ukraine is your reliable legal partner abroad!

Reminder! Previously, Visit Ukraine lawyers explained whether it is possible to obtain temporary protection in the Czech Republic after submitting an application in another EU country. Details in our article.

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