Temporary protection in the Netherlands for Ukrainians in 2025: how to apply and basic rules for refugees

Temporary protection for Ukrainians in the Netherlands has been extended until March 2027. At the same time, the government is preparing a number of changes that will primarily affect social assistance and housing. Find out how to apply for temporary protection in the Netherlands and what rights it guarantees Ukrainians in 2025

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In July 2025, the Council of the European Union officially approved the extension of temporary protection until March 2027. The relevant regulatory decision also applies to the Netherlands, one of the founding countries of the EU's predecessor. At the same time, in September 2025, the government announced that new procedures for legalising refugees from Ukraine were being prepared – primarily for people who have stable jobs and financial security.

We previously reported that from 1 October 2025, refugees from Ukraine in the Netherlands will have to pay €244.22 per month for shelter instead of €105. This is due to the government's policy of balancing conditions for asylum seekers from different countries.

Temporary protection provides Ukrainians in the Netherlands with the following rights in 2025: residence, work, medical care, education and financial assistance.

Find out more:

➤ features of tourist travel to the Netherlands;

➤ work for Ukrainians in the Netherlands;

➤ applying for a student visa to the Netherlands;

➤ obtaining a residence permit in the Netherlands.

Not sure how to proceed in your situation? Contact the solicitors at Visit Ukraine and get answers to all your questions!

Is temporary protection in the Netherlands valid in 2025?

Refugee status for Ukrainians in the Netherlands remains valid in 2025. This means that Ukrainian citizens and their family members who have been granted this status can legally stay in the country and enjoy the corresponding rights.

This programme applies to the following categories:

– Ukrainian citizens who resided in Ukraine before 24 February 2022;

– family members of Ukrainian citizens (husband/wife, minor children), regardless of their citizenship.

The term of protection has been automatically extended until 4 March 2027. For most Ukrainians, this does not require any additional action, but it is important to follow the updates on the official websites.

What rights does temporary protection in the Netherlands give?

Obtaining temporary protection status gives you access to a number of important rights and opportunities that help you adapt to life in the country:

The right to legal residence. You will receive a residence permit that does not require additional visas.

The opportunity to find employment. You can work in the Netherlands without a special work permit (tewerkstellingsvergunning), which greatly simplifies the job search process.

Health insurance and access to healthcare. You receive basic health insurance and access to healthcare on an equal footing with Dutch citizens.

Assistance with housing and social benefits. Municipalities (gemeente) provide assistance with accommodation in temporary centres and also pay social assistance for personal expenses.

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How to apply for temporary protection in the Netherlands?

The application procedure consists of several key steps.

Step 1. Registration with the municipality (gemeente)

The first and most important step is to register at your place of residence with the local municipality. To do this, you will need:

1. A foreign passport (or other identity document).

2. Documents confirming your family status (marriage certificate, birth certificates of children) if you are travelling with your family.

Step 2. Obtaining a stamp from the IND (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst)

After registering with the municipality, you need to obtain a stamp from the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). This procedure confirms that you are entitled to temporary protection. During your visit to the IND, your fingerprints will be taken, your photograph will be taken and your details will be entered into the system.

Step 3. Obtaining confirmation (O-document)

After successful registration with the IND, you will receive confirmation – the so-called O-document. This document is your official confirmation of temporary protection status, which entitles you to live, work and use social services in the Netherlands.

What documents are required to apply for temporary protection in the Netherlands?

To successfully apply for temporary protection, you must have the following documents with you:

1. Foreign passport or internal passport (ID card).

2. Birth/marriage certificates (to confirm family ties with family members).

3. Proof of residence in Ukraine until 24 February 2022. This can be a stamp in your passport or any other document confirming your permanent residence.

Useful tips for Ukrainians in the Netherlands

1. Document requirements for Ukrainians in the Netherlands. Keep track of the validity of your O-document and other documents. If the validity period expires, contact the municipality to find out about the renewal procedure.

2. Work for Ukrainians in the Netherlands. The best way is to use online job search platforms (e.g. LinkedIn, Indeed), contact employment agencies (uitzendbureau) or employers directly. Having an O-document makes this process much easier.

3. Housing for refugees in the Netherlands. The main options are temporary housing from the municipality or searching independently through specialised websites. Keep in mind that the rental market in the Netherlands can be competitive.

4. Health insurance in the Netherlands for Ukrainians. Assistance to Ukrainians in the Netherlands includes enrolling refugees in the state health insurance system. However, until you receive temporary protection status, you remain unprotected from various health problems. That is why we recommend that you take care of your health insurance policy in advance (while you are still in Ukraine) – this way you will avoid additional stress when moving to another country.

Assistance for Ukrainian refugees from Visit Ukraine

The extension of temporary protection in the EU in 2025 is an important step. The Visit Ukraine team provides comprehensive support to Ukrainians who have been forced to leave their country due to military action. You can receive:

➤ Consultations on documentation and rights.

➤ Assistance in obtaining insurance for travel or residence.

➤ Legal advice in difficult situations.

➤ Access to online services (e.g. ticket booking) that simplify your stay in the EU.

Reminder! If you are travelling to Europe in your own car, be sure to have a ‘Green Card’ motor insurance policy. Without it, in the event of an accident in another country, you will not only have to pay for the damage, but also a hefty fine.

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