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Asylum Application Procedures in the Netherlands Updated

🇳🇱 NetherlandsAsylum1 recorded versionLast change 1 Sept 2026
ConfidenceVery high · 100%

Current rules

The current procedure for asylum applications in the Netherlands involves several steps: reporting at an application centre (AC Ter Apel or AC Schiphol), undergoing 'screening' for identity, safety, health, and vulnerability, and then a 'Reception and Preparation for Asylum Application' (OVA) phase lasting a maximum of three days. During OVA, personal details, nationality, documents, biometrics, family information, travel history, and the main reason for asylum are collected. This is followed by legal counselling, determination of the applicable asylum procedure (border, Asylum and Migration Management Regulation, admissibility, accelerated, or standard), and then the asylum procedure itself, which includes a personal interview and a decision within six months (extendable by up to six months). Successful applicants receive an asylum residence permit (Type III) valid for three years, stating the reason for protection (refugee, subsidiary protection, or family member status), and are free to work without a work permit.

Overview

The Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (IND) has updated its guidance on applying for asylum in the Netherlands. A key change highlights that applicants who submitted their asylum request before 12 June will follow a different procedure than those applying on or after this date. The updated process clarifies the requirements for refugee status, subsidiary protection, and family members, and details the stages from initial reception and screening to legal counselling and decision-making on residence permits.

Who is affected by the latest change

  • People seeking protection in the Netherlands who apply for asylum on or after 12 June
  • Refugees who fear persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group
  • People with subsidiary protection who fear serious harm (death penalty, torture, inhumane treatment, or serious threat due to armed conflict) in their home country
  • Family members (husband, wife, partner, father, mother, or minor child) of someone who recently received an asylum residence permit in the Netherlands
  • Unaccompanied minor children (under 18 years of age) travelling to the Netherlands without parents or guardians

What changed in the latest version

Before

The Netherlands previously used an asylum process that was in place before 12 June 2026. This date was a changeover point. The current page from the Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (IND) clearly states that anyone who applied before 12 June must follow a different process. This means the old rules still matter for those earlier applications. New applicants must follow the current process.

After

The current process for asylum applications in the Netherlands has several steps: 1. You must report to an application centre (AC Ter Apel or AC Schiphol). 2. You go through 'screening'. This checks your identity, safety, health, and if you are vulnerable. 3. You enter a 'Reception and Preparation for Asylum Application' (OVA) phase. This phase lasts up to three days. During OVA, officials collect your personal details, nationality, documents, biometrics, family information, travel history, and the main reason you are seeking asylum. 4. You then receive legal advice. 5. The Immigratie-en Naturalisatiedienst (IND) decides which asylum process applies to you. This could be a border process, a process under the Asylum and Migration Management Regulation, an admissibility process, an accelerated process, or a standard process. 6. The asylum process then begins. This includes a personal interview. The IND must make a decision within six months. This period can be extended by up to six months. If your application is successful, you receive an asylum residence permit (Type III). This permit is valid for three years. It states the reason for your protection (refugee, subsidiary protection, or family member status). Refugee status means you are protected because you fear persecution in your home country. Subsidiary protection means you are protected because you face serious harm in your home country. With this permit, you are free to work without needing a work permit.

This policy update clarifies the steps for people applying for asylum in the Netherlands. It provides a clear path from reporting their arrival to getting a residence permit. It explains what information applicants need to provide. It also details the support available, such as free legal advice and reception services. It outlines the different processes that might apply, depending on a person's situation. For those who get asylum, the policy confirms their right to work in the Netherlands without a separate work permit. This is very important for them to settle in. Understanding this process is key for asylum seekers to manage their application well. It also helps support organisations give proper help.

Explained simply

Imagine you're trying to move to a new country, the Netherlands, because it's not safe in your home country. This updated rule explains how you can ask for protection there, especially if you apply after 12 June. You'll need to go to a special centre first, like a welcome point. They'll ask you questions to check who you are and why you need help. You'll get free advice on how the process works, and then they'll decide if you can stay. If they say 'yes', you'll get a special card that lets you live and work in the Netherlands.

Frequently asked

Version history

  1. v1Effective 1 Sept 2026PublishedHigh impact
    Asylum Application Procedures in the Netherlands Updated

    The Netherlands has explained its current process for applying for asylum. This process applies to people seeking protection from 12 June onwards. First, you must report to an application centre. Then, officials will screen you. Next, you enter the 'Reception and Preparation for Asylum Application' (OVA) phase. This phase lasts up to three days. During this time, officials gather important information and biometrics. After this, you receive legal help. The Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (IND) decides which asylum process applies to your case. The standard asylum process includes a personal interview. A decision is usually given within six months. If your application is successful, you get a three-year asylum residence permit. This permit allows you to work without needing a separate work permit.

Timeline

  1. Announced

    1 Sept 2026

    The Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (IND) has updated its guidance on applying for asylum in the Netherlands. A key change highlights that applicants who submitted their asylum request before 12 June will follow a different procedure than those applying on or after this date. The updated process clarifies the requirements for refugee status, subsidiary protection, and family members, and detail

  2. Takes effect

    12 Jun 2026

    The current procedure for asylum applications in the Netherlands involves several steps: reporting at an application centre (AC Ter Apel or AC Schiphol), undergoing 'screening' for identity, safety, health, and vulnerability, and then a 'Reception and Preparation for Asylum Application' (OVA) phase lasting a maximum of three days. During OVA, personal details, nationality, documents, biometrics, f

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