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Information for Ukrainian refugees in the Netherlands

Protection until 4 March 2028, extended automatically

Information checked in October–November 2026.

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Important to know

Since 5.08.2026 new applicants liable for military service must prove exemption or service (except those protected in the EU before then or joining protected family). Shelter places are scarce; working residents pay a fee. A 3-year 'transition document' after protection ends is planned (not final). IND: temporary protection · Work and income (gov.)

Status and documents

How long protection lasts
Until 4 March 2028 (EU decision), extended automatically — no action needed. The IND sticker/card is valid only in the Netherlands; a sticker in an expired passport stays valid.
Documents
Passport or other ID to register with the municipality (non-Ukrainians: Ukrainian permanent residence permit). Ages 23–60 liable for service or reservists: proof of exemption or service (exit stamp ≤90 days old, Reserve+, military ID).
Where and how to apply
Register with the municipality (gemeente, BRP), then within 4 weeks visit the IND to sign form M35H and collect the sticker/card. Arriving by plane: also possible at Schiphol. Not in Ter Apel. Free.
Processing time
The application starts on municipal registration (may be delayed if documents are checked). IND appointment within 4 weeks; the proof of residency is handed out at the appointment.
When protection ends
When EU protection ends (now 4 March 2028); if you apply for protection in another EU country; on request via the IND. If you deregister to return to Ukraine, you must register again to come back. Shelter residents away >28 days lose shelter and leefgeld.

Travel, pets and language

How to get there
Bus: e.g. FlixBus Kyiv–Amsterdam, up to 12 trips a day, from ~33 h. Train: to Poland, then via Germany. Plane: from Poland, Romania or Moldova. Car: via Poland and Germany.
Pets
Full EU rules since 15.06.2023: microchip, rabies vaccination, antibody test, EU health certificate. By car: check in the first EU country; by plane: declare the pet to Dutch customs. Shelters often cannot take pets.
Languages
Dutch (poor Dutch is a main barrier to finding a matching job); English as a bridge language.

Work, healthcare and education

Right to work
Yes, as an employee without a work permit (TWV): you need a contract and IND proof of residency; the employer notifies UWV at least 2 working days before you start. Self-employment requires a TWV.
Jobs in demand
Care (carers, nurses), primary-school teachers, ICT (developers, security specialists), mechanics and fitters, building trades, engineers, administrative staff.
Healthcare
Yes. Basic-package care is paid by the RMO scheme, free for you. With work and income you may take out your own Dutch health insurance (then the RMO no longer applies).
Kindergarten
Childcare (kinderopvang) is paid; parents who work can get childcare allowance (kinderopvangtoeslag). Municipalities may offer some playgroup or pre-school (VVE) hours. Children may start primary school at 4.
School
Yes, primary education is free; school is compulsory from 5 to 16. Newcomer classes: special primary classes and international transition classes (ISK) for ages 12–18.

Benefits

Housing support
Municipal shelter (GOO), but many municipalities lack places. Since 01.08.2026 adults with income pay up to €244.22/month (+ up to €260.97 for meals if cooked for them). Social housing waiting lists average ~7 years.
One-time payment
None.
Monthly allowance for adults
Living allowance (leefgeld) from 01.08.2026: €260.97 food (single, if no meals are provided) + €65.77 clothing = €326.74/month; less per person in larger households; +€77.16 with a host family. Stops for the whole household if an adult works.
Monthly allowance for children
Leefgeld per child per month: food €216.41 (household of 2), €183.94 (3), €162.33 (4+) + €65.77 clothing. Child benefit (kinderbijslag, SVB) if a parent works.

Cost of living

Average rent
Approx., 1-bedroom flat per month: Amsterdam €2,320 centre / €1,760 outside; Rotterdam €1,610 / €1,330; Eindhoven €1,520 / €1,270; Groningen €1,140 / €740 (Numbeo, June 2026).
Groceries per person per month
Approx. €320–370 per person per month (Numbeo, June 2026: Eindhoven ~€320, Rotterdam ~€340, Amsterdam ~€370).
Kindergarten fees
Approx. €1,650–2,600/month for full-time private daycare before allowance (Numbeo, June 2026: Groningen ~€1,650, Rotterdam ~€2,410, Amsterdam ~€2,580).
Private school fees
Public schools are free. International primary school approx. €7,300/year (Groningen) to €18,600/year (Amsterdam) (Numbeo, June 2026).
Health insurance cost
Not needed while covered by the RMO. Own Dutch basic insurance: approx. €159/month (2026 average) + €385/year compulsory deductible; low incomes can get healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag).
Documents, consulates, legal helpThe same in every country: e-Consul, Diia, free legal aid, a psychologist.

All information is for reference only. Rules and benefits change often, so some of it may be out of date. Always check with official sources before making a decision.

If you spot an inaccuracy, please write to us at howtohelpuacom@gmail.com.