This is how living in the asylum reception centre that the government arranges for you works
During the asylum procedure, you stay in different reception centres of the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA). Sometimes there is not enough space in normal reception centres. You may have to stay in a temporary reception centre. If your request for asylum is approved, you may stay in the Netherlands. You will then qualify for a home.
During your registration you will stay at the reception centre in Ter Apel
This is called the central reception centre. There is only one central reception centre in the Netherlands. At the moment there is often not enough space at the central reception centre in Ter Apel. Therefore, during registration you are sometimes taken to a
Your stay after the application
After you report to the police (
Due to crowding, there is not enough space in the normal reception centres. Therefore, sometimes you are taken to a temporary reception centre. There are fewer facilities in the temporary reception centre than in a normal reception centre. You may change temporary reception centres.
Read more about living in a temporary reception centre here:I am staying in a temporary reception centre
You may be able to lodge with family or friends during the asylum process. Read more here about You may now temporarily stay with acquaintances if you have sought asylum
These organisations are present in the reception centre
In the reception centre, the
MyCoa
Here is what you can do if you are unhappy with the reception centre
You have no right to a house as an asylum seeker in the Netherlands
You cannot get a rental home in the Netherlands until you have a residence permit. So when your asylum application is approved. But even then it can take a long time. Because there are many people who are waiting for a home. Dutch people too. You end up on a waiting list. Until you have a home, you will live in a COA reception centre. Even if you already have a residence permit.
Your stay after the asylum procedure
After the asylum procedure, you go to an
You have received a residence permit and are waiting for housing. You are entitled to a reception centre until the municipality has found a home for you.
You are in the Extended Asylum Procedure (VA).
The IND has rejected your asylum application. You may stay in an AZC for another 28 days.
Please note: If you are between 13 and 18 years old and do not have any parents or guardians with you in the Netherlands, you go to a special reception centre for children. If you are younger than 13 and do not have any parents or guardians with you in the Netherlands, you will go to a foster family.