These are the different types of reception locations if you apply for asylum in the Netherlands
If you apply for asylum in the Netherlands, you are entitled to a place in a reception centre. There are different types of reception locations, depending on your situation and how long you have to wait for a decision on your asylum application. Sometimes you will be moved to another reception location during your procedure. Below you can read more about the different reception locations.
Application centre in Ter Apel
Ter Apel is the 1st reception centre you arrive at when you apply for asylum. If there is no space in Ter Apel, you may have to stay temporarily in a reception centre nearby.
In Ter Apel, your asylum application will be registered with the
This is how long you stay in Ter Apel
These facilities are available in Ter Apel
Reception centre near an IND office
After your identification, registration and application for asylum, you will go (if there is room) to another reception centre in the Netherlands. You usually go to a reception centre close to an IND office. This way you can easily travel to your appointments with the IND.
This is how long you stay in the reception centre
These facilities exist in the reception centre
Emergency reception centres: Temporary reception centre
Emergency reception centres are used when there is no more room in regular reception centres. These are often temporary places, such as sports halls, hotels, old business premises or boats. When even these are full, municipalities sometimes arrange other reception centres, such as large tents with heating. In emergency reception centres, the amount of space per person is often limited. This can lead to stress, which is why it is seen as a temporary solution.
This is how long you stay in an emergency reception centre
Facilities in temporary reception centres
Reception in an asylum seekers' centre (ASC)
If the IND needs more time for your asylum application, or if you have a residence permit but no house yet, you usually live in the ASC. Even if your asylum application is rejected, you will first stay in the ASC. Sometimes you come here earlier due to a shortage of places in reception centres. ASCs are located throughout the country and are intended for longer stays.
This is how long you stay in an asylum seekers' centre
Facilities in asylum seekers' centres
Reception centre if your asylum application and appeal have been rejected
If your asylum application and appeal have been rejected, you must leave the Netherlands within 28 days of the rejection. Until then, you can stay in the ASC. Are you unable to leave the Netherlands in time? Then sometimes you can stay in a freedom restricting location for a maximum of 12 weeks.
If you still cannot return to your country of origin after that, the reception usually stops. You must then find a place to live on your own. Families with children under 18 always receive a place in a reception centre. They go to a family location, because children under 18 in the Netherlands have a right to a safe place.