Asylum in the Netherlands
IND decision, COA reception
People seeking protection report in person at an IND application centre, usually Ter Apel, or at Schiphol if they arrive by air or sea before border control. After a screening and preparation phase of up to 3 days, the IND assigns a border, responsibility (AMMR/Dublin), admissibility, accelerated or standard procedure. A positive decision gives an asylum residence permit stating refugee status, subsidiary protection, or family member status. From 12 June 2026 a permanent asylum residence permit can no longer be applied for.
Life in Netherlands
Money
3
Currency
Euro
EUR
Euro
Cost of living
87
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
35.75–49.5%
Income tax (national)
VAT 21%
Box 1 rates include national insurance premiums: 35.75% to EUR 38,883 (8.10% tax + 27.65% premiums), 37.56% to EUR 78,426, 49.50% above; lower first-bracket rate after state pension age.
Living
1
Happiness
#7 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Who it’s for
People in the Netherlands or arriving at a Dutch border who fear persecution or serious harm, and close family of recent asylum permit holders.
Eligibility
Refugee
A well-founded fear of persecution in your country for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership of a particular social group (Geneva Convention).
Subsidiary protection
A well-founded fear of serious harm, such as the death penalty or execution, torture or inhuman treatment, or a serious personal threat from random violence in armed conflict.
Family member
Your spouse, partner, parent or minor child recently received an asylum residence permit in the Netherlands.
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- 7 more requirements
- 6 documents
- 2 fees
- 8 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Official sources
Other routes to Netherlands
- Visit & tourismSchengen tourist & business visa
- StudyStudent residence permit for university or higher professional education
- Work permitsResidence permit for highly skilled migrant
- FamilyResidence permit to stay with a partner
- CitizenshipNaturalisatie
