Refugees from Ukraine

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What happens after the emergency shelter?

Are you currently staying with a host family or in a private shelter or other private form of housing in Utrecht? And would you like to move to the municipal shelter for Ukrainian refugees? If so, you can submit an application. You are eligible to stay in the municipal shelter if you have been registered in the Key Register of Persons (the BRP) in Utrecht for at least 3 months.

Send an e-mail to vluchtelingenvragen@utrecht.nl with your request for a place in the municipal shelter. We will send you a questionnaire, which we use to check things like the above-mentioned 3-month registration period, after which we will start looking for a suitable place for you.

Apply for a new guest household

Is the period in your guest household coming to an end? Send an e-mail to vluchtelingenvragen@utrecht.nl 2 weeks in advance. We will check if there might be another place for you to stay. This could also be outside the Utrecht region. We will only make you an offer once. If you do not want to go to that location, you will have to find and pay for accommodation yourself.

January 2025: personal contribution for municipal shelter

Do you receive an income from work or from benefits? And do you live in a municipal shelter (GOO)? As of January 2025 you will have to pay a contribution for the shelter. You will receive a letter from us if this applies to you. This contribution covers part of the cost of gas, water and electricity. If meals are provided at the shelter, you will also pay a contribution for that. Read more about this on Refugeehelp.

This national regulation went into effect on July 1 2024. From January 1, 2025, this will also apply in Utrecht.

Temporarily absent?

The shelters in Utrecht are very full. For that reason you may stay away from the shelter for a maximum of 14 consecutive days — for example for family visits. Did you not report your absence? Or will you stay away longer without permission? As a consequence your rights to shelter and living allowance will expire. Your place could be given to someone else. Your living allowance will stop on the first day of the next month. If you wish to receive shelter and living allowance again, you will have to apply via the then current application procedure. It is not guaranteed that you will be given shelter in Utrecht again; this could also be in another city.

Always notify your location manager or guest household of your departure at least 1 week in advance — including the reason, duration and how you can be reached.

Do you want to stay away longer than the maximum period? In very exceptional cases, your location or guest household may reserve the shelter place for a longer period of time:

• Ask approval from your location manager or guest household at least 1 week in advance.
• Is this allowed? Report the change for your living allowance at least 1 week in advance. The allowance will continue during the maximum period, but will stop during your absence afterwards.

Receiving visitors

For safety reasons, receiving visitors is possible only with the permission of the location manager. Receiving overnight visitors is not permitted. The living room is only intended for people who have been placed by the local government. Violation of this rule may have consequences for your right to shelter.

Information Points and Helplines

VluchtelingenWerk, Midden-Utrecht Werkt Door and the municipality of Utrecht have information points for Ukrainians in the municipal offices. Address: Stadsplateau 1, next to Utrecht Central Station.

If you have any questions about school, work, money matters, care, safety or activities, you can email oekraine-regio-utrecht@vluchtelingenwerk.nl (response within 3 to 4 working days). Or drop by VluchtelingenWerk on the 3^rd floor without an appointment.

Since 1 June, consultation hours are:

• Monday from 1.00-5.00 pm
• Wednesday from 9.30 am-1.00 pm

You can also schedule an online appointment via RefugeeHelp if you cannot come to the physical consultation hour.

Do you have questions about work? Midden-Utrecht Werkt Door has a walk-in consultation hour for this. This is on Tuesdays from 9.00 am to 12.00 pm, on the 3rd floor.

Do you have questions about shelter or registration with the Municipality? Then email to vluchtelingenvragen@utrecht.nl. For municipal questions you can visit the Service Desk on the ground floor. Opened: Mondays to Fridays, 9:00 am-5:00 pm. For questions about a living allowance, please email to leefgeldoekraine@utrecht.nl.

Helplines

Can't you come by or do you have other questions? Then there's also:

• For all kinds of practical matters, look at RefugeeHelp — or call, whatsapp or chat with their support hotline.
• NPO provides (practical) information via 'Net in Nederland' via Facebook, Telegram (living), Telegram (parenting), Instagram and the NiN site.
• Whatsapp with the Red Cross Helpline.
• Is there something going on at home or in your life you need help with? The Utrecht Neighbourhood Team (Buurtteam Utrecht) is there for you.
• Info about arrival/registration/residence, health(care), work/income, education and childcare from the Dutch Government  (only in Dutch) as well as FAQ's about the situation in Ukraine.

Emergencies and Safety

Fire, accident or a crime? Call 112. Police control room: 0900-88 44.

If you experience an unwanted or unsafe situation in your guest household, call or email your contact person at Vluchtelingenwerk. Alternatively, come to the emergency shelter in the Jaarbeurs.

Refugees are at risk of becoming victims of human trafficking and exploitation. More information: 'Be Safe on the Run' Flyer.

Registering and Moving

You must be registered with a Dutch municipality to be eligible for facilities — such as shelter, living allowance, medical care and education. You can register as a refugee in the Personal Records Database (BRP) of the Municipality of Utrecht if you can show:

• That you have the Ukrainian nationality, with a passport or other ID, or
• That you as a non-Ukrainian had a permanent residence permit for Ukraine.

Make an appointment

Call +31 30-286 00 00 for an appointment to register. Appointments are on working days in the City Office (Stadsplateau 1). Do you live with a guest household? Then you must bring a completed Declaration of Lodging (PDF, 65 kB) (only in Dutch) with you. After registration you will receive your Citizen Service Number (BSN) by post at the specified address within a few days.

No Passport?

If you are a Ukrainian national but have no documents to prove it, the Ukrainian embassy in The Hague can issue a special document. This will allow you to register.

Moving

Are you moving to another (temporary) address? Then you must report this as follows:

Assistance with return to Ukraine

Do you want to travel back to Ukraine? Then check with the Repatriation and Departure Service. You can email them via info@dtv.minvenj.nl or fill in their form for help with return.

Have you stayed in Ukraine but do you not have the Ukrainian nationality? And do you want to return to your country of origin or a safe country? Look for help at IOM Netherlands.

Naar boven

Proof of residency (IND sticker)

As a Ukrainian refugee, you need a proof of residency, so that:

• You can show that you are allowed to live and work in the Netherlands.
• You are allowed to travel abroad (including Ukraine). NB This proof is not recognised everywhere. Read more about its validity.

Make an appointment

You can get this proof (sticker or pass) from the IND by appointment only. Read more about picking up this proof. Questions about this? Call the IND on weekdays (9 am to 5 pm): +31 88-043 0361.

Validity of Proof of residence (IND sticker)

The IND sticker entitles you to temporary protection in the Netherlands until at least 4 March 2025.

Living allowance, Benefits and Banking

Do you have shelter in our Municipality? And not enough money to live on? Find out about the application and requirements of the living allowance.

Do you receive living allowance? This stops when you start doing paid work or receive benefits from the government. And possibly if you move or are temporarily absent. That is why you must immediately report any changes that may affect your living allowance. We will also check ourselves to see if you are still entitled to a living allowance. We do this by reviewing information about your income in a nationwide system.

Benefits (payments by the State)

If you work, you may be entitled to supplementary child benefit, childcare benefit and rent benefit. Find out whether you are eligible for this and submit an application at the Tax Administration. You can get help with this from the 'Buurtteam'.

In case you lose your job, you might be eligible for unemployment benefits ("WW-uitkering"). You can find more information about this on the UWV website.

DigiD

To apply for benefits and arrange taxes, you need a DigiD. DigiD is a system that allows Dutch authorities to check someone's identity on the Internet. On the Refugeehelp website you can find a step-by-step guide of how to apply for a DigiD and how this works. This guide is also available in Ukrainian.

Banking and Paying

You can open a Dutch bank account. To get your living allowance, you should do this as soon as possible. If you can’t do this in time, you will receive a BNG prepaid debit card. We will pay the living allowance via this card for a maximum of 3 months. Using the card and your PIN, you can pay at any payment terminal in the Netherlands. And withdraw cash from ATMs. After receiving the card, you still need to open a Dutch bank account as soon as possible.

Work and Internship

As a Ukrainian you are allowed to work in the Netherlands. A (special) work permit is no longer required for this. Read more about work and income.

Looking for a job?

Find a job through RefugeeWork. For advice and information about working, contact Midden-Utrecht Werk Door.

Internship and Volunteer work

As a Ukrainian you are allowed to volunteer without a work permit. The employer must apply for a voluntary work statement (only in Dutch) from the UWV.

We have outsourced the management of Municipal shelters to other organisations. They arrange their own staff. Would you like to do (volunteer) work in or around your shelter? Please indicate this to the manager.

Working and Living allowance

Have you found a paid job? Then you must submit your changes for your living allowance. The payments will end on the first day of the following month. The living allowance for the entire family will end if an adult (18+) starts doing paid work. We will also check ourselves to see if you are still entitled to a living allowance. We do this by reviewing information about your income in a nationwide system.

This also applies if an adult receives a benefit. For example, for unemployment or incapacity for work. We can only deviate from this in very special situations. If this is the case, please email leefgeldoekraine@utrecht.nl.

Are you earning less with paid work than you would when receiving living allowance? Are you unable to make ends meet? Then email leefgeldoekraine@utrecht.nl. Have you stopped working? You might be eligible for unemployment benefits ("WW-uitkering). You can find more information about this on the UWV website.

Education, Studies and Childcare

Children from 5 to 16 years old are required by law to attend school. Young people between the ages of 16 and 18 who have not yet obtained a havo, vwo or mbo (level 2 or higher) diploma are still required to attend school as well.

• Is your child between 4 and 12 years old? Then register with the Taalschool (only in Dutch) via start@taalschoolutrecht.nl.
• You can register a child aged 2.5 to 4 for pre-school (only in Dutch). Questions? Mail vve@utrecht.nl.
• You can register your child under the age of 4 for childcare (only in Dutch) (if you live in a guest household, also in some churches.) Questions? Mail toezichtkinderopvang.vg@utrecht.nl.
• Pupils aged 12 to 18 can make an intake appointment via the website of Ithaka.
• You will find children's books and educational materials at the Youth Library.

For students/adults:

• Look for questions about studying at UAF. Register with Utrecht University as an Incluusion student.
• Would you like to learn (better) Dutch? Look at Taalhulp or Taal Doet Meer (only in Dutch).

School holidays

Children in the Netherlands get 5 holidays during the school year. The exact dates vary by region and year. Utrecht is part of the central region of the Netherlands. The Dutch government website lists the exact school holiday dates per region. Spring and autumn holidays may vary by school. Please read the school's handbook for specific information.

Parents/caregivers arrange for childcare themselves during the holidays. Churches can sometime take on a role in childcare. Each summer, various neighbourhoods organise a children's summer programme. All children are welcome to participate. Information on this is available through the school.

Schools do not arrange for childcare during the holidays. It is also not common for children to attend camps. There are camps for children to go to, but you must pay for these yourself. Children enrolled in out-of-school care (BSO) can also go here during vacations.

Health and Medical care

As a refugee from Ukraine, you have access to basic healthcare. You do not have to pay a fee. But you sometimes have to pay (partly) for medications.

Emergency care/Hospital

Life-threatening complaint? Call 112. Or go to the Diakonessenhuis hospital (24/7): Burg. Fockema Andreaelaan 60, Utrecht. For any other visit to a hospital or a specialist, first go to a GP for a referral. Also watch the video This is how emergency care works in the Netherlands.

General Practitioner (GP)

If you are staying with a host family, find a GP in your area via Zorgkaart Nederland (only in Dutch) and give them a call. Watch the video about visiting the GP in the Netherlands.

If you are staying at a municipal reception centre, please contact the Arene online GP practice or register using this link: Registration Ukrainian refugees (arene.nl).

Mental Health

Do you feel gloomy, afraid or tense? Do you sleep badly? Or do you keep reliving memories of a terrible event? See World Psychologists, NtVP or visit a GP.

Psychological help is also available for children and young people from organizations such as Vital’nya, Empatia, Switchboard (lhbtqia+). Check this page for an overview: RefugeeHelp - Psychological support for Ukrainian refugees.

Emergency Dentist

For emergency dental care, you can phone a dental practice near you. Find one via Zorgkaart Nederland (only in Dutch). Does this practice have no place? Then it must refer you to another. Read more about fees​​​​​​ for dental care. Also watch the video This is how dental care works in the Netherlands.

Pharmacy

If you are staying with a host family, look for a pharmacy in your area via Zorgkaart Nederland.

If the pharmacy is closed, go to the Dienstapotheek Utrecht Utrecht, address: Burg. Fockema Andreaelaan 60. 

Watch the video about Medication use in the Netherlands.

If you are staying at a municipal reception centre and have a GP through Arene, they will tell you pharmacy to use.

Corona vaccination

As a Ukrainian, you can get your Covid jab(s) for free at a GGD injection location:

• Getting a corona jab: make an appointment.

Youth healthcare

You can make use of Youth Healthcare Utrecht (phone: +31 30-286 3300) services for free:

• Local baby and child health clinics which also vaccinate babies/children.
• Questions about health and raising children (up to the age of 18)

Pregnancy

Pregnant? Register with the Midwifery Practice Utrecht West (only in Dutch). Address: Marco Pololaan 111 or Jan Pieterszoon Coenhof 200. Phone: +31 30-288 6666, emergencies: +31 6-5472 3979. Also watch the video This is how pregnancy care works in the Netherlands.

Deaf or hard of hearing?

The Utrecht Sudo Foundation (only in Dutch) can support you with interpreters and more. Mail them via info@sudo-utrecht.nl. Do you want to communicate with deaf and hard of hearing Ukrainians? Read the flyer with tips (PDF, 125 kB).

Claims

If you are a care provider, medical care for Ukrainian refugees is reimbursed.

Blind or partially sighted?

De Oogvereniging (the eye foundation) can offer information and advice. Please visit the support page of Oogvereniging (in Dutch). 

Transport

Public transport

As a refugee, the trip to a shelter by public transport ('OV') is free. But once you stay there, you have to pay for it. An OV chip card is required for trains, buses, trams and subways. The card costs € 8. You must put money on it to be able to use public transport.

Cycling (lessons)

The Municipality does not arrange a bike for you. The living allowance is intended for this as well. An exception is made for medical and school transport (see below).

School-age children receive free cycling lessons through their school. As an adult you can sign up for this at the Fietsmeesters (€ 15 for 10 lessons).

Bicycles for school pupils

School-age children can request a bicycle through their location manager. Per family, 1 supervisor of Taalschool pupils can get an adult bike. Child seats are also available. Guest households can often arrange an extra children's bike. 

Parking

There are 3 zones in the city center where you have to pay for parking. The timeslots when you have to pay differ per zone. 

• Zone A1: Monday – Saturday 7 am – 1 am and Sunday 12 pm – 6 pm.
• Zone A2: Monday – Saturday 9 am – 11 pm.
• Zone B1: differs per parking zone.

More information on parking zones (in Dutch)

Pets

If you brought a pet with from Ukraine, you need to take it to a vet as soon as possible — for examination, registration and vaccinations if necessary. It will then need to be quarantined at home.

You can book a free appointment at Dierenartspraktijk Rijnlaan. Address: Rijnlaan 25, Utrecht, telephone: +31 30-2883 495. Read more about this at NVWA.

Get Help for your Pet. In case of emergency, you can call the animal ambulance on +31 (0)6-5477 2700.

Please note that pets are not allowed at shelter locations. Exceptions are made in rare cases.

Social, cultural and sports activities

As a Ukrainian you can participate in all kinds of activities in Utrecht:

• In Vital'nya Anne (Anne's living room) you can meet other Ukrainians. There are also all kinds of (cultural) activities for children, young people and adults. Every day from 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm. Address: Kanaalweg 86. See also Instagram
• Would you like to meet Dutch people in a homely atmosphere and have a nice meal together and possibly cook? Read more and join Ukrainians for Dinner.
• Many activities — in fields such as: language, sports/games, creative, culture, children/young people and beauty — can be found at Welkom in Utrecht.
• Do you or your child want to sport? Check the possibilities at SportUtrecht (only in Dutch).
• You can meet other Ukrainians via the Ukrainian church in the Sint-Aloysius Church (only in Dutch) (address: Adriaan van Ostadelaan 2-4) and in Meetingpoints in churches.

Summer holidays

Children are out of school for 6 weeks during the summer holidays. Many neighbourhoods organise additional activities during that time. Schools can provide more information about summer programmes in de neighbourhoods. For current available programs, check the websites of Dock (only in Dutch), JOU (only in Dutch) and Welkom in Utrecht.