Everyone deserves to live free from fear and enjoy human rights—no matter their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics. But in many countries, LGBTIQ+ people face discrimination, violence, and danger simply for being themselves.

If you fear persecution, violence, or inhumane treatment in your home country—whether from the government or others—you can apply for asylum in the Netherlands. This means asking for protection and the right to live safely in another country.

Below is a short overview of the Dutch asylum procedure.

 

Reporting and registration 

  • When you arrive in the Netherlands, you must apply for asylum at an application centre.
  • There are two application centres in the Netherlands.
    • If you arrived by land, you can go to the application centre in Ter Apel.
    • If you arrive at an airport or port, and you do not have a valid visa, you can apply for asylum at the border by reporting to the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee.

Application centre Ter Apel

  • If you arrived by land, you can go to the application centre in Ter Apel.
  • The Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) will provide housing, food and medical care.
  • You will start the general asylum procedure. Below is an overview of the general asylum procedure.

Application centre Schiphol

  • If you arrive in the Netherlands at an airport or port and do not have a valid visa, you can ask for asylum at the border. You do this by reporting to the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (border police).
  • You will stay in a closed reception centre near Schiphol Airport while your asylum request is being processed. This means you cannot leave the location during this time.
  • You will go through the border procedure. This procedure is similar to the general asylum procedure. The main difference is the time it takes: the border procedure lasts up to 28 days, while the general asylum procedure can take several months or even years.

 

Application interview

  • You will meet with an employee of the Dutch Immigration Services (IND) who will ask you basic questions about your identity, nationality, and travel route. An interpreter is provided.

 

Rest and Preparation Time

  • During this time, you can prepare for your asylum procedure.
  • The Dutch Council for Refugees (VWN) will give information about the Dutch asylum procedure.
  • You can get a lawyer to help you prepare for your asylum interview. Usually, a lawyer will be provided by the Legal Aid Board for free.
  • You will have a medical examination to check if you are healthy enough to continue with the procedure. This is optional.

 

The asylum procedure 

  • Detailed Interview: You will meet again with an IND employee. This time, you will share your story and explain why you are applying for asylum. An interpreter will be provided.
  • You will receive a report of the interview. You and your lawyer can check it and correct any mistakes or add missing information.
  • First Decision: You will get a letter from the IND. It will say whether your asylum request is accepted, declined, or needs more investigation. If declined, you and your lawyer can respond before the final decision.
  • Second Decision: After reviewing your response, the IND will make a final decision. You can appeal this decision. Again, the IND may accept, decline, or decide that your asylum request needs further investigation.

 

The extended asylum procedure

  • If the IND decides that your asylum request needs further investigation, you will enter the extended asylum procedure. This means the decision will take longer.
  • You may be interviewed again if the IND has more questions.
  • If you registered at Schiphol Airport and stayed in a closed reception centre, you will move to an open reception centre run by COA during the extended procedure.

 

Learn more

This information on this page is subject to change. For detailed and up-to-date information visit the website of the Dutch Immigration Authorities or RefugeeHelp
The information on this page is meant to give you a brief overview of the Dutch asylum procedure. It is not legal advice. For legal advice, please consult an asylum lawyer.