Ukraine

Refugees from Ukraine seeking shelter in Rotterdam: all beds in the municipal shelters in the Rotterdam-Rijnmond region are currently occupied. If you report to the emergency shelter location Max Euwelaan 1, Rotterdam. Link opens an external page, we will look for a place for you elsewhere in the Netherlands.

When you apply for shelter, the municipality will look for a place where there is room for you. This will be outside the Rotterdam region, because the beds in the municipal shelter locations in Rotterdam are occupied. Unfortunately, you cannot choose the municipality in which you wish to be housed.

You can, of course, make your own arrangements for accommodation. You will then have to pay any costs of accommodation yourself.

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, many of the residents of Rotterdam have shown their sympathy for refugees like you. Some have volunteered at a municipal shelter location. Others have collected goods or money. And other people, like the family where you live, have offered housing.

You are now living with a host family from Rotterdam. This requires adaptation and mutual understanding. From you and from your host family.

It is a good idea to make agreements together about how you will live together. And how you will contribute to the host family's household.

Have you been living with a host family for a while now? Then it is good to regularly discuss the agreements made. Do the arrangements still fit in with what you and your host family like? Maybe new agreements are needed?

You can contribute to the host family in many ways. By helping with the household, for example. You can also make a financial contribution to the extra costs that the host family incurs for you.

Below you can find a list of topics on which you can make agreements together. Perhaps not all topics apply to your situation. In that case, skip them. If necessary, add other topics to the list that are appropriate to your situation.

Discussion points

• Food
  • Cooking: who cooks when? Eating together or separately? Fixed meal times or changing times?
  • Shopping: together or separately? Fixed moments in the week?
• Sleeping
  • Who sleeps where?
  • Fixed times for rest in the house for work, school and sleeping?
• Bathroom
  • Who uses it, when and for how long?
• Work or school
  • Who? On which days and at which times?
• Relaxation
  • Use of media (TV, internet, streaming services etc.) and computer
  • Use things in/around the house for recreation, for example (computer) games, toys and bicycles.
  • Sports: on which days and at which times?
  • Holidays: who goes on holiday when and what do we agree on?
• Privacy
  • Which areas or rooms are private? Where can everybody come and at what times?
  • Receiving guests yes or no? How many guests? At what times? And how long can guests stay?
• Housekeeping
  • Key - who has a key?
  • tidying up and cleaning the kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms and communal areas.
  • Washing (clothes, towels, bedding).
  • What to do in case of damage in or to the house (insurance).
  • Usage of electricity, gas and water.
  • Pets.
• Dealing with each other
  • Correcting children yes/no.
  • Directly address yes/no.
  • Always available yes/no.
  • What to do in case of illness.
  • Fixed moments to talk to each other.
  • Fixed moments to discuss agreements made in this agreement.

• If you are going away for 2 or fewer nights, please report this to the location manager. Your room will remain available to you.
• If you are going away for more than 2 nights, you should discuss with the location manager when you will return. The location manager will consider whether your room remains available to you.
• If you stay away for more than 1 night and the location manager is not informed, the manager may decide to make your room available for other refugees.

Refugees from Ukraine can get temporary protection in the Netherlands through the European Union Temporary Protection Directive. You can find more information on IND.nl. Link opens an external page.

You can find more information about possible assistance for returning to Ukraine at the Repatriation and Departure Service. Link opens an external page.

You can get additional support and a financial contribution for returning to your country of origin or a country outside the European Union. You can find more information at Repatriation and Departure Service. Link opens an external page (Dienstterugkeerenvertrek.nl).

You can find a flyer on Flyer Remigration Policy. Link opens an external page for more information on the remigration policy. It is also available in French. Link opens an external page and Arabic. Link opens an external page.

Travelling with your pet from Ukraine or Russia? See a vet and ensure that your pet has had its rabies vaccination. More information on english.nvwa.nl/news/news/2022/03/09/import-rules-for-pets-from-ukraine. Link opens an external page

There is a national hotline for help for the pets of Ukrainian refugees. They can assist with vaccination, medical care or practical issues such as travel crates, pet food or temporary shelter.

You can call the hotline from Monday-Friday 9.00 - 17.00 +31 (0)88 811 33 33, email info@hulpvoordierenuitoekraine.nl. Link opens an external page or visit hulpvoordierenuitoekraine.nl. Link opens an external page.

Whether or not you’re entitled to Temporary Protection in the Netherlands will depend on your individual situation if you have fled from Ukraine, but you don’t have the Ukrainian nationality. Following is an explanation of the rules and the help and support you’re entitled to. 

Your right to Temporary Protection has been extended until September 4.

You are entitled to Temporary Protection until 4th September 2023 if

You had a valid, temporary, Ukrainian residence permit on 23rd February 2022, for example for work or education purposes, and you were registered with a Dutch municipality before 19th July 2022. Your right of residence in the Netherlands based on Temporary Protection will lapse after 4th September 2023.

You will not be entitled to Temporary Protection if

• You have a temporary Ukrainian residence permit, for example for work or education purposes, and you were not registered with a Dutch municipality before 19th July 2022.
• You don’t have adequate documentation to prove you’re covered by Temporary Protection.

You are entitled to Temporary Protection until at least 4th September 2024 if

• You were eligible for international protection in Ukraine on 23rd February 2022, for example as a recognised refugee. Or in case of another form of (national) protection, as you’re not safe in your country of origin.
• You had a valid and permanent Ukrainian residence permit on 23rd February 2022. You travelled out of Ukraine after 26th November 2021 and you have not visited your country of origin since 23rd February 2022.
• You are a partner, an unmarried child under the age of 18, or a cohabiting family member of someone who has Temporary Protection and you lived together in Ukraine before the war broke out.

You are entitled to shelter, work, healthcare and education for your children if you are eligible for Temporary Protection. You can find more information about Temporary Protection and the relevant conditions on Ukraine Temporary Protection Directive | IND. Link opens an external page.

When should I get in touch with the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND)?

• If your situation is not clear. The IND will assess your documents in order to decide whether or not you’ll be eligible for protection in the Netherlands. The Municipality of Rotterdam will arrange an appointment with the IND. You can stay in one of the Municipality of Rotterdam's reception locations, or with your host family, until your appointment date. 
• To apply for proof of Temporary Protection. You can prove your entitlement to Temporary Protection with a sticker or pass. You can make an appointment for this with the IND. Link opens an external page.
• When you’ve received a letter from the IND and you want to object to the decision. Do you have documents with which you can prove you will still be entitled to Temporary Protection after 4th September 2023? Then you can submit a copy of your documents to the IND within two weeks of receiving the letter.

Accommodation options in the Netherlands

If the IND decides that you are not eligible for Temporary Protection, you have the following options for remaining in the Netherlands:

• Asylum procedure: If you have an IND sticker and you are no longer entitled to Temporary Protection, the asylum procedure will automatically start. During this procedure, you must stay in the Netherlands. You will be given accommodation, your living allowance will expire and you will no longer be allowed to work. You can read more about the asylum procedure and the applicable conditions on Applying for asylum in the Netherlands | IND. Link opens an external page.
• Regular procedure: You also have the option of applying for other residence permits in the Netherlands, for example for education or work purposes, or possibly on medical grounds. You can read more about the various different residence permits on Residence Permits | IND. Link opens an external page.
• Departure from the Netherlands: help with returning to your own country or Ukraine or whilst in transit You may be eligible for support from the Repatriation and Departure Service (DT&V) if you want to return to your country of origin, or whilst in transit to another country.
• Return to country of origin. You can contact the Repatriation and Departure Service (DT&V) or the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). 

You may be eligible for (financial) support from the DT&V if you had a temporary residence permit in Ukraine and you were registered with a Dutch municipality before 19th July 2022. You can find the relevant conditions and the option to register on Remigration Policy for non-Ukrainian refugees | News Report | Repatriation and Departure Service (DT&V). Link opens an external page.

• Return to Ukraine. Is your residence permit in Ukraine still valid and do you want to return to Ukraine? Then you can either do this yourself, or request support from the Repatriation and Departure Service (DT&V). Link opens an external page.
• In transit to another country. You can be in transit to another country either within or outside of the EU with a valid travel document (and possibly a visa). Any travelling you do will be at your own risk. You may be arrested by the police if you continue to be in transit without a residence permit after your Temporary Protection has ended, as you'll be staying in Europe illegally. This may result in you being deported to your country of origin.

If it is life-threatening, call 112. You will then be put through to the control room of the police, ambulance and fire brigade.

For emergency care, you can go to Erasmus MC or Sint Franciscus Gasthuis (on the North bank of Rotterdam) or Maasstad or Ikazia Hospital (on the South bank of Rotterdam).

If you are staying at a municipal reception location, you can also go to the location manager or nurse.

Watch a video on this subject on Youtube.com. Link opens an external page.

If you are staying at a municipal shelter location, report to the location manager, nurse or security staff. They can then contact the General Medical Practice Service Center (huisartsenpost) for you.

If you are staying at a private shelter location, you must call the General Medical Practice Service Center yourself.

Watch a video on this subject on Youtube.com. Link opens an external page

No, as of 1 July 2022 the Regulation on Medical Care for Displaced Persons from Ukraine (abbreviated as RMO) will enter into force. Your healthcare provider can therefore declare the reimbursement of medical care more easily.

Do you already have health insurance? As from August 1, you no longer need health insurance to receive medical care, because you are covered by the RMO.

More information about this regulation can be found on RefugeeHelp - Healthcare - Health insurance. Link opens an external page.

Medicine is prescribed by a doctor. The doctor writes a prescription, which can be collected at the pharmacy.

Watch a video on this subject on Youtube.com. Link opens an external page

If you are staying at a municipal shelter location, you can go to the location manager or the nurse if he or she is present.

If you are staying with a private shelter location, you can contact a midwife practice in the area yourself.

Watch a video on this subject on Youtube.com. Link opens an external page

You can do a self-test. These are available from supermarkets, drugstores and pharmacies. Inform the location manager or nurse if there is one available. If you test positive, it is important that you go into isolation.

If you are staying at a municipal shelter, you do not have to do that yourself. If you have a request for care, report it to the location manager or the nurse. 

Are you staying at a private accommodation? Then you can go to the family doctor of the host family.

Watch a video on this subject on Youtube.com. Link opens an external page

In case of physical symptoms, you can go to a dentist in the vicinity of your shelter without a referral. Only in the case of acute physical symptoms a reimbursement of up to € 250 is possible from the Medical Care for Displaced Persons Regulation (abbreviated as 'RMO').

Children aged 0 to 18 are an exception to this. The dental costs for them are covered by the subsidy scheme.

Because of the pressure on dental care in the Netherlands, you sometimes have to wait.

Watch a video on this subject on Youtube.com. Link opens an external page

You can contact the Centre for Youth and Family (CJG). Call 088 201 00 00 or go to CJG Rijnmond. Link opens an external page.

You can go to the Vraagwijzer for questions about for example administration, parenting, legal issues, money or health.

It is a free counter of the municipality of Rotterdam. The service desk is located at various places in the city and in the Ukrainian House, Pleinweg 196A. The Vraagwijzer is present here on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 13.00 to 17.00 to answer questions from refugees about finances, medical care, education, etcetera. You can also visit all other Vraagwijzer locations. . The Vraagwijzer employees can report you to the 'Wijkteam' Ukraine (District team Ukraine).

Vraagwijzer

The district team can support you with questions about upbringing, relationships and other problems that require more extensive conversations.

You cannot apply for this yourself. The 'Vraagwijzer', the Centre for Youth and Family, your family doctor or another care provider can refer you to the district team.

Go to the page Wijkteams (district teams).

For any medical questions, you can turn to the Red Cross. Send your question, including your name and phone number, in a Whatsapp-message or a voice memo to +316 481 580 53. The Red Cross will answer your questions in your own language.

For questions about corona, please visit Vragenovercorona.nl. Link opens an external page.

For questions on infectious diseases, tuberculosis, vaccinations and population screening, please visit Information for refugees from Ukraine | RIVM. Link opens an external page.

You can get your first, second or booster shot for free at every GGD-vaccination location, without making an appointment. Make sure you bring a valid ID with you. Please note: locations are not open every day of the week. For the latest information on locations and opening hours, check:

Coronavaccinatie (zonder afspraak) | GGD Rotterdam-Rijnmond. Link opens an external page

Do you currently stay in a hotel, boat or any of the other municipal accommodations? Please report to the site manager.

Have you arranged your own accommodation, for example with a host family or with your family or friends? You can arrange your registration, without making an appointment, at municipal service desk ('Publiekslocaties') location Centrum.

You can register between 12 and 1 pm on Mondays to Fridays.

The following conditions apply:

1. You need to have the Ukranian nationality.
2. You need to bring a valid, international passport.
3. If available, bring the birth certificates, marriage certificate and/or divorce certificate of all your family members with you.
4. You need to fill in this registration form (this form will soon be available in Ukranian).
5. Your host/hostess needs to fill in the form 'Verklaring van inwoning', with a copy of his/her ID-card.

If you can’t meet these conditions, you need to wait for further information. We will keep you informed through this website.
Ukranians can also make an appointment to register next week at the Ukranian House at Pleinweg 196a. The same conditions apply as mentioned above.

With a registration in the BRP (Basisregistratie Personen) you will gain the right to certain social benefits. These include accommodation, support for cost of living, medical care and education. Upon registration your personal data will not be shared by the government of the Netherlands with other nations governments.

This proof will either be a sticker in your passport, or a loose piece of paper. You will sometimes be issued with a pass (O-document). The sticker shows you’re legally permitted to be in the Netherlands until 4th March 2024. You will not be allowed to live or work in the Netherlands without this proof.

You can find more information about the residence certificate and making an appointment on the IND website. Link opens an external page.

From 27 January, the IND will extend your proof of residence (sticker). Everyone registered in the BRP will receive a personal letter about the extension from the IND. You will receive a personal letter about the extension of the O-document from the IND in February. For the validity of your proof of residence, you must keep this letter in a safe place. You will receive a personal letter about the extension of the O-document in February. At IND.nl. Link opens an external page you can read more about the extension of your residence permit.

When you move from a host family or private shelter location to a municipal shelter you will need to inform the municipality. Also, if you move from a municipal shelter to a private shelter location or a host family, you must report your move. If you relocate within or out of Rotterdam, move to another city or move abroad, you must report this to the municipality.

Below we explain what to do in which situation. You can fill in forms at the reception locations and at the Ukranian House. An employee of the municipality can help you with this.

Move to another municipality

When you move/relocate from Rotterdam to another municipality, you need to notify the new municipality of your move/relocation. This will not change your official registration (Basisregistratie Personen, BRP).

Move to another country

When you move/relocate from Rotterdam to another country you need to cancel your official registration at the municipality of Rotterdam. You will no longer be registered in the BRP (Basisregistratie Personen).

When you stay with a host family, you will receive a monthly living allowance. In order to receive this allowance you must be officially registered by the municipality of Rotterdam (Basisregistratie Personen, BRP). For more information please read the answer for the question: How can I register in the Netherlands?

Your registration in the BRP will be completed around 5 working days after your registration. As soon as the registration is completed, you will receive an invitation to collect a special bank card within 7 working days.

We will deposit your living allowance on this special bank card. It will therefore take a little over 2 weeks after your registration in the BRP before you receive a living allowance.

We deposit the living allowance on your living allowance bank card every 5th of the month. Are you going to register in the Netherlands for the first time? In this case, the living allowance is calculated on a pro rata basis and paid immediately. If you move to another municipality within the Netherlands, you will already have received the living allowance for that month from your current municipality and the living allowance will start from the first of the following month.

You can also have your living allowance deposited into a personal bank account. You must then have or open a Dutch bank account. Link opens an external page.

In the table below you can see what amount you will receive each month. These amounts apply until 1 April 2023. The living allowance is composed of budgets for food, personal expenses and housing costs. The living allowance for underaged children will be paid to their parent and transferred to their bank card.

See the table below:

Living allowance amounts (per person per month)

From 1 April 2023, the living allowance amounts will change. Rules about when you will no longer get living allowance will also change. Visit Work and income for refugees from Ukraine | Rijksoverheid.nl. Link opens an external page to see how much living allowance you will get from 1 April and to read which rules will change.

You will receive living allowance for food and personal expenses. The amount for food depends on the size of the family. The larger the family, the less money per person for food. There is a housing allowance for refugees living with a host family.

The table below shows an overview of what amount you get per month.

Living allowance per refugee per month

If you have received a letter to collect your bank card, you must collect the card yourself. When picking up your bank card, you should bring a letter with BSN number and a valid ID. Do you have a partner or children? Then you can come alone. Your partner or children do not have to come with you.

You can only come if you have received an invitation letter. You cannot make an appointment yourself. 
It is also not possible to reschedule. We are working on a solution. Until then, it is very important that you come yourself at the time stated in the letter. That way, you will receive the bank card and living allowance on time.

At the municipal shelter location you will be provided with meals and a place to sleep. Therefore, you are not entitled to a living allowance for food or living expenses.

The debit card is a special card from the municipality. The municipality is the only one who can deposit money on the card. There can be a maximum of 2,000 euros on this bank card. 

You can check your balance via Prepaid Saldo. Link opens an external page by entering your customer number and security code. The customer number (10 digits) and security code (4 digits) are indicated on your bank card. The website also allows you to view your transactions.

If you lose your bank card for living allowance, you can report to Citizens' Affairs in the town hall. There you will receive a new bank card once. The balance of your old card will automatically be transferred to your new card after one working day.

If you are going out of town for a few days, e.g. for holiday or a family visit, you do not need to hand in your living allowance card.

Temporary departure

If you leave temporarily for a maximum of 28 days you retain the living allowance. After 28 days, we stop the living allowance. This takes effect from the next calendar month.

Permanent departure

If you leave the Netherlands and do not return, you must deregister with the municipality of Rotterdam: form Departure abroad. Your living allowance will stop from the following calendar month. You must also report the final departure to the IND for the withdrawal of Temporary Protection. This can be done via a form on the IND website: Declaration of voluntary departure from the Netherlands | IND.nl. Link opens an external page.

Unannounced departure

If you leave unannounced, we can terminate the living allowance as of the date of observation.

Return

When you return, you can report back to the municipality of Rotterdam. This can be done at the City Shop Centre at Coolsingel 40 in Rotterdam. We can then reassess whether you are entitled to living allowance.

If so, please let us know. Always let us know if your situation changes. You can do so by using the Change of Living Allowance form ('Wijzigingsformulier leefgeld'). Has your domestic situation changed? If so, you can find out under When do I receive living allowance and how much will I receive?.

If you start working, you will no longer be entitled to living allowance.

Mail the form to OekraineInkomenWI@rotterdam.nl. Link opens an external page or bring it to a public location (Public Location Centre or Public Location IJsselmonde) of the municipality. You can also send it by post to: Gemeente Rotterdam, Beheer Inkomen Postbus (PO Box) 1024, 3000 BA Rotterdam.

The living allowance is an emergency provision, intended for people who are unable to support themselves. The living allowance stops when you can provide for yourself, for example through paid employment. If you start working, you must let us know. You can do this by using the 'Living Allowance Change Form' ('Wijzigingsformulier leefgeld').

Mail the form to OekraineInkomenWI@rotterdam.nl. Link opens an external page or bring it to a public location (Public Location Centre or Public Location IJsselmonde) of the municipality. You can also send it by post to: Gemeente Rotterdam, Beheer Inkomen Postbus (PO Box) 1024, 3000 BA Rotterdam.

The municipality of Rotterdam will also stop providing the living allowance if you move to another municipality in the Netherlands or to another country. If you move within the Netherlands, the new municipality will pay your living allowance as of the first of the following month. You must inform the Rotterdam municipality of your change of address. You can read how to do this in the question: ‘I want to move within or out of Rotterdam. What do I need to do?’

You will also have received one or more letters from the municipality stating that you have to provide your details as well as sign and return the enclosed form. If you have not done so, the living allowance will stop.

If the national scheme for living allowance changes, you will read about it on this page.

You have received one or more letters from the municipality stating that you must provide your details and sign and return the enclosed form. Something may have gone wrong (with us) or you may not have returned the signed form. That is why the living allowance has been stopped. You can still fill in the form and send it back. 

You can send the form by post using the enclosed reply envelope. You can also mail the attached form to: OekraineInkomenWI@rotterdam.nl. Link opens an external page. It is also possible to physically drop off the enclosed form. You can visit City Hall (Coolsingel 40) on weekdays until 14:00, where you can hand in the enclosed form.

Do you think your living allowance has been stopped unfairly and do you have any questions about it? If so, please email OekraineInkomenWI@rotterdam.nl. Link opens an external page. You can also visit City Hall (Coolsingel 40) for this on weekdays until 14:00.

You can retrieve the form from the e-mail address OekraineInkomenWI@rotterdam.nl. Link opens an external page. You should still complete and return the form as soon as possible. If you do not return the form within two weeks of receiving the letter, we cannot assess whether you are still entitled to living allowance.

Changes within your family composition can be communicated via the e-mail address: OekraineInkomenWI@rotterdam.nl. Link opens an external page.    

Those who rent or buy their own property will no longer receive living allowance. Always report changes in your income or housing situation. You can do this with the 'Living Allowance Change Form'.

Mail the form to OekraineInkomenWI@rotterdam.nl. Link opens an external page or bring it to a public location (Public Location Centre or Public Location IJsselmonde) of the municipality. You can also send it by post to: Gemeente Rotterdam, Beheer Inkomen Postbus (PO Box) 1024, 3000 BA Rotterdam.

If you have found paid work, you are no longer entitled to living allowance. If you start working, you must report this. You can do this via the Living Allowance Change Form'. 

Mail the form to OekraineInkomenWI@rotterdam.nl. Link opens an external page or bring it to a public location (Public Location Centre or Public Location IJsselmonde) of the municipality. You can also send it by post to: Gemeente Rotterdam, Beheer Inkomen Postbus (PO Box) 1024, 3000 BA Rotterdam.

If you start working, you must let us know. You can do this by using the 'Living Allowance Change Form' (Wijzigingsformulier leefgeld').

You can bring this change form to a public location (Publiekslocatie Centrum or Publiekslocatie IJsselmonde) of the municipality, send it by post or e-mail it to OekraineInkomenWI@rotterdam.nl. Link opens an external page. 

Yes, refugees from Ukraine are entitled to child benefit if they work and possibly also to child budget if they meet the conditions for child benefit. On Government.nl | Child benefit. Link opens an external page you can read more about the conditions for child benefit and how to apply for it and on Government.nl | Kindgebonden budget (child budget). Link opens an external page you can read more about child budget and how to apply for it. 

• There are different services available in the city. Informal (often free) services are provided at community centers and libraries. There are also formal services from language schools, which require payment. An overview of the services provided in Rotterdam can be found at beterintaal.nu/kaart. Link opens an external page.
• NLTraining (national) offers free online language courses at different levels and for everyone from 18 years old. You can sign up here. Link opens an external page. When registering, the following information is required from you: BSN number, your address in the Netherlands, e-mail and/or telephone, the number of your ID (for example driver's license, (temporary) residence permit or travel document).

Yes, Ukrainian refugees have been allowed to work in the Netherlands with effect from 1st April. There will therefore be no need for the employer to apply for a work permit.

To be allowed to work, you need a residence certificate from the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service).
This proof is a sticker in your passport or on a separate paper. In some instances, you may be given a pass (O-document).

From 27 January, the IND will extend your proof of residence (sticker). Everyone registered in the BRP will receive a personal letter about the extension from the IND. You will receive a personal letter about the extension of the O-document from the IND in February. For the validity of your proof of residence, you must keep this letter in a safe place. You will receive a personal letter about the extension of the O-document in February. At IND.nl. Link opens an external page you can read more about the extension of your residence permit.

Read more about work for refugees on Government.nl. Link opens an external page.

Yes, you can visit 'Hallo Werk' (Hello Work) in the Ukranian House at Pleinweg 196a. They’ll be able to provide you with information about working in the Netherlands.

• Information hub Pleinweg 196a:
  open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10.00 am to 16.00 pm.

'Hallo Werk' is an online platform that connects job seekers and employers directly. With a profile on Hallo Werk. Link opens an external page you increase the chances of finding a job.

Visit RefugeeHelp. Link opens an external page for more information on finding work.

Betaalvereniging. Link opens an external page provides more information on how to open a checking account with a bank.

Since October 3, it has been possible for Ukrainian refugees to open a current account with four additional types of identity documents. More information can be found on the website of Betaalvereniging Nederland.

If you have opened your own bank account, you must inform the municipality of your bank account number. To do so you have to fill in the 'Bank Account Change Form' ('Wijzigingsformulier bankrekeningnummer').

Mail the form to OekraineInkomenWI@rotterdam.nl. Link opens an external page or bring it to a public location (Public Location Centre or Public Location IJsselmonde) of the municipality. You can also send it by post to: Gemeente Rotterdam, Beheer Inkomen Postbus (PO Box) 1024, 3000 BA Rotterdam.

No, having a paid job has no consequence for your stay at a municipal shelter location.

When you have a paid job you will stop receiving a living allowance. See 'When will I stop receiving a living allowance?' for additional information on discontinuance of the living allowance.

If you have found paid work, you are no longer entitled to living allowance. If you start working, you must report this. You can do this via the Living Allowance Change Form'.

Mail the form to OekraineInkomenWI@rotterdam.nl. Link opens an external page or bring it to a public location (Public Location Centre or Public Location IJsselmonde) of the municipality. You can also send it by post to: Gemeente Rotterdam, Beheer Inkomen Postbus (PO Box) 1024, 3000 BA Rotterdam.

If you start working, you must let us know. You can do this by using the 'Living Allowance Change Form' (Wijzigingsformulier leefgeld').

Mail the form to OekraineInkomenWI@rotterdam.nl. Link opens an external page or bring it to a public location (Public Location Centre or Public Location IJsselmonde) of the municipality. You can also send it by post to: Gemeente Rotterdam, Beheer Inkomen Postbus (PO Box) 1024, 3000 BA Rotterdam.

From 1 April 2023: If an adult family member has income from work, the living allowance for the whole family stops. If a minor child earns money from a secondary job, only the minor child's living allowance will stop.

Until 1 April, the living allowance for family members will continue if one family member has paid work. 

You must report changes in your income using the change form.  Mail the form to OekraineInkomenWI@rotterdam.nl. Link opens an external page or bring it to a public location (Public Location Centre or Public Location IJsselmonde) of the municipality. You can also send it by post to: Gemeente Rotterdam, Beheer Inkomen Postbus (PO Box) 1024, 3000 BA Rotterdam.

You must report changes in your income. You can do this with the 'Change of living allowance form'.

You can bring this change form to a public location (Publiekslocatie Centrum or Publiekslocatie IJsselmonde) of the municipality, send it by post or e-mail it to OekraineInkomenWI@rotterdam.nl. Link opens an external page. 

Have you lost your job? You may be entitled to WW benefit. More information on WW benefit can be found at the UWV. Link opens an external page. Are you not entitled to WW benefit? Then you can reapply for living allowance via BRP.

A family consists of: 

• Spouses or partners living together and their minor children.
• A parent or guardian - who is responsible for minor children according to Dutch law or practice - and the minor children. 

Grandparents, uncles, aunts or adult children are not part of the family. They are independent or a separate family according to the rules.

The new 2022-2023 academic year will be starting on Monday 22nd August.

Ukrainian pupils aged 4-12 will be attending primary education. Children aged 6-12 will be receiving so-called Newcomer Education there for around a year. They’ll be learning the Dutch language and culture. Education will be supplemented with Ukrainian vocational education (like language, maths).

Pupils aged 12-16 will be attending secondary education. They’ll be learning the Dutch language and culture during a period of approximately 2 years in a transition class with other newcomers. Ukrainian education will be on offer as an after-school activity in secondary education.
Pupils will continue onto Dutch Education following the Newcomer Education, depending on the refugees' length of stay.

Attending school is compulsory in the Netherlands for all pupils aged 5 to 16. Pupils aged 16 to 18 are required to obtain a basic qualification. This is specified in the Dutch Compulsory Education Act. Link opens an external page.

There is one temporary educational facility for Ukrainian children:

Transition school 'De Gaffel'. Gaffelstraat 63b (entrance at Toni Koopmanplein 114) in the ‘Oude Westen’ (neighbourhood). For children aged 4 to 12. Lessons will start here again on 29nd August. Lesson times: Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 2 pm (Wednesdays to 1 pm).

In the Netherlands, children from the age of 5 years are obliged to attend school. The following video tells you more about the Dutch education system:

The Dutch School System explained | YouTube.com. Link opens an external page

Your child must be registered in the BRP. You can read how to do that under the question: How can I register in the Netherlands?

Register at the central school location:

Primary school De Gaffel. Link opens an external page

• on location at Gaffelstraat 63b (entrance at Toni Koopmanplein 114)
• or by sending an email to info@gaffelschool.nl. Link opens an external page

De Gaffel is for children aged 4-12. For children aged 4 and 5 years without older brothers or sisters: you can contact a regular primary school in your neighbourhood.

Is your child already attending Newcomer Education, or does he or she go to one of the local regular schools? Then your child can simply remain registered there. This also applies to Secondary Newcomer Education.

0-4 year olds:

• Inflow at regular childcare facilities if there’s space.

2-4 year olds:

• Rotterdam toddler care (16 hours per week, free, register with provider).

4-5 year olds:

• A place will be sought at regular Dutch schools for this group from 22nd August.

4-12 year-olds:

• Pre-school (PSC) and after-school care (ASC). Inflow at regular childcare facilities if there's space.

This group can apply for education through the following websites. The school year 2022-2023 starts on Thursday 1 September 2022. 

• Age 16 years up to and including 17 years and 6 months: 
  • Transition class secondary education: condition: taking a test by Koers VO. Link opens an external page (Dutch).
• Age 17 years and 6 months and above with or without a diploma:
  • MBO Albeda. Link opens an external page: International transition class.
  • MBO Zadkine. Link opens an external page: bilingual programmes International programmes (Dutch).
• Age 17 years and older with diploma: 
  • Erasmus University Rotterdam. Link opens an external page - science/research.
  • University of Applied Sciences. Link opens an external page (Rotterdam University).
  • Codarts Rotterdam University of the Arts. Link opens an external page.

Your child (aged 12 to 19) must be tested in order to be considered for access to Secondary Newcomer Education. Has your child not yet taken this test? You can register using the form:

Intake ISK | Koers VO. Link opens an external page

These tests will be taken again at the end of August.

The tests are administered by Koers VO and take one hour. The test will determine the pupil’s education level and will be followed up with a school recommendation. Your place of residence will also be taken into account. This school recommendation will allow parents to sign up and register the pupil for secondary education. This is possible from 22nd August.

Newcomer Education started at De Gaffel at Gaffelstraat 63b (entrance at Toni Koopmanplein 114) after the summer holidays on 22nd August.

De Gaffel:

• Tram 21, 23 and 24: get off at the Tiendplein stop and walk another 6 minutes.
• Tram 4: get off at the Bloemkwekerijsstraat stop and walk another 5 minutes.

Transport costs are taken into account for each pupil. You will receive a transport proposal from us about this.

Below you can read whether your child can use public transport free of charge:

• Children up to 4 years old can always travel for free in the Netherlands.
• Children from 4 to 12 years old are entitled to free public transport within Rotterdam: Gratis OV voor kinderen (4 tot 12 jaar). Outside Rotterdam, children must pay.
• Children between 12-18 years who must travel further than 6 km by public transport to an ISK school are entitled to reimbursement.

Attending school is compulsory in the Netherlands for all children from the age of 5. Newcomer Education is available for, for example, children from Ukraine. It goes without saying it’s also possible for you to arrange for your children to have additional education at home.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Education has created a schedule of lessons for grades 1-11:

• Look for the lesson schedule in WHO registration on the online platform available on Як користуватися | ВШО. Link opens an external page.
• The All-Ukraine Online School is a platform for remote and blended learning for pupils in grades 5-11, as well as methodological support for teachers: Сергій Шкарлет: платформою «Всеукраїнська школа онлайн» користуються у 122 країнах світу | Міністерство освіти і науки України (mon.gov.ua). Link opens an external page.

Yes, this is possible. A decision is expected in the autumn regarding the study costs and student finance allowance. More information will appear on the Universitair Asiel Fonds. Link opens an external page (UAF) website as soon as this has been made available.

Students can register at the university or college of their choice now. The costs of the study are not reimbursed. However, a number of universities and colleges do have lower tuition fees. This will differ per course. You can orientate yourself via the various different universities and colleges' websites.

Questions frequently asked by Ukrainian students | Universiteitenvannederland.nl. Link opens an external page

24 February marks the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. On this day, a memorial meeting has been organised in Utrecht at the Jaarbeurs in Utrecht (hall 1). The gathering is organised for Ukrainian refugees and concerned Dutch people who assisted them in the past year. At 24lyutoho - 24 лютого. Link opens an external page (in Dutch or Ukrainian) you can find more information about the memorial gathering.

The gathering is organised by the Ukrainian community of Vital'nya in cooperation with Safety Region Utrecht, the Ministry of Justice and the Municipality of Utrecht.

Starting March 18th 2022 a meeting place for Ukrainian refugees will be opened on weekdays from 10.00 - 18.00 on Pleinweg 196a in Rotterdam. Volunteers from the Ukrainian Community are available at this meeting place. An employee of the municipality of Rotterdam will also be available at this location on working days from 10.00 - 17.00 to answer questions from refugees about finances, medical care, education, etcetera.

There are several organisations for Ukrainian people in the Netherlands:

• ukrainians.nl. Link opens an external page
• oekraine-diaspora.nl. Link opens an external page
• Information for people fleeing the war in Ukraine | European Commission. Link opens an external page

In the Netherlands some matters can (only) be arranged online. For example, registering for education, arranging banking affairs, reporting a crime to the police or making an appointment with the municipality. To log on to the websites of these organisations, you need a DigiD. This is a kind of digital passport with which you can identify yourself safely. Your personal details remain well protected. If you have a BSN number, you can create a DigiD here. Link opens an external page (English).

Yes, Ukrainian driving licences of people falling under the Temporary Protection Directive are valid throughout the European Union (EU). This applies to all types of driving licences (A, B, C, D). Under the condition that the driving licence has not expired. Driving licences in Cyrillic script are also valid.

Have you lost your driving licence or has it been stolen? Then you are not allowed to drive at the moment. The European Union is still investigating what you should do in that case. Read more about travelling within the EU. Link opens an external page.

• Children up to 4 years old can always travel for free in the Netherlands.
• Children from 4 to 12 years old are entitled to free public transport within Rotterdam: Gratis OV voor kinderen (4 tot 12 jaar).  Outside Rotterdam, children must pay.
• Children between 12-18 years who must travel further than 6 km by public transport to an ISK school are entitled to reimbursement.
• If you are older than 66 years and 4 months, you are entitled to free public transport within Rotterdam: Gratis OV voor AOW-gerechtigden. Outside Rotterdam you must pay.  
• If you do not fall within any of the above categories then public transport in the Netherlands is not for free.

You can read about how to create a DigiD here: A website asks for my DigiD. What is that and how do I get a DigiD?.

Betaalvereniging. Link opens an external page provides more information on how to open a checking account with a bank

The child is entitled to reimbursement for public transport only if the school is further than 6 km away from the home address. He/she can apply for a public transport subscription via student transport. This requires a personal public transport chip card (OV-chipkaart). Go to Leerlingenvervoer to request this.

You can read about how to create a DigiD here: A website asks for my DigiD. What is that and how do I get a DigiD?.

Betaalvereniging. Link opens an external page provides more information on how to open a checking account with a bank.

• You can park your car for free on P+R Beverwaard (Edo Bergsmaweg). From this P+R location, you can use Tram 23 to get back to the city centre. You can find other parking spaces in the city of Rotterdam on the map Parking in Rotterdam. Most P+R locations are free the first 72 hours, provided you continue your travels by public transport from there.
• Would you like to park your car close to your accommodation? But is it in an area in Rotterdam with paid parking? In that case you can apply for a parking permit for residents. With a parking permit for residents, you can park in your permit area for a lower amount. But with this parking permit you are not entitled to a spot in front of the door. You apply for a parking permit for the parking sector where you live. In some parking sectors there is a waiting list. You can apply for a permit here: Car and motorcycle | Rotterdam.nl.
• If you park your car in Rotterdam, it is important that you park neatly in the designated parking space. Otherwise you risk a fine.

There is a free translation website Pryv.it. Link opens an external page ('Hello, how are you' in Ukrainian). The tool is available for free on the website and does not require an app to be downloaded. With the tool you can immediately translate a conversation or a message in Dutch, English or Ukrainian. The website Pryvit - Speak Every Language. Link opens an external page (Appmachine.com) shows how the tool works.

• Refugeehelp.nl. Link opens an external page
• You will find more information for newcomers on the Nieuw in Rotterdam page. Use the Google Translate button at the top right of the page to translate the page.