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Reception sites

They are currently:

  • De Wetterpôlle camping site in Leeuwarden
  • De Friesland in Leeuwarden (former office complex De Friesland health insurance company)
  • De Pier in Leeuwarden (former Brada site)
  • Oer ‘t hout in Grou

All documents sent

Frequently asked questions

You will find information for refugees being privately hosted and host families under ‘frequently asked questions’. Is your question not listed? Contact the City of Leeuwarden.

Where can I ask questions?

  • Up-to-date information on the war in Ukraine can be found on the Rijksoverheid (opens in new tab) website.
  • Op de website RefugeeHelp (opens in new tab) (Information for refugees from Ukraine) you will find information about matters including:
    • As a refugee, where can I go for medical care and how will it be reimbursed?
    • Medical care for refugees from Ukraine is fully reimbursed through the Grant Scheme for Medically Necessary Care for the Uninsured. No contribution is expected from the refugee themselves.
    • I am a refugee and want to work in the Netherlands.
  • The Dutch Council for Refugees (opens in new tab) website has more information on matters including:
    • How to leave a message of support.
    • What to consider if you want to host a refugee yourself.
    • Becoming a volunteer.
    • Where you can donate items.
    • If you have a business and want to offer work to refugees.
  • On the Rijksoverheid website (opens in new tab), you will find general information about the reception of Ukrainian refugees in the Netherlands.
  • Anyone who wants to can make a donation to help refugees from Ukraine. You will find more information at website of Giro-555 (opens in new tab). There you will also find affiliated aid organisations, such as the Red Cross, Save the Children and Church in Action.

How can I apply for living expenses?

I am a third-country national from Ukraine. What do I need to do?

As a third-country national from Ukraine, you can stay in the current reception centres in Leeuwarden until 4 September 2025. After that, you will have 4 weeks to leave the Netherlands. You have previously received a letter from the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) about this. The local authority will discuss this with you in order to help you. You can go to the website of the central government (opens in new tab) to find out how this works and what is expected of you.

Where can refugees from Ukraine who do already have a place to stay or shelter go for help?

They should report to the Civil Affairs Department at Leeuwarden Town Hall. That is where they are registered. Make an appointment by calling 14 058.

I would like to help as a volunteer. Where can I sign up?

You can sign up as a volunteer via Solidair Friesland’s (opens in new tab) website. For example, to help with language activities or other activities.

Do the reception sites need items or goods (such as toys, blankets, clothes, bedding or anything else)?

For now, there is no need to collect or donate items or goods. There is plenty there. Moreover, the local authority provides for daily needs. Should a specific need arise, this will be communicated.

I want to host 1 or more refugees in my home. Who can I discuss this with?

In the Guide on the Reception of Ukrainians (opens in new tab) you will find more information on matters such as:

  • How can you offer a place?
  • What are the living rules?
  • What should you pay attention to?
  • What facilities (e.g. health care, education and work) for the refugees are available?
  • Information on liability insurance.
  • What are the effects on benefits and allowances?
  • How are pets handled?

I am staying in a private reception facility as a Ukrainian refugee. What do I need to do?

Make an appointment at the IND Assen for a ‘proof of residence’. You will need this proof if you work or want to travel abroad, for example.

For more information, go to the RefugeeHelp – Refugees (opens in new tab) website.

I am a Ukrainian or Russian student and cannot pay my rent. This is because I can’t access my money.

You cannot simply be evicted from your home. Contact your landlord as soon as possible.

How does a refugee get in touch with family members?

Visit the Red Cross (opens in new tab) website for more information.

Is school compulsory for Ukrainian children too?

Yes. Ukrainian children up to the age of 18 must attend school in the City of Leeuwarden:

Personal contribution

Residents of the reception sites for Ukrainians will pay a share of the cost of reception themselves from 1 January 2025. We call this a personal contribution. The local authority can use this money to pay part of the cost of your reception. That includes gas, water and electricity.

Go to the ‘living expenses’ video (opens in new tab) (in Dutch) or the ‘living expenses’ video (opens in new tab) (in Ukrainian).

Amount of the personal contribution

For gas, water and electricity, you are charged €244.22 per person. This applies to everyone aged 18 or above with an income. Does your family consist of two people aged 18 or above and children? If so, your family will pay a maximum of €244.22 twice. This is €488.44 in total. Do you deduct this contribution from your salary? In that case, you will keep at least as much or more than with living expenses alone. Is that not the case? Send an email to the local authority via sozainvordering@leeuwarden.nl as soon as possible. Write ‘personal contribution’ in the subject line. Write your name and your BSN number in the email itself.

You pay the personal contribution if you:

  • earning money because you have a job;
  • receive an income from Unemployment Benefit (WW benefit);
  • receive benefits because you are ill or unable to work for an extended period of time;
  • receive an allowance.
Do you have any questions?

For more information, go to the Rijksoverheid (opens in new tab) website or refugeehelp.nl (opens in new tab).