Assistance for refugees from Ukraine

City camping De Wetterpôlle

Reception site City camping De Wetterpôlle opened in December 2022. Up to 150 refugees can be accommodated here. The refugees can stay here for a year.

Polaris building

The Polaris building was opened as a reception site in February 2023. Up to 160 refugees can be accommodated here.

Office building of De Friesland

The former De Friesland office building on Harlingertrekweg 53.

Up to 200 refugees can be accommodated here.

Possible new reception sites

Because refugees are still coming to the Netherlands and current contracts with reception sites are expiring, we are looking for new sites. These sites are now in the picture:

• The Pier (former Brada site) in the Spoordok area on Snekertrekweg. Up to 225 shelter places can be arranged here.

• Information letter to residents of De Friesland 19 September 2023.
• Information letter district panel location De Friesland 19 September 2023.
• Information letter to local residents extension Wetterpolle 19 September 2023.
• Information letter district panel Binnenstad location ‘t Anker 19 September 2023.
• Information letter to the city council regarding temporary and additional reception sites for Ukrainian refugees 18 September 2023.

Receiving living expenses and an allowance in private shelter for the first time

Register at the address where you are staying and send an e-mail to leefgeldregeling@leeuwarden.nl. Please enclose the following:

• Copy of your proof of identity.
• Copy of your bank account number (Dutch bank).
• Phone number where we can reach you.
• Explain your family composition. For example, partner and 2 children, or with a sister.

Do you not have a Dutch bank account?

Send an e-mail to leefgeldregeling@leeuwarden.nl. We will then give you a payment card for the living expenses account. For this, we will make an appointment with you.

How much living expenses do you receive for private shelter?

How much you receive depends on the size of your family. The following table shows the amounts. The living expenses are paid on the first of the month.

Refugees staying at a reception site

Are you staying in the office building of De Friesland, Polaris or at City camping De Wetterpôlle? If so, you are eligible for living expenses from the City of Leeuwarden.

You are given this money through the ‘Scheme for the Reception of Displaced Persons Ukraine’. We will provide you with living expenses if you have registered with the Civil Affairs Department at the Town Hall in Leeuwarden.

How much living expenses do you receive in the local authority reception site?

The living expenses are paid on the first of the month.

How do you receive the living expenses?

This can be done in 2 ways:

• By transfer to your Dutch bank account. You can apply for your own bank account with a digital passport and being registered in the Key Register of Persons (BRP). The living expenses for children under the age of 18 are deposited in the mother’s bank account number or prepaid card. We can also change this to another parent or caregiver.
• By transfer to a prepaid card issued by the City of Leeuwarden.

Do you not have a Dutch bank account?

In that case, you can apply for prepaid card from the City of Leeuwarden. We need your Citizen Service Number (BSN).

How does the prepaid card work?

• Only the City of Leeuwarden can deposit money on the card.
• The card allows you to withdraw cash.
• You can withdraw a maximum of € 250 a day.
• You can use the card to pay at shops/payment terminals.

In the following situations, we need to replace your prepaid card

• The wrong PIN is entered three times. The card is blocked.
• You have lost the PIN
• You have lost the prepaid card

The first prepaid card is issued free of charge. If we have to replace the card, we charge you €10.

Send an e-mail to leefgeldregeling@leeuwarden.nl. Include the following details in the e-mail:

• First name and surname
• Date of birth

Or call us on 14 058. We will block the prepaid card as soon as possible and arrange a new prepaid card for you.

Are you opening a Dutch bank account? And are we paying the living allowance on your prepaid card?

Send an e-mail to leefgeldregeling@leeuwarden.nl. Include the following details in the e-mail:

• First name and surname
• Date of birth
• Prepaid card number. If you have a prepaid card.

We will transfer the living expenses to your bank account from then on.

Do you have some changes? Has something changed?

Are you moving to another reception site, for example? Or are you starting work? Send an e-mail to leefgeldregeling@leeuwarden.nl. Include the following details in the e-mail:

• First name and surname
• Date of birth

Are you changing address?

• Are you moving to another district? If so, the new district will pass this on to us.
• Are you moving within the City of Leeuwarden? Report your relocation via page Report a change of address.
• Are you moving abroad? Or will you be staying abroad for more than 8 months? Notify us at least 5 days before departure via page Report a change of address.

Refugees moving to their own (rental) accommodation

When you move to your own (rented) accommodation, you are no longer entitled to living expenses.

Given below are the most frequently asked questions and their answers. 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 website .
• Op de website RefugeeHelp (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 Subsidy 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 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, 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. There you will also find affiliated aid organisations, such as the Red Cross, Save the Children and Church in Action.

Where can refugees from Ukraine who do not yet have a place to stay or shelter go for help?

Refugees who do not yet have a place to stay or shelter should report to the local authority where they are currently located. The request for a place to stay or shelter can be made to that local authority. The request will then be discussed interregionally.

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

They 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 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 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?

Are you privately hosting Ukrainian refugees?

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.

More information can be found at For more information, please see the website RefugeeHelp – Refugees.

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 website for more information.

Can Ukrainian children also go to school?

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

• Parents of children up to 12 years of age staying in reception site Nieuw Mellens and Citycamping De Wetterpôlle can apply to the Language School.
• Parents of children up to 12 years of age in reception site Oer ‘t Hout can apply at location Nij Djip/de Twa Fisken. Address: Jongema 4/6 9001 LA, Grou.
• In all other cases, parents of children up to 12 years of age can report to the nearest primary school in the area.
• Children aged 12 to 18 can make their own intake appointment. More information can be found on the ISK Leeuwarden website. This also sets out what to bring with you to your 1st appointment.
• Students and scientists (academics) can contact Rijksuniversiteit Groningen Campus Fryslân.