News item | 28-11-2025 | 16:54
Since Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine, millions of Ukrainians have fled and been sheltered in the European Union. The Netherlands currently offers shelter to approximately 135,000 refugees from Ukraine under the European Temporary Protection Directive (RTB). The RTB was extended in June 2025 until March 4, 2027.
It is still uncertain how long the war will continue. The government has therefore drawn up a long-term plan for the period after the expiry of the RTB. After termination of the RTB, refugees from Ukraine are eligible for a temporary transition document valid for 3 years. This only applies to refugees who have temporary protection under the RTB. The first outlines of this policy were included in the collective letter on Reception Ukraine dated 4 July 2025 and have now been further elaborated in the collective letter dated 28 November 2025.
Transition document
The transition document is only available to refugees from Ukraine who have temporary protection under the RTB. In addition, they must successfully complete a public order test and withdraw their current asylum application. The IND issues the transition document automatically, which means that refugees who previously received protection do not have to apply for a transition document themselves. The transition document gives refugees from Ukraine time to orientate themselves on voluntary return and municipalities a multi-year perspective on reception.
Rights and obligations
The transition document includes various rights, obligations and provisions. These will be made available in due course, so that refugees from Ukraine can participate and contribute to Dutch society as much as possible. This way, they can work with a transition document without a work permit, take out health insurance and study at a low rate. The shelter is also converted into housing where possible, so that they can pay rent themselves. In the spring of 2026, the government will provide more information about the rights, obligations and facilities associated with the transition document. For more information, see: Long-term policy: return and residence | Shelter for refugees from Ukraine | Rijksoverheid.nl
Return program
The long-term plan focuses on voluntary return to Ukraine. To this end, the Netherlands is developing a return program that is in line with the reconstruction of Ukraine. The Netherlands offers refugees from Ukraine who want to return practical help with, for example, arranging travel documents and transport. Refugees from Ukraine who already want to return to Ukraine can request support from the Return and Departure Service: Assistance with return to Ukraine | Return and Departure Service.