Registration with the municipality
You must register in the Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP) of the municipality where you live. If you have not already done so, you must do this now. Take the positive decision to the municipality where you are staying. If possible, also bring along your personal documents from the authorities of your own country, for example: birth certificate, marriage certificate and identity card.
Registration in the BRP is important. Many organisations in the Netherlands can only help you if you are registered in the BRP.
Check that the municipality has registered your name and date of birth correctly. Also check your children's data. It is difficult to change this data at a later date.
If you move house, you must have your address in the BRP changed by the municipality.
Take out health insurance
In the Netherlands you are legally required to have health insurance. This allows you to receive medical help. In the COA reception centres, this is arranged for you. However, you must arrange health insurance yourself when leaving the COA reception centre. Once you have a health insurance, you can register with a general practitioner (doctor) or dentist.
Civic integration in the Netherlands
If you have a temporary asylum residence permit, you must take a civic integration course. You need to learn Dutch this way. You will receive a letter from the Education Executive Agency (DUO) on the obligation to integrate.
Work
If you have received a residence permit then you are allowed to work in the Netherlands. The following employment status will appear on your residence document: 'Work allowed free from restrictions. TWV not required' (in Dutch: 'Arbeid vrij toegestaan. TWV niet vereist'). This means that you are allowed to work in the Netherlands: you do not need a work permit (TWV).
During the first 6 months of your asylum procedure you are not allowed to work. After 6 months you are allowed to work for 24 out of 52 weeks from the start of your job if:
Travelling
You are allowed to travel abroad if you have a residence permit, for example for holiday or business trip. You also require a valid passport since a residence permit is not a travel document. If you do not have a passport you can apply for a refugee passport at your municipality. There is a fee for the application for a refugee passport. For some countries you may also need a visa in addition to a passport.
Do you have an asylum residence permit and are you travelling to your country of origin? Then you are indicating that you do not need the protection of the Dutch government any longer. The IND can revoke your residence permit.