Legal services in Amsterdam

Comprehensive legal services in Amsterdam cover the extension of temporary protection, arranging leefgeld and other social benefits, family reunification, starting a business, and court representation. Most issues faced by Ukrainians in the Netherlands are resolved specifically through these areas.

International Law Firm "Zahist" has a presence in the Netherlands and has for many years assisted Ukrainians in Amsterdam with legalization and the protection of their rights. Our experience shows that clients who seek advice immediately after relocating face municipal refusals less often than those who try to navigate the rules on their own.

Extension of temporary protection: status valid until 4 March 2028

The Temporary Protection Directive has been extended by the European Union until 4 March 2028, and those who were already under protection before 5 August 2026 retain their status automatically, without filing a separate application.

For new applications submitted from 5 August 2026 onwards, an additional condition has been introduced: men of conscription age must confirm fulfilment of military duty in Ukraine or the existence of a lawful exemption from it.

This change does not affect those who already obtained protection earlier; however, it significantly complicates the situation for relatives who only plan to move to the Netherlands after the specified date.

Leefgeld and social support in Amsterdam

The amount of leefgeld in Amsterdam differs from nationwide rates and depends on the number of people in the household, as well as on the age of family members.

In addition, each family member is entitled to EUR 62.66 per month for clothing and personal expenses, and from October 2025 adults are required to make their own contribution towards accommodation — up to EUR 244.22 per month per person.

Our experience shows that the calculation of the own contribution often raises questions for clients, especially when the place of residence changes during the month, so verifying the final amount together with a lawyer helps avoid overpayments.

Employment and starting a business: important restrictions for ZZP

The Temporary Protection Directive grants the right to work exclusively in paid employment (loondienst), whereas independent entrepreneurial activity under ZZP status requires a separate work permit from the UWV.

In practice, the UWV rejects about 99 percent of such applications where the work is simple and does not require special qualifications; the chance of approval is higher only for narrow expert services that cannot easily be found on the local labour market.

At the same time, registration with the Chamber of Commerce (KVK) is itself available after registration with the municipality (BRP) and does not require presentation of a work permit. Clients of such an entrepreneur are obliged to obtain a UWV permit themselves for each project.

Family reunification in the Netherlands

A partner, minor children and other close relatives who were dependent on the applicant may obtain temporary protection in the Netherlands provided that cohabitation existed in Ukraine before 24 February 2022.

1. A spouse or a partner in a durable relationship that existed before the start of the full-scale invasion.
2. The applicant’s minor children, including children from previous relationships.
3. Other close relatives who lived together with the family and were dependent on it.

For unregistered partners, the IND scrutinises the duration and durability of the relationship particularly carefully, so supporting documents should be prepared in advance.

Recognition of Ukrainian diplomas through Nuffic

Assessment of a foreign diploma for Ukrainian displaced persons is carried out free of charge through Nuffic for most specialisations, and for teaching diplomas — through a separate authority, DUO.

The procedure takes up to four months and concludes with an opinion on the correspondence of Ukrainian education to a certain level in the Dutch system. The opinion itself is not a legal guarantee of employment.

Employers and educational institutions decide on hiring or admission independently, so a Nuffic opinion should be treated as a supporting rather than a final document.

Transition to a permanent residence permit after temporary protection

Temporary protection is designed for a limited period, so clients with stable employment and language skills should study alternative residence permits in advance — employment-based or family-based.

Transition to another status usually requires a separate work permit or compliance with the conditions of a specific residence permit category, so preparation should begin several months before the current status expires.

Court representation and protection of rights

A municipal refusal of leefgeld, a dispute with an employer, or a UWV refusal of a work permit can be challenged administratively and then, if necessary, in court.

We have helped resolve dozens of such disputes, and our experience shows that clients who seek representation immediately after receiving a refusal achieve a review of the decision significantly more often than those who delay seeking assistance.

BRP registration and housing in Amsterdam

Registration in the Personal Records Database (BRP) is a mandatory first step for obtaining leefgeld, access to the KVK and enrolling children in school, and is arranged at the actual address of residence, including temporary housing with a host family.

Due to high demand for housing in Amsterdam, finding one’s own rental often takes longer than in other cities in the Netherlands, so many Ukrainians remain in municipal reception facilities longer than planned.

Our experience shows that timely updating of the address in the BRP with every move helps avoid suspension of leefgeld and confusion when subsequently extending status.

Health insurance for Ukrainians in the Netherlands

Ukrainians with temporary protection gain access to basic medical care through a special collective insurance scheme, separate from the standard compulsory insurance for local residents.

This scheme covers essential medical services, including visits to a general practitioner, emergency care and part of dental services for children, but does not fully replace ordinary Dutch insurance.

School and children’s adaptation in Amsterdam

Children of Ukrainian refugees are obliged to attend school on an equal footing with Dutch children, and in Amsterdam separate international preparatory classes (ISK) with Dutch language instruction are provided for newcomers.

School enrolment is handled through the municipal education department, and due to high demand for places in preparatory classes, the application should be submitted immediately after BRP registration.

Our experience shows that parents who contact the school before completing other everyday formalities obtain a place for their child noticeably faster.

Typical mistakes of Ukrainians in Amsterdam

The most common mistake is attempting to start independent entrepreneurial activity without first checking the conditions for ZZP, which leads to clients refusing cooperation already after KVK registration.

Another widespread problem is untimely notification of the municipality of a change in family composition or address, which affects the calculation of leefgeld and may result in a demand to repay overpaid amounts.

Our experience shows that clients who clarify the conditions with a lawyer in advance, rather than relying on acquaintances’ advice, complete all procedures faster and without unnecessary corrections.

Which documents should be prepared in advance

For most applications — status extension, a leefgeld application or family reunification — the same basic set of documents will be useful.

1. A valid international passport and a temporary protection card or sticker.
2. Confirmation of BRP registration at the current address of residence.
3. Documents on family composition with a translation into Dutch or English.
4. Income statements when applying regarding work, business or a review of leefgeld.

Translations and certified copies prepared in advance significantly shorten the processing time of an application at the municipality or the IND.

An expert view on long-term status planning

An analysis of our cases shows that clients with stable employment and language progress should study alternative residence permits in advance, without waiting for possible changes to the conditions of temporary protection after 2028.

We recommend reviewing your strategy at least once a year, especially in light of the new military service requirement for applications submitted after 5 August 2026.

International Law Firm "Zahist" has a representative office in the Netherlands and provides legal services in Amsterdam across a full range of matters — from extending temporary protection to establishing a business and representation in court.

Each situation has its own particularities — family composition, source of income, and plans for long-term residence in the Netherlands — so a preliminary consultation helps select the right strategy from the outset.

The earlier a client seeks legal services in Amsterdam, the less time is spent correcting errors and making repeated applications to the Dutch authorities.