Reception for refugees from Ukraine
Leeuwarden is a place that welcomes refugees. There are several locations receiving refugees from Ukraine.
Reception sites
They are currently:
- De Wetterpôlle camping site in Leeuwarden
- Polaris in Leeuwarden (former ACLO building Firda)
- De Friesland in Leeuwarden (former office complex De Friesland health insurance company)
- De Pier in Leeuwarden (former Brada site)
As refugees continue to arrive in the Netherlands, we continue to look for new reception locations. In the coming period, we are creating new reception areas at:
- De Friesland in Leeuwarden (expansion)
- Oer ‘t hout in Grou
All documents sent
- Information letter for residents of Oer ‘t Hout 1 October 2024
- Information letter for residents of reception sites 1 October 2024.
- 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.
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 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.
Reception sites
They are currently:
- De Wetterpôlle camping site in Leeuwarden
- Polaris in Leeuwarden (former ACLO building Firda)
- De Friesland in Leeuwarden (former office complex De Friesland health insurance company)
- De Pier in Leeuwarden (former Brada site)
As refugees continue to arrive in the Netherlands, we continue to look for new reception locations. In the coming period, we are creating new reception areas at:
- De Friesland in Leeuwarden (expansion)
- Oer ‘t hout in Grou
All documents sent
- Information letter for residents of Oer ‘t Hout 1 October 2024
- Information letter for residents of reception sites 1 October 2024.
- 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.
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 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.