Refugees and asylum seekers
The municipality of Leiden provides shelter to displaced people from Ukraine, refugees, and asylum seekers. The municipality also helps them integrate into Dutch society.
Applying for Asylum and Integration
Do you want to apply for asylum or become a Dutch citizen? Then contact the Immigration and Naturalisation service (IND). The IND handles the asylum process. They grant or deny residence permits.
For support and help during the asylum process, you can contact the Refugee Council or visit the RefugeeHelp website.
If you live in the Netherlands and have a residence permit, you are required to integrate.
Shelter for Refugees and Asylum Seekers
The Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) is responsible for providing shelter to asylum seekers in the Netherlands, including in Leiden.
Shelter for Displaced Ukrainians
The municipality is responsible for housing displaced people from Ukraine. Leiden accommodates over 600 displaced Ukrainians in various locations. Some citizens of Leiden also host Ukrainians in their homes. About 100 people use this option.
Shelter Locations in Leiden
Gooimeerlaan 25
Temporary housing will be built on the site of the former fire station. From the second quarter of 2025, these homes will accommodate displaced Ukrainians.
Later, other groups will also live here, including permit holders, people from social care programs, and young people who have difficulty finding housing.
Archimedeslaan 29
Around 200 refugees, mainly displaced Ukrainians, are housed here. This location will remain open until June 2029.
Houtlaan 55
Students in healthcare training or starting such training live here, along with people already working in healthcare. This includes permit holders involved in training or care programs.
Since early 2022, about 200 displaced Ukrainians have also been housed here. This location will remain open until Gooimeerlaan 25 is ready.
Lange Mare 43
The municipality houses approximately 96 displaced Ukrainians in this former hotel. This location will remain open until January 31, 2026, as the war in Ukraine continues and there are few other shelter options.
Witte Rozenstraat 21
Around 100 displaced Ukrainian families are housed here. This shelter will remain open for about one and a half years.
Haagse Schouwweg 8a-8n
Since February 13, 2023, asylum seekers have been housed here, with space for up to 340 people. This location will remain open until 2028, after which the Westerpoort area development will start.
Paardewei
The municipality plans to house asylum seekers at Paardewei, located between Plesmanlaan and Haagse Schouwweg. An agreement has been made with COA to temporarily shelter around 404 asylum seekers here, including up to 76 unaccompanied minors. This location expands the shelter capacity of Haagse Schouwweg 8a-8n.
3 October Hall
Around 125 asylum seekers are housed here. This emergency shelter will remain open until December 31, 2025.
Boerhaavelaan 31
The municipality houses 11 unaccompanied minor permit holders here. These youths receive intensive guidance from Jeugdformaat, under the supervision of Nidos, which handles legal guardianship.