Need help finding the right support?
Free legal guidance in Ukrainian
Empatia helps Ukrainians under temporary protection in the Netherlands understand their rights, official letters, documents, housing, work, benefits, and other legal questions — in a language that feels clear and safe.
Submit the form anytime. We usually respond within 5 working days. Legal helpline: Mon, Tue, Thu 09:00–14:00 · Wed, Fri 12:00–17:00
Free legal guidance in Ukrainian
Empatia helps Ukrainians under temporary protection in the Netherlands understand their rights, official letters, documents, housing, work, benefits, and other legal questions — in a language that feels clear and safe.
Submit the form anytime. We usually respond within 5 working days. Legal helpline: Mon, Tue, Thu 09:00–14:00 · Wed, Fri 12:00–17:00
Free legal guidance in Ukrainian
Empatia helps Ukrainians under temporary protection in the Netherlands understand their rights, official letters, documents, housing, work, benefits, and other legal questions — in a language that feels clear and safe.
Submit the form anytime. We usually respond within 5 working days. Legal helpline: Mon, Tue, Thu 09:00–14:00 · Wed, Fri 12:00–17:00
LEGAL HELP
When should you contact us?
Housing and municipal accommodation
Get guidance if you are refused accommodation, asked to leave a location, or unsure what the municipality is allowed to ask from you.
Housing and municipal accommodation
Get guidance if you are refused accommodation, asked to leave a location, or unsure what the municipality is allowed to ask from you.
Housing and municipal accommodation
Get guidance if you are refused accommodation, asked to leave a location, or unsure what the municipality is allowed to ask from you.
Work and employment rights
Understand your rights if your salary is not paid, you feel pressured at work, or your contract and working conditions are unclear.
Documents and legal status
Check which rules may apply to your situation, what documents you may need, and what an official request or decision could mean.
Benefits, taxes, and official letters
Get help understanding letters from the gemeente, UWV, tax authority, IND, or another organisation so you know whether action is needed.
Other legal questions
If your question does not fit the topics above, you can still contact us. We will help clarify whether it is a legal issue and where to turn next.
Other legal questions
If your question does not fit the topics above, you can still contact us. We will help clarify whether it is a legal issue and where to turn next.
Other legal questions
If your question does not fit the topics above, you can still contact us. We will help clarify whether it is a legal issue and where to turn next.
HOW IT WORKS
How the service works
1
Fill in the form at any time or call the legal helpline during its working hours.
Legal helpline hours:
Mon, Tue, Thu: 09:00–14:00
Wed, Fri: 12:00–17:00
1
Fill in the form at any time or call the legal helpline during its working hours.
Legal helpline hours:
Mon, Tue, Thu: 09:00–14:00
Wed, Fri: 12:00–17:00
2
A legal specialist checks your request and looks at the information you shared. They may review documents, explain relevant Dutch or Ukrainian rules, or point you to a reliable template or organisation.
2
A legal specialist checks your request and looks at the information you shared. They may review documents, explain relevant Dutch or Ukrainian rules, or point you to a reliable template or organisation.
3
We will explain your rights, discuss possible next steps, and help you understand where to turn for further support.
Form requests are usually answered within 5 working days.
3
We will explain your rights, discuss possible next steps, and help you understand where to turn for further support.
Form requests are usually answered within 5 working days.
Need help?
Don’t face your legal questions alone.
If you require urgent help and your issue is life- or health-threatening, please call 112.
Who provides the support
Who provides the support
Rudrani Banerjee
Legal Expert and Program Developer
Rudrani Banerjee
Legal Expert and Program Developer
Rudrani Banerjee
Legal Expert and Program Developer
WHAT WE CAN HELP WITH
What the legal team can help with
Explain your rights
We help you understand which rules may apply to your situation.
Review a letter or decision
We can help you understand messages from the gemeente, UWV, an employer or another organisation.
Suggest next steps
We explain what you can do next, which documents may be useful or which actions should not be delayed.
Help you navigate a difficult situation
In complex or urgent cases, the team can advise where to turn next or how to draw attention to the problem.
Important:
The legal team does not represent applicants before other organisations, institutions or courts. The team can only contact another organisation or institution on your behalf in exceptional cases and with your consent.
WHAT WE CAN HELP WITH
What the legal team can help with
Explain your rights
We help you understand which rules may apply to your situation.
Review a letter or decision
We can help you understand messages from the gemeente, UWV, an employer or another organisation.
Suggest next steps
We explain what you can do next, which documents may be useful or which actions should not be delayed.
Help you navigate a difficult situation
In complex or urgent cases, the team can advise where to turn next or how to draw attention to the problem.
Important:
The legal team does not represent applicants before other organisations, institutions or courts. The team can only contact another organisation or institution on your behalf in exceptional cases and with your consent.
WHAT WE CAN HELP WITH
What the legal team can help with
Explain your rights
We help you understand which rules may apply to your situation.
Review a letter or decision
We can help you understand messages from the gemeente, UWV, an employer or another organisation.
Suggest next steps
We explain what you can do next, which documents may be useful or which actions should not be delayed.
Help you navigate a difficult situation
In complex or urgent cases, the team can advise where to turn next or how to draw attention to the problem.
Important:
The legal team does not represent applicants before other organisations, institutions or courts. The team can only contact another organisation or institution on your behalf in exceptional cases and with your consent.
Legal support handouts
Download practical handouts with legal information for Ukrainians under temporary protection in the Netherlands. These materials cover common questions about housing, work, benefits, documents and useful contacts.
Handouts
Free
Empatia
Ukrainian
Housing issues with employment agencies
A handout in Ukrainian outlining what to do if the employment agency provides housing but does not register you in it.
Handouts
Free
Empatia
Ukrainian
Dismissal by agreement
A handout in Ukrainian covering important information to know in case of dismissal by agreement (settlement agreement).
Handouts
Free
Empatia
Ukrainian
Reporting workplace bullying
A handout in Ukrainian providing information on where to file complaints in case of bullying in the work environment.
Handouts
Free
Empatia
Ukrainian
Overview of child benefits
A handout in Ukrainian explaining everything about Kinderbijslag and Kindergebonden budget child benefits.
Handouts
Free
Empatia
Ukrainian
Guidance on denial of temporary protection
A handout in Ukrainian detailing the steps displaced Ukrainian individuals can take if they are denied temporary protection in the Netherlands. This resource was created in collaboration with VluchtelingenWerk Nederland.
Handouts
Free
Empatia
Ukrainian
Benefits available after dismissal
A handout in Ukrainian listing the types of benefits available if you are dismissed.
Legal support handouts
Download practical handouts with legal information for Ukrainians under temporary protection in the Netherlands. These materials cover common questions about housing, work, benefits, documents and useful contacts.
Handouts
Free
Empatia
Ukrainian
Housing issues with employment agencies
A handout in Ukrainian outlining what to do if the employment agency provides housing but does not register you in it.
Handouts
Free
Empatia
Ukrainian
Guidance on denial of temporary protection
A handout in Ukrainian detailing the steps displaced Ukrainian individuals can take if they are denied temporary protection in the Netherlands. This resource was created in collaboration with VluchtelingenWerk Nederland.
Handouts
Free
Empatia
Ukrainian
Overview of child benefits
A handout in Ukrainian explaining everything about Kinderbijslag and Kindergebonden budget child benefits.
Handouts
Free
Empatia
Ukrainian
Reporting workplace bullying
A handout in Ukrainian providing information on where to file complaints in case of bullying in the work environment.
Handouts
Free
Empatia
Ukrainian
Dismissal by agreement
A handout in Ukrainian covering important information to know in case of dismissal by agreement (settlement agreement).
Handouts
Free
Empatia
Ukrainian
Benefits available after dismissal
A handout in Ukrainian listing the types of benefits available if you are dismissed.
Legal support handouts
Download practical handouts with legal information for Ukrainians under temporary protection in the Netherlands. These materials cover common questions about housing, work, benefits, documents and useful contacts.
Handouts
Free
Empatia
Ukrainian
Housing issues with employment agencies
A handout in Ukrainian outlining what to do if the employment agency provides housing but does not register you in it.
Handouts
Free
Empatia
Ukrainian
Reporting workplace bullying
A handout in Ukrainian providing information on where to file complaints in case of bullying in the work environment.
Handouts
Free
Empatia
Ukrainian
Guidance on denial of temporary protection
A handout in Ukrainian detailing the steps displaced Ukrainian individuals can take if they are denied temporary protection in the Netherlands. This resource was created in collaboration with VluchtelingenWerk Nederland.
Learn more about your rights and responsibilities
Learn more about your rights and responsibilities
You can also find useful information through Empatia’s public channels. Watch our live webinars on YouTube, follow updates on Instagram and find answers to frequently asked questions in our chatbot.
YouTube webinars
Watch live webinars and recordings about legal topics relevant to Ukrainians in the Netherlands.
YouTube webinars
Watch live webinars and recordings about legal topics relevant to Ukrainians in the Netherlands.
YouTube webinars
Watch live webinars and recordings about legal topics relevant to Ukrainians in the Netherlands.
Instagram updates
Follow short updates, explanations and announcements from the Empatia team.
Instagram updates
Follow short updates, explanations and announcements from the Empatia team.
Instagram updates
Follow short updates, explanations and announcements from the Empatia team.
Chatbot
Find answers to frequently asked questions and check basic information before contacting the legal team.
Chatbot
Find answers to frequently asked questions and check basic information before contacting the legal team.
Chatbot
Find answers to frequently asked questions and check basic information before contacting the legal team.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Who can contact the legal advice programme, and do you offer legal representation?
Our services are available to Ukrainians under temporary protection in the Netherlands, representatives of municipal locations and municipalities, and other organisations and state bodies.
How does OPORA’s legal advice programme work with Dutch lawyers?
We partner with Dutch law firms through a project that connects civil society organisations with legal professionals. As part of this collaboration, lawyers from leading Dutch firms offer training to our legal team, assist with request responses and take part in live-streamed webinars.
In which areas of law does the team specialise?
We offer legal advice across various fields, according to both Dutch and Ukrainian legislation. Our areas of expertise include: employment law, labour law, migration law, tax law, family law, corporate law, administrative law, civil law, housing law (municipal residence), criminal law (including violent crime), intellectual property law and more.
What additional services does the legal advice programme provide?
In addition to legal consultations, we provide legal education. Our team organises informative lectures at municipal locations with Q&A sessions, on-site visits to Ukrainian community locations and live-stream webinars on current issues.
For example, our lecture topics include:
Key terms of employment contracts in the Netherlands: what to watch for
Potential issues and risks in registering as a self-employed person (ZZP) for Ukrainians under Temporary Protection
Conditions for receiving social benefits in the Netherlands
Tax declaration in the Netherlands: essential procedures
We also assist displaced Ukrainians with drafting complaints to municipalities and other relevant organizations in cases of rights violations at municipal locations or illegal evictions.
Are there any costs associated with the legal programme?
Our legal team provides free legal advice to displaced people from Ukraine.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Who can contact the legal advice programme, and do you offer legal representation?
Our services are available to Ukrainians under temporary protection in the Netherlands, representatives of municipal locations and municipalities, and other organisations and state bodies.
How does OPORA’s legal advice programme work with Dutch lawyers?
We partner with Dutch law firms through a project that connects civil society organisations with legal professionals. As part of this collaboration, lawyers from leading Dutch firms offer training to our legal team, assist with request responses and take part in live-streamed webinars.
In which areas of law does the team specialise?
We offer legal advice across various fields, according to both Dutch and Ukrainian legislation. Our areas of expertise include: employment law, labour law, migration law, tax law, family law, corporate law, administrative law, civil law, housing law (municipal residence), criminal law (including violent crime), intellectual property law and more.
What additional services does the legal advice programme provide?
In addition to legal consultations, we provide legal education. Our team organises informative lectures at municipal locations with Q&A sessions, on-site visits to Ukrainian community locations and live-stream webinars on current issues.
For example, our lecture topics include:
Key terms of employment contracts in the Netherlands: what to watch for
Potential issues and risks in registering as a self-employed person (ZZP) for Ukrainians under Temporary Protection
Conditions for receiving social benefits in the Netherlands
Tax declaration in the Netherlands: essential procedures
We also assist displaced Ukrainians with drafting complaints to municipalities and other relevant organizations in cases of rights violations at municipal locations or illegal evictions.
Are there any costs associated with the legal programme?
Our legal team provides free legal advice to displaced people from Ukraine.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Who can contact the legal advice programme, and do you offer legal representation?
How does OPORA’s legal advice programme work with Dutch lawyers?
In which areas of law does the team specialise?
What additional services does the legal advice programme provide?
Are there any costs associated with the legal programme?