What is an asylum reception centre?


When you register your application, you will stay at the National Arrival Centre first. After a while you will be offered accommodations at an asylum reception centre.

An asylum reception centre is a facility with modest accommodation offerings where you can stay voluntarily while waiting for an answer to your application for collective protection. 

When you arrive at the asylum reception centre, you will receive information about:

  • house rules and practicalities related to the centre
  • safety, such as fire prevention / security
  • money/basic benefits
  • the surrounding area and nearby services, including transport, shops and other services and amenities

The asylum reception centre staff will provide guidance and help if needed. They will also assist you to obtain relevant information from public agencies and volunteer organisations.

At the asylum reception centre, you will receive:

  • a bed (you may end up sharing a room with others)
  • kitchen access
  • equipment you can loan for young children, including carriages, beds etc. 
  • access to clothes-washing and drying facilities
  • internet access
  • access to a pc/tablet at the reception centre
  • money (basic benefits) for food, clothing, personal hygiene items, transport
  • access to primary school instruction for hildren aged 6-16 years
  • offering for adapted school instruction for youths aged 16-18 years
  • leisure activity offerings
  • opportunity to take part in the information programme on Norwegian society

Some asylum reception centres also offer:

  • childcare for children aged 0-6 years
  • kindergarten for children aged 1-6 years

We do not know how long it will be before you can move from the asylum reception centre to a municipality.