This expat guide is made by expats for expats. We give you detailed information about all subjects related when moving to the Netherlands. We know from
experience this is challenging and therefore hope that this will give you guidance. Please contact us if you have questions or want to contribute.
Immigration
Register with the GBA (gemeentelijke basisadministratie persoonsgegevens) at your local town hall within five days of arrival, and make an appointment with the IND for a residence permit, if you need one. Make sure your documents have all the right stamps. Read more in our
Immigration section.
Housing
Finding a home, renting or buying? In our
Housing section we explore tax benefits due to savings and tax regulations in the Netherlands when buying a home. For assignments of less than three years, in the current market, it is usually better to rent.
Dutch bank account
There are several global banks in The Netherlands (ING/ABN AMRO/RABOBANK). After choosing a bank in the Netherlands you'll need to go along with your passport and/or residence permit and BSN (Burgerservicenummer), proof of address (for instance bevolkingsregister extract, utility bill, rental contract). Read more in our
Banking section.
Health Insurance
A basic health insurance policy is compulsory in the Netherlands, and if you own a car, you must have liability insurance for it. In the Netherlands, insurances can be obtained at your bank, as well as other companies and organizations. Please consider beforehand which voluntary insurances are necessary in your particular situation. Read more in our
Insurance section.
Taxation
The Dutch government aims to create an attractive environment and welcomes knowledge workers and talent from abroad. The Netherlands is on the international list of most attractive countries to do business with. However, administrative hurdles and bureaucracy need to be targeted to make access to our country a reality. In our
Taxation section we explore more.
Learning Dutch
Is speaking Dutch a necessity in The Netherlands? In the larger cities the Dutch speak very good English and you will get by without a problem. Doing your shopping without knowing the basics of talking Dutch isn't going to be a problem. But if you are staying for a longer period you do not have to feel excluded or disrespectful and have more choice for jobs, education, entertainment, friends, or business opportunities. There are several good dutch language schools in your area to learn Dutch. We have selected the top ones in our
Dutch language courses section.
Services
Are you looking for an Immigration Laywer? Or a company to walk your dog? A cleaner to clean your house? We listed companies with an English speaking staff to help you with
all your needs. Check
Services section.
Insurance
A basic health insurance policy is compulsory in the Netherlands, and if you own a car, you must have liability insurance for it. In the Netherlands, insurances can be obtained at your bank, as well as other companies and organizations. Please consider beforehand which voluntary insurances are necessary in your particular situation.
Explore
Health Insurance,
Car Insurance and
Home Insurance.
Jobs
The most common avenue for job seekers, not only for searching and registering your details but also to keep up to date with prospective employers. Most
headhunters regularly post vacancies on their sites, and if you are registered with them, they will contact you to alert you of new opportunities. If you prefer the direct route, we have listed several
dutch job websites.
