Survival Guide by Expatica

EXPATICA PRESENTS

EXPAT SURVIVAL GUIDE

2016

YOUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO LIVING IN THE NETHERLANDS

LIVE, WORK, LOVE EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, RELOCATION, ENTERTAINMENT AND MUCH MORE!

Relocation isn't just a question of finding a house or school. It's all about creating an enjoyable life in a brand new culture for employees and their families.

T +31 (0) 70 301 13 66 www.eurohome-relocation.com Member of Voerman Group

WELCOME

WELCOME TO THE NETHERLANDS! Moving abroad is an exhilarating, life-changing experience. That is, once the practical aspects are settled. It first can be a daunting process while you try building a new life in an unknown language and culture. Where do you begin? The Expat Survival Guide assists your first essential steps: finding a home and job, organising permits, setting up finances and healthcare, and enrolling in education. It offers practical information on getting started in the Netherlands and directs you to the people, companies and institutions that can help you along the way. As the growing pangs subside, our newly redesigned website www.Expatica.com complements this guide with relevant news in English, weekly features from experienced expats, and essential lifestyle information for getting out and about in the Netherlands. You’ll find plenty of support with our housing and job search tools, ask-the-expert service, free classifieds, A–Z listings, events, expat dating, and a thriving online community. Our goal is to provide all the information you need to settle with ease into your new Dutch lifestyle.

2 > INTRODUCTION 4 > SURVIVAL CHECKLIST 6 > RELOCATION: Residence permits; Expat

centers; Relocation providers. 12> SPECIAL NEEDS 15 > FAMILIES: Family reunification permits;

Au pairs; Childcare; Child benefits and allowances; Family activities. 20 > HOUSING: Renting; Buying; Popular expat

locations: Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Eindhoven, The Hague, Maastricht, Utrecht. 40 > FINANCE: Bank accounts; Tax; Insurance;

Financial and tax advisors. 50 > EDUCATION: Primary, secondary and higher

education; International schools. 64 > EMPLOYMENT: Work permits; Employment

law; Working culture; Finding a job. 76 > HEALTHCARE: Health insurance; Healthcare

system; Having a baby; Health services. 84 > HOME BASICS: Utilities: gas, water, electricity;

ENJOY THE NETHERLANDS!

Communications: telephone mobile, internet. TV;

The Expatica Team

Post offices.

This guide is published by Expatica.com, a leading media organisation providing a complete resource for international living.

90 > EMERGENCY CONTACTS: Emergency

87 > TRANSPORT: Driving; Public transport.

numbers. 91 > CALENDAR & ENTERTAINMENT: Public

holidays; Festivals; Groups and clubs; Activities. 96 > ADVERTISERS INDEX

Published October 2015 – In memory of Antoine van Veldhuizen. Expatica Communications B.V. Wilhelminastraat 15 2011 VH Haarlem Netherlands www.Expatica.com | expaticaservice@expatica.com Editorial: Audrey Sykes Layout & design: Benjamin Langman Publisher: Tom Bey Advertising sales: sales@expatica.com Distribution: survivalguide@expatica.com

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronically or mechanically, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system, without prior written permission from the publisher. Requests for permission should be addressed to Expatica Communications BV, Wilhelminastraat 15, 2011VH Haarlem, the Netherlands. Expatica makes great effort to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this guide. However, we do not take responsibility for errors or omissions or any damages, howsoever caused, which result from its use, and make no warranty of claims as to the quality or competence of businesses or professionals mentioned. Users are advised to take care when selecting professional services and to use common sense when adjusting to new life in a new country.

THE NETHERLANDS EXPAT SURVIVAL GUIDE 2016 | WWW.EXPATICA.COM

INTRODUCTION

The Netherlands consistently ranks among the top places in the world to live and work.

It may be a small country in size, but certainly not in impact. The Netherlands is famed for its liberal social policies, maritime trading traditions, battles to hold back the sea, robust multiculturalism and leading technological communications, making Dutch lifestyle a mosaic of cultural intrigue. Living standards consistently rank high in the 2015 OECD’s Better Life Index, and the Netherlands has the third best work-life balance and high levels of employment and household wealth. Dutch children, likewise, are ranked as the happiest in the developed world, topping two surveys conducted by UNICEF. To newcomers, Dutch society might seem open and informal, but some complex social rules are at play. Ostentatious behaviour is frowned upon, egalitarianism is valued and Dutch people ‘like to be as

normal as possible’ according to Martijn de Rooij, author of The Dutch I Presume? The Dutch saying ‘doe maar gewoon dan doe je al gek genoeg’ (just act normal, that’s crazy enough) is an anthem against eccentricity. No Dutch city has yet reached a million inhabitants and each retains a unique character and architectural style. The capital is something else entirely, and in terms of atmosphere and attitude, Amsterdam and the Netherlands could be two different countries. International residents tread a well-worn path to the ‘Lowlands’. Out of a population of some 16.9 million people, more than three and a half million have a foreign background (cbs.nl). This multi-ethnic characteristic of the country’s population has historic roots stretching back several hundred

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INTRODUCTION

years, though most rapid changes in population demographics have come about in the last 40 years. Foreign policy has impacted domestic politics in recent years, and influenced two government collapses in the space of around two years. The last collapse in April 2012 resulted from a coalition breakdown over austerity measures to steer the Eurozone’s fifth-largest economy below the EU deficit ceiling of 3 percent. The Dutch government’s traditional reliance on a coalition of two or more parties has earned it the nickname ‘the land of compromise’. But, for the first time, a majority coalition formed in the last September 2012 elections. The Netherlands strengthened its stance on austerity with large gains achieved by pro-European parties, the central-right liberal VVD and the social-democratic labour party PvdA. In contrast, losses were incurred by the previous coalition parties, the Christian Democrat CDA and Geert Wilders’ Freedom Party (PVV), a nationalistic party known for its right-wing focus. The next elections for the lower chamber of parliament are scheduled for March 2017. With Mark Rutte continuing as prime minister, a coalition with Diederik Samson’s PvdA gives the current Dutch government a comfortable majority to pass budget cuts, although further opposition support is needed to pass any laws in the Senate. Economic downturn, however, saw a large shift in public opinion towards cuts of e6 billion in the 2014 budget. The deficit surpassed the EU’s target at 2.9 percent to 2.3 percent in 2014, and expected to get to 2.2 percent in 2015. Change followed from politics to royals, with Queen Beatrix abdicating in 2013 after a 33-year reign. The Netherland’s national party, Queen’s Day (Koninginnedag), was particularly celebratory as it was tied to the coronation of the first Dutch king in 123 years. As Europe’s youngest monarch, King Willem-Alexander pledged to modernise the royal image, even forgoing the traditional ‘your majesty’ if people want. Now The Netherland’s biggest nation-wide party celebrates King’s Day on April 27 (the king’s birthday), breaking the traditional celebration on April 30 that has honoured the previous Queen Juliana’s birthday since 1949. Regardless, the ubiquitous oranjegekte (orange madness) still takes over, where people wear orange shirts, hats, dresses

and wigs to celebrate while enjoying the annual free market (vrijmarkt), as it’s the one time when people can set up shop without a trading licence. Culture and quality living combined make the Netherlands an attractive place for expats, who are an intrinsic part of the country’s knowledge-based economy. The Dutch people are generally receptive, curious, cultured, and friendly. English is widely spoken – a survey by Education First ranked the Netherlands as second in the world for English proficiency as a second language (Denmark is the first) – but this can be a drawback for those learning Dutch. With many international companies headquartered in the Netherlands, there are plenty of employment opportunities.

Population: 16,933,558 (August 2015 cbs.nl) Density: 493/km2 (the highest in the European Union in 2015) Administration: The constitution dates mostly from 1848, and revisions undertaken in 1983. Parliament consists of an upper chamber (eerste kamer) of 75 members elected by provincial councils and a lower chamber (tweede kamer) with 150 members elected every four years by proportional representation. The cabinet is the executive body and its constituents cannot be members of the cabinet and parliament at the same time. Monarchy: The House of Oranje-Nassau has governed the Netherlands since 1815. King Willehm-Alexandar, born 1967, was crowned in 2013, along with his Argentinean wife Maxima, who serves as the queen consort. Landscape: A fifth of the Netherlands is reclaimed from the sea (polders) and about a quarter of the country is below sea level. There are 20 national parks and a few modest hills, with the country’s highest point reaching 322 metres in Limburg. Agricultural facts: Tiny Netherlands is the world’s second largest exporter of agricultural products, including mostly cereals (wheat in particular), feed crops (such as fodder maize) and potatoes. The Dutch cow is a revered milk machine, producing 35 litres a day. Media and culture: The Netherlands has the highest museum density in the world with nearly 1,000 institutions. The television program Big Brother is a Dutch invention and Paul Verhoeven is known internationally for his direction of RoboCop and Total Recall. Design: Dutch icons of style are nurtured in the revered Design Academy Eindhoven and the Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam, attracting large ratios of international students. Dutch design is admired for its minimalist, quirky and often humorous qualities.

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SURVIVAL CHECKLIST

Before the fun of exploring begins, there are some essential tasks to take care of when you first land in the Netherlands. REPORT TO IMMIGRATION You must register with the BRP at your local town hall within five days of arrival. If you need a residence permit, make an appointment with the IND quickly. Get ready for lots of paperwork and make sure your documents have all the right stamps..

EDUCATION Should you send your child to a local or international school? What learning opportunities are available to expats? Get the lowdown on education (onderwijs) in the Netherlands in our Education section.

EXPAT BENEFITS Find out if you are eligible for the Dutch 30 percent ruling for taxes and use the services of the various expat centres to help you cut through the red tape.

JOB HUNTING If you’ve got a work permit (or don’t need one), you’re ready to begin. Sign up with agencies that specialise in finding work for expats or start your search online. We offer job-hunting tips and information on Dutch labour law.

OPEN A DUTCH BANK ACCOUNT Opening a Dutch bank account will make your life easier. You’ll need your passport and/or residence permit, burgerservicenummer (BSN), proof of address, and evidence of income, such as an employment contract or payslip. FIND A HOME Our Housing section will help you decide whether to rent or buy, and offers tips on dealing with housing agencies and where to live in the Netherlands. HOME BASICS After finding your home, you’ll need to sort out a broadband connection and water, electricity and gas utilities. We list the major suppliers and several useful websites to help you get connected.

HEALTH Did you know it is compulsory for residents to take out the Dutch health insurance basisverzekering? Our Health section guides you through the Dutch healthcare system, and explains what to do in an emergency and how to find a hospital, doctor or midwife. GETTING AROUND Before you drive, find out about Dutch road regulations, if you need to exchange your driving licence, and how the Dutch public transport system works. MEETING THE COMMUNITY If you’re finding everything a little overwhelming, take heart: many others have been in the same position and made it through. Get out there, get active, and read about groups and clubs for meeting new people.

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INTRODUCTION

Settling in, simply. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re here to make it easier for highly skilled migrants like yourself to work and register in the Amsterdam area. Qualifying companies can start the paperwork before arrival and a single visit to the Expatcenter will complete the process. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, our website has loads of valuable information on a wide range of topics including housing, education, taxes and healthcare. The cities of Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Almere and Haarlemmermeer are working with the Immigration and Naturalisation Services (IND) to bring you the Expatcenter services. To learn more please visit:

www.expatcenter.com

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The Netherlands is a bureaucratic country and proud of it. Regulations and procedures for expats and their families can seem daunting at first, but being prepared will make the process easier and faster. First of all, ensure that your documents are in order before you approach the two main bodies involved in registration and immigration: the BRP, where you must register your details into the Dutch system, and the IND, which implements immigration policy and makes decisions on residence permits. Check that your passport is valid for the period of your stay and that marriage and birth certificates are translated into Dutch, English, French, or German and sufficiently ‘legalised’. This is generally done with the addition of an Apostille — an extra stamp on the original document required to certify foreign papers— which you obtain from the competent authority in your own country. See the Apostille section of www.hcch.net. COMPULSORY REGISTRATION IN THE BRP: EVERYONE Formally named the GBA, the Municipal Personal

Records Database (Basisregistratie Personen in Dutch, or BRP) contains the details of everyone who lives in the Netherlands. Anyone who intends to stay in the Netherlands for more than four months (including EU/EEA/Swiss nationals) must register their details in the BRP within five days of arrival. Registration with the BRP triggers the start of other processes and proof of registration is essential for many more formalities. The information you provide is also shared between other public authorities, for example the tax and welfare offices, to help the government perform its public tasks and reduce duplicate registrations. The details you give when you register (such as your address and the size of family) determine charges for water and refuse collection, prompt the local health department to contact you regarding checkups for your children, and determines eligibility to register for social housing. The burgerservicenummer (BSN) (which replaced the old fiscal SOFI-number) is also initiated here

Brighter Solutions for People and Businesses on the Move We offer the following services: • Relocation Services

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and you’ll need it to open a bank account, work, and claim benefits or healthcare. Once you have completed this process, you can get a printout of your details (uittreksel), which proves your residence and rights, such as being able to vote in local and European elections. Documents required include a passport (valid for a minimum period of the length of your stay), rental contract (in your name), employment contract (if applicable), and birth and marriage certificates of all family members (see above for legal format). Registration is free. You should register at your local municipality; highly skilled migrants and employees of IND ‘recognised sponsors’, however, can register at a specialised expat centre (for a fee). To register, you need to make an appointment, and all members of your family (regardless of age) must be present at the first interview. Once you’re registered, contact the IND to make an appointment regarding your residence permit (if required). You don’t have to repeat this process every time you move house; you can generally just visit a local office (stadsdeelkantoor) to update your details, which you are legally obliged to do.

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You also need to de-register with the BRP when you leave the Netherlands, and give back your residence permit to the IND. IND The Immigratie-en Naturalisatiedienst (IND) implements immigration policy including applications for residence permits, Dutch citizenship, visas, and asylum requests. The official policy line is ‘strict but fair’ and efforts have been made to speed up the processes involved. The website has extensive information in English, a Residence Wizard for specific circumstances, and downloadable brochures and forms. You need to make an appointment and visit an IND desk personally to be interviewed or have a sticker put in your passport. To collect a permit you also need to visit an IND desk in person. If you receive a letter stating the permit is ready, you can visit the IND desk without an appointment. Renewal forms are automatically sent to you. Office locations can be found on the IND website (www.ind.nl) or call +31 (0)88 043 0430 (call charges apply). In 2014 the IND launched @IND_NL for general questions via Twitter.

An Alternative Dutch Assimilation Course By Gregory Scott Shapiro Illustrated by Floor de Goede With a foreword by William van Orange

If you’re looking for an official guide to Dutch culture, this is not it. If you’re looking for one man’s completely subjective and utterly biased impression of Dutch culture, this is for you. Illustrated paperback – 240 full color pages ISBN 978 90 5594 800 0 – Price € 14.95 Available in the major book store

www.hollandbooks.nl & amazon.com THE NETHERLANDS EXPAT SURVIVAL GUIDE 2016 | WWW.EXPATICA.COM

RELOCATION

RESIDENCE PERMITS

A residence permit is related to the purpose of your stay. WHAT KIND OF RESIDENCE PERMIT? Your country of origin, purpose for coming to the Netherlands (work, study, joining a spouse or relative), income, age, and period of residency are some key factors in determining what kind of residence permit (verblijfsvergunning) you need or are eligible for. There are many variations, with individual prices, so reuniting family can add up. Other requirements include proof of sufficient financial support and no criminal record or pending cases. The system was largely reformed in June 2013 under the ‘Modern Migration Act’, which saw processes streamlined, family prices lowered, and permit lengths extended. A temporary residence permit is issued initially for a set period up to a maximum of five years, and can be renewed. Residence permits are usually valid for the same length as your purpose of stay (for example, the length of your study programme or work contract, or that of your partner), otherwise one year is common. After five years of legal, continuous residence in the Netherlands, you can apply for a permanent residence permit or consider citizenship. EU/EEA/SWISS NATIONALS AND RELATIVES For stays longer than four months, EU/EEA/Swiss nationals previously needed to register with the IND to get a sticker in their passport, but this was abolished in January 2014. Your passport or ID is now evidence enough of your right to live and work in the Netherlands but you will need to register at your local municipality, get a social number (BSN), and take out Dutch health insurance. Any of your non-EU/EEA/Swiss family members, however, must apply for a certificate of lawful residence and show proof of their relationship to you (eg. birth or marriage certificate). Croats can also apply for this certificate if needed – but it is not compulsory. After five years of residency, all EU/EEA/Swiss nationals and family members (who have lived with them) are eligible to apply for ‘permanent residence for EU citizens’, which costs around e50.

NON-EU/EEA/SWISS ‘Third country’ nationals need a residence permit to stay for more than three months, and may also require a temporary permit to enter the Netherlands (MVV, see below). As of June 2013, both the MVV and residence permit can be applied for in a single application, known as the Entry and Residence Procedure (TEV). Sponsors in the Netherlands, such as an employee or family member, can apply for the permit on your behalf before you arrive. MVV (MACHTIGING TOT VOORLOPIG VERBLIJF) This is an authorisation for temporary stay that applies to migrants intending to stay longer than three months (90 days), and can only be applied for while you are outside The Netherlands. An examination covering Dutch language and society (Civic Integration Examination Abroad, e350) is part of the procedure but is not generally required for those coming for employment or studies (see below). See www.naarnederland.nl for more details on the test. The MVV is a sticker (valid for six months) placed in your passport and its costs vary according to the purpose of your stay. WHO DOESN’T NEED AN MVV? When applying for a residence permit, there is no MVV requirement for nationals from EU/EEA/ Switzerland (and their family members), Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, South Korea, US and Vatican City. Citizens with a ‘long-term residence permit EC’ issued by another European Community (EC) state are also exempt, as are those who have held a Blue Card for 18 months in another EC state plus their relatives. More exemptions are listed in the application form. CIVIC INTEGRATION ACT Foreigners requiring an MVV are obliged to take an integration exam before applying for their permit. There are, however, many exemptions listed on www.ind.nl. Knowledge migrants and those coming for work, study, or exchange are exempt while on temporary permits, as are under-18s and those who have reached pension age.

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Official self-study packs are sold by www.naarnederland.nl. The IND links to an online registration form to book your exam. The exam is undertaken at a Dutch embassy or consulate in your country (if none, at the nearest Dutch mission). The inburgering (civic integration) legislation also obliges foreigners who wish to apply for a continued or permanent residency permit to speak the language by passing an integration exam in the Netherlands (e250). Knowledge of the Dutch language, culture and society is required. The main exemption is for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and their families. For information, check en.inburgeren.nl. HIGHLY SKILLED MIGRANT SCHEME (KENNISMIGRANTEN) This scheme is initiated by an employer authorised to admit highly skilled migrant applicants — the IND has a list of companies on their site — and it applies to jobs with a gross salary of over e3,071 for under 30 years old, e4,189 for 30 years of age or older, or e2,201 after orientation year for graduates/highly educated persons. These salary bands don’t apply to medical specialist training, teaching

and academic positions, which are also included under this scheme. Sponsors of highly skilled migrants apply for a residence permit (and MVV if necessary) on the worker’s behalf before they arrive. The employee can begin work once they pick up their residence permit on arrival, or if it’s not ready, have obtained the ‘residence endorsement sticker’ (verblijfsaantekening) from the IND. GRADUATES/HIGHLY EDUCATED Foreign students who have completed a HBO/WO (higher education), Master’s or PhD in the Netherlands can file an application with the IND to remain for one year to look for a job. This also applies to Master’s and PhD students from abroad who obtained a degree in the last three years from a university listed in the top 200 of the most recent Times Higher Education World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings, or Academic Ranking of World Universities. During this year graduates do not need a separate work permit for employment. This visa is non-extendable, so the graduate must apply for a new residency permit if they find appropriate work, or register as self-employed in order to stay.

FOTO

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RESIDENCY COSTS (AUGUST 2015) These rates are a base only, and are subject to individual circumstances and frequent change. Refer to www.ind.nl for details. • Join a family member/partner: e 230 (e 53 children) • Work in paid employment/highly skilled migrant (with/without MVV): e 870 • Study/scientific research: e 307

Personal representation Tailor-made packages Independently operating Qualified and experienced

• Extensions: work e 384; family e 230; child e 53 • Working holiday schemes: e 53 • Au pairs/exchange/graduated persons’ orientation year: e 614 INDEPENDENT PERMITS A non-EU national who has a residence permit based on a relationship (a Dutch partner, for example) can apply for a permit in their own right (continued residence permit) after five years of holding a Dutch permit, or less in certain situations on which the IND can advise.

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CHANGING PERMITS Most residence permits can be extended, although some are restricted, for example, working holiday, au pair and graduates’ orientation permits. If you switch permits (eg. residency based on a study/work permit to residency as a highly skilled migrant), you must apply for a new permit with the IND, with supporting documentation. Workers can change jobs without requiring a new residency permit, however, the IND must be notified and a new work permit obtained.

16TH EDITION

THE HOLLAND HANDBOOK® 2015–2016

IDENTIFICATION All residents over the age of 14 must carry an ID that shows their residence status (for EU/EEA nationals, a passport). INFORMATION CENTRES Maastricht Region Branding Foundation Stationsplein 18E, 6221 BT Maastricht +31 43 328 2565 | info@maastrichtregion.com www.maastrichtregion.com New2nl Amsterdam +31 (0)62 909 3933 | annebet@new2nl.com www.new2nl.com Twente Branding Hengelosestraat 500, 7521 AN Enschede Gebouw The Gallery | +31 (0)53 483 6839 info@twente.com | www.twente.com

The Indispensable Guide for Expatriates in the Netherlands

264 full color pages of dutch history

and culture • employment law • legal, tax and financial matters • transportation • daily life • kids • healthcare • international education • leisure and cultural activities

price e

Available at the major book stores

29.95 and www.hollandbooks.nl

to order bulk quantities please contact: XPat Media Tel.: 070 306 33 10 • Fax: 070 306 33 11 E-mail: info@xpat.nl

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RELOCATION

EXPAT CENTRES

RELOCATION SERVICE PROVIDERS

• Expat in Amsterdam Turnerstraat 30 - 1, 1076 VE Amsterdam +31 (0)6-48163021 | audrey@expatinamsterdam.com www.expatinamsterdam.com

LAWYERS

• Expatcenter Amsterdam area World Trade Center Amsterdam | F Tower, 2nd floor Strawinskylaan 39, 1077 XW Amsterdam +31 (0)20 254 7999 | welcome@expatcenter.iamsterdam.com www.iamsterdam.com/expatcenter • Expat Centre Leiden Stationsweg 41, 2312 AT Leiden +31 (0)71 516 6005 | welcome@expatcentreleiden.nl www.expatcentreleiden.nl

• Expat Center for the Netherlands Startbaan 8, 1185 XR Amstelveen +31 (0)900 9811 | info@expatcenter.nl | www.expatcenter.nl • Expatdesk Rotterdam Coolsingel 195–197, 3012 AG Rotterdam +31 (0)10 790 0190 | expatdesk@rotterdampartners.nl www.rotterdam.nl/expatdesk

• Rotterdam Investment Agency (same location) +31 (0)10 790 0140 | www.rotterdaminvestmentagency.com • Expat Center Utrecht Stadsplateau 1, 3521 AZ Utrecht +31 (0)30 286 0000 | expatcenterutrecht@utrecht.nl

• The Hague International Centre City Hall (Atrium) | Spui 70, 2511 BT The Hague +31 (0)70 353 5043 | internationalcentre@denhaag.nl www.thehagueinternationalcentre.nl

• Holland Expat Center South (Noord-Brabant and Limburg provinces) Vestdijk 27A, 5611 CA Eindhoven +31 (0)40 238 6777 | eindhoven@hollandexpatcenter.com Mosae Forum 10, 6211 DW Maastricht +31 (0)43 350 5010 | maastricht@hollandexpatcenter.com Stadhuisplein 128, 5038 TC Tilburg +31 (0)40 238 6777 | tilburg@hollandexpatcenter.com www.hollandexpatcenter.com • Nijmegen Expatdesk Stadswinkel | Marienburg 75, 6511 PS Nijmegen +31 (0)24 329 2408 | informatiebalie@nijmegen.nl www.nijmegen.nl/expats • Twente Expat Center World Trade Center Twente Spoorstraat 114, 8th floor, 7551 CA Hengelo +31 (0)74 291 5604 | info@expatcentertwente.com www.expatcentertwente.com

• Noordam Advocatuur Oranje Nassaulaan 5, 1075 AH Amsterdam +31 (0)20 689 8123 | info@noordamadvocatuur.nl www.noordamadvocatuur.nl

• Everaert Immigration Lawyers IJDok 23, 1013 MM Amsterdam +31 (0)20 752 3200 | info@everaert.nl | www.everaert.nl RELOCATION SERVICES

• Map Relocations Brusselsesteenweg 321, 3090 Overijse, Belgium +32 (0)2 658 8080 |contact@map-relocations.com www.map-relocations.com

• Nova Relocation Het Kleine Loo 414T, 2592 CK The Hague + 31 (0)70 324 2524 | info@novagrp.eu | www.novagrp.eu

• RelocAid: Relocation and immigration Rendementsweg 12A, 3641 SK Mijdrecht +31 (0)29 727 2784 | info@relocaid.com | www.relocaid.com

• SCL Rotterdam Admiraal de Ruyterstraat 31, 3115HA Schiedam +31 (0)10-4277720 | info@sclrotterdam.com | www.sclrotterdam.com • De Haan Relocation Edisonweg 18, 2952 AD Alblasserdam +31 (0)78 692 0333 | info@dehaan.nl | www.dehaan.nl

• Eurohome Relocation Services Wolga 12, 2491 BJ The Hague + 31 (0)70 301 1366 | www.eurohome-relocation.com • Hello World Holanda +31 (0)61 978 0664 | Skype: hwhelloworld info@hwhelloworld.com | www.hwhelloworld.com

• Interdean Relocation A Einsteinweg 12, 2408 AR Alphen aan den Rijn +31 (0)17 244 7979 | amsterdam@interdean.com www.interdean.com

• Mie-Lan Kok Estate Agency JH Weissenbruchweg 19, 2102 AE Heemstede +31 (0)23 547 5941| info@mielankok.nl | www.mielankok.nl

• Noble Mobility A. van Leeuwenhoekweg 50, 2408 AN Alphen aan den Rijn +31 (0)17 274 5454 | info@noble-mobility.com www.noble-mobility.com

• PASBMS Relocation Services Schoutenlaan 62, 2215 ME Voorhout +31 (0)25 234 7876 | info@pasbms.com | www.pasbms.com • Tulip Expats Services Malakkastraat 88–90, 2585 SR The Hague +31 (0)70 220 8156 | info@tulipexpatsservices.com www.tulipexpatsservices.com

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RELOCATION

SPECIAL NEEDS

A wide array of organisations assist people with special needs in the Netherlands. The Netherlands has legislation protecting the rights of people with a physical, mental, emotional, or sensory impairment that ensures equal access to social, economic and transport systems and encourages full participation in society. In typical Dutch fashion, multiple ministries and organisations coordinate policy. Your doctor, city hall or one of the major advice centres (ANGO, Ieder(in) or MEE) can point you in the right direction. TRANSPORT Old Dutch cities with narrow, uneven streets and bikes parked everywhere are not brilliant terrain for those in wheelchairs, but access is improving. Help is available getting to/through Schiphol airport (www.schiphol.nl) and railways (www.ns.nl), and there’s a bureau for disabled travellers (call 030 235 7822 or register online) to request journey assistance. Your gemeente site will give local information, often in English, for the location of disabled parking places and other access issues, or look up zorg en welzijn and gehandicapten. EDUCATION Wherever possible, children are encouraged to attend mainstream primary schools under the ‘Going to school together’ policy. A new Inclusive Education Act (Wet Passend Onderwijs) came into effect in 2014, which requires all schools to provide equal learning opportunities for every child.

The school of their choice – special or mainstream – will receive funding to cater for their needs, and the school will arrange assistance as required. Parents can also opt for a special school, whether a speciaal basisonderwijs (SBO) for learning and behavourial support or a speciaal onderwijs (so) for specific special needs. The language of instruction is Dutch, but children from a non-Dutch background can sometimes be taught in their mother tongue to help them settle in. You will find SEN teachers at international schools (public and private) where the language of instruction will be (mostly) English but you may have to fund the assistant. Contact the school directly in the first instance. For higher education, ‘education and disability’ is an expert centre (www.onderwijsenhandicap.nl). FUNDING Many services (such as transport) are supported by government funding but there is also financial support for individual families, such as additional child benefit, healthcare and carer allowances, and adaptations to home or transport. Search the government welfare site www.svb.nl to see if you qualify for a carer’s allowance (TOG) or a personal budget (PGB) to cover support costs.

ASSISTANCE ORGANISATIONS (links mostly in Dutch) • ANGO: General Dutch Disability Organisation +31 (0)33 465 4343 | www.ango.nl

• Valys: Regional assisted transport +31 (0)900 9630 | www.valys.nl

• MEE: Support and help for living with a disability +31 (0)900 999 88 88 | www.mee.nl

• Handilinks: A useful portal with lots of related links www.handilinks.nl

• Ieder(in): Network for the chronically ill and disabled (Formally known as CG-RaaD) +31 (0)30 720 0000 | www.iederin.nl

• Dutch Autism Network: www.landelijknetwerkautisme.nl

• Accessibility Foundation: Accessible internet for all +31 (0)30 239 82 70 | www.accessibility.nl

• Down Syndrome Foundation (SDS): www.downsyndroom.nl • Deaf/blind support: www.doofblind.nl • Children/teenagers support: www.nsgk.nl; www.moov.nl

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RELOCATION

GOING OUT A combination of wheelchair accessible activities and accommodation can be found at www.accessibletravelnl.com, and restaurants from several sites (for example, www.dinnersite.nl). Good sources for sporty types include Stichting Resa (www.stichtingresa.nl) or www.fondsgehandicaptensport.nl. Amsterdam has a dedicated site detailing accessible buildings: www.toegankelijkamsterdam.nl. HOLIDAY Some campsites such as De Ruimte (www.camping deruimte.nl) cater especially for children with special needs. Find out about accessible nature reserves and recreation areas at Staatsbosbeheer (www.staatsbosbeheer.nl). For farther travels, organised group trips are available at www.gehandicaptenreizen.nl. Accessible Travel Netherlands (www.accessibletravelnl.com) is a local tour operator specialising in holidays for anyone with special access needs.

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FAMILIES

Ranked first in the world for children’s well-being by UNICEF, the Netherlands is great for families. Immigration policies have been reformed in recent years, making it easier and cheaper for family reunification in the Netherlands. Many policies were updated in 2013 under the ‘Modern Migration Act’. Now partners or relatives in the Netherlands can apply for permits on behalf of family member(s) who live abroad. The applications for both the entry visa (MVV) and residence permit were streamlined into one Entry and Residence Procedure (TEV), which can be lodged before family members arrive. Partners also no longer need to be married to receive residency, although certain conditions apply. Fees have also been reduced for family members’ permit applications, including children’s permits. Now the higher fees are focused on labour and highly skilled migrant permits, with fees for additional family

members being significantly lower. If you need an MVV permit to enter the Netherlands, you may need to follow an integration programme, although many exemptions apply. It is important to visit the IND website (www.ind.nl) for the most up-to-date information and prices, as changes occur regularly. Search the ‘Residence Wizard’ and news sections. EU/EEA/SWISS NATIONALS AND FAMILY MEMBERS You need to first register in the Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP), after which you will get your mandatory social number (BSN). You must ensure that all appropriate documentation (marriage certificates, birth certificates for you and your children etc.) is duly stamped with an Apostille (if this is relevant for your country) and translated into Dutch, English,

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FAMILIES

French or German. You will need valid passports for all family members. EU/EEA/Swiss nationals do not need a work permit, and no further registration is required to live in the Netherlands. Exceptions include family members who are not EU/ EEA/Swiss nationals themselves. Instead, after four months, an application for ‘verification against EU law’ must be submitted to the IND to request a certificate of lawful residency. This application is compulsory and costs e53 for a five-year period. Visit www.ind.nl for conditions. NON-EU/EEA/SWISS NATIONALS All other non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals must have their own residence permit. The application fee depends on your personal situation and permit type. In 2015, employees and highly skilled migrants pay e870 and e230 per adult family member. These rates are subject to frequent change, so it is best to refer to www.ind.nl. Partners and family members generally receive the same conditions as the relative they are joining in the Netherlands. So family members of highly skilled migrants or labour workers do not need a work permit once their residency application is approved.

SIGNIFICANT CONDITIONS If you want to bring a family member to the Netherlands, you will become their ‘sponsor’. A sponsor must sign a declaration and meet certain obligations, for example, you must prove you can support your spouse or relative. The IND publishes a table of required income levels. If you, along with your family, come to the Netherlands as a highly skilled worker, your contract will be sufficient to meet the requirements regardless of the length of employment. AU PAIRS Bringing an au pair to the Netherlands is restricted. One of the key rules is that the au pair cannot have previously worked for your family abroad. Only a recognised au pair agency can submit a permit application on behalf of au pair. An au pair can stay in the Netherlands for one year for the purpose of cultural exchange and is not allowed to work outside the agreed au pair duties. The IND website (www.ind.nl) has a section for au pairs who wish to come to the Netherlands, as well as conditions for what an au pair is allowed to do. Below are some general conditions. • Au pair: Must be over 18 and under 31; only light

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FAMILIES

domestic duties to assist the host family in exchange for bed and board; maximum work 8 hours per day, 30 hours per week; two days off weekly; TB test, if necessary; no previous Dutch residence permit for exchange purposes.

• Pre-school/playgroups (peuterspeelzalen): Activities and play for two- to four-year-olds. This is often more social rather than proper daycare, but if you can get a place it can be sufficient if you intend to work part-time.

• Sponsor: Sufficient income to support family and au pair; daily schedule for au pair agreed upon in writing; au pair must be registered at same address.

• Employers: Some employers have their own daycare arrangements or local daycare places, which can be cheaper.

CHILDCARE (KINDEROPVANG) It is never too early to register your child for daycare, for instance, when you are pregnant. Government policy can be found on www.rijksoverheid.nl (in Dutch).

• After-school care: Some daycare centres provide this for children up to 12, but it is also provided by naschoolse opvang and buitenschoolse opvang (BSO) establishments (see www.kinderopvang.net in Dutch).

OPTIONS • Kinderdagverblijf: Public daycare for children aged six weeks to four years old. Centres are generally open from 8am to 6–8pm. Find a local one at www.kinderopvang.net. Urban areas have a shortage so expect long waiting lists.

CHILD BENEFIT Parents living or working in the Netherlands with children under 18 are entitled to the kinderbijslag, a quarterly contribution to the cost of raising children from the Sociale Verzerkerings Bank (SVB). The amount depends on age, special needs, etc., but is not income-related. It can be paid into a bank account in some foreign countries (but this will take longer). Find information and a list of local offices at www.svb.nl.

• Private daycare: In large cities, there are private facilities offering flexible options up to 24-hour care, which are more expensive, plus international nurseries and pre-school establishments.

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FAMILIES

CHILDCARE ALLOWANCE Parents working (or studying) in the Netherlands are entitled to the childcare allowance (kinderopvangtoeslag) for children under 12. This is a contribution to the cost of childcare, whether for a childcare centre, afterschool care or a private childminder (gastouder). The allowance can reduce childcare costs up to a maximum of 90 percent, depending on income and number of children. Contact the tax office for details. Private childminders need to be registered, show proof of formal training, and first-aid training is mandatory. As of 2012, parents must also be in regular employment to claim allowances. In 2015 the maximum hourly rate on which childcare benefit will be based was e6.84 for day nurseries, e6.38 for outof-school care, and e5.48 for childcare by registered childminders. Parents cannot claim allowances if they look after each other’s children or relatives provide care, and parents cannot claim more than 230 hours maximum per child, per month for all types of care. There is a cap on the maximum hours parents can declare, which is linked to the number of hours worked by the parent who works the lowest contracted number of hours.

In the event of sickness, holiday, parental leave, extra training or part-time unemployment benefit, the number or hours ‘worked’ remains unchanged, as does the number of hours of childcare allowance granted. The same rules apply for both independent entrepreneurs and those employed by an organisation. If a parent amends the number of childcare hours they receive, however, they must pass the information to the Tax Office (belastingdienst) within four weeks, or incur a fine. TIPS FOR FAMILIES There are many playgrounds scattered about but the Dutch transport system makes it easy to explore farther, and children travel free on certain passes (see our transport section). There are also abundant cycling facilities for family outings, or you might consider a bakfiets, the Dutch cargo bike. For ideas, Dutch publisher J/M (www.jmouders.nl in Dutch) covers a range of activities and age groups. You can search for kids gids (kids guides) covering your area, or find children’s activities on Out With Children (www.uitmetkinderen.nl in Dutch).

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FAMILIES

Get out and about: • Fun for free – visit a children’s farm or kinderboerderij. These city farms often have educational and recreational activities during the week. • Cultural fun – Dutch museums often have audio guides for kids available in several languages. • Hit the beach – the Netherlands has 451 kilometres of coastline accessible by car, bike, boat and public transport. • Dutch theme parks – De Efteling is a huge park offering exciting rides for older kids and a Disney-esque experience with folkloric touches for younger ones.

LEGAL FAMILY LAW • Smeets Gijbels Amsterdam | Jacob Obrechtstraat 70 | +31 (0)20 574 7722 Rotterdam | Westersingel 84 | +31 (0)10 266 6666 info@smeetsgijbels.com | www.smeetsgijbels.com LEGAL ADVISORS & NOTARIES • Mr MJ Meijer Notairssen Keizersgracht 695–699, 1017 DW Amsterdam +31 (0)20 531 7070 | info@meijernotarissen.nl | www.meijernotarissen.nl • Mynta Law Benoordenhoutseweg 43, 2596 BC Den Haag +31 (0)70 205 1162 | info@mynta.nl | www.mynta.nl • Buma Algera Notoriaat Prins Hendriklaan 27–29, 1075 AZ Amsterdam +31 (0)20 305 8922 | info@banotariaat.nl | www.banotariaat.nl

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HOUSING

Finding the perfect home is not easy in the densely populated Netherlands. Here’s how it works The Dutch housing market is characterised as one of the biggest social housing sectors in Europe, which makes up 75 percent of the rental market. This narrows the supply of private rental properties for expats, who generally do not qualify for social housing due to strict, income-based allocation. However, more houses have become available in the private rental sector in recent years, mainly because homeowners have rented their properties waiting for a better sellers’ market and social housing restrictions have changed. Still, competition for attractive housing in popular areas is fierce, so house hunters need to be ready to sign quickly if they find the right home.

control of the mortgage market. Since 2013, only interest payments for full-repayment mortgages over 30 years are tax deductible, and the maximum tax rate for deductibility will be reduced by 0.5 percent per annum until 2040.

More than half of the housing stock in the Netherlands (about 60 percent in 2012) is owner-occupied – more in rural areas than major cities. In the past, governments have promoted house ownership with some success using financial incentives, such as tax-deductible mortgage interest and reduced transfer tax from 6 percent to 2 percent. However, the economic crisis and stricter mortgage regulations stalled the housing market in recent years, and prices decreased around 20 percent over the same period.

FINDING A HOME Properties to rent (te huur) and to buy (te koop) can be found on online property portals and agency websites, including www.funda.nl, the national database of the Nederlandse Vereniging van Makelaars (NVM), or the Dutch Association of Estate agents. There are many agencies specialising in expats (be wary of those that charge a registration fee), which can steer a path through the local market. The downside of using an agency is the commission or finder’s fee. A month’s rent (plus 21 percent tax) is the going rate. On the other hand, using a reputable agent can help you to avoid renting an illegal apartment, being removed by a handhavings action, not recovering your deposit, being bound by an unreasonable contract, or paying too much.

In wake of the crisis previous incentives are being phased out, although in 2015 the buying market showed big signs of recovery, especially in the lower price ranges. As the rental supply further decreases, prices on the rental market continue to go up. RENT OR BUY? The usual advice is that if you are here for more than five years and are paying a significant rent (say e1,700 a month or more), you are better off buying a house in the Netherlands. Buyers who may wish to retain the property and rent it out in the future should make sure there is a scenario whereby – given the restrictive verordening (regulation) in Amsterdam – the legal rent that they are permitted to charge can cover costs. In the past, the main incentive for potential buyers was that mortgage interest payments were tax deductible if the house was a main residence, however, the economic crisis has influenced stricter 20

Expats are advised to buy only if they will be in the Netherlands for five years minimum, mainly due to the recovery of start-up costs involved in buying property (in total, around six percent of the purchase price). If you are only here for a couple of years, renting is likely your best option, despite high rents in desirable places. At least contract costs are fixed, repairs and maintenance are the landlord’s headache and contracts can be ended if you need to return home.

If you’re baffled by real estate terminology, you can search for English language postings on housing. expatica.com, or try www.pararius.com with searches in six languages. It should be noted that not all properties on intermediary real estate portals may have been screened by the listing agent. Rental properties that have less than e710.68 base rent will fall under social housing restrictions, and most people will not qualify for these properties as they either earn too much or have no required link to the area. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

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HOUSING

RENTING USING AN AGENT A good agent should be able to tell you about the market, city, price, quality of housing and restrictions that apply to expats, as well as arrange visits for you, negotiate with landlords, and provide a contract in English. Check their portfolio to ensure they have a range of properties to suit you. THREE HOUSING SECTORS The dominant distribution sector has rent-controlled social housing, and income status plays its part in allocation. These restrictions are applied by the local authority, of which all intermediaries should be aware of and apply in practice. Social housing is split into two sectors, depending on whether the property is privately owned, or owned by a housing corporation (woningcooperaties). • Housing corporations: While these properties are often considered to be the best value, there are many restrictions regarding who may live in them and waiting lists of up to 10 years or more are not uncommon. Only those with a total income of less than e34,000 and valid residency will be eligible. • Private distribution sector: You can only rent in this sector when your total taxable household income (ie. combined income of all occupants) is e43,000 or less. This includes holiday allowance and bonuses. Landlords are free to find their own tenants, and as such, residency status does not apply. • Liberalised sector: Most expats end up renting accommodation in this sector because there are fewer restrictions and housing is easier to rent. Owners with low-priced rental properties usually rent easily through their own networks. RULES AND REGULATIONS • The Dutch rental system for housing, tenants and agents is intensely regulated but not necessarily reflective of current market conditions. Base rents (kale huur) are controlled by a ‘points’ system, woningwaarderingsstelsel, which scores everything from the floor space and heating system to location and property type to determine a rental value, and whether a property falls under the regulated or liberalised sector. However, the reality is that there are too few rental properties, which puts upwards 22

pressure on some types of accommodation. You can find more on the points system by searching ‘huurwoning’ on www.rijksoverheid.nl or check what your property’s rent should be at www.huurcommissie.nl. • The government regulates base-rents up to e710.68 a month (2015) and anything over this price is in the ‘liberalised’ sector (assuming it has the correct points/price ratio), where rent prices are not restricted. • Signed the contract but now think you are paying too much? Contact a local huurteam or initiate a rental review on www.huurcommissie.nl within six months of signing the lease. • Some landlords expect your employer to act as a guarantor. • Generally income conditions apply for cheaper housing. • Be cautious of sub-lets when searching solo. You may have problems registering with the BRP and be evicted with little notice. COSTS AND CONTRACTS Your rental contract should cover: • Status: is the property furnished, semi-furnished or empty? There may be an inventory and/or photos. • Duration of lease. • Notice period and stipulations about how notice should be provided. • Service charges (check ‘all-inclusive’. What portion is rent?). • Utilities (apportioned how?). If you agree to a monthly fee, including an advance for utilities, then make sure that utility use is metered for your property. Your landlord should show you an account (eindafrekening) of payments and real costs at least once a year. • A diplomatic clause if you have to leave because your employer has relocated you elsewhere. You need to be clear on when and how this clause can be used to allow you to escape your rental obligations.

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HOUSING

Expect to pay one or two months of rent as deposit, a month’s rent in advance to the landlord, and a month’s rent plus 21 percent tax as commission if you use an agent. TIPS FROM PERFECT HOUSING AGENCY • Discuss your needs explicitly with your agent. • Select one, at most two, agencies: “We all talk to each other.” • Arrange viewings three weeks before you need to move in, no earlier, and have vision: “You may have to look through the mess of the current tenant strewn randomly throughout every room.” • Don’t be pressured, but you must be ready to move quickly. • Make your mind up. You like the place. You agree terms in writing. You take it. OTHER HOUSE HUNTING OPTIONS If the agent brokerage commission seems one financial burden too many, there are other ways to find property but you will need to put in lots of legwork and the monthly rental price won’t be much cheaper. Most of all, you will need luck and timing is important. If you start your search too early (say a couple of months before you need to move in) good properties won’t still be available. Every avenue is worth exploring. Post a notice in the housing section of expat forums or Dutch internet sites with housing, or reply to postings from private landlords. Steer clear of anyone asking for a cash payment or commission. Given the competition for housing, you need to be able to respond quickly to adverts and, if you can, take someone along with you when viewing. If you see a flat advertised in an estate agency window or in a newspaper with an estate agent contact number, make it clear you are only interested in that property – you might get away with no commission but you will still have to pay a deposit. There may be room for negotiation. Always check that you can register with the BRP and check the contract details. The standard NVM (Dutch estate agent association) contract has an English version for comparison.

STUDENTS Universities try their best to help students with housing but there are serious shortage issues. There are non-commercial agencies for students, housing corporations and antikraak (anti-squat) agencies that rent out accommodation. Check the city housing department or dienst wonen, zorg en samenleven for more information about low-priced housing. You can also find useful internet sites for renting a room (kamer) or student accommodation, like www. kamernet.nl. LIVING ON THE WATER Tempted by life on a houseboat or Dutch barge? The houseboat market is a very close-knit community so personal references will go a long way. There are many rules and regulations regarding permits and mooring conditions and, if you want to buy a boat, it will usually (certainly for newcomers) be a cash transaction. Track down a specialist agent to steer you through the procedures. Useful sites include www.waterwonen.nl and www.botentekoop.nl (which includes all kinds of boats for sale).

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HOUSING

BUYING

It is common to appoint a makelaar to do much of the legwork: tracking down appropriate houses, arranging viewings, suggesting areas where there’s room for negotiation, and advising on potential pitfalls. Some properties come with specific regulations; some expats have bought property only to find they do not have permission (woonvergunning) to live in it. Another benefit might be that a makelaar knows which property will come on the market shortly. As with renting, find a makelaar who understands your needs and let them get on with it. The agent’s commission will be one or two percent of the purchase price. You can hunt on Funda (www.funda.nl) to get ideas of prices in particular areas or scour the pages of newspaper housing supplements. Proximity to work, schools and amenities all play their part. Be aware of the costs involved in renovating older property to current building standards or the quality required for renting. For leasehold properties, check out the ground rents. Tax is also levied on the deemed property value (WOZ), evaluated by the local municipality each year. See www.nvm.nl for useful information in English. ARRANGING A MORTGAGE (HYPOTHEEK) There are many different types of mortgage and the tax issues are complex. The general conditions for a mortgage up to four or five times your salary are: • You have a permanent residence permit (depending on nationality and employment contract, this may not be applicable).

Registry (www.kadaster.nl). Notary fees can range from e1,000–3,000, so it pays to look around. An accredited translator must also be hired if one or more of the parties is not a Dutch citizen. The whole process can take just two to three months. Pre-sale agreement (koopovereenkomst): prepared by vendor’s agent or lawyer (notaris) with a 72-hour ‘cooling off’ period. It will include details of when the 10 percent deposit should be paid, or when the bank guarantee has to be arranged. Valuation (taxatierapport): designed for mortgage purposes; not a survey. Transfer or conveyancing tax (overdrachtsbelasting): 2 percent of the purchase price (reduced from the former 6 percent by the government). Deed of transfer: transportakte. Mortgage deed: hypotheekakte. Agent commission (makelaarscourtage): generally 1–2 percent, if applicable. A full structural survey is sensible; possibly fees for translation, plus 21 percent VAT on the total. Parental gift tax From January 2015 homebuyers can still receive up to roughly e50,000 as a tax free gift to buy a property. Updated in cooperation with Finsens.

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• You have a permanent employment contract or a continuation statement from your employer. • If self-employed or a contractor, you have certified accounts for the last three years and forecasts for the following year. • Maximum mortgage obtainable was reduced to 103 percent of the purchase price in 2015, and will be lowered further by 1 percent per annum until it reaches 100 percent in 2018. COSTS The buyer generally pays costs (kk – kosten koper) but some costs are tax-deductible. Allow for around six percent on top of the purchase price. Once your offer has been accepted, a written agreement is mandatory, and a 10 percent deposit should be paid. Make sure your finances are in place first (ie. that a mortgage lender will lend the required amount). On completion, both parties sign a transfer contract (akte van levering) and a notaris must register the property at the Land 26

Expat Estate Agency Tel: (+31) 6 2001 41 42 E-mail: info@ExpatEstateAgency.com Website: www.ExpatEstateAgency.com

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HOUSING

AMSTERDAM

The Dutch capital is a highly prized location with a diverse international population. With some 100 kilometers of canals and more bicycles than residents, Amsterdam’s scenic and quirky centre offers a diverse living experience for its dynamic population. More than 170 nationalities make up around 50 percent of the city’s residents. There are many distinct neighbourhoods densely packed together and competition for housing is fierce. An estimated an average rental price in 2015 of around €20 per sqm. Amsterdam is expected to have a population of 850,000 by 2025. This growth will be made possible by new residential developments: IJburg and Zeeburgereiland in Oost, and Bongerd and Overhoeks in Noord – neighborhoods currently offering the most modern, spacious deals in 2015.

CENTRE AND CANALS In the centre, apartments veer towards old and snug rather than spacious and stairs are steep. Prices on the canal ring (grachtengordel) lined with 17th- and 18th-century houses are vertiginous, although many expats enjoy the ‘typically Dutch’ experience in grandeur surrounds. JORDAAN This district just west of the grachtengordel and north of Amsterdam’s shopping district is an exceptionally desirable neighbourhood. Its beautiful canals and quirky, narrow streets are occupied by a mixture of yuppies and expats, with a core of young family and business owning locals. Prices have exploded here, and in terms of price per square metre, it offers

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HOUSING

poor value and accommodation is often cramped. In the bordering district of Westerpark, housing developments on former industrial sites have filled the need for affordable houses, with the benefit of the huge Westerpark nearby. DE PIJP Directly south of the centre lies the regenerated ‘Pijp’, or so-called Latin Quarter, which is a vibrant, funky neighbourhood that has benefited from government regeneration and initiatives to increase private-home ownership opportunities, to the benefit of many expats. Rising prices reflect its newfound status as a desired neighbourhood among Dutch college students, professional creatives and artists. SOUTH (OUD-ZUID) Oud-Zuid is a popular upmarket location for expats with easy access to international schools, the Vondelpark and spacious, privately-owned housing. There’s a leafy, gracious-living feel with cafes and shopping streets to match. This is a wealthy party of the city, and its demographics have supported its uptown spirit for decades. EAST (OOST) Past De Pijp on the other side of the Amstel river is Oost and Indische Buurt. Things were always cheaper here until a gentrification movement of young professionals and creative have introduced trendy cafes and shops, and spiked rental and housing prices. Still, the bonus of the river, newly-renovated Oosterpark and its proximity to nature reserves and rivers make the area very appealing to a wide variety of Amsterdam dwellers. From students to internationals, young families and older generations, ethnic minorities and long-time residents – it’s a melting pot of culture Oost side.

WEST (OUD-WEST) West of the Vondelpark is Oud West, similar to Oost in demographics, where housing is cheaper (and smaller) popular with expats and a little more urban and edgy than Oud-Zuid. As an up-and-coming area of the city it’s an exciting place to be, and prices are rising as bars and shops make way for renovations and new neighbours. ZEEBURG, KNSM AND DOCKLANDS Behind Centraal Station lies a very different Amsterdam. Zeeburg (which comprises Oostelijk Havengebeid, the Indische Buurt and the new islands of Ijburg) offers architecturally interesting surroundings in one of Amsterdam’s hottest development areas. It’s a little less family friendly, but a growing area. Further west and growing in popularity are KNSM Island and the Eastern Docklands. This former working port established on four artificial island peninsulas is becoming home to locals and expats who enjoy their modern accommodation options with a twist of traditional Dutch streetscapes and buildings. The area offers more space for your housing budget, while remaining easily accessible to central Amsterdam.

Population: 811,185 (www.os.amsterdam.nl) International residents: 50.6 percent International schools: • Amsterdam International Community School: www.aics. espritscholen.nl • Annexe du Lycée Français Vincent van Gogh: www.lyceevangogh.nl • British School of Amsterdam: www.britams.nl • International School Amsterdam (in Amstelveen): www.isa.nl • The Japanese School of Amsterdam: www.jsa.nl Links: • www.amsterdam.nl • www.iamsterdam.com (English site)

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AMSTELVEEN

As a suburb of the capital, prices are slightly cheaper than in Amsterdam and there’s more family-style housing with gardens.

The extra space means parking is not a problem and many homes have garages, with some 80 percent of housing built after 1960. Amstelveen has many green areas, and excellent shopping and local amenities, particularly for sporty types. Amstelveen’s population is booming, expected to reach almost 86,000 citizens by 2020. Some 3,000 houses are estimated to be built built by 2023, with more than half on the edge of the Westwijk area. Close proximity to both Schipol airport and Amsterdam make Amstelveen attractive for international companies, and high living standards appeal to a growing expat community. The International School of Amsterdam is based here with more than 1,000 students from over 50 countries, but pupils attending Amsterdam’s other international schools (such as the British School) often live in Amstelveen. The area is flanked by Amsterdam’s largest park, the Amsterdamse Bos, and the CoBrA Museum adds of a dash of culture. HET OUDE DORP ‘The Old Village’ is the historic hub of the original settlement (1278) with the Amsterdamse Bos to the west and the town centre to the east. There’s a mix of older detached houses, farms, terraced houses, and apartments. WESTWIJK Westwijk is a relatively new area of Amstelveen, which is more modern and spacious and lined with small 30

canals. The one central shopping zone in the centre of the neighbourhood preserves the feeling of a residential area. Larger detached family homes and villas are available here, in green and tranquil settings that offer a lot of individual privacy. These are premium properties, so expect to pay premium prices. ELSRIJK Directly north of the town centre, this is considered classic Amstelveen with its wide streets, huge trees and post-war housing next to small parks. There are terraces, semidetached houses and villas. PATRIMONIUM Running along the Amsterdamse Bos, there’s a mix of housing, shops and businesses in a variety of styles and periods. The Prinsessenbuurt in the north west of Patrimonium is known for large open spaces and detached houses, set among some of the oldest small parks in the area.

Population: 85,749 (www.amstelveen.incijfers.nl) International residents: 14 percent International schools: • International School of Amsterdam: www.isa.nl • Gifted Minds International School: www.giftedmindsinternationalschool.com Links: • www.amstelveen.nl • www.amstelveenweb.com

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EINDHOVEN

Well connected and close to many hi-tech multinationals, Eindhoven has a selective business and design expat community. Philips and Eindhoven go hand-in-hand but the city and surrounds have a lot more to offer, as many expats have already discovered. The region accounts for around half of the country’s R&D (research and development) investment and is officially known as ‘Brainport’. Aimed to be among the top 10 regions by 2020 in terms of technology and economy, this southeast area is a hub for start-up companies and employment opportunities. Because of 19th-century urban planning decisions, there are no canals, and pre-1940 architecture was destroyed by wartime bombing. But over the years things have changed immensely and for the better. Eindhoven has a worldclass Technical University and the Design Academy Eindhoven. There’s vibrant nightlife along Stratumseind – the Netherland’s longest café and bar strip – but also strong links to the nearby countryside and extensive sporting facilities. The renovation of the former Philips terrain, Strijp-S, is adding an extra dimension of cultural, residential and commercial facilities to the city. Eindhoven is well connected with the railway station close to the centre and the airport about 3km away with good, cheap international access from airlines like RyanAir and WizzAir. CENTRE Accommodation is mainly in new, pricey apartments, which are popular with single expats and couples without children. People living in the centre have plenty of facilities, including a shopping mall and scores of international restaurants. International schools (attended by children from Den Bosch and Tilburg) and the PSV football stadium are also located here.

SOUTH The Philips High-Tech Campus is situated at Gestel along with the International Primary School, the Open-air Museum and the Tongelreep International Swimming Complex. Expats also gravitate towards Stratum, with its wide range of modestly priced to exclusive housing. VILLAGES The villages closely surrounding Eindhoven’s centre are popular with expat families. International schools are still within cycling distance, and the sense of community is greater. Veldhoven is virtually a southwest suburb (the other side of the A2 from Eindhoven). Housing is modern and in a range of price bands. Best is a contemporary, well-planned village with good access, while more rural retreats can be found in Waalre, which is surrounded by large areas of forest. The twin towns of Son and Breugel are usually mentioned in a single breath, and popular with expats. Population: 220,932 (eindhoven.buurtmonitor.nl) (The region has some 745,000 inhabitants.) International residents: 31.1 percent International school: • International School Eindhoven, www.isecampus.nl Links: • www.eindhoven.nl • www.eindhoven.eu

NORTH (WOENSEL) The area north of the centre is divided by wide, treelined boulevards, and is mainly residential in nature. Housing is mostly newbuild, with apartments and terraced houses for all budgets. Woensel South is cheaper and there’s a great market for ethnic shopping.

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THE HAGUE (DEN HAAG)

Den Haag is a multi-bureaucratic hub with international integration. Den Haag is the third most populated city in the Netherlands, the capital of South Holland, the seat of government, and home to the Dutch royal family. It is also an outpost for most of the world’s human rights organisations, including the International Court of Justice. Many embassies are based here and, with numerous international schools, it’s a comfortable place for relocation. History, ritual and tradition play their part in this city, with terrific museums and cultural events. Smart areas nearby such as Rijswijk and Voorburg have a sprinkling of Michelin-starred restaurants, though Den Haag itself is most famous for Indonesian cuisine. Building development has been active in past years (www.wonenindenhaag.nl), and newly built residential neighbourhoods on the city’s outskirts, such as Leidschenveen-Ypenburg and Wateringse Veld, are expected to be in demand as the city approaches some 520,000 residents in 2020. WASSENAAR The gated villas of Wassenaar house diplomats and upmarket expats, as well as members of the House of Orange. This district is known by some as the Beverly Hills of the Netherlands, and it remains a favourite among expat families with large budgets for housing, situated in close proximity to several of the area’s international schools. ARCHIPELBUURT/ WILLEMSPARK A city centre area of beautiful 19th-century houses and apartments full of character, with broad streets and big town houses and villas. This is embassy land and a top location where prices are premium and parking space problematic.

BENOORDENHOUT A green, quiet location but still close to motorway and other transport links with woodlands to the north and east. There are traditional, beautiful 1930s villas inhabited by wealthy older residents, and some single-family homes. Considering the space and environs, it is a good option for young families with children. Also in this area is Mariahoeve, which has the benefit of being on the train line and close to the British primary school. SCHEVENINGEN If you want something less genteel, head for the seaside town of Scheveningen with its casino and long, sandy beach. Population: 515,880 (www.denhaag.buurtmonitor.nl) International residents: 50.5 percent International schools: • The American School of The Hague: www.ash.nl • The British School in the Netherlands (BSN): www.britishschool.nl • Deutsche Internationale Schule: www.disdh.nl • The European School of The Hague: www.eshthehague.nl • Haagsche Schoolvereeniging (Dutch international primary school): www.hsvdenhaag.nl • The International School of the Hague: www.ishthehague.nl • Le Lycée Français Vincent van Gogh: www.lyceevangogh.nl • The Indonesian Embassy School in the Netherlands: www.sekolahindonesia.nl Links: • www.denhaag.nl • www.thehagueinternationalcentre.nl • www.thehagueonline.com

STATEN QUARTIER/DUINOORD A similar feel to Archipel, with charming, spacious and elegant homes. Close to shops and cafes, it is a popular area. Typically smaller housing can be found in Duinoord, which also has a slightly creative ambiance.

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MAASTRICHT

The city that combines top technology with a high quality of life in an international environment. Maastricht is located in the very south of the Netherlands, but right in the heart of Europe, bordering Germany as well as Belgium. In the hilly countryside new technologies on chemicals, new materials, life sciences and smart services are booming. The three Brightlands campuses in the region are at the heart of global innovation. Maastricht is the well-connected heart of Europe. Aachen, Cologne, Frankfurt, Brussels, Antwerp, Paris and Luxemburg are around the corner. Its impressive history is reflected in the historic centre and location along the Meuse river. The Maastricht University is the most international university in the Netherlands, with over 45 percent of students from abroad. CITY CENTRE Historic buildings jostle with shops, cafes and restaurants. Encompassing the city walls, university buildings and the Stadspark, the Jekerkwartier has an artistic slant that entices creative types and students.

RIGHT BANK Across the river, Wyck has an old-town feel, while the new Ceramique district, a renovated industrial ceramic area, offers modern accommodation favoured by expats who like inner-city living with full amenities and services. BASSIN AND BELVEDERE The inner-city harbour ’t Bassin, on the northwest side, has grown into a residential and commercial village since redevelopment started in 1999. SINT PIETER AND SURROUNDINGS This is a green residential area along Jeker valley and St Petersberg Hill, yet within walking distance to the centre or Belgium. Population: 122, 185 (www.maastricht.incijfers.nl) International residents: 29 percent International schools: • United World College: www.uwcmaastricht.com Links: • www.maastricht.nl • www.maastrichtregion.com

Innovation is our second nature.

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Markthal Rotterdam © Sophia van den Hoek

WELCOME TO ROTTERDaM

Rotterdam Info Expatdesk is the one stop shop for expats in Rotterdam. We offer you tailor-made information and service that is important for living and working in Rotterdam, such as education, health care, housing, taxes and careers. We can The Rotterdam Info Expatdesk is here to provide you with information, assistance and advice regarding various matters such as: — Collecting your work and/or residence permit and your biometrics if necessary (following approval) — Registering in the Municipal Personal Records database for the first time and obtaining a citizen service number (BSN) — Opening a bank account — Finding your way in Rotterdam

also handle the entire immigration procedure with the IND and the registration process on your behalf. By using our Expatdesk – free of charge – you can greatly simplify your relocation to Rotterdam.

expatdesk@rotterdam.info +31 (0) 10 790 01 90 www.rotterdam.info/expatdesk /ExpatdeskRotterdam @ExpatdeskRdam Please make an appointment before visiting us. Coolsingel 195-197 Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9.30 am until 4.30 pm

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Are you still happy with your choice? ‘Very happy! Although it took a while to feel at home. Rotterdam is a city that you have to get to know step by step. You really have to discover where the best places are. But now that I’ve found them, I really enjoy living here. The city has changed tremendously over the past seven years. New buildings have been added and many new cafes and restaurants have opened. And, of course, there’s the Markthal. It’s our place of choice to take our foreign friends. It never fails to impress!’

The Lithuanian Olia Skripova (32) works as a legal counsel at Applus RTD. Seven years ago she came to Rotterdam to pursue her studies, which is where she met her future husband, Alessio (43), an Italian professor at Erasmus University. They have a son, Leonardo, who is about to turn four.

What made you choose Rotterdam? ‘The Netherlands is an appealing country in many ways: we can both work here without the language barrier being an issue, the standard of living is very high, the schools are excellent and housing is affordable. We were able to find a nice apartment in Kralingen, which we believe is the nicest district in Rotterdam and also happens to be a stone’s throw from our work.’

What are your favourite hotspots in Rotterdam? ‘Our apartment doesn’t have a balcony, but that’s OK: the Kralingse Bos park is just around the corner from us. I often go jogging around the lake, and in summer, we enjoy having lunch at De Tuin, which has a great view of the lake. Hopper is a good place for breakfast because it has a kids area where Leonardo can play. He also loves pizza, so we often end up at O’Pazzo or La Pizza for the best pizza in town.’

What do you do in your spare time? ‘Anytime we have a babysitter, we enjoy going to the movies and we are huge fans of the Rotterdam International Film Festival. If the weather’s good, we sometimes go to the ss Rotterdam for a drink on the sundeck. We also love going to the beach, which is just a short drive from Rotterdam. And Rotterdam Zoo and Plaswijckpark are, of course, Leonardo’s favourite places!’

Wilhelminapier © Ossip van Duivenbode

ROTTERDAM: NOT YOUR AVERAGE DUTCH CITY

Rotterdam, Netherlands’ second city, is a friendly and welcoming city with an open mind. People from all over the world have chosen Rotterdam as their home. You will City Of Architecture Rotterdam is acclaimed nationally and internationally for its modern and innovative architecture. The city offers a complete overview of architectural styles from the 20th and 21st centuries within a few square kilometres. The latest additions to the city are the hypermodern high-rises De Rotterdam by OMA/Rem Koolhaas and the Market Hall by MVRDV. Dynamic City Rotterdam is vibrant and dynamic all year round. The internationally acclaimed Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen and Kunsthal Rotterdam always host provocative

be pleased to discover that the city’s flair and its multicultural society make Rotterdam an exciting and accessible place to settle in. and fascinating exhibitions. The year-round festivals range from small and intimate to city-wide and international, such as International Film Festival Rotterdam and the North Sea Jazz Festival. Maritime Flavour As the biggest port in Europe, Rotterdam’s maritime flavour is intensified by the Maas River that flows through the city towards the sea. On and around the river, as well as in the city’s many inner harbours, there’s much to see and do. Former port areas like the Kop van Zuid peninsula, Lloydkwartier and Katendrecht have been transformed into lively residential districts.

HOUSING

UTRECHT

Expats and foreign companies in a laidback university town. Utrecht’s medieval centre is a delightful place to live, with its unusual sunken canals and cellar bars. The vibe gets particularly lively at night due to the huge (70,500) student population.

which will house 100,000 people, is being built out of nothing. Great effort is being made to create an environmentally friendly town with high quality housing. An underground motorway is the pride of the project.

Utrecht is undergoing the fastest development rate in its history, focused on transforming into a regional capital of European importance, complete with a bursting cultural agenda. It attracts international companies and expats alike, having the Netherlands’ most highly educated workforce and second-best standard of living.

DE VECHSTREEK This beautiful area is north west of Utrecht and close to the Loosdrechtse Plassen lakes. Popular with young families and retirees, Breukelen and Maarssen are connected to Utrecht by local rail and bus services. Older villages include Oud-Zuilen (built around a castle) and Maarssen-Dorp. Maarssenbroek contains newer housing estates with local amenities and services in place.

However, house-hunting here can be even harder than in Amsterdam. To deal with the shortage, the city is in the midst of expansion projects such as in Leidsche Rijn, and around the railway station to the west, which will form a natural extension of the central district. Transport links are excellent, particularly by train, as Utrecht is HQ for NS (Dutch National Railways) and Utrecht Centraal is the biggest and busiest train station in the Netherlands. It is an easy commute to Amsterdam (25 minutes by train) and the service is regular (five trains an hour).

Population: 330,772 (utrecht.buurtmonitor.nl) International residents: 32.3 percent International school: IS Utrecht, www.isutrecht.nl Links: • www.expatdeskutrecht.nl • www.investinutrecht.com • www.iwcu.nl

The centre is prime territory for housing, particularly the museum quarter and Wilhelminapark with its well-maintained 1930s houses. IJSSELSTEIN Twenty minutes down the motorway is the popular suburb of IJsselstein, complete with a car-free medieval city centre and castle (now a museum). There are fast train connections to Utrecht and Nieuwegein, and good cultural amenities. Nature lovers can enjoy the green heart of the Netherlands with bike trails through scenic countryside and along the river Lek. New housing was completed in 2012, and zoning has been approved for more. The centre is expected to get new retail and housing stock by 2016. LEIDSCHE RIJN Officially part of the city of Utrecht, Leidsche Rijn consists of the two small villages of Vleuten and Meern and includes the entire agricultural area between those villages and Utrecht itself. Considered the largest new development in the Netherlands, some 30,000 houses and new space for industry and companies are being built in Leidsche Rijn. In effect, this means that a medium-sized town, 38

“Enjoy our comfortable, spacious and fully equipped apartments in the centre of the Netherlands. All of our apartments and studio’s are situated in the historical centre of Utrecht, or within walking distance. Our apartments are located near the central station, museums, bars, restaurants and several shopping areas. Whether you are looking for an apartment for short stay or long stay, Havaa Apartments can offer you both!” Havaa Apartments P.O. Box 467 | 3500 AL Utrecht M: +31 (0)6 25090191 | T: +31 (0)30 2317100 E: info@havaa-apartments.com

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HOUSING

HOUSING ACCOMODATION AGENCIES Amsterdam Beautiful Property Rental Waalstraat 15, 1078 BP Amsterdam +31 (0)20 330 7338 | info@amsterdambeautiful.nl www.amsterdambeautiful.nl Amsterdam House Hunting +31 (0)65 310 8884 | jaap@amsterdamhousehunting.nl www.amsterdamhousehunting.nl Executive Home Rental Johan de Wittlaan 2, 6828 WG Arnhem +31 (0)26 711 4555 | www.ehr.nl | arnhem@ehr.nl Expat Estate Agency Charlotte de Bourbonstraat 38-D, 1055 WX Amsterdam +31 (0)6-20014142 | info@expatestateagency.com | www.expatestateagency.com Havaa Apartments Postbus 467 3500 AL Utrecht +31 (0)62 509 0191 | info@havaa-apartments.com | www.havaa-apartments.com H-tel Elswoutslaan 20, 2051 AE Overveen | +31 (0)23-5264949 | www.cobraspen.nl HomeRent Molendijk 22, 3361EN Sliedrecht +31 (0)85-4883619 | info@homerent.nl | www.homerent.nl Sonar Appartementen Gevers Deynootweg 126, 2586 BP The Hague +31(0)70 350 5080 | info@sonarappartementen.nl www.sonarappartementen.nl Amstelland Makelaars Prinsengracht 750, 1017 LD Amsterdam +31 (0)20 320 9080 | info@amstellandmakelaars.nl www.amstellandmakelaars.nl GDY Housing Tolstraat 112, 1074 VK Amsterdam +31 (0)20 470 4749 | info@gdyhousing.com | www.gdyhousing.com HousingXL Amsterdam | Javakade 488 | amsterdam@housingxl.nl Haarlem | haarlem@housingxl.nl +31 (0)63 086 3911 | www.housingxl.nl Interhouse Huur- en Verhuurprofessionals® Amsterdam | Haarlemmermeerstraat 55 | +31(0)20 845 0527 Haarlem | Zijlweg 16 | +31(0)23 531 8100 Hilversum | Gijsbrecht v. Amstelstraat 104 | +31(0)35 303 1320 Rotterdam | Mariniersweg 84A | +31(0)10 303 2720 Sassenheim | Havenpoort 21 | +31 (0)25 222 5450 www.interhouse.nl Expat Housing Amsterdam | Baarsjesweg 275 | +31 (0)20 662 2366 The Hague | Anna Paulownastraat 101 | +31 (0)70 302 0730 www.expathousing.com Rots-Vast Group Friesland | Groningen | North Brabant | North & South Holland | Zeeland | info@rotsvast.nl | www.rotsvast.nl Stoit Groep Vestdijk 23, 5611 CC EINDHOVEN +31 (0)40 214 0660 | info@stoit.nl | www.stoit.nl Tweelwonen Oude Herengracht 18, 2312 LN Leiden +31(0)71 524 6878 | mail@tweelwonen.nl | www.tweelwonen.nl

SERVICED HOUSING World Fashion Apartments Koningin Wilhelminaplein 52, 1062 KS Amsterdam +31 (0)20 301 3930 | info@wfapartments.nl www.worldfashionapartments.com Corporate Housing Factory Claude Debussylaan 235, 1082 MC Amsterdam +31 (0)88 116 9500 | bookings@corporatehousingfactory.com www.corporatehousingfactory.com De Thijmse Berg Nieuwe Veenendaalseweg 229–231, 3911 MJ Rhenen +31 (0)31 761 2384 | info@thijmseberg.nl | www.thijmseberg.nl Htel Serviced Apartments Amsterdam | Teilingen 9 Amstelveen | Laan van de Helende Meesters 421 +31 (0)20 426 6400 | welcome@htelapartments.com | www.htelapartments.com The Student Hotel Amsterdam | Jan Van Galenstraat 335 | +31 (0)20 760 4000 Rotterdam | Willem Ruyslaan 223 | +31 (0)10 760 2000 The Hague | Hoefkade 9 | +31 (0)70 762 1000 +31 (0)20 422 8669 | info@thestudenthotel.com | www.thestudenthotel.com MORTGAGE SERVICES ABN AMRO 0900 8170 | +31 (0)10 241 1723 (abroad) | www.abnamro.nl/en Amsterdam +31 (0)20 343 4002 | internationals.amsterdam@nl.abnamro.com The Hague +31 (0)70 375 2050 | internationals.thehague@nl.abnamro.com Rotterdam +31 (0)10 402 5888 | internationals.rotterdam@nl.abnamro.com Eindhoven +31 (0)40 237 9000 | internationals.eindhoven@nl.abnamro.com Expat Mortgages Roerstraat 133, 1078 LM Amsterdam | +31 (0)20 717 3908 info@expat-mortgages.nl | www.expat-mortgages.nl Finsens Herengracht 136, 1015 BV Amsterdam +31 (0)20 262 4300 | info@finsens.nl | www.finsens.nl CLEANING SERVICES Helpling Netherlands +31 (0)20 217 0804 | contact@helpling.nl | www.helpling.nl UCC-Services Spieringweg 603-Q, 2141 EB Vijfhuizen +31 (0)23 576 2395 | M: +31 (0)61 391 1500 a.barker@ucc-services.nl | www.ucc-services.nl FURNITURE RENTAL In-Lease, the furniture rental company Stationsweg 94, 6711 PW Ede +31 (0)35 542 6695 | netherlands@in-lease.com | www.in-lease.com HOME ACCESSORIES V@Amsterdam Dirk Vreekenstraat 81, 1019DP Amsterdam Skype: vat amsterdam | vatamsterdam@gmail.com | www.vatamsterdam.com

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FINANCE

Money matters can be complex, and the Dutch tax system is anything but simple. The Netherlands is home to some of the world’s banking giants. Before you open a Dutch bank account, you should have no problem obtaining cash from an overseas account using an ATM or geldautomaat. They dispense money (in several languages) and accept a wide range of debit and credit cards. The amount you can withdraw and any extra service charges will depend on what kind of account you have and where it is. There should be no charge if you are using a card from one of the Eurozone countries (Britain is not one of them). If you want to exchange cash, services can be found at the Post Office (postkantoor) or a GWK exchange office. If you shop around, you may find good rates in banks and exchange bureaus but check if they have higher commissions. The Netherlands has had the euro since 2002 and paper denominations are €5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500, though you may encounter problems using anything bigger than a €50 note. The coins, with an image of Queen Beatrix on the back, come in denominations of €1, €2, and 5, 10, 20 and 50 eurocents. Coins for 1 and 2 eurocents have been discontinued but prices will be quoted exactly – for instance, as €7, 21 – but will be rounded up to the nearest 5 eurocents for giving change. On bank statements, the exact figure will appear. All major credit cards are accepted but not everywhere. Hotels, restaurants, large department stores and tourist attractions present no problem, but you can’t use a credit card in the supermarket. Cash is still widely used, but the most common method of payment is pinnen, using a debit card with a PIN code. In some cases, a magnetic swipe card might not work, for example, some train ticket booths only accept chip-and-pin cards or cash.

OPENING A DUTCH BANK ACCOUNT The main Dutch banks are: • ABN-AMRO: www.abnamro.com/internationalclients • ING Bank: www.ing.nl (Postbank merged with ING in 2009) • Rabobank: www.rabobank.nl ABN-AMRO, which was nationalised, has the most information in English online and a special expat package but you should generally have no problem conducting business in English at any of them. SNS Reaal (www.snsbank.nl) was also nationalised in early 2013. You will also find financial providers aimed specifically at expat clients, with extensive English-language services. Documents generally required: • Valid ID, plus residence permit if applicable; • BSN burgerservicenummer, which you’ll get when you register with the BRP or direct from the tax office; • Proof of address (bevolkingsregister extract, utility bill, rental contract etc.). If you want to open anything other than a savings only account you may also need evidence of income, such as an employment contract or payslip. The credit rating of new clients may be checked with the Central Credit Registration Office (BKR). An account can be opened in your name and your partner’s (they will also need identity documents). A private bank account is a privérekening. Various cards are on offer but the bankpas is standard. You can pick up the card personally with ID. A four-digit PIN code (pincode) will either be posted separately or given to you on pick up, but it can be changed at a bank. When you pay by pin, you swipe your card through the machine and punch in your four-digit number. It’s the most common method of payment used in shops, supermarkets, bars and restaurants.

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匀漀洀攀琀椀洀攀猀礀漀甀樀甀猀琀渀攀攀搀愀渀攀砀瀀攀爀琀⸀⸀⸀ 䐀攀愀氀椀渀最眀椀琀栀礀漀甀爀瀀攀爀猀漀渀愀氀昀椀渀愀渀挀攀猀眀栀攀渀氀椀瘀椀渀最愀渀搀眀漀爀欀椀渀最愀戀爀漀愀搀挀攀爀琀愀椀渀氀礀椀猀渀ᤠ琀挀栀椀氀搀ᤠ猀瀀氀愀礀⸀ 吀栀愀琀椀猀眀栀礀愀琀䈀氀愀挀欀琀漀眀攀爀眀攀栀愀瘀攀戀攀攀渀愀猀猀椀猀琀椀渀最攀砀瀀愀琀瀀爀漀昀攀猀猀椀漀渀愀氀猀愀挀爀漀猀猀琀栀攀眀漀爀氀搀昀漀爀㌀礀攀愀爀猀Ⰰ 栀攀氀瀀椀渀最漀甀爀挀氀椀攀渀琀猀洀愀欀攀琀栀攀洀漀猀琀漀昀琀栀攀椀爀琀椀洀攀愀渀搀洀漀渀攀礀⸀ ∠ 匀愀瘀椀渀最猀昀爀漀洀猀甀爀瀀氀甀猀椀渀挀漀洀攀 ∠ 䰀甀洀瀀匀甀洀䤀渀瘀攀猀琀洀攀渀琀猀 ∠ 䰀甀洀瀀匀甀洀䤀渀瘀攀猀琀洀攀渀琀猀 ∠ 倀攀渀猀椀漀渀 ☀ 刀攀琀椀爀攀洀攀渀琀倀氀愀渀渀椀渀最 ∠ 䤀渀琀攀爀渀愀琀椀漀渀愀氀倀攀渀猀椀漀渀吀爀愀渀猀昀攀爀猀

∠ 䈀甀椀氀搀椀渀最挀愀瀀椀琀愀氀昀漀爀琀栀攀昀甀琀甀爀攀 ∠ 匀漀氀甀琀椀漀渀猀昀漀爀䄀洀攀爀椀挀愀渀猀 ∠ 䤀渀猀甀爀愀渀挀攀愀渀搀䄀猀猀甀爀愀渀挀攀挀漀瘀攀爀 ∠ 䐀椀猀挀爀攀琀椀漀渀愀爀礀䘀甀渀搀䴀愀渀愀最攀洀攀渀琀

䌀漀渀琀愀挀琀甀猀琀漀搀愀礀愀渀搀猀琀愀爀琀礀漀甀爀樀漀甀爀渀攀礀琀漀眀愀爀搀猀愀猀攀挀甀爀攀昀椀渀愀渀挀椀愀氀昀甀琀甀爀攀嘀愀渀䜀椀樀渀猀琀爀愀愀琀㄀㤀㈀㈀㠀㠀䜀䈀刀椀樀猀眀椀樀欀吀栀攀一攀琀栀攀爀氀愀渀搀猀吀 ⬀㌀㄀㜀㌀㄀㤀㐀㐀㄀䔀渀攀琀栀攀爀氀愀渀搀猀䀀戀氀愀挀欀琀漀眀攀爀昀洀⸀挀漀洀䈀氀愀挀欀琀漀眀攀爀䘀椀渀愀渀挀椀愀氀䴀愀渀愀最攀洀攀渀琀 ⠀䤀渀琀攀爀渀愀琀椀漀渀愀氀⤀ 䰀琀搀椀猀氀椀挀攀渀猀攀搀戀礀琀栀攀䜀椀戀爀愀氀琀愀爀䘀椀渀愀渀挀椀愀氀匀攀爀瘀椀挀攀猀䌀漀洀洀椀猀猀椀漀渀⸀ 䰀椀挀攀渀挀攀㠀㔀䈀䈀氀愀挀欀琀漀眀攀爀䘀椀渀愀渀挀椀愀氀䴀愀渀愀最攀洀攀渀琀䰀琀搀椀猀氀椀挀攀渀猀攀搀戀礀琀栀攀唀䬀䘀椀渀愀渀挀椀愀氀䌀漀渀搀甀挀琀䄀甀琀栀漀爀椀琀礀

FINANCE

CREDIT CARDS Commercial banks usually have an arrangement with Mastercard or VISA but you will generally need to be a customer for a while before getting one. A credit card will be more expensive than other bank cards and you will be encouraged to pay off the card swiftly and consistently. INTERNET BANKING Online banking is common in the Netherlands. You will usually be issued with a calculator-sized device into which you slot your bankpas and enter your PIN, then exchange numbers with the online login system to gain authorised access to your account. You can pay bills directly or set up direct debits (automatische overschrijving) for regular payments. There is usually information in English but you can also get step-by-step tuition from the bank. IBAN ACCEPTGIRO A common method for paying bills, this is a yellow payment slip attached to the bottom of an invoice into which you enter your bank details and sign. You can pay online into the account on the slip or ‘post’ it at the bank, where there’s a box for them. These are only acceptable with IBANs (International Bank Account Numbers). OFFSHORE BANKING The term ‘offshore banking’ originates from the Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, etc.) but is generally used today to refer to any tax haven (such as the Netherlands Antilles). Essentially it is any account held in a bank located outside your country of residence, usually in a low tax jurisdiction, and offers certain financial benefits for those who wish to reduce their tax liability. Accounts can be held in a variety of currencies and there’s a diverse range of savings and investment products. Previously renowned for a high degree of confidentiality, offshore banking is changing with the US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), which requires foreign banks to share account information of US citizens with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

the 30 percent ruling, you can be considered as a non-resident or partial non-resident taxpayer. In such a case only offshore banking might offer extra advantages. Pensions, investments and savings can all be arranged through a licensed independent financial adviser (IFA) or a bank. Interest rates for savings can be fixed or variable; some banks’ websites provide tools to predict investment returns. The type of fund and level of appropriate risk will obviously depend on individual circumstances, and it is advisable to consult an adviser to ascertain your ‘Risk Profile’. In the current economic climate, there are additional risks to depositing money offshore: recent bank mergers, differing protection schemes and deposits held in a different country to the bank’s service centre can mean investors are unclear about how safe their deposits are. Before settling on a bank, expats would be wise to ask themselves the following basic questions: Which bank is my money in, who owns it, what is its credit worthiness, and which jurisdiction does it fall under?

Wealth Management Investment Properties FATCA Compliant US Investments Retirement Planning Global Inheritance Planning International Life Insurance

For expats based in the Netherlands, the tax situation can be complex. Dutch residents pay tax on their worldwide income and there are wealth, inheritance and gift taxes. Non-residents however, generally pay tax on Dutch-sourced income, but if you are a US citizen or green card holder and have

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FINANCE

TAX The Dutch tax system, especially for an expat, can have many variables. The Netherlands is a socially conscious country, and you can expect to pay a substantial proportion (up to 52 percent) of your salary to the taxman. But your personal situation (non-working partner, for example), type of work, residency status and other assets and earnings (particularly from abroad) affect your position considerably. In many cases, you will still be filing a tax return in your home country and will be entering the land of double taxation agreements. There are many expat financial specialists who can complete your tax forms for you or provide other consultancy services. Other useful information can be found on the Expatica website (Ask the Expert) where financial experts answer readers’ questions. The Ministry of Finance publishes a guide on the Dutch Taxation System (www.rijksoverheid. nl). The tax office is the Belastingdienst (www. belastingdienst.nl) and their website has information in English. In general, tax returns are submitted digitally, except the M form which must still be filed on paper (for residents in the Netherlands for part of the year only). The M form must be filed in the year of migration. The deadline for the tax return is 1 April, for the M form 1 July. If you are not able to file before 1 April, you can request an extension. To file a return, you will need a digital signature or DigiD (www.digid.nl) or the services of a tax consultant. The DigiD is essentially a personal login that you use with all government agencies enabling some transactions (paying parking fines, applying for permits etc.) to be done over the internet. Authentication requirements may vary according to the sensitivity of information in transit. Particularly in the year of arrival and the year of departure, filing a tax return may result in a substantial rebate. Tax returns can be completed retrospectively for a period of five years.

RESIDENCY STATUS If you have demonstrable ties to the Netherlands (for instance, you live here, you work here, or your family is based here) you are generally regarded as a ‘resident taxpayer’ from day one. If you live abroad but receive income that is taxable in the Netherlands you are generally a ‘non-resident taxpayer’. Non-residents can also apply to be treated as residents for tax purposes (in order to gain access to Dutch deductible items) and an additional category of partial non-resident taxpayers covers those eligible for the so-called 30 percent ruling (see below). As a resident taxpayer you are taxed on your assets worldwide. THE BOX SYSTEM Different categories of income are treated differently for tax purposes on the tax return and there are three types of taxable income: • Box 1: Income from profits, employment and home ownership. This includes wages, pensions, social benefits, company car, and WOZ value of owner-occupied property (maximum 52 percent) • Box 2: Income from substantial shareholding (5 percent minimum holding – 25 percent rate) •B ox 3: Taxable income from savings and investments. Income from property for instance, owned but not lived in as a main residence, is taxed here: not the actual income but the value of the asset (fictitious return: 4 percent taxed at 30 percent = 1.2 percent). Calculating tax: the amount of tax payable is calculated by applying the various tax rates to the various taxable incomes in the boxes. The amount calculated is then reduced by one or more tax credits. TAX CREDITS AND ALLOWANCES Everyone is entitled to a general tax credit (income based, maximum €2,103 and minimum €1,366 in 2014) and may be additionally entitled to other credits. The single parent’s tax credit is €947 plus a maximum €1,319 under additional conditions in 2013. The general tax credit comprises an income and social security element (to which you are only entitled if you have compulsory

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How to open an account in the Netherlands.

Save time and trouble. Opening a Dutch bank account at ABN AMRO is really easy. And it will give you everything you need to do your banking professionally and efficiently wherever you are. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be more than happy to answer any questions you have, in English naturally. Our experts offer you full service and support. At our offices, by phone, on our website or on our Mobile Banking App. Want to know more about banking in the Netherlands? Go to abnamro.nl/bankaccount or contact us anytime. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re here for you 24/7.

FINANCE

Dutch social security coverage). Your employer will take these into account when deducting wage withholding tax but not any other personal circumstances. You claim other allowances and potential refunds when you file your tax return or request a provisional refund. PARTNERS Where possible, partners are taxed individually but, when only one partner works, the other partner is generally entitled to a refund of general tax credit and deductible expenditure can be apportioned to take advantage of tax credits. Under certain conditions, unmarried couples may qualify as tax partners also, for example if they have a child or own a home together. Details are listed on www.belastingdienst.nl. 30 PERCENT RULING This is a tax incentive for employees, recruited from abroad who bring specific skills to the Netherlands. It acknowledges the additional expenses incurred by expats (extraterritorial costs) by allowing the employer to grant a tax-free lump sum to cover these costs up to a maximum of 30 percent of the sum of wages and allowances. Applications (completed by both employer and

employee) should be made to the Belastingdienst Limburg Kantoor Buitenland in Heerlen. MORTGAGES AND TAX IMPLICATIONS When arranging a mortgage it is important to look at the whole picture: interest, cost of life insurance, savings plan and investment accounts. If you are intending to sub-let, you may need to pay off a substantial part (say 30 percent) of the mortgage to get permission from the lender. When your interest rate comes up for renewal, it is important to check that it is still competitive. Tax implications include: • Interest payments are tax-deductible if the property is your primary residence and the loan is used for acquisition of the house. • There is no capital gains tax in the Netherlands but increases in the value may impact your mortgage relief if and when you use the profits to buy another house in the Netherlands. • Tax is levied on the deemed rental value of the house (WOZ) determined by the local authority. Expenses in financing the purchase of a house are tax-deductible.

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FINANCE

INSURANCE You can arrange insurance through your employer or a private insurance company. Aside from obligatory medical insurance required by everyone (see the Health section), self-employed persons are expected to arrange additional specific insurances, although in some cases welfare benefits are applicable. National insurance schemes available for all residents are explained at www.svb.nl. HOUSE AND HOME Homeowners or house insurance is known as woonhuisverzekering. A standard policy covers fire, storm, flood and theft. In terms of flood, there is a distinction between damage from rainwater flooding (covered) and water damage due to a breakdown in the dykes, for example (not covered). Houseboat dwellers come under separate conditions. If you buy an apartment, the Association of Owners (VVE) takes out the house insurance that is paid together equally among the other apartment owners in the building. CONTENTS An annual household contents policy starts at about €20 depending on what is covered. This insurance is known as inboedelverzekering. Higher priced items such as art, jewellery or antiques need to be individually valued and insured separately. DRIVERS By law, you must have at least third-party insurance for your car. You might also want to insure your car against theft, fire and damage/ injury to yourself and your vehicle. This is known as allriskverzekering. LIFE INSURANCE Known as levensverzekering, it is similar to schemes in most other countries. OTHER TYPES OF INSURANCE Third-party liability insurance (aansprakelijkheidverzekering) protects you if your cleaner drops your precious china, or your child spills grape juice on your neighbour’s oriental carpet. More than 95 percent of the Dutch population has 48

this insurance, and it is often included in combination packages for either homeowners or tenants. Many Dutch households also have legal insurance (rechtsbijstandverzekering), guaranteeing (cheaper) access to legal advice. It insures against costs of lawsuits and personal and labour disputes. Although most insurances are similar to those offered elsewhere in the world, the Netherlands is distinctive in the high level of insurance taken out by the population. Many large insurers offer combination packages that can bring down costs. The national association of insurers is Het Verbond van Verzekeraars (www.verzekeraars.nl) If you need advice, call the Dutch Association of Insurers on (070) 333 85 00 or speak to your bank or financial advisor. BELASTINGDIENST www.belastingdienst.nl The website for the tax authority has extensive information in English and downloadable forms and brochures. There are separate offices for resident and non-resident taxpayers. Email queries are not possible. TaxLine: 0800 0543 – This is the central information line for residents (only Dutch spoken); Monday to Thursday: 8am – 8pm, Friday: 8am – 5pm. Government information line for non-resident tax issues: 055-538 5385 or +31 555 385 385. This covers businesses and individuals based abroad who are liable for Dutch tax and also those classified as non-residents for tax purposes. DIGID If you want to file your taxes electronically, or indeed any other official form (local taxes etc.), you need a DigiD registration number. The website www.digid.nl has an English section. GOVERNMENT The Ministry of Finance provides details of the Dutch Government’s financial policies including the 30 percent facility at www.rijksoverheid.nl.

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FINANCE

CUSTOMS The Belastingdienst webpage www.douane.nl has extensive information in English regarding duties payable and procedures for individuals and businesses. If you move to the Netherlands from outside the EU or if you wish to bring your car, you can download an application form from the website for exemptions on ‘removable goods’.

FINANCIAL AND TAX ADVISORS • ABBM Group | www.abbmgroup.com ABN AMRO 0900 8170 | +31 (0)10 241 1723 (abroad) | www.abnamro.nl/en - Amsterdam +31 (0)20 343 4002 | internationals.amsterdam@nl.abnamro.com - The Hague +31 (0)70 375 2050 | internationals.thehague@nl.abnamro.com - Rotterdam +31 (0)10 402 5888 | internationals.rotterdam@nl.abnamro.com - Eindhoven +31 (0)40 237 9000 | internationals.eindhoven@nl.abnamro.com • Affinity Global Wealth - Netherlands: Schout van Eijklaan 143, 2262 XN Leidschendam - Portugal: Av. Vilamoura XXI, Edifício Portal, Bloco B-1B, 8125-406 Quarteira - Gibraltar: 3 Irish Place, 1st floor +351 (0)28 931 4530 | www.affinityglobalwealth.com • Blacktower Financial Management (International) Van Gijnstraat 19, 2288 GB, Rijswijk +31 (0)70 319 4041 | clare.summerfield@blacktowerfm.com www.blacktowerfm.com/index.php/locations/the-netherlands • Elliot Lloyd World Trade Center, Prinses Margrietplantsoen 33, 2595 AM,The Hague | +31 (0)70-2054850 | info@elliotlloyd.com | www.elliotlloyd.com • Finsens Herengracht 136, 1015 BV Amsterdam +31 (0)20 262 4300 | info@finsens.nl | www.finsens.nl • KozRog Consult - Accounting, Tax and IT Solutions 11710 Plaza America Drive, Suite 2000 Reston, Virginia 20190, USA +(1) 202 780 6008 | galina.d@kozrog.com | www.kozrog.com

Tax section updated with the help of Arjan Enneman, Managing Director Expatax BV, and Expatica’s tax expert on our Ask The Expert online service.

• Tax Compliance Service Kingsfordweg 151, 1043 GR Amsterdam +31 (0)20-4919945 | Info@taxcs.com | www.taxcs.com • Witlox International Tax Advice Hescheweg 79, 5342 CG Oss +31 (0)41 264 4898 | maurice@witlox.info | www.witlox.info • Blue Umbrella Weesperstraat 106, 1018 DN, Amsterdam - Amsterdam: +31 (0)20 468 7560 - The Hague: +31 (0)70 820 0298 www.blueumbrella.nl • Corvus Tax Naaldwijkseweg 101, 2691 RD Westland +31 (0)17 424 0811 | yves@corvustax.nl | www.corvustax.com • DTS Duijn’s Tax Solutions World Trade Centre, Tower H Zuidplein 36, 1077 XV Amsterdam +31 (0)88 838 7669 | client.team@duijntax.com | www.duijntax.com • Expatax Keizerstraat 3, 3512 EA Utrecht +31 (0)30 246 8536 | info@expatax.nl | www.expatax.nl • J.C. Suurmond & zn. Tax consultants Jupiter 65, 2685 LV Poeldijk +31 (0)17 424 4725 | taxadvice@jcsuurmond.nl | www.jcsuurmond.nl • Okx Van Leeuwen: Tax Lawyers in Business  Keizersgracht 442, 1016 GD Amsterdam  +31 (0)20 521 0390 | Jan-Hein@okxvanleeuwen.com  www.okxvanleeuwen.com • Ralph’s Tax Service Koningin Juliana Plein 10, 11th floor, 2595 AA Den Haag +31 (0)65 779 7684 | ralph@ralphstaxservice.com www.ralphstaxservice.com • Spectrum IFA Group Strawinskylaan 3051, 1077 ZX Amsterdam | +31 (0)20 301 2119 craig.welsh@spectrum-ifa.com | www.spectrum-ifa.com

THE NETHERLANDS EXPAT SURVIVAL GUIDE 2016 | WWW.EXPATICA.COM

EDUCATION

The Netherlands is committed to choice in education. Compulsory education under Dutch law applies to children of all nationalities from 5 to 18 years who are residing in the Netherlands. Children are leerplichtig (under a learning obligation or leerplicht) at 5 years old for 12 years of full-time education, and one or two years part-time (until the attainment of a diploma). In the Pisa/OECD (2012) international rankings for 15-year-olds in 65 economies, the Netherlands was ‘above average’ for mathematics (10th), and ranked 15th for reading and science. CHOOSING A SCHOOL The Netherlands is among the world’s top countries for equity in education opportunities. Schools following particular religious or pedagogic principles have had equal state funding as public schools since 1917. The number of privately-run schools more than doubles public ones, with one in five primary schools comprising less than 100 pupils. International education is available at both Dutch and private schools throughout the country, and up to 20 schools are expected to implement bilingual education by the end of 2015. In 2013, there were 965 primary schools in the Netherlands that offered English classes, and a further 100 that taught German, French and Spanish. LOCAL OR INTERNATIONAL? Your finances, location, nationality, the age of your children, and how long you are likely to stay in the Netherlands are the main factors you should consider when selecting a school. Many companies reimburse international school fees as part of a relocation package, and reimbursement could be exempt from income tax (though not for all schools). While teenagers might appreciate the educational and social continuity provided by an international school, younger children might get a greater sense of belonging by attending a local school if you plan to stay for a while. By learning good Dutch they will connect to their new world more easily. You certainly won’t be the only non-Dutch parent in the playground.

APPLYING FOR A SCHOOL Register your child as soon as possible at the school of your choice. Public schools technically are not allowed to refuse admission, unless full. Popular schools have waiting lists and the municipality can assign catchment areas based on postcodes – you should register as young as the school allows. All schools have brochures and websites where they announce ‘open days’ when you can visit the school. Almost 90 percent of children attend early education at the age of three, and most children are enrolled by the age of four (when children are invited for orientation). Schools can arrange early childhood education programmes for children aged two to six whose first language is not Dutch. School inspection reports can be viewed online at www.owinsp.nl under Zoek Scholen (enter the name of the school and/or town). The visual representation of green (good) and red (weak) will give some idea of performance. Note that this applies to state schools and Dutch international schools only. COSTS Primary and secondary state education is free, with parents being asked to contribute a ‘voluntary’ nominal amount, which varies from school to school. Additional payments include lengthier school trips, lunchtime supervision (tussenschoolse opvang) and after-school care (naschoolse opvang), which the school is supposed to provide or sub-contract. EDUCATION POLICY The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science sets quality standards, attainment targets and social objectives, but individual schools ‘fill in the details’ of the curriculum and budget allocation. Education policy includes increasing bilingual opportunities, connecting education with the job market, and raising the quality of schools that do no meet the Education Inspectorate’s standard. As of 1 August 2015, the government will allow primary schools to teach 15 percent of courses in English, German or French. Not only will pupils learn a second language, such as English, they can

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EDUCATION

also learn other subjects, such as biology or history, through one of these languages.

schools and are basically free, although all schools ask for a contribution for things such as school trips.

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS Major holidays for state schools are set nationally with staggered start/finish times between three regions. Private international school holidays can be different. For school holidays per region, look up schoolvakanties on www.rijksoverheid.nl (in Dutch).

PUBLIC (OPENBARE) SCHOOLS State-run schools (non-denominational) provide secular education, but they can also offer teaching around specific philosophic or pedagogic principles (Montessori, Steiner, etc.). Public schools are governed by the municipal council or a public legal entity or foundation set up by the council.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS These provide education for global nomad students of any nationality. Dutch International Primary Schools (DIPS) and Dutch International Secondary Schools (DISS) provide international education at reasonable fees because of subsidies from the Dutch government. They are designed for non-Dutch families living in the Netherlands for a limited time, and Dutch families returning from, or preparing for, an overseas assignment. These schools offer the International Primary Curriculum (4 to 11 years), the IGCSE (11 to 16 years), or the International Baccalaureate programmes at primary (4 to 11 years) and middle years’ level (11 to 16 years). All DISS teach the IB-Diploma programme (16 to 19 years). A new curriculum, IBCC, offers an alternative to the IB-DP in the final years (www.ibo.org/ibcc).

PRIVATE SCHOOLS Most private schools are denominational (Roman Catholic, Protestant, Islamic, Hindu, etc.) or follow specific philosophic principles. Private schools are governed by a board or the foundation that set them up. Financially, they have the same status as public

PRIVATE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS These schools teach either an international curriculum (as above) or a specific country’s national curriculum (like American, British, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Indonesian, Polish, etc.), and sometimes in the native language. Facilities (swimming pools,

TYPES OF SCHOOL Source schools via your city’s website (onderwijs = education), or on Expatica.com’s Education channel.

The International School of The Hague

Innovative International Education

E-mail: ish.admissions@ishthehague.nl

Internet: www.ishthehague.nl

Telephone:+31(0)703281450

THE NETHERLANDS EXPAT SURVIVAL GUIDE 2016 | WWW.EXPATICA.COM

EDUCATION

football pitches) are often superior compared to the Dutch schools. SPECIAL SCHOOLS In 2014, all schools were required to cater to any child’s needs under the ‘All inclusive Act’, although participation in mainstream schools has been encouraged through other policies for several years. Additionally, there are schools for children with special needs, plus special needs teachers at Dutch schools. Lighthouse Special Education caters to the international community with special needs children providing extensive assistance in English. Entry is by referral. IPAD SCHOOLS Since 2014, about 21 so-called ‘Steve Jobs schools’ have opened in the Netherlands, pioneered by Dutch entrepreneur Maurice de Hond. These government-funded schools provide children with iPads and educational apps, which replace everything from books to blackboards. Teachers act as ‘coaches’ to help students direct their own learning. You can read more at www.stevejobsschool.nl. DUTCH PRIMARY EDUCATION (PRIMAIR ONDERWIJS OR BASISONDERWIJS) There are eight years of primary schooling. Children are placed in “Group 1” upon entry, and move up a group every year; different age groups may therefore be in the same class depending on when each child started. In their last year, “Group 8” children in 85 percent of primary schools (basisscholen) sit the CITO test (www.cito.nl) in February, which advises their next level of education. By spring 2016, all children in Group 8 will be required test to assess numeracy and language skills. The government sets attainment targets in Dutch, English, arithmetic and mathematics, social and environmental studies, creative expression and sports and movement.

VMBO (a further four years of school): Prep school for vocational secondary education; those who achieve the highest level (theoretische leerweg) can enter HAVO studies. VMBO graduates must continue studying until age 18 or until they obtain a basic qualification (minimum MBO level 2). MBO: Secondary vocational education. MBO programmes vary from one to four years depending on the level (1 to 4). If a student has successfully completed the Dutch VMBO or the international middle school programmes IGCSE or IB-MYP, but is not admitted to the IB-Diploma Programme, the MBO can prepare pupils for work or professional studies (HBO) if level 4 is achieved. A number of English-language programmes are offered. HAVO (five years): Senior general secondary education. Provides entrance to higher professional education (HBO) at ‘vocational universities’. VWO (six years): Pre-university education. Prepares students for academic studies at a research university (WO). VWO schools can be athenaeum, gymnasium or lyceum (a combination of the first two), a difference being that Greek and Latin are core subjects in gymnasium programmes. Just under a third of the 659 secondary schools are run by the public authority. English is a compulsory subject. VMBO pupils study one modern language and HAVO/VWO pupils at least two. Other core areas include mathematics, history, humanities, arts and sciences. BILINGUAL EDUCATION (TWEETALIG ONDERWIJS TTO) In 2015 there were 120 schools with a VWO bilingual stream, plus 45 HAVO and 24 VMBO schools have bilingual departments. Only students that master the Dutch language at an appropriate level will be admitted (www.europeesplatform.nl/tto).

DUTCH SECONDARY EDUCATION (VOORTGEZET ONDERWIJS) From 12 years of age, pupils choose from vocational or pre-university diplomas based on their ability. In the first years all pupils study the same subjects (to different academic levels), known as the basisvorming, followed by a second stage (tweede fase) in which students choose a specialist profile.

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They always leave a little taller At The Little Gym®, we take a non-competitive, progressive approach to motor skill development. Children aged 4 months to 12 years, learn at an age appropriate pace, building upon past achievements as they advance week to week and semester to semester. Take the first step, and enroll your child today. And see how one success leads to another.

Book your introductory visit NOW! The Little Gym Amsterdam • Henkenshage 4 • Amsterdam 1083 BX 020 - 404 07 98 • amsterdam@thelittlegym.eu • www.thelittlegym.eu The Little Gym Den Haag • Koningin Julianalaan 343 • Voorburg 2273 JJ 070 - 300 09 92 • denhaag@thelittlegym.eu • www.thelittlegym.eu

Parent/Child Classes

Preschool/Kindergarten Gymnastics

Primary School Gymnastics

Holiday Camps

Birthday Parties

Education for International Understanding

For over 50 years, the International School of Amsterdam (ISA) has been a global leader in the international education community fostering curiosity, creativity and a passion for learning. Serving 1200 students from over 50 countries, ISA combines a rich cultural heritage with world-class faculty and staff, inspiring students to look beyond simple answers and facts and to pursue a genuine understanding of the world. We have built a tradition of excellence by pursuing innovative, research-based approaches to teaching and learning, such as our long-standing partnership with Harvard University's Project Zero. At ISA, we develop students' thinking skills and help them learn how to learn.

EDUCATION

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS LISTING ALKMAAR AREA The European School Molenweidtje 5, 1862 BC Bergen NH +31 (0)72 589 0109 | www.esbergen.eu ALMERE Letterland International Primary School A. Roland Holststraat 58, 1321 RX Almere + 31(0)36 536 0566 | www.letterland.nl Secondary Dept. at International School Almere Heliumweg 61, 1362 JA Almere-Poort +31 (0)36 760 0750 | www.internationalschoolalmere.nl AMSTERDAM AREA Amsterdam International Community School Prinses Irenestraat 59, 1077 WV Amsterdam +31 (0)20 577 1240 | www.aics.espritscholen.nl International School Amsterdam Sportlaan 45, 1185 TB Amstelveen +31 (0)20 347 1111 | www.isa.nl 21st Century Global School Korte Verspronckweg 7–9, 2023 BS Haarlem +31 (0)63 948 2827 | www.21stcenturyglobalschool.com Annexe du Lycée Français Vincent van Gogh Rustenburgerstraat 246, 1073 GK Amsterdam +31 (0)20 644 6507 | www.lyceevangogh.nl British School of Amsterdam Anthonie van Dijckstraat 1, 1077 ME Amsterdam +31 (0)20 679 7840 | www.britams.nl Gifted Minds International School Landtong 18, 1186 GP Amstelveen |+31 (0)20 822 1365 www.giftedmindsinternationalschool.com The Japanese School of Amsterdam Karel Klinkenbergstraat 137, 1061 AL Amsterdam +31 (0)20 611 8136 | www.jsa.nl ARNHEM / NIJMEGEN Arnhem International School www.arnheminternationalschool.nl Primary dept. at Dr. Aletta Jacobsschool Slochterenweg 27, 6835 CD Arnhem | +31 (0)26 323 0729 Secondary dept. at Lorentz Groningensingel 1245, 6835 HZ Arnhem | +31 (0)26 320 2840 BREDA (including Zeeland and West Brabant) International School Breda Mozartlaan 27, 4837 EH Breda +31 (0)76 560 7870 | www.isbreda.nl

BRUNSSUM (Limburg) Afnorth International School Ferdinand Bolstraat 1, 6445 EE Brunssum +31 (0)45 527 8221 | www.afnorth-is.com DELFT International School Delft Jaffalaan 9, 2628 BX Delft +31 (0)15 285 0038 | www.isdelft.nl EERDE (near Zwolle) International School Eerde Kasteellaan 1, 7731 PJ Ommen +31 (0)52 945 1452 | www.eerde.nl EINDHOVEN International School Eindhoven Oirschotsedijk 14B, 5651 GC Eindhoven Primary dept. | +31 (0)40 251 9437 Secondary dept. |+31 (0)40 242 6835 www.isecampus.nl European School of Mol Europawijk 100, 2400 Mol, Belgium +32 (0)1 456 3111 | www.esmol.net ENSCHEDE International School Twente Tiemeister 20, 7541 WG Enschede Primary dept. | +31 (0)53 431 1173 Secondary Dept. |+31 (0)53 482 1100 www.istwente.com GRONINGEN Primary dept. at Groningse Schoolvereniging Sweelincklaan 4, 9722 JV Groningen +31 (0)50 527 0818 | www.g-s-v.nl Secondary dept. at International School Groningen Rijksstraatweg 24, 9752 AE Haren +31 (0)50 534 0084 | www.isg.maartenscollege.nl THE HAGUE AREA (Den Haag) The British School in the Netherlands (BSN) Admissions/enquiries: +31 (0)70 315 4077 | www.britishschool.nl Primary schools: Vlaskamp 19, 2592 AA Den Haag | +31 (0)70 333 8111 Diamanthorst 16, 2592 GH Den Haag | +31 (0)70 315 7620 Vrouw Avenweg 640, 2493 WZ Den Haag-Leidschenveen | +31 (0)70 315 4040 Secondary school (also IBDP and IBCC): Jan van Hooflaan 3, 2252 BG Voorschoten | +31 (0)71 560 2222 The International School of The Hague Wijndaelerduin 1, 2554 BX Den Haag Primary dept. | +31 (0)70 328 4567 Secondary dept. | +31 (0)70 328 1450 www.ishthehague.nl

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JOIN OUR MBA Executive MBA - 22 months Global Executive OneMBA - 21 months International Full-time MBA - 12 months

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RSM Visitors, Bayle (J) building Burgemeester Oudlaan 50 3062 PA Rotterdam The Netherlands

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ROTTERDAM SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT ERASMUS UNIVERSITY

EDUCATION

Deutsche Internationale Schule (German School) Van Bleiswijkstraat 125, 2582 LB Den Haag +31 (0)70 354 9454 | www.disdh.nl Haagsche Schoolvereeniging (HSV) Admissions: + 31 (0)70 318 4965 | www.hsvdenhaag.nl International primary department Nassaulaan 26, 2514 JT Den Haag +31 (0)70 318 4950 Koningin Sophiestraat 24A, 2595 TG Den Haag +31 (0)70 324 3453 Van Nijenrodestraat 16, 2597 RM Den Haag +31 (0)70 328 1441 Lighthouse Special Education Curriculum: Individual SEN-program taught in English Amalia van Solmstraat 155, 2595 TA Den Haag +31 (0)70 335 5698 | www.lighthousese.nl Le Lycée Français Vincent van Gogh Scheveningseweg 237, 2584 AA Den Haag +31(0)70 306 6920| www.lyceevangogh.nl The American School of The Hague (also IBDP and IBCC) Rijksstraatweg 200, 2241 BX Wassenaar +31 (0)70 512 1060 | www.ash.nl

MAASTRICHT United World College Maastricht Discusworp 65, 6225 XP Maastricht NL +31 (0)43 241 0410 | www.uwcmaastricht.nl ROTTERDAM American International School of Rotterdam Verhulstlaan 21, 3055 WJ Rotterdam +31(0)10 422 5351 | www.aisr.nl De Blijberg international primary dept. Graaf Florisstraat 56, 3021 CJ Rotterdam +31 (0)10 448 2266 | www.blijberg.nl Rotterdam International Secondary School Bentincklaan 294, 3039 KK Rotterdam +31 (0)10 890 7721 | www.wolfert.nl The Japanese School of Rotterdam Verhulstlaan 19, 3055 WJ Rotterdam +31 (0)10 422 1211 | www.jsrotte.nl UTRECHT International School Utrecht* Van Bijnkershoeklaan 8, 3527 XL, Utrecht +31 (0)30 870 0400 | www.isutrecht.nl

The European School of The Hague Houtrustweg 2, 2566 HA Den Haag Nursery dept. | French, Dutch, English, Spanish and German Primary dept. | French, Dutch, English and Spanish Secondary dept. | French, Dutch and English +31(0)70 700 1600 | www.eshthehague.nl The Indonesian Embassy School in the Netherlands Rijksstraatweg 679, 2245 CB Wassenaar +31 (0)70 517 8875 | www.sekolahindonesia.nl HILVERSUM International Primary School Hilversum Rembrandtlaan 30, 1213 BH Hilversum Frans Halslaan 57A, 1213 BK Hilversum Violenstraat 3,1214 CJ Hilversum +31 (0)35 621 6053 | www.ipshilversum.nl International School Hilversum Alberdingk Thijm (Secondary dept.) Emmastraat 56, 1213 AL Hilversum +31 (0)35 672 9931 | www.ishilversum.nl LEIDEN AREA | LEIDERDORP Leiden International Primary School at Elckerlyc Montessori Klimopzoom 41, 2353 RE Leiderdorp +31 (0)71 589 2945 | www.elckerlyc.net OEGSTGEEST International secondary dept. Het Rijlands Lyceum Apollolaan 1, 2341 BA Oegstgeest +31 (0)71 519 3555 | www.isrlo.nl 56

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Internationally Ambitious? The BSN. Where motivation is nurtured, talent is fostered and potential is realised - in both our students and our staff.

Interested?

Internationally British

www.britishschool.nl/workingforus

Amsterdam

To be a community where learning is at the heart of everything we do.

International Community School

We are a Primary and Secondary school offering international education in English. We cater for students aged 4-19 and offer a highly reputable school programme called the International Baccalaureate (IB). Our school strongly believes in high quality and accessible education and we are able to offer our programmes at a highly competitive rate. We are located in Amsterdam and -as a community school- make good use of its educational opportunities. • The International Primary Curriculum (IPC) for children aged 4 - 10 years • The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for children aged 16 - 19 years Prinses Irenestraat 59 1077 WV Amsterdam T: 020 - 57 71 240 E: info@aics.espritscholen.nl

• The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IBMYP) for children aged 11 - 15 years • Dutch language lessons

fully accredited by

w w w . a i c s . e s p r i t s c h o l e n . n l

EDUCATION

HIGHER EDUCATION Third-level education, as it is known in the Netherlands, is offered at a vocational level (HBO, a ‘university of applied sciences’ or hogeschool) and at an academic level (WO, at a universiteit). Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees are available at both HBO and WO institutions, but only universities (WO) offer PhD programs. There are around 2,000 courses taught in English. You can see what’s available on Nuffic (Netherlands organisation for international cooperation in higher education; www.nuffic.nl), which includes extensive information about the Dutch higher education system. There is a small, third branch of higher education offering international education (IE), comprising advanced courses suited to international students. Institutions are either government funded or government approved. There are also privately financed institutions that are not recognised. NVAO is the organistion that accredits institutions (www.nvao. net in Dutch). HBO In 2015, around 440,000 students are enrolled at 37 ‘universities of applied sciences’ or hogescholen, which provide practical-based programs lasting four years. Students can prepare for particular professions in one of seven sectors: agriculture, engineering and technology, economics and business administration, healthcare, fine and performing arts, education/ teacher training and social welfare. For more information visit www.hbo-raad.nl. WO In 2015 there are 14 research universities offering international degrees and short courses, with students involved in intensive, academic studies. For more information, visit www.studyin.nl. COSTS Fees depend on your nationality and age. There’s a fee for EU/EEA nationals, which is set by the Dutch government, and tuition fee loans are available. Otherwise you pay the institutional fee (up to 10 times more). The fees at private institutions can be substantially higher. HOW TO APPLY There are more than 90,000 international students studying in the Netherlands, and information on fees, qualifications and study programmes is widely available in English. Students should first contact the 58

institution offering the course, which will specify what education qualifications are required for admission. A quota system is in place for oversubscribed courses; places are allocated by a lottery. At www.studielink. nl you can apply online for third-level courses that are subsidised by the Dutch Ministry of Education. University programmes consist of a Bachelor’s or undergraduate phase lasting three years and a Master’s or graduate phase lasting one to two years. Many Dutch universities have partner institutions in other countries, so students can study part of their course abroad. QUALIFICATION ACCREDITATION Diplomas and certificates awarded overseas need to be accredited by the Dutch authorities. Often the school where you have applied takes care of this. If not, the IDW Internationale Diplomawaardering (www.idw.nl) offers this service for a fee. Non-native English speakers are required to pass an English language test at a specified level, most commonly the TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge Test.

flexible business and management studies with several specializations

BACHELOR BBA MASTER MBA

full-time/part-time weekdays/evenings/weekends/executive/online

CAMPUS AMSTERDAM Herengracht 124-128 www.amsterdam.uibs.org + Antwerp, Barcelona, Brussels, Lausanne, Madrid, Milan, Tokyo and Zurich

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EDUCATION

EDUCATION LINKS Information on the Dutch education system • Ministry of Education, Culture and Science | www.government.nl/ocw • Government policy | www.government.nl/policy-areas/education-culture-and-science • Eurydice | www.eurydice.org • International schools Educaide The Professional Helpdesk for International Education in the Netherlands | PO Box 96911, 2059 JH Den Haag T: +31 (0)65 598 8998 | info@educaide.nl | www.educaide.nl • Foundation for International Education in the Netherlands www.sio.nl • Higher education in the Netherlands: www.studyin.nl | www.nuffic.nl/en • Information on studying and funding: www.duo.nl | www.newtoholland.nl • Portals for vocational training: www.s-bb.nl | www.mboraad.nl • Masters / PhDs: www.mastersportal.eu | www.phdportal.eu • Online applications: www.studielink.nl • Non-Dutch diploma evaluation: www.idw.nl

Inspiring & Flexible

Childcare in Rotterdam

• English daycare • Daycare • After school care

www.bimbola.nl

The International School Hilversum is an internationally oriented school with over three decades of experience in international and bi-lingual education. We are a small, friendly yet professional international community of 700 students and 80 staﬀ members.

Coordinated programmes for 4-18 year olds: • International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme • International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme • International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

Emmastraat 56 1213 AL Hilversum The Netherlands

T +31 (0) 35 672 99 31 F +31 (0) 35 672 99 39 E ish@atscholen.nl

Learning through diversity

www.ishilversum.nl

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EDUCATION

BUSINESS EDUCATION Rotterdam Business School MBA Rotterdam University Kralingse Zoom 91, 3063 ND Rotterdam +31 (0)10 794 6229 | M: +31 (0)62 150 2419 m.s.elenbaas@hr.nl | www.rotterdambusinessschool.nl TIAS School for Business and Society Postbus 90153, 5000 LE Tilburg +31 13 466 86 00 | www.tias.edu Webster University Boommarkt 1, 2311 EA Leiden +31 (0)71 516 8000 | info@webster.nl | www.webster.nl Amsterdam Business School University of Amsterdam Plantage Muidergracht 12, 1018 TVAmsterdam MBA: +31 (0)20 525 5655 | MIF: + 31 (0)20 525 4056 admissions-abs@uva.nl | www.abs.uva.nl European University Business School - EU Barcelona Ganduxer 70, 08021 Barcelona, Spain +34 (0)93 201 8171 | info.bcn@euruni.edu - E U Geneva Quai du Sujet 18, 1201 Geneva, Switzerland +41 (0)22 779 2671 | info.gva@euruni.edu - E U Montreux Le Forum, Grand Rue 3, 1820 Montreux 2, Switzerland +41 (0)21 964 8464 | info.mtx@euruni.edu - E U Munich Theresienhöhe 28, 80339 Munich, Germany +49 (0)89 5502 9595 | info.muc@euruni.edu - E U Online Campus: info.online@euruni.edu | www.euruni.edu Kellogg-WHU Executive MBA Program WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management Campus Vallendar, Burgplatz 2, 56179 Vallendar, Germany +49 (0)261 6509-183 | emba@whu.edu | www.kellogg.whu.edu Maastricht School of Management Endepolsdomein 150, 6229 EP Maastricht +31 (0)43 387 0808 | info@msm.nl | www.msm.nl Maastricht University School of Business and Economics Minderbroedersberg 4–6, 6211 LK Maastricht + 31 (0)43 388 2222 | info@maastrichtmba.com www.maastrichtmba.com Nyenrode Business Universiteit Straatweg 25, 3621 BG Breukelen +31 (0)34 629 1211 | www.nyenrode.nl Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, 3062 PA Rotterdam +31 (0)10 408 2222 | mba.info@rsm.nl | www.rsm.nl/mba 60

The Hague University of Applied Sciences Johanna Westerdijkplein 75, 2521 EN The Hague +31 (0)70 445 8888 | www.thehagueuniversity.com United International Business Schools Amsterdam satellite campus | Spaces Business Center Herengracht 124–128, 1015 BTAmsterdam +31 20 5219423 | info@amsterdam.uibs.org | amsterdam.uibs.org - UIBS Antwerp Campus (main campus) International Education Center Meirbrug 1, box 29. 2000 Antwerp, Belgium +(32) 3 2835126 | info@antwerp.uibs.org | www.antwerp.uibs.org - UIBS Barcelona Campus (main campus) International Education Center Rambla de Catalunya 2 – 4, 08007 Barcelona, Spain +34 934522227 | info@barcelona.uibs.org | www.barcelona.uibs.org - UIBS Brussels Campus (main campus) International Education Center Avenue des Arts 10 – 11, 1210 Brussels, Belgium +32 2 2037780 | info@brussels.uibs.org| www.brussels.uibs.org - UIBS Zurich Campus (main campus) International Education Center Brandschenkestrasse 38, 8002 Zurich, Switzerland +41 44 2011222 | Info@zurich.uibs.org | www.zurich.uibs.org - UIBS Amsterdam Campus (extension campus) Spaces Business Center Herengracht 124 – 128, 1015 BTAmsterdam,The Netherlands +31 20 5219423 | info@amsterdam.uibs.org | www.amsterdam.uibs.org - UIBS Lausanne Campus (extension campus) Regus Business Center Voie du Chariot 3, 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland +41 21 5605626 | info@lausanne.uibs.org | www.lausanne.uibs.org - UIBS Madrid Campus (satellite campus) Regus Business Center Carrera de San Jerónimo 15, 28014 Madrid, Spain +34 914547281 | info@madrid.uibs.org | www.madrid.uibs.org - UIBS Milan Campus (extension campus) Regus Business Center Via Santa Maria Valle 3, 20123 Milan, Italy +39 0200681086 | info@milan.uibs.org | www.milan.uibs.org - UIBS Tokyo Campus (satellite campus) Regus Business Center Park Tower 3-7-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, 163-1030 Tokyo,Japan +81 3 53263477 | info@tokyo.uibs.asia | http://tokyo.uibs.asia/ Vlerick Business School Bolwerklaan 21, 1210 Brussels, Belgium +32 (0)9 210 9711 | info@vlerick.com | www.vlerick.com

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EDUCATION

CREATIVE HIGHER EDUCATION SAE Institute Amsterdam Johan van Hasseltweg 31, 1021 KN Amsterdam +31 (0)20 435 0655| amsterdam@sae.edu | www.amsterdam.sae.edu SAE Institute Rotterdam Kratonkade 5, 3024 ES Rotterdam +31(0)10 411 7951 | rotterdam@sae.edu | rotterdam.sae.edu MMS Worldwide Institute Keizersgracht 64, 1015 BN Amsterdam +31(0)64 254 0007 |office@themms.com | www.themmsinstitute.com COMPANY TRAINING & PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT Culture-Inc. Haarlem Business Center A. Hofmanweg 5A, 2031 BH Haarlem +31 (0)62 556 0818 | info@culture-inc.com | www.culture-inc.com in2motivation Amstelveenseweg 739, 1081 JE Amsterdam +31 (0) 20 737 0312 | www.in2motivation.com

easyNL Roelofspad 10, 5645 JG Eindhoven +31 (0)40 211 3101 | info@easyNL.nl | www.easynl.nl Institute for Dutch Language Education University of Amsterdam | Room 405 PC Hoofthuis Spuistraat 134, 1012 VB Amsterdam +31 (0)20 525 4642 | intt@uva.nl | www.intt.uva.nl Koentact Language School Elandsgracht 70, 1016TX Amsterdam +31 (0)20 737 1616 | info@koentact.nl | www.koentact.nl Top Taal Joan Muyskenweg 22, 1096 CJ,Amsterdam +31 (0)20 716 3690 | contact@toptaal.com | www.toptaal.nl Tornante Trainingen Riederlaan 200, 3074 CL Rotterdam +31 (0)10 742 0465 | info@tornantetrainingen.nl www.tornantetrainingen.nl LANGUAGE WEBSHOP Dutch I presume Postbus1234, 3350 CE Papendrecht +31 (0)78 700 1206 | info@dutchipresume.com www.dutchipresume.com

knowboundaries Coaching and Training Jane Stephenson | +31 (0)62 416 1961 info@knowboundaries.nl | www.knowboundaries.nl Leadership & Change in Organizations (LCO) Meester F.A. van Hallweg 23, 1181 ZTAmstelveen Fernando@lcopartners.com | Jussara@itim.org +31(0) 20 645 0061 | www.lcopartners.com

CORPORATE TRAINING

LANGUAGE SCHOOLS

Outspoken Communication +31 (0)88 111 9333 | info@outspokencommunication.com www.outspokencommunication.com

NedLes Nieuwe Herengracht 145, 1011 SG Amsterdam +31 (0)20 624 3510 | M: +31 (0)62 558 5653 info@nedles.nl | www.nedles.nl

IDA Foundation Slochterweg 35, 1027 AAAmsterdam +31 (0)20-4037199 | hdwit@idafoundation.org | www.idafoundation.org

Talencoach Keizersgracht 8, 1015 CN Amsterdam +31 (0)20 331 3738 | www.talencoach.nl | www.dutchflownow.nl

Volksuniversiteit Amsterdam Rapenburgerstraat 73, 1011 VK Amsterdam +31 (0)20 626 1626 | secretariaat@vua-ams.nl | www.vua-ams.nl

COURSES & CLASSES

University of Amsterdam Talen Roetersstraat 25, 1018 WB Amsterdam +31 (0)20 525 4637 | trainers@uvatalen.nl | www.uvatalen.nl Language Institute Regina Coeli Martinilaan 12, 5262 BR,Vught +31 (0)73 684 8790 | rcmail@reginacoeli.nl | www.reginacoeli.com Delken&Boot Abeelhof 16, 3053 KL Rotterdam +31 (0)10 422 1481 | M: +31 (0)64 201 4510 | M: +31 (0)62 454 0378 | info@delkenboot.nl | www.delkenboot.nl

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EDUCATION

i am not a tourist

JOB FAIR

FOR INTERNATIONALS

SATURDAY 28 MAY 2016, WTC- AMSTERDAM

‘A world of opportunities’

UPLOAD YOUR CV NOW AT WWW.INTERNATIONALJOBFAIR.NL The International Job Fair is the event for expats pursuing an international career in the Netherlands. Whether looking for your first job in the Netherlands or a new challenge, this event is for you. Complete your profile, upload your CV at the fair website and meet with employers and recruitment agencies. Presentations and workshops will bring you up to speed on the workings of the Dutch job market. Find a new job at this one day event. Presented by Expatica

www.expatica.com

Understanding the Dutch Working and living abroad as an expat is exciting and challenging for you as a professional as well as for your family. Learning the Dutch language and getting to know the customs of the country will help you understand the Dutch and integrate smoothly. At Regina Coeli, we offer top quality tailor-made language courses which include a touch of culture. Our intensive individual training courses at our institute in Vught are well known because they offer the ideal combination of personal trainers, methods that work and a perfect environment. Visit our website for information not only on our Dutch language courses but also on our Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish courses. More information at www.reginacoeli.com or call us at +31 (0)73 684 87 90.

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11-06-15 16:13

Small classes and personal attention. At the British School of Amsterdam we get to know each and every student. We provide an all-round education that develops the whole person and delivers academic success. From Early Years to Secondary School, we provide top-class British schooling for everyone from expats to locals seeking an international education. With pupils of more than 40 nationalities, the British School of Amsterdam offers a stimulating and inclusive learning environment for students aged 3 to 18. Non-native English speakers are welcome. Our curriculum leads to the respected British A-Level qualification accepted by universities worldwide. In addition to the formal academic subjects, we teach European languages including Spanish, French, German and Dutch, as well as English as a foreign language.

“I love coming to school. Everyone’s friendly and the lessons are fun.” Every day is an open day at the British School of Amsterdam. Why not come along and visit us? For more information, see www.britams.nl, or contact us at +31 (0) 20 67 97 840 or info@britams.nl.

TEACHING PEOPLE, NOT TOPICS Onyinye Age 8 English / Nigerian

EMPLOYMENT

Expats are an essential component of the Dutch workforce, and office life has its cultural quirks. The Dutch workforce (7.86 million people) is internationally oriented, highly educated and multilingual. Workers’ rights are strongly protected, although the past economic recession has influenced a rise in flexible contracts, although unemployment is at 7 percent (April 2015). However, the demand for highly skilled workers remains high and there are incentives for international employees, such as the 30 percent ruling (a tax benefit scheme), and a fast-track immigration programme for highly skilled migrants and entrepreneurs. To comply with EU conditions, the Netherlands introduced a single permit in 2014 that combines the residence and work permit into one, known as the GVVA (gecombineerde vergunning voor verblijf en arbeid). As such, employers no longer need to apply for a separate work permit for labour migrants. A number of beneficial policies were also implemented under the ‘Modern Migration Policy Act’ in June 2013. For example, if a worker needs a Dutch entry visa (MVV) and/or residence permit, their employer in the Netherlands can apply for the necessary papers on the employee’s behalf while they are still abroad. Applications can also be fasttracked to two to seven weeks for companies that are ‘recognised’ by the IND (www.ind.nl has a list). WORK PERMIT CONDITIONS If you are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national and want to work in the Netherlands, unless you are a highly skilled migrant or qualify for the single employee residence and work permit (GVVA), your employer will likely need to apply for a separate work permit (tewerkstellingsvergunning or TWV). Exceptions are listed below. The TWV permit is specific to the job and employer, and is issued for a specified period (up to three years), although extensions can be applied for. The IND site (www.ind. nl) has detailed information on coming to work in the Netherlands, as well as the financial and other conditions that need to be met. You can start work once your employer has been issued a work permit and applied for a residence permit, if needed. You do not need to wait for the IND to approve your residence application, but you must get a ‘residence endorsement’ passport sticker from the IND while you wait. 64

If the residence permit application is rejected though, the work permit is no longer valid. The consequences of illegally working can be severe for both employer and employee. After three years of employment on a Dutch work permit, the employee is free on the labour market. Employers can then hire you without needing a separate work permit. When you renew your residence document, your new labour market position will be mentioned as ‘Arbeid is vrij toegestaan. TWV niet vereist’ (free to work, no work permit required). WHO DOESN’T NEED A WORK PERMIT? The main exceptions are: • EU/EEA/Swiss nationals (except Croatians, who need a work permit for their first working year and the ‘proof of lawful residence’ permit at least until 1 July 2015, and potentially until 2020). • Highly skilled migrants. • Self-employed workers (their eligibility for residency is assessed by the IND). • Workers on short assignment (performers, musicians, guest lecturers, journalists etc.). • Those with a residence permit or passport sticker stating ‘Arbeid is vrij toegestaan. TWV niet vereist’ (free to work, no permit required). PARTNERS: WHO CAN WORK? If your spouse, partner or relative has permission to work in the Netherlands, then generally you can work without needing an additional work permit. Your employment status (arbeidsmarktaantekening) will be stated on your residence permit. You generally need to have received your residence permit before you can start work. It is advisable to file the residency applications for you and your partner at the same time. APPLYING FOR A WORK PERMIT If you qualify for the single GVVA residence and work permit, you or your employer must apply to the IND (www.ind.nl). Otherwise, work permits are initiated by employers who apply to the UWV WERK bedrijf (www. werk.nl). In both cases, your employer has to submit supporting evidence to show that EU/EEA/Swiss nationals

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cannot occupy the position, which can include copies of advertisements, postings on the internet, or statements from agencies. This supporting evidence may not be required in the cases of in-company transfers, internships and some scientific jobs. For a company to apply for a work permit, the candidate must be aged between 18 and 45. If a visa and residency permit is required, your employer can initiate your Entry and Residence Procedure (TEV) on your behalf, before you arrive. They will request information from you for the application, such as copies of your passport/ID and education qualifications. HIGHLY SKILLED MIGRANTS To employ expats under the highly skilled migrant scheme, employers must sign an IND statement to become a ‘recognised sponsor’. Your employer must apply for your residence permit for you, which will be issued for the same period as the work contract, or up to a maximum five years for indefinite contracts. With the highly skilled migrant residency, your employer does not need a separate work permit (TWV) to hire you. If your residency permit is not ready when you arrive, you are allowed to work in the interim period if you visit an IND desk and get a passport sticker (verblijfsaantek-

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ening) that proves your application is being processed. Partners of highly skilled migrants can work without a work permit, though they do require a residence permit before commencing work. SELF-EMPLOYED/ENTREPRENEURS To be granted residency based on self-employment (for non-EU/EEA/Swiss), your business activities must ‘serve an essential Dutch interest’. A point system is used to assess this. Your personal experience, business plan and what you plan to offer to the Netherlands (innovation, job creation, investment etc.) are taken into account. You will also need to prove you have the appropriate qualifications for carrying out your business. With the self-employment residence permit, you can still work as an employee provided the UWV WERK bedrijf has issued a work permit to your employer. Freelancers can also apply for this permit, but proof of assignments in the Netherlands is required. DUTCH AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP TREATY American citizens who wish to start a business in the Netherlands can apply under this scheme, which has been in operation since 1956. They don’t need to satisfy the Dutch economic interest conditions as above, but they do need to register at the Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel, www.kvk.nl), have financial accounts verified by a qualified accountant, have a business plan and substantial capital investment of €4500, and they cannot apply for social welfare. The same conditions apply to Japanese citizens under the Treaty of Trade and Navigation. STUDENTS There are no work restrictions for students who are EU/ EEA/Swiss nationals; they don’t need a work permit (except for Croatia). If you are a citizen of Croatia transitional rules apply with respect to the labour market, and you will still need a work permit. All other nationalities can only work if a work permit has been granted, and working hours are limited. Students can opt to work part-time throughout the year for a maximum of 10 hours per week, or undertake full-time seasonal work in June, July and August. The employer or agency must obtain a work permit from the UWV WERK bedrijf, which will be valid for the same period as the university registration. Students do not need a work permit to undertake a compulsory internship as part of their course. WORKING HOLIDAY SCHEMES Those aged 18 to 30 from Australia, Canada, and New Zealand can apply under these schemes to live and work in the Netherlands for one year. Conditions include proof

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of a return ticket or funds to buy one. Candidates can apply in their home country, or once they arrive in the Netherlands. A restricted quota of South Koreans can also apply under this permit as of 1 June 2014. CHANGING JOBS Any changes in your work or partnership status must be reported to the IND within four weeks. You or your ‘sponsor’ (such as an employer) can be penalised by the IND if changes aren’t reported, including contributions to repatriation costs. If you change jobs you don’t necessarily need a new residence permit, but the same rules will apply as for the first permit you were granted. So if you worked with a separate work permit, your new employer needs a new work permit, too. If you worked as a highly skilled migrant, your new employer needs to be eligible to apply under the highly skilled migrant scheme, and will need to prove to the IND that you still meet the requirements of the highly skilled migrant scheme, for example, sending in your contract to show you earn the required salary. If you are applying to extend a residence or work permit, your circumstances will be assessed again in reference to the original application. The main exception is that

after three years working on any given residence permit that allowed you to work (such as partners’ permits or employee single permit), you no longer need a separate work permit. Highly skilled migrants can also change their purpose of stay into ‘labour’ after three years, which allows them to work without a work permit and without meeting the requirements for the highly skilled migrants scheme. It is essential to apply for a new residence permit before the old one expires; the IND will notify you in advance. Letting your permit expire can create a ‘residence gap’, which may affect your eligibility for permanent residency, where five years of continuous stay is required. CONTRACTS AND EMPLOYMENT LAW The laws covering employment in the Netherlands are many and various. Your personal contract will determine your pay and specific conditions. Dutch legislation covers key areas such as trial periods, holidays, notice and dismissal, minimum wages, health and safety, and equal treatment. The system for dismissal is particularly unusual in being so protective of employees: in most cases the employer needs permission from the UWV WERKbedrijf or the court to fire you. Useful information regarding working practices, employment law and the minimum wage can be found on the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment website (www.szw.nl) or the UWV WERK bedrijf website (www.werk.nl). If you want to check the market rate for your salary or calculate bruto/netto rates (before/after tax and social security deductions), try www.loonwijzer.nl. It is standard practice in the Netherlands to get extra wages (usually eight percent of your yearly salary) as a ‘holiday allowance’ (normally paid in May) plus four weeks of paid leave. Sanne van Ruitenbeek of Pallas Advocaten provides the following important information: • If you work in the Netherlands, Dutch law is partly and often fully applicable to your employment, even if the law of another country is declared applicable in your contract. • The number of succeeding employment contracts for a fixed term is limited to three. The total duration of fixed term contracts is limited to two years. If the duration of the contracts or the number of fixed contracts exceeds the legal limit, the employment contract will automatically become a contract for an unlimited term. • If the contract is for less than two years, the trial period cannot be longer than one month. The maximum duration of a trial period is two months. Trial periods

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in contracts for less than 6 months are invalid. During the trial period, both employer and employee are allowed to terminate the employment contract with immediate effect. • The notice period for the employee is usually one month. If the notice period for the employee is extended, the notice period for the employer should be double the notice period of the employee. • Employment contracts for an unlimited term can only be terminated by the employer with consent of the employee, the labour office (UWV WERKbedrijf) or the court. The court and labour offices assess whether there are grounds for a valid termination. If an employer gives notice of termination without obtaining prior approval, the employee could nullify the termination. This rule is not applicable in the case of summary dismissal (such as fraud or theft by the employee). Courts are however very reluctant about accepting summary dismissals. It is therefore very important to contact an employment lawyer immediately if you are fired on the spot. • The legal minimum number of holidays per year is four times the weekly working time. This means 20 holidays in the case of a fulltime employee working a five-day

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week. However, it is common practice in the Netherlands for a fulltime employee to be entitled to approximately 25 holiday days per year in addition to Dutch public holidays. By law, there is an expiration date of six months for taking the legal minimum number of holidays. Employees therefore must take all their holidays within six months after the year in which the holidays were accrued. Should the employee not take the holidays on time, the holidays will lapse without any compensation or payment. The expiration date of six months is not applicable to the holidays that the employee is entitled to on top of the legal minimum number of holidays. These extra holidays will not lapse until after a period of five years. COLLECTIVE LABOUR AGREEMENT (CAO) This is a written agreement covering working conditions and benefits, which is drawn up by employers, employers’ organisations and employee organisations (such as unions). A CAO operates at company or industry sector level and the provisions (number of holidays, for example) are often more generous than statutory requirements. It should state in your contract whether a CAO is applicable; you don’t have to be a member of a union to benefit. If no CAO applies – all must be registered – you will need to negotiate your own terms and conditions. The largest trade union federation in the Netherlands is the FNV (www.fnv.nl). SOCIAL SECURITY The Dutch social security system is one of the most comprehensive in Europe but access to the welfare system is becoming more restrictive. There are three strands: • National Insurance administered by the social insurance bank (www.svb.nl), which includes old age pension (AOW) and child benefit (AKW); • Employee Insurance administered by UWV (www.uwv.nl), including unemployment benefits (WW, see below), long-term disability (WIA) and sickness (ZW); and • Social Assistance administered by municipalities (www. rechtopbijstand.nl). Specific conditions apply to each benefit. Also, do check that your residence rights are not affected if you apply for benefits. Your official documents will need to be in good order. Consult the Ministry of Social Affairs and Welfare website (www.szw.nl) for more information. UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT (WW) Your employment history will determine the amount and duration of payments. For the first two months you get 75 percent of your last earned salary, and

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thereafter 70 percent (there’s a maximum monthly rate of €2,939 gross). You must have worked 26 out of the previous 36 weeks before the first day of unemployment (or less for those not in regular employment). It can be restricted if other benefits are in operation. You apply for benefit online at www.werk.nl or at a local office of UWV WERKbedrijf. VOLUNTARY WORK A volunteer is a vrijwilliger and there are many opportunities depending on your skills. Expat advice centre ACCESS is always on the lookout for volunteers in its offices in Den Haag (www.access-nl.org). FINDING A JOB Expats seeking a new career challenge in the Netherlands will find ample opportunities. The Dutch employment market is mature, sophisticated and boasts an impressive array of both local and international companies spread across the Randstad region and beyond. It also has a vast network of specialist and generalist recruitment firms. Many newcomers take the recruitment agency route for speed and convenience, as well as for the valuable contacts that established agencies can tap into, but there are many job hunting streams that foreigners can tap into. JOB HUNTING Recruitment agencies are big in the Netherlands and several specialise in recruiting non-Dutch nationals. It’s worth exploring every avenue from social media outlets like LinkedIn to internet job engines like www. intermediair.nl, www.toplanguagejobs.nl (search by language) or the popular www.monsterboard.nl, or even sector-specific sites (architecture, biotechnology, finance etc.). Consider a wider range of areas or industries when job-hunting, so you can get onto the working ladder. The UWV WERK bedrijf portal (www.werk.nl) also has a useful list, as does EURES, the European job mobility portal (www.eures.info). Expat community sites, such as Expatica, have extensive employment listings for foreigners (jobs.expatica.com). Getting a job through personal contacts is quite common, so don’t be shy about making a direct enquiry to a company or dropping in at a branch of an agency or uitzendbureau. Vacancy (vacature) advertisements are covered in all Dutch newspapers and senior positions at international companies are often placed in English. The list of companies that are eligible for applying for highly skilled migrants is a useful source and can be found on the IND site (www.ind.nl). 72

SKILLS IN DEMAND Expats with French, German, Flemish, and Scandinavian language skills are always in demand, according to expat job agency Undutchables. The job market is also strong for experienced professionals in finance and IT, sales and (online) marketing, and customer service. Experience and personality are the most important aspects employers look at, so highlight this on your CV. CULTURALLY CORRECT CVS Concise, direct and professional communication is the style for job applications in the Netherlands. “Remember that a Dutch CV only states facts and figures,” said the centre for work and employment, UWV WERK bedrijf. One or two pages maximum in this order: • Personal details (address etc., sometimes a photo); • Education (courses, not results); • Work experience (the most recent first is popular with recruiters but some like to see career progression). Include job responsibilities. • Leisure activities are valued ‘very much’ by Dutch companies, according to the UWV WERK bedrijf. In your cover letter (which should be in Dutch if possible), include more about your motivation for the job, but keep the tone professional. If you’ve done your research, you should know what the company is looking for and how you fit in. CULTURAL COMPETENCY Many international companies have headquarters in the Netherlands. For senior executives, ‘cross-cultural competency’ tests may be part of the selection procedure for international assignments. Following on from standard personality analysis programmes, such as the Meyers Briggs Type Indicators, these tests analyse personality preferences and prejudices that could affect performance in a new cultural environment; technical competence to do the job is already assumed. Top firms are looking for executives who are open-minded, flexible, mature, and show respect for, and interest in different cultures. WORKING WITH AGENCIES Specialist and generalist agencies openly advertise their services on websites geared to expats and are frequent advertisers on job boards and leading publications. Trade directories also carry agency listings and search engines like Google will help you navigate your way to various websites. But how do you find an agency that is both tuned into the local market and to your personal needs?

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Here are some golden rules: • Maintain an up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) in English that fully reflects your skills, education, work experience and personal profile, and try to keep it as succinct as possible. If you really want to stand out, have a version translated into Dutch, which some companies will appreciate. • Always support any application with a clear overview or motivation letter setting out your primary work requirements, personal qualities and career objectives. • Follow up any application if you hear nothing back within three to five days. • Always try to meet your agent in person, and make sure that your CV does not get sent anywhere without your permission. • Be clear about your work preferences and present yourself in a positive and personable light. • Stay flexible and be ready to attend interviews as opportunities emerge, but remain patient while your agent scours the market for the right opportunity. • Keep your agent informed of any personal developments that might affect the work they are doing on your behalf. THE INTERVIEW PROCESS Once you’ve set yourself up with your preferred agencies and the enquiries are starting to flow in, you need to prepare yourself for interviews. As an expat, one of your primary concerns may be about language. Fortunately, many HR personnel and other hiring managers in the Netherlands speak English at a high level, but this should not stop you from speaking clearly and slowly. Avoid using jargon or colloquial expressions. Just like in your home country, prospective employers expect interviewees to be well-presented, enthusiastic and well-informed. You should research the company in advance, and while most good agencies will prepare you in the best possible way based on their intimate knowledge of the company, self-preparation is equally important. Always attend an interview armed with a list of relevant questions. When you receive a job offer that fully matches your expectations, your agent will help you to assess the various aspects of the offer, including salary level, benefits, role progression, and career development. Unless you are fully convinced it is the right job for you, allow yourself two or three days to consider all of the angles. Starting a new job in a foreign country might be a daunting prospect for some, but the Dutch are very tuned into working with foreign nationals and you can be reassured that your new co-workers will be supportive of their new ‘international’ colleague. Finally, make an 74

effort to learn some Dutch as it will pay dividends in the long run. WORKING CULTURE Work life and home life are kept separate, and office hours are strictly observed. Newcomers working at Dutch companies are often surprised by the informal working relationships, horizontal management structures and (lots of) meetings (overleggen), at which every point of view must be discussed to reach a consensus. There’s a punctilious approach to these meetings, indeed social engagements of any kind: always carry your diary (agenda). Colleagues often lunch together (all part of working as an egalitarian team) or there may be a canteen. The working environment in an international company can be very different. Flexible working is common, particularly for families with children, however senior executive women are still some distance from the boardroom. In terms of gender diversity at the top, “the Netherlands lags sorely behind other countries,” says cultural consultant Mary van der Boon. In 2012 the Netherlands implemented an EU initiative target of 30 percent of executive positions to be held by each gender by 2016, although it’s not mandatory and applicable only to large or listed companies. Text on finding a job courtesy of Madison Parker International – Professional Resource Solutions. EMPLOYMENT LISTINGS RECRUITMENT AGENCIES AMSTERDAM Payvision | Molenpad 2, 1016 GM Amsterdam | 020 794 2300 | www.payvision.com Projob | Van Baerlestraat 63–65, 1071 AR Amsterdam +31(0)20 573 8383 | welcome@projob.nl | www.projob.nl Randstad Multilingual Recruitment | Spaklerweg 52J, 1114 AE Amsterdam - Duivendrecht | multilingual@nl.randstad.com Undutchables Recruitment Agency | Westeinde 20, 1017 ZP Amsterdam | +31 (0)20 623 1300 | amsterdam@undutchables.nl | www.undutchables.nl Unique Multilingual Amsterdam | Piet Heinkade 221, 1019 HM Amsterdam | + 31 (0)20 570 2094 | +31 (0)20 535 3409 amsterdam@uniquemultilingual.com | www.unique.nl/umls AMSTELVEEN Undutchables Recruitment Agency | Burgemeester Haspelslaan 21, 1181 NB Amstelveen | +31 (0)20 345 5104 | amstelveen@undutchables.nl | www.undutchables.nl EINDHOVEN Undutchables Recruitment Agency | Veldmaarschalk Montgomerylaan 7, 5612 BA Eindhoven | +31 (0)40 237 3395 | eindhoven@undutchables.nl | www.undutchables.nl Unique Multilingual Eindhoven | Dr Holtroplaan 32, 5652 XR Eindhoven | +31 (0)40 239 5200 | +31 (0)40 243 3392 | eindhoven@uniquemultilingual.com | www.unique.nl/umls

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HEALTHCARE

Medical care in the Netherlands is of a high standard but non-interventionist in nature. Since 2006 it has been mandatory for everyone living in The Netherlands to purchase a basic level of insurance (basisverzekering). You are free to choose your own health insurance providor (zorgverzekeraar), or change companies annually, but the bottom line is you need to have healthcare to live here. Health insurance (zorgverzekeringen) must come from a Dutch insurer within four months of arrival, or once you have registered with the IND (family members of EU/EEA/Swiss nationals) or obtained your residence permit (non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals), even if you already have an existing policy that gives you cover in the Netherlands. Certain students, employees and work arrangements can be exempt from this requirement, but you should check carefully whether your situation qualifies. In the Dutch healthcare scheme, children under 18 are included in their parents’ insurance at no additional cost, unless the child begins working. You can get free advice from the independent organisation Zorgverzekeringslijn.nl. On their website click ‘EN’ for English information, or call 0800 64 64 644 (+31 88 900 6960 from abroad). A Dutch insurance company cannot refuse to cover you for the basic package, regardless of your age or state of health. The standard basic coverage is set by the government, although providers can vary in cost and how they deliver these requirements. If your income is under a fixed minimum level, you can apply for a healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) from the tax authorities (belastingdienst). Visit www.toeslagen.nl (in Dutch) for details and application forms. For general details, the Health Insurance Information Centre (www.zorgverzekering.org) has information in English, as does the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (www.government.nl/health-insurance). You can find a list of insurers (zorgverzekeraars) at www.zn.nl, or compare insurance policy costs at www.kiesbeter.nl, www.independer.nl, or www.zorgwijzer.nl. These websites are only in Dutch. BASIC INSURANCE The basic insurance covers general medical care

(visits to the doctor, for example), hospital stays, ambulance services, IVF and maternity care, dental care for children up to age 18, most prescription medicine, and various appliances. The government tweaks this package on a yearly basis. You will need extra coverage for dental care, physiotherapy or anything else the government considers your responsibility, and it is in these additional areas that companies compete. Health-care plans are renewed yearly on 1 January, so inform your provider beforehandif you wish to select or change any extra coverage. Always check that the healthcare supplier (such as a physiotherapist) is registered with your particular insurer before starting treatment. Some insurance companies have policy documents in English on request. It is possible to purchase additional coverage (aanvullende packet) from a different provider than your basic insurer. This may make things more complicated when processing bills, but it can sometimes lower your overall costs or allow you to purchase additional coverage tailored to the needs of foreigners residing in the Netherlands. Basic coverage is around e100 a month. If you work at a company, it is worth checking whether there is a collective scheme that provides health insurance at a discount. Some employers cover (some) costs. If you are self-employed, you may want to take out extra coverage. The standard insurance package includes a mandatory excess or deductible that you must pay towards your insurance claims. This deductible is generally raised each year; in 2015, the excess amount was e375 per adult. This means you will pay the first e375 of bills each year, in addition to your health insurance premiums. Exemptions apply to family doctor visits, obstetric and postnatal care, national screening programmes, flu vaccinations and some chronic illness treatments, so the insurer ordinarily pays those expenses in full. You can choose to increase your excess contribution in order to reduce the monthly cost of your standard package.

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HEALTHCARE

DOCTOR A huisarts is a family doctor and you need to register with one convenient for you. People choose a huisarts close to home or work, or travel further to a family doctor they feel comfortable with. Most doctors speak English. Visit www.zorgkaartnederland.nl/huisarts (in Dutch) for doctors (with ratings) in your area.

to register early with a dentist to ensure you can be seen if an urgent problem arises. Dentists are in short supply in the Netherlands, so many practices are full and not taking new patients. Expats may find anesthesia is less forthcoming than in their own country, although this varies between dentists. If you feel that your procedure requires it, it’s helpful to request this.

Some doctors will refuse registers because their practices are already full, or will place you on a waiting list. As such, it is important to register with a huisarts when you arrive in the Netherlands, even if you are not ill and rarely use a doctor. If you are not registered with a clinic and become ill, you may have difficulty finding a nearby doctor who is taking patients, which can delay your treatment. Your insurance company can also provide a list of practitioners, or ask friends and colleagues for recommendations.

ORTHODONTICS Extra health insurance is usually necessary if you want this to be covered by your insurer. If you or a family member is arriving in the Netherlands with orthodontic appliances already in place, some research will be necessary to determine which orthodontist can continue the care here, as there are various types of orthodontic systems and equipment, and not all practitioners use all of them.

Dutch healthcare is generally non-interventionist, so Dutch doctors tend not to hand out prescriptions lightly. You might also see a doctor’s assistant (for blood pressure readings, urine testing, injections etc.) or a practice nurse (for monitoring chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes). You’ll need a referral from a huisarts to receive nonurgent medical treatment from a hospital or other specialist health provider (like a gynecologist or cardiologist) if you would like to have those costs covered by your Dutch medical insurance. Many practices have a spreekuur (or consultation hour) where you can consult your doctor without an appointment. On weekends or holidays a recorded message is on their telephone telling you how to contact on-call medical services. These are often only recorded in Dutch, so if you do not speak Dutch it is best to have a Dutch speaker call for you. In case of urgent matters, your huisarts can alert the hospital (for instance, if you’ve broken your ankle they can call ahead to organise an X-ray). Don’t expect a lot of medication, as Dutch doctors are generally reluctant to hand out antibiotics. The usual pain reliever is over-the-counter paracetamol. DENTIST A dentist (tandarts) can also be located via your insurance company. Check your policy carefully, as an annual check-up may be included but not the hygienist fees, for example. You must pay for additional coverage. Dental care for those under 18 is covered in basic insurance, as is dental surgery and dentures. Just as with the family doctor, it is important

HEALTHCARE FOR CHILDREN All aspects of children’s growth and development up to 18 years old is covered by the GGD GHOR municipal health service and regional medical assistance (Gemeentelijke Gezondheidsdienst and Geneeskundige Hulpverlening Organisatie in de Regio). On their website (www.ggd.nl) you can search for your local centre, but if you have young children, they’ll probably find you first via your registration at your local municipality. Inoculations and checks from birth to age four take place at the consultatiebureau, which is usually part of the GGD. Expect a big check-up just before starting school. For childhood immunisations, you may wish to check whether the Dutch immunisation scheme is the same as the one from your home country, especially if you expect to return while your children are still school age. Immunisations different from those on the standard plan can be arranged, although that must sometimes be done via the family doctor rather than the consultatiebureau. HOSPITALS At the hospital, accident and emergency is “SEH” (spoedeisende hulp) “EHBO” (eerste hulp bij ongelukken) for first aid. The emergency service phone line is 112. In some cases, there is a huisartsenpost (HAP, family doctor post) that you must visit before being admitted to the emergency department, in case the matter is something a doctor can handle without involving hospital care. If you need an ambulance, your doctor or the emergencies services must call one for you, otherwise it might not be covered by your insurance.

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INTRODUCTION

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INTRODUCTION

THE NETHERLANDS EXPAT SURVIVAL GUIDE 2016 | WWW.EXPATICA.COM

HEALTHCARE

For a hospital admission for non-emergency treatment, keep your insurance company informed and check your policy. Your insurers will require a referral letter from your huisarts. You usually must make the appointment with the specialist at the hospital.

obstetrician. They are (not yet) covered by insurance though. You can find one at www.doula.nl.

PHARMACIES Pharmacists are able to give advice for minor complaints. Opening hours vary but the address of the nearest out-of-hours pharmacy will be indicated on the door. Drogists supply over-the-counter remedies, while apotheek handle prescription drugs.

Should you prefer a hospital birth, let your midwife know within the first few months of your pregnancy. However, you should check that your insurer will cover a poliklinische hospital birth if you do not have a medical reason. Supplementary insurances are available to cover any extra costs. Some hospitals have birth centres or nearby birthing “hotels”, where the environment is made more ‘homely’. If you do deliver your baby in a hospital, you can often be back at home the same day for postnatal care.

Once you have located a huisarts, you need to locate a nearby pharmacy (apotheek) where you will pick up prescriptions. If this pharmacy deals with your particular insurance scheme, you won’t have to pay bills directly. Pharmacy services vary, so look for one that has the services you need. For example, many can deliver medications to your home free of charge, and some also offer services such as secured pickup boxes accessible with a key, so that you can retrieve prescriptions after hours. Pharmacies in the Netherlands expect patients to register with them, meaning that they take your contact and insurance information and then consider you a long-term client (although it is possible to fill prescriptions elsewhere, if needed). If you have been treated at a hospital, you can sometimes fill your prescription at an onsite pharmacy. This will often save time and hassle, especially after business hours. You can also order prescriptions online (www.nationale-apotheek.nl and www.medicijnen.nl are just two examples), or find your nearest pharmacy at www.apotheek.nl (click on ‘zoek een apotheek’ and enter your postcode). HAVING A BABY The Netherlands has a strong tradition in prenatal care and natural childbirths. As the Netherlands has the highest at-home birth rate in a developed country (at 20 percent in 2013), your insurance company will automatically send you a special package for giving birth at home. This also means some 80 percent are born in a healthcare setting for those who prefer a hospital. A midwife -- an independent medical practitioner -- will generally be your sole care provider during your pregnancy and delivery. There are also increasingly more doulas available these days-- an experienced woman who can give support and continuity of care, complementary to the midwife or 80

Expectant mothers with certain sorts of medical conditions or complications will be handled by an obstetrician (gynecologist), which will automatically take place in the hospital.

Regular check-ups take place with the primary caregiver (midwife or obstetrician). Prenatal testing and genetic screening are not routine for women under 35 unless there is some medical history that puts her or the baby into a higher risk category. If you need further tests according to Dutch practice, your caregiver will arrange that. The routine prenatal testing recommended in the Netherlands is different from the guidelines in some other countries. If you are not comfortable with skipping some of the testing, then discuss this with you caregiver. It may be possible to arrange the testing, although you might be required to pay for it yourself. There are many types of birth preparation classes, some of which are offered through local homecare (thuiszorg) organisations. ACCESS (www.access-nl. org) runs a number of popular ones, from childbirth preparation to postnatal classes. Pregnancy yoga is extremely popular, offering a variety of approaches, from gentle breathing and relaxation exercises to more energetic stretching. One of the best things about taking a class is meeting other parents-to-be and sharing experiences, information and concerns. FINDING A MIDWIFE OR OBSTETRICIAN/GYNAECOLOGIST The majority of women giving birth in Netherlands are cared for by a midwife (verloskundige or vroedvrouw) during pregnancy and childbirth. Gynaecologists/obstetricians are part of the care process for women who have (or are expected to have) compli-

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HEALTHCARE

cations or multiple pregnancies. If your caregiver is a midwife, you can choose to have your baby at home (thuisbevalling) or at a hospital (poliklinische bevalling) with an assisting midwife. If your caregiver is an obstetrician then the delivery will take place in the hospital, although the specific arrangements within the hospital vary from hospital to hospital. You should register with a midwife early in your first trimester. When locating a midwife, your huisarts might be able to make a recommendation, as will your friends and colleagues via word of mouth. You can also visit the website of the Royal Dutch Association of Midwives (www.knov.nl). If the supervision of an obstetrician/gynaecologist is needed, your huisarts or midwife can assist you in locating one. Few hospitals in the Netherlands have newborn intensive care units, so if complications are anticipated with the baby, it is often preferable to select a healthcare provider already located at one of those hospitals. This minimises the risk that you and your baby will end up in two different hospitals after the delivery, as well as eliminating the risks of transporting a fragile newborn to a different hospital. It is important to let your caregiver know your feelings about pain relief, as it is infrequently offered in the Netherlands but can be arranged for hospital births. While some women complain that the Dutch childbirth system is becoming too medicalised, and others that it is not medicalised enough, most are positive about the postnatal care (kraamzorg). Once your baby has arrived, you will be given assistance at home by a maternity nurse (kraamverzorgster). She will

monitor you and your babyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health, teach some general childcare and set up a daily routine. Best of all, it may include household help. The amount of kraamzorg varies (from a few hours a day for a week, to full-time care) and a representative will come round to discuss what is appropriate just before birth. The insurance generally covers the costs but you should confirm this. It is important to register for kraamzorg early in your pregnancy, as the nurses are sometimes in short supply. You can register online at www.kraamzorg.nl (in Dutch). MATERNITY LEAVE New mothers are entitled to 16 weeks minimum paid leave in the Netherlands and fathers can take the day of birth plus two (paid) days after the birth, after one year working in a company. During leave, mothers are entitled to 100 percent of their earnings up to a cap of e197 per day, paid out by their employers or the Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemers Verzekeringen (UWV). Pregnant women must take pregnancy leave (zwangerschapsverlof) from four to six weeks before their due date. After the birth, women are entitled to 10 to 12 weeks of maternity leave (bevallingsverlof), even if the child is born later than expected. Self-employed mothers are equally entitled to paid leave, but the amount depends on the hours worked in the last 12 months. Parents are also allowed to take increments of unpaid parenting leave (ouderschapsverlof) totalling six months, until a child is 8 years old. As part of this, fathers are increasingly taking one day a week for child care, known as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Daddy day (papadag).

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HEALTHCARE

HEALTH SERVICES HEALTH SERVICES

do. Many dentists provide their own emergency services. Find a dentist at www.tandarts.nl

INSURANCE PROVIDERS

• Amsterdam: 0900 821 2230

• ONVZ Zorgverzekeraar De Molen 66, 3995 AX Houten | +31 (0)30 639 6222 | www.onvz.nl • IntegraGlobal 29/30 Fitzroy Square, London, UK | +44 (0)333 405 3003 | www.integraglobal.com • Now Health Suite G3/4, Coliseum Building | Watchmoor Park, GU15 3YL Surrey, UK | +44 (0)127 660 2100 | www.now-health.com HEALTH CONTACTS • ACCESS: www.access-nl.org – ACCESS publishes several online information guides. • Doulas: www.doula.nl

• Rotterdam: 010 455 2155 DENTAL PRACTICES • Lassus Tandartsen Amsterdam Lassusstraat 9, 1075 GV Amsterdam | +31 (0)20 471 3137 Keizersgracht 132, 1015 CW Amsterdam | +31(0)20 422 1912 info@lassustandartsen.nl | www.lassustandartsen.nl • Tandartspraktijk Hans de Liefde Rietwijkerstraat 52 (corner Woestduinstraat 156), 1059 XB Amsterdam | +31 (0)20 614 0053 | info@praktijkdeliefde.nl | www.praktijkhansdeliefde.nl

• Homecare (thuiszorg): www.thuiszorg.startpagina.nl

• Ivory & Ivory Dentistry Reguliersgracht 142, 1017 LZ Amsterdam +31 (0)20 626 0289 | amsterdam@ivory-ivory.nl | www.ivory-ivory.nl

• The Royal Dutch Medical Association (KNMG): knmg.artsennet.nl

Laan van Wateringseveld 120, 2548 CC Den Haag +31 (0)70 359 9774 | wateringseveld@ivory-ivory.nl

• Midwives: www.knov.nl

MEDICAL The emergency number for fire, police and ambulance is 112. HOSPITAL A hospital is a ziekenhuis and a complete list of hospitals and medical centres for the Netherlands can be found at www.ziekenhuis.nl PHARMACY To locate an apotheek, visit www.apotheek.nl DOCTOR Don’t wait for an emergency before registering with a family doctor. Find one at www.zorgkaartnederland.nl/huisarts EMERGENCY DOCTORS SERVICES (Centrale Huisartsenpost) • Amsterdam region (SHDA): 088 003 0600 • The Hague (SMASH): 070 346 9669 • Rotterdam: 010 290 9888 • Utrecht: 0900 450 1450 • Eindhoven: 0900 8861

National line for information on all medical services: 0900 1515 (24/7) INSURANCE For more information about your specific situation, you can contact the following: • College for Health Insurances: 020 797 8555.

• Sociale Verzekeringsbank: www.svb.nl Under contact, type your postcode and get the phone number for your area and specific situation (for questions regarding social security). DENTAL EMERGENCIES You can call one of the helplines below to find an out-of-hours dentist, or call your own dentist and a recorded message will inform you what to 82

• The Hague: 070 311 0305

Heiligeweg 175, 1561 DJ Krommenie +31 (0)75 621 4224 | krommenie@ivory-ivory.nl Krijtwal 15, 3432 ZT Nieuwegein +31 (0)30 605 7000 | nieuwegein@ivory-ivory.nl Maliebaan 44, 3581 CS Utrecht +31 (0)30 231 0003 | tpmaliebaan@ivory-ivory.nl EXPAT COACHING & THERAPY • Kühler and Trooster International Mental Health THE HAGUE, Nassaulaan 5, 2514 JS Den Haag AMSTERDAM, Tesselschadestraat 4, 1054 ET Amsterdam AMSTELVEEN, Dorpsstraat 36, 1182 JE Amstelveen Den Haag +31 (0)6 1172 5725 | Amsterdam +31(0)6 1172 5725 | Amstelveen +31(0)6 1172 5725 | info@internationalmentalhealth.nl | www.internationalmentalhealth.nl • U-center Julianastraat 23a, 6285 AH Epen +31(0)343-556400 | comcenter@u-center.nl | www.u-center.nl • in2motivation Amstelveenseweg 739, 1081 JE Amsterdam | +31 (0)20 7370312 | www.in2motivation.com • Protea Expat Therapy, Valeria Pierdominici De Wittenkade 192 I, 1051 AP Amsterdam Amsterdam | Amstelveen | Den Haag | +31 (0)64 196 9497 proteapsychology@gmail.com | www.proteatherapy.org • PsyQ International Mental Health Services Overschiestraat 61, 1062 XD Amsterdam | +31 (0)88 357 4600 Carel Reinierszkade 197, 2593 HR The Hague | +31 (0)88 357 3478 | +31 (0)900 235 7797 | informatie@psyq.nl | www.psyq.nl/expatriates/expats

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HOME BASICS

SETTING UP HOME

Dutch regulations make it easy for residents to choose and change suppliers. UTILITIES In many cases, the utilities (gas, water and electricity) will already be connected and you just need to transfer them into your name. If you are paying an inclusive rent, check your contract carefully for what is covered in the monthly sum. You can connect all your utilities online at www.aansluitingen.nl (in Dutch), or www.utility-provider.nl offers a free service to connect expats with the best deal (in English). WATER There are two elements of water payments: a consumption charge based on actual water usage (which is estimated if you don’t have a meter) and a municipal tax for services (sewage, maintenance, etc.). To see which water company covers your area, visit www.vewin.nl and enter your postcode in the box Uw drinkwaterbedrijf, or ask at your local gemeente.

• Amsterdam: Waternet 0900 9394 • Den Haag/Leiden: Dunea 088 347 4747 • Rotterdam: Evides: 0900 0787 • Utrecht: Vitens 0900 0650 • North Holland: PWN Waterleidingbedrijf 0900 405 0700 ELECTRICITY AND GAS The energy market is liberalised, so you are able to choose (or change) suppliers. Most have ‘green’ options, where energy is bought from alternative sources such as sun, wind, water and biomass. Regulatory authorities ensure fair practices and tariffs. The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (www.acm.nl) provides a list of gas and electricity suppliers on their website, or you can use their consuWijzer (www.consuwijzer.nl) to compare prices or seek advice. On www.energievergelijken.nl, you can compare prices in English and connect your services online.

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HOME BASICS

MAIN SUPPLIERS: • Budget Energie: www.budgetenergie.nl • Electrabel: www.electrabel.nl • Eneco: www.eneco.nl • Energie Direct: www.energiedirect.nl • E.ON: www.eon.nl • Essent: www.essent.nl • Greenchoice: www.greenchoice.nl • Nederlandse Energie Maatschappij: www.nle.nl • Nuon: www.nuon.nl • Oxxio: www.oxxio.nl Greenchoice is the only 100 percent sustainable energy provider in the Netherlands, using mostly Dutch-generated energy. COMMUNICATIONS There is a huge range of options from many suppliers with combination deals for telephone (bellen), internet (surfen) and TV, charged under a single monthly fee. TELEPHONES KPN is the main supplier for landlines, while Ziggo and UPC offer phone connection via cable networks. Often the easiest way to connect a landline is to visit a KPN winkel (shop) with appropriate identification and they can set it up, while some cable networks allow you to sign up online. There are many additional services such as discounts for favourite

numbers, or combination deals with internet and TV. For low cost international calls, you can have calls charged via a cheaper provider. For instance, you can rent a line from KPN but direct long-distance calls through Tele2 or OneTel, or register with bell1649 (www.bel1649.nl), or use an international calling card, which you can buy from independent call shops. In all these cases, you key in a combination of codes before dialing overseas. Internet telephony (such as Skype) is a cheaper option. To use a public phone, you’ll need to buy a phone card from a supermarket or newsagent. MOBILE TELEPHONES The cheapest deal for a mobile is via a contract (abonnementen) with one of the main suppliers. You can compare the latest rates on www.bellen.com (in Dutch). You’ll need proof of identity, address, income and a bank account to sign a deal. A prepaid phone is more expensive but easier to get; you can top it up with cards from supermarkets. If your phone is unlocked, you can buy a Dutch SIM. Every phone has a unique IMEI serial number (enter *#06# to find out yours). You’ll need this when reporting a stolen phone. You can call 0800 numbers toll free; 0900 numbers are charged (per call or minute).

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HOME BASICS

INTERNET Connectivity in the Netherlands is among the highest and fastest in Europe. All kinds of dial-up, ISDN, ADSL, and cable options are available, and can be combined with telephone and TV deals. Fiber cable (glasvezel) is available, but you may need to get your building connected; carriers generally install it free. You can compare prices and packages at www.internetten.nl. It is possible to opt for a TV option from one supplier and telephone/internet from another. It can take up to a couple of weeks to set up, and you need a cable connection. There are internet cafes dotted about and many more cafes and restaurants with WiFi. Dutch libraries also provide internet for a small fee; if you are in Amsterdam, the central library (www.oba.nl) offers free internet for members (yearly fee €20). TELEVISION Cable TV is cheap and main providers include Ziggo and UPC, and included in the standard package are BBC 1, BBC 2, BBC World, and CNN alongside Dutch channels, which include the government-owned Nederland 1, 2 and 3 and RTL 4, 5, 7, and 8. You’ll also receive Veronica and Net 5 (quality films and drama including popular US serials), plus National Geographic, the Discovery Channel and popular children’s channels. Local TV channels are another option. For Amsterdam, it is AT5. Subtitling, rather than dubbing, is used except for children’s TV. For more films, sport or other interests, you can select different options for extra payment. Check out www.digitelevisie.nl for coverage in your area (by postcode) or compare combination packages at www.internetbestellen.nl or at any of the suppliers. You get a media box and then pay for your chosen option. CanalDigitaal is a provider of satellite TV but you will need to be able to fix a dish facing east and check there are no restrictions on satellite placement with your gemeente. INTERNET / PHONE / TV SUPPLIERS • CanalDigitaal: www.canaldigitaal.nl • Fiber Netherlands: www.fiber.nl • KPN: www.kpn.com • Online.nl: www.online.nl • Stipte: www.stipte.nl (formally Scarlet) • Tele2: www.tele2.nl • Telfort: www.telfort.nl 86

• T-mobile: www.t-mobile.nl • UPC: www.upc.nl • Vodafone: www.vodafone.nl • Xs4all: www.xs4all.nl • Ziggo: www.ziggo.nl POST OFFICES Post offices are marked with an orange sign that says postkantoor or PostNL and generally located inside shops, newsagents or tobacconists (postagentschap). Formerly TNT, the company changed its name in 2011. Stamps (postzegels) can be bought in all of the above places and in some of the larger supermarkets, or printed online at www.postnl.nl. Postboxes are red and scattered throughout shopping areas and neighbourhoods. On the post-box there are two slots: the right (streekpost) is for ‘local’ delivery and you’ll see a list of postcodes that indicate the areas included; the left (overige bestemmingen) is for everywhere else, including international destinations. PostNL aims to deliver locally within 24 hours, otherwise spoedservice guarantees local delivery by 10am the next day and next day delivery to Europe. In 2014, PostNL started trialling evening and Sunday deliveries for certain online shopping, including the delivery of chilled foods. See www.postnl.nl for online postal services, or call 0900 0990 (45ct) for customer service. FURNISHING YOUR HOME Hema (www.hema.nl) is a Dutch institution for all household matters. Blokker is cheap (www.blokker.nl) and Ikea (www.ikea.nl) has many branches across the country.

USEFUL WEBSITES • Advice: www.access-nl.org • Film: www.filmladder.nl • Government: www.government.nl • News, information, community: www.Expatica.com • Opera: www.dno.nl • Restaurants: www.iens.nl • Royal family: www.koninklijkhuis.nl • Telephone directory/Yellow pages: www.detelefoongids.nl • Tourism: www.holland.com • Weather: www.hetweer.nl • Website links (by category): www.startpagina.nl

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TRANSPORT

Conditions apply to foreigners driving in the Netherlands, otherwise there’s an excellent public transport system. Once you are a resident of the Netherlands (registered in the municipality database) you cannot drive a car registered in another country. You must also have a valid licence recognised by Dutch law, be at least 18, and have third party insurance. EXCHANGING A DRIVING LICENCE To exchange (omwisselen) your existing national driving licence (rijbewijs) for a Dutch one, you must fit into one of the categories below. Otherwise you can use it for 185 days after becoming a resident, during which time you need to take the CBR theory and driving tests. You can take both the theory and practical exam in English. ‘Drivers in international traffic’ — essentially tourists or short-term visitors — are considered non-residents and do not need a Dutch driving licence, although non-EU nationals should check with their Dutch embassy if an international licence is required (essentially a translation of your national licence). Dutch licences are generally issued for 10 years. Foreign licences from EU/EFTA countries can be used in the Netherlands for 10 years from the date of issue, or 15 years if issued after January 2013. You may like to exchange it anyway: it is a valid proof of identity in many cases. LICENSES THAT CAN BE EXCHANGED: • Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dutch Caribbean, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, (States of) Jersey, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Isle of Man, Monaco, Netherlands Antilles, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and UK. • Specific licenses from Taiwan, Israel, Japan, Singapore, Andorra, South Korea, Canadian Province of Quebec. • Residents with the 30 percent ruling status (whatever nationality). Expat employees may also be eligible to exchange their foreign licence if the tax office considers them to provide specific knowledge that is either unavailable or rare on the Dutch labour market.

Apply at a municipal office for an ‘Aanvraag omwisseling voor Nederlands rijbewijs’ form (or download it prior from www.rdw.nl) — you must be registered in the municipality database for at least 185 consecutive days, and non-EU/EFTA nationals must additionally present an ‘Eigen Verklaring’ (a CBR statement of health). If you are 75 years or over you’ll need a medical examination, which the CBR may request for non-EU/ETFA/Swiss nationals also. There are fees for this. If you are applying under the 30 percent ruling you will need a statement from the tax office’s international department in Heerlen. Check with all departments if additional documentation is required for your certain situation, and if any document requires translation or authentication. You will generally forfeit your original licence (unless applying under the 30 percent ruling). You need a special licence for a bromfiets (moped), snorfiets (light moped), or brommobiel (mobility car) (unless you have a licence of the A or B category) and you must be 16 or over to get one. For all information on driving licences and tests visit www.rdw.nl or www.rijbewijs.nl. REGISTERING AND OWNING A CAR The hefty disincentive for bringing a car into the Netherlands is the private motor vehicle and motorcycle tax (BPM) levied as a percentage of the value of the car. Exemption certificates are dealt by customs (www.douane.nl). There are many implications affecting car tax calculations: consult the website www.belastingdienst.nl for full details (in English). Also note that you, as a Dutch resident, may not drive in a vehicle with foreign registration plates – you will be considered as evading the import duty on the vehicle and road tax, and risk heavy fines. All cars must be registered with the RDW (Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer). If you bring your vehicle from abroad, it must first be reviewed at an RDW inspection station, after which registration is handled through the same office. This means getting Dutch registration plates, registration documents and paying the BPM.

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TRANSPORT

To register ownership of a Dutch-registered car, you can go to any post office or RDW–TV (Tenaamstellen Voertuigen) certified company with all the usual identification documents and a certificate of ownership, vehicle registration documents, statutory liability insurance (WA) and safety certificate (APK). For second hand vehicles, there is a transfer certificate (overschrijvingsbewijs). A seller should ensure their previous ownership certificate has been officially invalidated. After registering your car, you will receive a bill for road tax (motorrijtuigenbelasting) from the tax office. The vehicle’s registration card (kentekencard, or bewijs) and the certificate of ownership (tenaamstellingsbewijs) must be in the car at all times when on the road. The APK test (at an RDW-approved garage) measures the road-worthiness of your vehicle. For insurance, check the yellow pages or other sources for suppliers of autoverzekering. TRAFFIC AND PARKING You drive on the right. Unless otherwise marked, the speed limits are 50 km/hr in the city, 80 km/hr on other roads and 100, 120, or 130 km/hr on motorways. Traffic is an issue (www.trafficnet.nl) and so is parking, for which you generally need a permit. There are various options for paying for parking: by cash, chip or via your mobile phone. See www.parkmobiel.nl, www.park-line.nl or www.yellowbrick.nl. Many Dutch drivers are members of motoring organisation ANWB (www.anwb.nl), which can provide breakdown cover (wegenwacht) at home or abroad. There are park and ride (P+R) schemes in most cities and the car-sharing scheme Green Wheels is a popular option (www.greenwheels.nl). CONTACTS • The Department of Road Transport: www.rdw.nl, 0900 0739, or +31 (0)59 839 3330 (abroad) • Information on driving licences: www.rijbewijs.nl • Theory and driving tests: www.cbr.nl, 0900 0210 • ‘Road Traffic Signs and Regulations’ brochure: do a search on www. government.nl to download • Common traffic offences: www.verkeershandhaving.nl PUBLIC TRANSPORT The Netherlands has excellent public transport links, and the swipecard payment system OV-chipkaart is the official transport payment system for the metro, bus and tram throughout the Netherlands. Paper train 88

tickets were abolished mid-2014, and infrequent train travellers can buy a single-use chipkaart per trip. The card system has raised residents’ concerns, particularly the need to have credit on the card to travel, and the extra travel cost for infrequent users. There are two types of cards (e7.50): anonymous, which anyone can buy from the OV-chipkaart machines or station, or personal, which you can apply for online. Your pass can be loaded from one of the OV-chipkaart machines strategically placed at train and metro stations, or you can arrange for your personal card to ‘load’ automatically from a bank account. You pay for the distance travelled by swiping it upon entering and leaving your transport station. Personal products, such as season or discount tickets, can be loaded to your personal OV-chipkaart and you are automatically eligible for discounts. The OV-chipkaart website (www.ov-chipkaart.nl) also has an English language section where you can find lines of action should you lose your card or forget to swipe out (you will automatically be charged the maximum travel price but refunds can be requested). Helpline: 0900 0980 (e0.50/min) or @OVchipkaart on social media. TRAIN The Nederlandse Spoorwegen (www.ns.nl) is the national train company. NS offers season tickets and discounts for off-peak travel (dal voordeel abonnement), which include up to 40 percent discount off the price of your tickets and up to three people travelling with you. See a NS counter or online for more information. Tickets are checked regularly and fines are heavy. You need an OV-chipkaart to travel on the NS. Make sure you have a minimum €20 uploaded on your card (e10 if you have a discount pass), and that you swipe out on arrival or your travel costs could triple. If you forget to swipe out, you have up to six hours to go back and check out, otherwise you must claim back the added costs. Call 030 751 5155 for help with claims. For certain cities, you can organise the NS Zonetaxi when you buy your train ticket. This is a door-to-door taxi service at fixed prices, for up to four people (starting at €6). Driving section updated with the help of Michael Davidson of The International Driving School of The Netherlands (www.driveright.nl).

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EXPATICA DATE

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EMERGENCY CONTACTS

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

The emergency number for police, fire or ambulance is 112. The pan-European 112 emergency operators will speak English. You will be asked for the address and city where you are calling from and the nature of the emergency. For information on emergency situations (noodsituaties) in the Netherlands, visit the government site www.denkvooruit.nl. Residents can also subscribe to the government mobile alert service (www.nl-alert.nl), which will send a text message regarding any emergencies in your area. POLICE The non-emergency number is 0900 8844. You will be connected to your local police station. If your passport has been stolen, contact your embassy immediately for instructions as to what to do next. You generally need to make a statement at a police station to start any kind of official procedure (insurance, applying for a new passport etc.). Visit www.politie.nl for information. FIRE You can find information on Dutch fire services at www.brandweer.nl. AMBULANCE In emergency medical situations you can call an ambulance. You can also visit A&E but if a doctor could have treated the situation, you may be charged for this or refused treatment without a referral. For non-threatening issues, you should first contact your local doctor or find your closest out-of-hours medical clinic (huisartsenpost). USEFUL PHRASES FOR EMERGENCY English Dutch Call an ambulance: Bel een ambulance Call the police:

Bel de politie

Call the fire brigade: Bel de brandweer Get/call a doctor:

Haal/bel een dokter

I am ill:

Ik ben ziek

GAS AND ELECTRICAL EMERGENCIES If you suspect a gas leak (gaslucht) or have a power problem (stroomstoring) you can call the national line 0800 9009; for serious emergencies 90

posing a public threat, call 112. See www.gasenstroomstoringen.nl for details. WATER EMERGENCY Contact your local gemeente for serious (sewage) issues. If the problem is in the length of pipe between the street and your house, this is the local water board’s responsibility; find yours at www. vewin.nl by typing your postcode in the box under Uw drinkwaterbedrijf. For other situations that are your responsibility, search the yellow pages (gouden gids) for a loodgieter (plumber). SIREN For acute danger, a siren will sound in the affected area(s) and signals for people to head indoors. Information about the disaster or emergency will be published on www.crisis.nl. However, it should be noted that each municipality tests their siren the first Monday of every month at 12pm. HELPLINES ACCESS: Invaluable resource for all international residents. 0900 222 2377 (20ct/min) | www.access-nl.org | helpdesk@access-nl.org ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS www.aa-netherlands.org | National: 020 625 6057 ANIMAL EMERGENCIES Also provides a shelter for animals seeking new homes. www.dierenambulancedenhaag.nl | National: 070 328 2828 GAY & LESBIAN SWITCHBOARD www.switchboard.nl | National: 020 623 6565 HELPLINE FOR CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS www.kindertelefoon.nl | 0800 0432 SOS 24-HOUR HELPLINE Staffed by Dutch volunteers but many speak English. www.sensoor.nl | 0900 0767 (5ct/min) LOST AND STOLEN: • American Express: 020 504 8000 (national) • MasterCard: 0800 022 5821 • VISA: 0800 022 3110 • Schiphol lost property: 0900 0141 (40ct/min) • NS (rail) lost property: 0900 321 2100 (80ct/min) • GVB (bus and tram) lost property: 0900 8011 (2.76ct/min)

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CALENDAR & ENTERTAINMENT

ENTERTAINMENT

Many activities exist for the Netherlands’ thriving expat community. PUBLIC HOLIDAYS There are a few regional variations for Dutch public holidays, except for the orange madness of King’s Day, which takes over the whole country. Carnival is also celebrated in February and March in Catholic areas. Sinterklaas [Not an official holiday] Saturday, 5 December 2015 (Sint arrives in the Netherlands on Saturday, 14 November.) Christmas Day (Eerste Kerstdag) Friday, 25 December 2015 Boxing Day (Tweede Kerstdag) Saturday, 26 December 2015

New to the Area?

Find Friends on The Dame Drum

New Year’s Day (Nieuwjaarsdag) Friday, 1 January 2016 Good Friday (Goede Vrijdag) [Not an official holiday] Friday, 25 March 2016 Easter Sunday/Monday (Pasen) Sunday/Monday, 27/28 March 2016

The Dame Drum brings together like-minded women. Find your next best friend today.

King’s Day (Koningendag) Wednesday, 27 April 2016 National Remembrance Day (Dodenherdenking) [Not an official holiday] Wednesday, 4 May 2016

www.thedamedrum.com

Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag) Thursday, 5 May 2016 [Official holiday every 5 years. Next: 2020] Ascension (Hemelvaart) Thursday, 5 May 2016 Whitsun (Pinksteren) Sunday, 15 May and Monday, 16 May 2016 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS www.minocw.nl > Wanneer zijn de schoolvakanties?

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CALENDAR & ENTERTAINMENT

GROUPS AND CLUBS ADVICE AND INFORMATION

• ACCESS: www.access-nl.org Helpdesk: 0900 222 2377 (20ct/min) | heldesk@access-nl.org • Expatriate Archive Centre: www.xpatarchive.com BIRTH/BABIES/TODDLERS Passionate Parenting (information and seminars): www.passionateparenting.nl Growing up bilingual: www.growingupbilingual.org Almere • ABCDE – Almere Baby Club for Dutch and English: www.abcdeplaygroup.nl • Baby Sensory Nederland: www.babysensoryalmere.nl Amsterdam • Oya’s Childcare: www.oyas.nl/en • Childbirth preparation courses: www.bumpandbeyond.nl • International playgroup: www.robbeburg.com • The Playgroup: shop.englishbookshop.nl/childrens/the_playgroup • Amsterdam Mamas: www.amsterdam-mamas.nl Delft • Delft Maternity and Motherhood Assistance: www.delftmama.nl Den Haag • Birth preparation/baby massage: www.greatexpectations.nl • Pre-school (English): www.thewindmill.nl • International childcare centre: www.commealamaison.nl Eindhoven • International play sessions: www.mumsandtoddlers.org Haarlem • English Speaking Haarlem contact group: www.esphaarlem.nl Leiden • Vogelwijk playgroup: www.homeinleiden.nl Rotterdam • English-speaking family contact group: www.intouchexpats.nl Voorhout: • International parent and toddler group: firstfriendsvoorhout.blogspot.nl Voorschoten: • Play sessions for toddlers: voorschotentoddlers.webs.com BUSINESS/PROFESSIONAL • Amsterdam American Business Club (AABC): www.aabc.nl • Australian Business in Europe: www.abie-nl.nl • Connecting Women (The Hague): www.connectingwomen.nl • European Professional Women’s Network (Amsterdam chapter): www.pwnamsterdam.net

• J unior Chamber International (Amsterdam): www.jciai.nl •N etherlands British Chamber of Commerce: www.nbcc.co.uk •R otary Club Utrecht International: www.ikzie.org • Society of English-Native-Speaking Editors: www.sense-online.nl • T oastmasters of the Netherlands: www.toastmasters.nl CULTURE & MEDIA •A nglo American Theatre Group (Den Haag): www.aatg.nl • InPlayers (Amsterdam): www.inplayers.org • S TET – Stichting The English Theatre (Den Haag): www.theenglishtheatre.nl • International Drama Group of English-Speaking Associates (IDEA) (Dordrecht): www.idea-panto.nl • Reading Circle Eindhoven (RCE) (Eindhoven): www.tcw.nl/rce • Easylaughs (Amsterdam): www.easylaughs.nl GAY & LESBIAN • COC Amsterdam: www.cocamsterdam.nl • Gay Amsterdam: www.gayamsterdam.nl • Gay Tourist Information Centre: www.gaytic.nl CLUBS BY NATIONALITY Australia: • Australians abroad in Holland: www.australiansabroad.com/hollandsite • Australian and New Zealand Club of the Netherlands: www.anzwc.org France: Alliance Françai se: www.alliance-francaise.nl India: India in Nederland: www.indiawijzer.nl Ireland: Irish Club: www.irishclub.nl Latin America: • C LO Stichting – El Centro Latinoamericano de Orientacion: www.cloeindhoven.nl New Zealand: •N ew Zealand’s Global Network: www.keanewzealand.com Singapore: Singapore Netherlands Association: www.sna-org.nl Spain: La Asociacion Hispanica de La Haya: www.asoha.nl South Africa: • The SA Club in the Netherlands: www.southafricanclub.nl UK: •B ritish Society of Amsterdam: www.britsoc.nl •B ritish Club of The Hague: www.britishclubofthehague.com • S t Andrew’s Society: www.standrews.nl POLITICS/ACTIVIST •A mnesty International: www.amnesty.nl • Democrats Abroad: www.democratsabroad.nl •R epublicans Abroad: www.republicansabroad.nl

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IN SEARCH FOR A HOUSE? LET YOUR PROPERTY?

EXECUTIVE HOME RENTALS. MADE TO MATCH. EHR stands for Executive Home Rentals. With a dynamic, very flexible team we are helping businesses, expatriates and individuals temporarily rent and let their houses. EHR Amsterdam

EHR Haaglanden

EHR Apeldoorn

EHR Haarlem

EHR Arnhem

EHR Leiden

EHR Breda

EHR Nijmegen

EHR Den Haag

EHR Purmerend-Zaandam

EHR Deventer

EHR Rotterdam

EHR Ede-Wageningen

EHR Tilburg

EHR Friesland

EHR Utrecht

EHR Gooi & Vechtstreek

EHR Vechtstreek

CALENDAR & ENTERTAINMENT

SOCIAL

VOLUNTEER GROUPS & OTHER

• Amsterdam Expat Meetup Group: www.meetup.com/amsterdam-expat

• Serve the City Amsterdam: www.stcamsterdam.nl

• Eindhoven expat group: www.meetup.com/TheHubEindhoven

• Volunteer Centre Amsterdam: www.vca.nu

• English Speaking Haarlem (contact group): www.esphaarlem.nl • Expatica Forum: community.expatica.com

• Serve the city Netherlands: www.servethecity.nl

MISCELLANEOUS

• Expatica Date: www.netherlandsdating.expatica.com

ONLINE FOOD DELIVERY

• Legal Aliens: www.legalaliens.eu

• HelloFresh Nederland | www.hellofresh.nl H.J.E. Wenckebachweg 53 J–K, 1096 AK Amsterdam +31 (0)20 760 2014 | facebook.com/HelloFresh | @HelloFreshNL

• Expats in Amsterdam: www.expats-in-amsterdam.com

• Leiden Expats: groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Leidenexpats WOMEN’S CLUBS • American Women’s Club of Amsterdam: www.awca.nl • American Netherlands Club of Rotterdam: www.ancorotterdam.com

• Udea EkoPlaza Doornhoek 4040, 5465 TD Veghel +31 (0)41 325 6700 | www.ekoplaza.nl/en NUTRITION CONSULTING

• International Women’s Club Breda: www.iwcbreda.nl

• E atLiveLoveFood +31 (0)63 055 4729 | info@eatlivelovefood.com | www.eatlivelovefood.com

• International Women’s Club South Limburg: www.iwc-sl.nl

MEDIA & PHOTOGRAPHY

• American Women’s Club of The Hague: www.awcthehague.org • International Women’s Club Eindhoven: www.iwce.nl • International Women’s Contact Amsterdam: www.iwcamsterdam.nl

• International Women’s Club Rotterdam: www.iwcrotterdam.com • International Women’s Contact Utrecht: www.iwcu.nl

• International Women’s Contact The Hague: www.iwcthehague.nl

• Mom2Mom and women’s church groups: www.trinitychurch.nl • North American Women’s Club of Eindhoven: www.nawceindhoven.com

• Petroleum Wives Club of The Hague: www.pwc-thehague.com

• Women’s Business Initiative: www.womensbusinessinitiative.net

•O rhan Sahin Photography +31 (0)6 4302 3225 | mail@orhansahin.nl| www.orhansahin.nl • T ypical Dutch Art Pius X, Edisonstraat 55, 4702 NB Roosendaal +31 (0)62 120 7895 | www.typicaldutchart.nl •M ark Media & Art Entrepodok 117, 1018 AD Amsterdam +31 (0)62 853 3924 | info@markmedia.nl | www.markmedia.nl • S assen en Verstraaten Studio Twisk | Dorpsweg 147, 1676 GJ Twisk +31 (0)22 754 1080 | M: +31 (0)64 101 7798 www. studiotwisk.nl | www.sassen-verstraaten.nl

CHURCHES & RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES • Christ Church, Amsterdam (international Anglican churches): www.christchurch.nl

AUTO

Locations: Amsterdam city centre, Amsterdam Zuid, Amsterdam Zuidoost.

•H ertz Rent a Car | www.hertz.nl +31 (0)23 567 0747 | salesnl@hertz.com

• Christ Church, North Holland: www.christchurch-heiloo.nl • Crossroads International Church: www.xrds.nl

• Dollar Car Rental | www.dollar.com

AIRLINES

• EasyJet: www.easyjet.com

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CALENDAR & ENTERTAINMENT

ENTERTAINMENT

MUSIC, THEATER, FILM & COMEDY

• DutchNews.nl | www.dutchnews.nl | facebook.com/dutchnews MARK MEDIA & ART

• Little Kingdom by the Sea | www.markmedia.nl/bestel

• Stuff Dutch People Like | www.stuffdutchpeoplelike.com | facebook.com/stuffdutchpeoplelike • XPat Media | Van Boetzelaerlaan 153, 2581 AR The Hague +31 (0)70 306 3310 | www.xpat.nl FOOD & DRINK

• Eating Amsterdam Tours | Herengracht 124-126, 1015 BTAmsterdam | +31 (0)20 894 3068 | info@eatingamsterdamtours.com | www.eatingamsterdamtours.com • House of Bols: The cocktail and genever experience Opposite Van Gogh Museum, Paulus Potterstraat 14,Amsterdam +31 (0)20 570 8575 | info@houseofbols.com | www.houseofbols.com

• Easylaughs | info@easylaughs.nl | www.easylaughs.nl

• EYE Film | IJpromenade 1, 1031 KT Amsterdam +31 (0)20 589 1400 | info@eyefilm.nl | www.eyefilm.nl • North Sea Jazz Club Westergasfabriek, Pazzanistraat 1, 1014 DB Amsterdam +31 (0)20 722 0980 | info@northseajazzclub.com | www.northseajazzclub.com • Stadsschouwburg & Philharmonie Haarlem Philharmonie Lange Begijnestraat 11, 2011 HH Haarlem Stadsschouwburg Wilsonsplein 23, 2011 VG Haarlem +31 (0)23 512 1212 | info@theater-haarlem.nl | www.theater-haarlem.nl TOURISM & ACTIVITIES

• Gardner Kookt | www.gardnerkookt.nl +31 (0)62 244 6985 | contact@gardnerkookt.nl | @GardnerKookt

• Hard Rock Café | Max Euweplein 57–61, 1017 MA Amsterdam +31 (0)20 523 7611 | www.hardrock.com/cafes/amsterdam

WRITING

• Amsterdam Writing Workshops | www.amsterdamwriting.com +31 (0) 62 502 0817 | info@amsterdamwriting.com MISC

• Kramer Amsterdam-By Satellite Molenkade 21 A, 1115 AB Duivendrecht-Amsterdam +31 (0)20 6947298 | info@schotel.nl | www.schotel.nl

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ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX A

ABN AMRO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21, 45

NEMO Science Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Amsterdam Beautiful Property Rental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

NOVA Relocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Amsterdam International Community School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Optimizely. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Bimbola. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Oya’s Childcare. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Blacktower Financial Management Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Payvision. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Career Hero . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Projob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

ClubMed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Corporate Housing Factory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Regina Coeli Language Institute. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

RelocAid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Dental Practice De Liefde. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Rotterdam Info Expatdesk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35, 36, 37

Rotterdam School of Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

EasyJet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

SCL Rotterdam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Elliot Lloyd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Sectra. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Eurohome Relocation Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Smeets Gijbels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Executive Home Rentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Sonar Appartementen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Expatcenter Amsterdam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Expat Estate Agency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Tax Compliance Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Expat Fair for Internationals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

The Dame Drum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Expat Personal Assistance by Audrey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

The British School of Amsterdam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Expatica Dating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

The British School in The Netherlands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

The Little Gym. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Family Nanny . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

The Mobile Life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Finsens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Together Abroad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Twente Branding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Havaa Apartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

H-Tel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Undutchables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

HomeRent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

United International Business Schools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

House of Bols. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

VDS Automotive Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

IDA Foundation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

International Job Fair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Witlox International Tax Advice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

International School Breda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

International School Hilversum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Xpat Media. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 10, 24

International School of Amsterdam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

International School of The Hague. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

YER Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

L Lassus Dental Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78, 79

M Maastricht Region. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Map Relocations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Muiderslot Castle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Murata Electronics Europe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Eating Amsterdam Tours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

NEED MORE GUIDES? The Expat Survival Guide will be distributed this year to over 40,000 expats in the Netherlands, through embassies, international companies, expat housing and relocation companies and international schools. If you are involved in managing expats, or run a bookshop, cafe, bar, or restaurant frequented by expats, and would like to distribute the Expat Survival Guide, then please contact us at info@ expatica.com to order your free guides. Delivery is also free within the Netherlands.

WWW.EXPATICA.COM | THE NETHERLANDS EXPAT SURVIVAL GUIDE 2016

Once the practical aspects are dealt with, life in your new country can really begin. Exploring and settling in brings its own set of joys and challenges, and Expatica.com provides you all the information you need to happily live, work and love in the Netherlands.

TEXEL BEACH

EDAM ZANDVOORT AAN ZEE

AMSTERDAM SCHEVENINGEN BEACH

KEUKENHOF GARDENS

UTRECHT

THE HAGUE ZUIDPLASPOLDER (-6.76 METERS)

GOUDA

ROTTERDAM KINDERDIJK

DE BIESBOSCH NATIONAL PARK EASTERN SCHELDT STORM SURGE BARRIER

BREDA

EFTELING

EINDHO

BELGIUM From Amsterdam (Noord-Holland) The Hague (South Holland) Eindhoven (North Brabant) Groningen (Groningen) Amsterdam Amsterdam

To Rotterdam (South Holland) Utrecht (Utrecht) Tilburg (North Brabant) Almere-Stad (Flevoland) Brussels (Belgium) Paris (France)

Distance (km) 57.74 56.3 29.64 131.06 207 500

LIVE

GRONINGEN ELFSTEDENTOCH

HUNEBED

The Dutch cliché rings true: Museums, tulips and windmills number in the thousands in the Netherlands, and that’s only the start of sights to see! Expatica.com’s Lifestyle section covers cultural sights, restaurants and activities in the Netherlands to get you out, about and active! Raw herring not to your taste? Dutch food offers an array of interesting and international cuisine, and you can never beat getting Gouda and Edam from the source. Check out the top Dutch foods on Expatica.com.

WORK

GIETHOORN

The Ranstad and Eindhoven are hotspots for internationals but with the Netherlands’s advantage of short daily commutes and good connections, it’s not uncommon to live and work in different regions. Travel from Amsterdam to the Hague or Utrecht in just 30–40 minutes.

RESTAURANT DE LIBRIJE RESTAURANT DE LEEST

ENSCHEDE VELUWE NATIONAL PARK

Wouldn’t it be great to find one centralised location for jobs relating to international workers in the Netherlands? See who’s hiring on Expatica’s job search portal: http://jobs. expatica.com/Netherlands.

LOVE OLDEST CITY

GERMANY CARNIVAL

OVEN

AASTRICHT VAALSERBERG HILL (322.7 METRES)

Is staring incessantly flirty or freaky? Should you dress-up or dress-down? And will you be expected to ‘go Dutch’? Push your love life in the right direction with Expatica.com’s articles and surveys on expat dating etiquette. Finding love in a foreign country can be challenging when you don’t know the game rules. Meet like-minded singles on Expatica’s online dating site for expats: netherlandsdating. expatica.com.

UPGRADE YOUR HORIZON Discover europe with flights to 30 different destinations.

Europe

â&#x201A;Ź20 from

,90* Price for one way per person

* Price for one way per person, including admin fee for two flights per booking. Including airport taxes and hand luggage. Additional charges may be related to taking hold baggage. Price found at easyJet.com on 27/08/2015.

Serviced Apartments the easy way!

corporate housing factory properties available across the Netherlands +31 (0)88 11 69 500

bookings @ corporatehousingfactory.com

Corporate housing factory is the serviced apartment provider nationwide in the Netherlands. We help you ﬁnd a comfortable home for short, medium or longer stays. High quality corporate housing We want you to experience corporate housing the way we think it should be, with our experience, professional staff, services and partners. With a variety of ﬂavors we can make your or your employee’s stay an unforgettable one. Serviced Apartments Our serviced apartments are fully furnished, energy and internet included and combined with services and facilities providing you comfort, sport and relaxation. Ideal for a temporary stay in the Netherlands without the usual worries or hassle. We offer our serviced apartments from one week onwards. Comfortably located as a ‘hub’ for frequently doing business and still being able to enjoy life in the vibrant cities of the Netherlands!

Please do not hesitate to explore your wishes with our team and line up for a care free experience. Check our website: www.corporatehousingfactory.com