Welcome to Brabant

DEAR INTERNATIONAL, WELCOME TO BRABANT!

Expats have been contributing to the great atmosphere and innovative business community in Brabant for decades. Philips paved the way for this.

In the 20th century, the company had scientists conduct fundamental research at the ‘Natuurkundig Laboratorium’ to lay the foundations for new inventions. Because technical universities were still scarce, scientists were recruited from around the globe. German Nobel Prize winner for Physics, Gustav Ludwig Hertz, for example, conducted research at the Philipslab in Eindhoven for five years. This international group of scientists delivered inventions including radio, cassette tape and television.

Almost a century later you will be following in these pioneers’ footsteps. Philips spawned leading tech companies such as ASML and NXP. Together with our universities, knowledge institutions and smaller supply companies, they constitute a unique network that makes our province a leader in patent applications. In recent years it has also made many foreign companies enthusiastic about Brabant. Businesses from around the world currently have branches in our province and benefit from its excellent location, an English speaking labour force and the innovative climate. And these employers continue to use the expertise of foreign staff, not only because of labour market shortages, but also because they have added value for their companies.

In 2020, our knowledge economy can only continue and be competitive if companies can attract sufficient talent. The labour market in Brabant is currently unable to sufficiently meet the demand for smart people due to an ageing labour force and rapid growth. The province is therefore extremely happy that you are helping to renew and develop our business community. Furthermore, you contribute to the diversity of our society. This is why we would like you and your family to feel at home here. Not always a given so far from home. The province therefore supports the Expat Center that will answer your queries and provide a meeting place. I also encourage you to venture out, discover Brabant and meet its inhabitants. They have a great deal to offer and, they welcome you!

Have a great time in our province.

Martijn van Gruijthuijsen, Member of the Provincial Executive for the Economy, Knowledge and Talent Development

BRABANT

INTERNATIONAL DAY

The 4th edition of Brabant International Day took place in May 2019. It began with a picnic lunch at Het Ketelhuis in Eindhoven, from which buses transported attendees to Beekse Bergen Safari Park, Tilburg or Den Bosch. The event ended with a dinner. Upon departure, attendees recieved a goodie bag filled with information about where they can go to explore Brabant!

Brabant International Day is organized by the provincial government of Noord-Brabant in collaboration with VisitBrabant and Holland Expat Center South. Stay tuned for information about the next Brabant International Day! “Brabant International day was a fun packed day for my family, where we got to know new places in Brabant. My daughter loved the return gift, that contained De Efteling book and secrets about Brabant. Thank you so much for your efforts.”

-- Pragati Singh

Photos: Brabant International Day 2019

Holland Expat Center South is your starting point for information about settling into Brabant. If you ever have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We are here to assist you!

Kind regards, Holland Expat Center South Team

ABOUT THE EXPAT CENTER

Holland Expat Center South is a one-stop shop for expats living and working in Brabant. Our mission is to promote and support international companies, highly skilled migrants, scientific researchers, and EU citizens by offering a fast and easy procedure for formalities, and providing information about the region.

At Holland Expat Center South, internationals can obtain information, as well as arrange the formal procedures regarding settlement in the Netherlands, including the municipal basic administration and residence documents. This applies to internationals living and/or working in one of the participating municipalities.

The Expat Center also provides regional information, and organizes events for the international community. These services are available free of charge, to every international living in the region.

Holland Expat Center South is a joint initiative of the participating municipalities, the Immigration and Naturalisation Services (IND), and the province of Noord-Brabant.

THE EXPAT CENTER

PROCEDURE

Advantages of the Expat Center Procedure

Employers can submit an application with the IND while the highly skilled migrant, scientific researcher or intra corporate transferee, is still in his or her home country, and the expat can begin to work almost immediately after their arrival in the Netherlands. In addition, the expat does not need to register at the town hall and the IND separately; the municipal registration and IND services are both offered at Holland Expat Center South in one appointment.

Requirements

In order to make use of the Expat Center Procedure, expats must have an address in one of the participating municipalities. The rent contract for this address should also be started at the latest on the appointment date at the Expat Center. Furthermore, the employer must be registered as a recognized sponsor with the IND. Additional information on the recognized sponsorship and required visas can be found on the website of the IND (ind.nl).

Other services for European Union citizens

European Union employees who work for a company that is a recognized sponsor registered with the IND, are eligible to register at the Expat Center. The employee must have an address in one of the participating municipalities.

BSN

Upon municipal registration at the Expat Center, expats residing in Eindhoven will receive their BSN during their appointment. Expats residing in other participating municipalities, will be issued their BSN via post.

Employer files an application for residence permit TEV or

VVR procedure. (If necessary, application for MVV.) O

IND makes a decision and informs the Expat Center. O

HECS receives a copy application and in compliance with the employer, makes an appointment for the International O

Employer receives approval MVV. O

Employer informs the international. O

Internationals using the TEV procedure must visit the

Dutch embassy in their home country. (Those not using the TEV procedure can travel directly to the Netherlands.) O

The international arrives in the Netherlands.

12 days

3 days

O

Appointment:

The international receives residence permit and municipal registration. Internationals using the VVR procedure will receive municipal registration, and the

IND will take their fingerprints and photo at the Expat

Center. The International will pick up their residence permit during their second appointment. Internationals using the TEV procedure will receive his/her residence permit during their appointment. O

The international receives BSN via post. (If residing in Eindhoven, the international will receive BSN at appointment.)

WELCOME EVENING

DURING THIS EVENT, YOU WILL GO ON A GUIDED WALKING TOUR

O O F T EINDHOVEN. PLUS, YOU WILL GET TO MEET HER NEWLY ARRIVED INTERNATIONALS! EVENTS TO HELP YOU

SETTLE INTO THE REGION

Holland Expat Center South organizes events to welcome you to Brabant! These events are free to attend and give you information about important topics, such as how to file taxes, how to buy a house and an introduction to the Dutch health care system. We also organize Meet & Greets where you can go on guided tours of cultural institutions Brought to you by in the region! We hope to see you there!

Check our website for upcoming events www.hollandexpatcenter.com/events/

HAVE YOU RECENTLY MOVED TO EINDHOVEN?

Then join our Welcome Evening! We organize this monthly event to welcome newly arrived internationals to the region!

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. Check our website for upcoming dates

www.hollandexpatcenter.com/events/

SOCIAL MEDIA

Our social media outlets provide expats with an opportunity to keep connected with the Expat Center. We post information about our upcoming events, photos and more!

WEBSITE

www.hollandexpatcenter.com

is the most comprehensive website for internationals living and working in Brabant.

THE EXPAT CENTER WELCOME DESK

You are invited to contact the welcome desk with any questions you may have about settling into Brabant. Contact us by telephone, email or via our website.

NEWSLETTER

Register for our monthly newsletter!

Please note that Holland Expat Center South is open for appointments only. It is required to wear a face mask when visiting the Expat Center.

THE CORONA PORTAL FOR BRABANT

The Corona Portal provides the non-Dutch speaking community in Brabant with links to the latest COVID-19 information and official resources in the Netherlands. The portal also shares ideas and tips on how to be socially safe whilst remaining connected to others.

This portal is a joint initiative of the Municipality of Eindhoven (Holland Expat Center South), Brainport Eindhoven, TU/e, Fontys and High Tech Campus Eindhoven, in collaboration with Expat Spouses Initiative and Eindhoven365.

For more information, go to:

www.hollandexpatcenter.com/corona-portal/

by Olivia

Moving to a different country can be exciting, but it can also be difficult. Here are my tips that I share with newly arrived internationals: 1. Learn Dutch!

When you speak a bit of Dutch, you will feel more independent. It is also a nice way to meet other people who are in your similar situation. 2. Join a club!

Even if you think that you are not a 'club-type' person, joining a club is a fast and easy way to meet new people! 3. Get on a bike!

Whether you ride your bike to work or just to run errands, bicycling is a great way to get around town. 4. Explore Brabant!

There are many great places to visit in Brabant. If you are looking for inspiration, visit: www.visitbrabant.com! 5. Contact Holland Expat Center South!

My colleagues and I are here to help you settle into the region!

Olivia van den Broek-Neri Project Coordinator Communications & Events Holland Expat Center South 15