Living in :
Netherlands
Once in the Netherlands, there are more things you need to do. These include:
Registering your arrival
EU Citizens wanting to stay in Holland for more than 3 months no longer need a residency permit, however they do need to register their arrival with the IND (Immigration and Naturalization Department). You also need to speak with your local Gemeente (Municipality) in your city as each area differs slightly. They will explain the registration process to you. You will need to register your arrival in other places too eg, the local Stadhuis (Town Hall) and they will be able to give you all the necessary details.
Foreign Office - Permits & Registration
When planning to living in another country it's always advisable to have employment set up before you go. As an EU citizen, you have the same rights as any Dutch National. You do not need a work permit.
Foreign Office - Employment
Be aware that since 2005 it is law that all residents must carry some kind of identification with them. Passport, driving licence or identy cards are accepted. Failure to produce this when asked can result in a fine.
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Tax registration with the authorities
In order to work you will need to register with their volksverzekeringen (National Insurance Schemes) which you arrange with the Aliens Police Service with your local authority. You must then apply for your social security/tax number (SoFi-nummber) with your local tax office (Belastingdienst).
Expat Focus - Taxation
Foreign Office - Dutch Docial Security System (see number 3)
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Registering children with daycare/school/universities
Although the Netherlands is working hard to make this better, there are still massive waiting lists at most nursery schools and crèches. We would advise you to speak with the local municipal about this prior to moving.
I Amsterdam - Child Care (not specific to Amsterdam)
The rules for compulsory schooling are simple. Children are expected to start school at the age of 6. One of the biggest decisions you need to make will be "Do I want my children educated in English, at an International school, or in a Dutch school?" Once you have made this decision, you can contact either local schools or one of the International schools. Be aware there is usually a huge waiting list and applications should be made early.
Netherland Private Schools - International Options
British International Schools
The Netherlands was the first non-English country in the world to offer courses in English. As a result, you have a lot of choice. The establishment you choose should provide you with information regarding the enrolment process.
Int Study - Why the Netherlands?
Prospects - Postgraduate study
Open University - Business School in the Netherlands
ECIS - International Italian Options
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Signing up with a Dr or Dentist etc
If you require medical treatment in the Netherlands, you need to find a Doctor (Huisarts).
I Amsterdam - Family Doctors & Dentists
Expat Focus - Healthcare and Medical Treatment
If you are in receipt of Sickness Benefit in the UK, you may be able to transfer payment to Holland. Ask at your local Jobcentre, Jobcentre Plus office or Social Security office in the UK for more information.
Most Doctors and Dentists are English speaking. You have a free choice of general practitioner, paediatrician and several specialists within your area, providing your choice does not bring the doctor's/dentist's list above the maximum patients permitted. For an English speaking Doctor, ask around - other Brits in the neighbourhood can help as well as many of the locals. Remember, in the Netherlands, English really is a second language and they know how to use it!
Please check our Resources section to see if there is any further information on additional medical insurance, general private heathcare and private hospitals.
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Set up a bank account
When it comes to opening a bank account in the Netherlands, shop around. Most banks offer similar services so it's really up to you regarding what you want. Most banks also offer internet and telephone banking too. To open a bank account you will need proof of address in Holland and your SoFi number (NI equivilent). You may also be asked for your employment contract or if studying, proof of your course.
Please check our Resources section to see if there is any further information on international banking.
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Convert your driving licence?
The first thing you need to be aware of is if you move abroad, you cannot have your new international address added to your British driving licence.
Directgov - Driving Abroad on a GB Licence
You have two choices. Depending on how long you plan to stay in the Netherlands, you can either leave it with your last address in the UK, or submit it to the Dutch authorities and have it replaced with a Dutch Licence.
If you break the law, fines are payable "on the spot".
Regardless of your decision regarding your licence, you should familiarise yourself with the rules of the Dutch roads! This website should help you.
Expat Focus - Driving in the Netherlands
Europa - Getting there
And finally, please remember that although in the UK you can take and pass your driving test at the age of 17, in the Netherlands, your licence is not valid until your 18th birthday! Other general differences can be found here:
ViaMichelin - Driving in Europe - Similarities and Differences
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Registering or buying a car
Deciding whether to take your car or not, is something you will need to think about. What is "right" varies from person to person. For example, for my first move, I took my UK car with me for the first 6 months only. This gave me the security blanket when I wasn't sure if I would stay. Had I returned to the UK, I wouldn't have then had to look for a new car. Having decided to stay, I returned my UK car to the UK, and bought a local one. Just make sure that if you decide to take your own car, your insurance covers you properly with a "permanent green card"!
Don't forget you must also notify the DVLA if you plan to take your car out of the UK either temporarily or permanently.
Direct Gov - Taking your car abroad
You are able to take your car into the Netherlands tax free under the "Free Movement of Goods" act within Europe providing you an prove you have lived for more than 185 days in another EU country and have used the car for at least 6 months. If you bring your car in using this act, you must be aware that you are not allowed to sell your car for 12 months. If you plan to bring your car this way, you will need a permit. You can apply for this at the customs office in the area which you plan to move to. Be aware that nothing is quite as simple as it seems! Make sure you research this thoroughly since there are exceptions to every rule...
Belastingdienst (Customs) - Cars and immigration
If you want to buy a used or new car, do your research eg, if you are not part exchanging, you should be able to negotiate the price - from what I've read, up to 8% on a brand new car. This site may be able to help:
Expatica - Buying and leasing a car in the Netherlands
There are three types of car insurance:
1. WA or Wettelijke Aanspraaklijkheid - The equivalent to 3rd party (without the fire theft etc)
2. WA + Beperkte Casco - The equivalent to 3rd party plus extras eg, fire, damage caused by animals etc, windscreen damage and those natural things you can't really know about in advance eg storm damage.
3. WA + Volledige Casco - The equivalent to Fully Comprehensive.
You must have insurance before you take possession of your new car.
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Search for a job
The following websites may help in your search for employment:
Foreign Office - Finding Employment
Job Centre Plus
4ICJ
Euro Jobs - Finding work in the Netherlands
Jobs Abroad
Executives on the Web
Tip Top Jobs
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Register for language courses
We Brits are terrible when it comes to learning languages! It's awful to walk around the shops and feel illiterate. Seeing the letters but not understanding the words. It can leave you feeling very isolated. Learning the language has many benefits. Firstly, it teaches you the essentials you will need to get by. Secondly, it helps you meet people - often people in a similar situation to yourself. And thirdly, it makes people take you more seriously on a daily basis.
For more information on language schools click Onzetaal.
Also, please check our Resources section to see if there is any further information on language courses.
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Recycling
Each area has its own recycling rules. Make sure you speak with neighbours or the local council to find out the rules for your area.
Wikipedia gives a pretty good overview of the rules for the Netherlands.
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If a student, check out the local student life
Once you know where you will be studying, contact your campus to find out about the local social life. Find out the "in" places to go and the local club scene. Most students work hard, but play harder!
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Marrying in the Netherlands
When living in a foreign country, it is not unthinkable that you might meet and later want to marry someone in the Netherlands.
Foreign Office - Marriage of British Nationals in the Netherlands
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British Nationals dying in the Netherlands
While in the Netherlands, although none of us wants to think about it, it is possible that you could be left to deal with the death of a loved one. There are many decisions to be made and the following websites by the British Embassy will be of help.
Foreign Office - Deaths involving British Nationals in the Netherlands
Foreign Office - Help if someone dies
The British Foreign Office have put together a booklet (PDF) which you can download.
Foreign Office - Death Overseas
The British Consulate in the Netherlands make it clear that if a British National dies while there, call them - they will help in any way they can.
Please also visit our Repatriation page where we go into this in more detail.
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Protect your pension
As a UK citizen you are entitled to a UK pension when you retire. This can and will be paid into your bank account anywhere in the world. However, whether you get a full or part pension at retirement age depends on your contributions.
Be aware that you are able to pay into a private pension for 5 years after you leave the UK, however advisers also suggest that you consider paying voluntary NI contributions to preserve your state pension entitlements.
You can find out how much to pay by calling the HMRC International Services Helpline on +44 (0) 845 9154811 giving them your UK NI Number. There are many ways to pay, the link below will be of use.
HM Revenue & Customs - Paying NI from abroad
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Keep an eye out for your work / residence permit / insurances / passport lapsing...
This may seem obvious but make sure you know exactly when each of your documents are due to expire! To begin with you may not be able to read the correspondence these companies are sending you. This makes renewal notices very difficult to understand. The last thing you want is to find out that part of your life is no longer legal... Whether it's your right to live in the country or your car insurance, have those dates marked clearly somewhere that you check regularly and if it spans more than one year... make sure you copy it over to the following year!
If your passport is due to expire you will need this website:
Foreign Office - Passports
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Emergencies
Emergency Services can be reached by dialing 112. Individual dialing numbers for specific services are not available.
If anything else goes seriously wrong, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office offers the following help:
Foreign Office - When things go wrong
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