Expat guide

Getting started in The Netherlands

Introduction
This guide is just an introduction to the wealth of
knowledge there is available on living in The Netherlands.
IN Amsterdam’s website contains further useful
information, including FAQ’s, essential topics on schooling,
transport, housing, etc. But by the end of reading this, you
will know enough in order to get by and settle in.

We hope this guide is useful in getting started. If you want

to know more, reach out to Erika who will be able to help
you navigate your move to The Netherlands.

We hope you enjoy your stay in The Netherlands.

Expat guide 2
Getting started Arrival checklist
Moving abroad can be overwhelming, but with good planning it can
be done stress free. Here is a short checklist of things you need to do
when arriving in The Netherlands. If you need help with any of these
Useful words and phrases items, reach out to Erika who is able to help you.
Most people living in the Amsterdam area speak English, so getting by
on English is quite easy. However if you want to learn the language to Mandatory on arrival:
integrate and “feel like a local” here are a few useful phrases to get • Arrange a local bank account
you started. We recommend that once you are settled in, you sign up • Register with the local municipality
for a course to learn the language. • Collect your residence/work permit if you are from outside EU at the
expat center
Hallo Hello • Complete your BSN registration at the expat center or local
Goedemorgen Good morning municipality

How gaat het How are you • Arrange local health insurance
• Get a Tuberculosis screening (only required if you are coming from a
Ik heet … My name is …
certain country, see later section on that)
Ik kom uit … I come from …

Spreekt U Engels? Do you speak English?

Optional on arrival:
Ya Yes
• Register with your local embassy or consulate
Nee No • Obtain a drivers licence or exchange your current licence
Lekker Tasty • Arrange home internet and utilities
Gezellig Cozy or enjoyable • Register with a doctor and dentist in your area
Open Open • Find short-term or long term accommodation

Gesloten Closed
• Investigate schooling/ childcare possibilities

Alstublieft (last-u-bleeft) Please

Expat guide 3
Settling in Residence permit and visas
• Learn the language When moving to The Netherlands you might need a residence permit,
• Join a group, club, or association to meet people but this depends on where you are from. This differs per country and is
• Get active in the local and international community. something you’ll have to look up in advance.

BSN A permit covers a long-term stay whilst a visa is for a shorter term.
The burgerservicenummer (BSN), is a citizen service number that is You need a work visa in order to enter The Netherlands. Thereafter,
mandatory for everyone who lives in The Netherlands to have. It is you will need a work permit to work in The Netherlands. At HSO
needed for: International will help you with that. If you have a fixed term contract,
• starting a job, your residence permit is valid for the same term as your contract, and if
• opening a bank account at most banks, you have a permanent contract it is valid for 5 years.
• leasing a house/apartment If your spouse is coming with you, they will receive a spousal visa that
• paying taxes, will allow them to work and live in The Netherlands too.
• using the healthcare system,
• applying for benefits, and Citizenship
• to combat identity fraud. Applying for Dutch citizenship is possible by means of naturalisation,
the option procedure and law. If you have Dutch citizenship, you can
You will receive your BSN at the expat center in the first week after apply for a Dutch passport at the town hall of the municipality where
your arrival. It is not your work permit, but rather an identification you are registered. More information about this is also in the link to
number. However, you get your BSN number along with your residency expat.nl.
card (verblijfspas) during your appointment at the expat centre. If you
are planning to stay for more than 4 months in The Netherlands, you
need to do this within 5 days of arriving.

Expat guide 4
Your rights
There is great infrastructure in The Netherlands to help disadvantaged
people in society, and when you’re trying to settle into a new culture
and language that can feel like a pretty big disadvantage!
Het Juridisch Loket (The Legal Counter) offers free advice for any and
every legal issue: work, living, immigration, consumer issues and police
and justice. Het Juridisch Loket has branch offices in all major Dutch
cities, where you can walk in and make an appointment.
If your landlord is charging outrageous rent and failing to fix the leaky
ceiling you can contact the Huurcommissie (rent commission) to check
your rental rights and maybe get a rent reduction.
If you have a complaint about public administration you can contact
the Nationale Ombudsman, who runs an independent and impartial
organisation to keep an eye on the government.
There are also many law firms and legal advisors specialised in
expats who can help.

Expat guide 5
 Living
in The Netherlands

Expat guide 6
Living
Holidays Dutch holidays 2022 Date
Holidays in The Netherlands can be divided into New Year’s Day / Nieuwjaarsdag January 1
three categories, where not all are considered as April 17
days off: Easter Sunday / Eerste Paasdag (In the spring. Exact dates follow the
moon cycle)

Dutch national holidays Easter Monday / Tweede Paasdag April 18

• There are two national holidays in The King’s Day / Koningsdag April 27
Netherlands: King’s Day (Koningsdag) and National Remembrance Day May 4 
Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag). / Dodenherdenking (not an official holiday)

May 5 
Liberation Day / Bevrijdingsdag
(official holiday every 5 years; next in 2025)
Dutch public holidays
• The commonly recognised public holidays in The Ascension Day / Hemelvaartsdag May 26

Netherlands are the Dutch national holidays, Whit (Pentecost) Sunday / Eerste Pinksterdag June 5

New Year’s Day, and a few Christian holidays. Whit (Pentecost) Monday / Tweede
June 6
Pinksterdag

Other holidays in The Netherlands December 5 

Sinterklaas
(not an official holiday)
• Additionally, The Netherlands also has a number
Christmas Day / Eerste Kerstdag December 25
of holidays that are not legally recognised (e.g.
Sinterklaas). Boxing Day / Tweede Kerstdag December 26

December 31 
New Year’s Eve / Oudejaarsavond
(not an official holiday)

Expat guide 7
At HSO, The following qualify as days off: Part of settling in is to open a Dutch bank
• New Year’s Day account. To do that, you will need a:
• Easter Monday • Valid ID
• King’s Day • Proof of address
• Ascension Day • BSN Number (or at least you can
• Whit Monday provide that within 6 weeks)
• Christmas Day and Boxing Day
However some banks allow you to open
Dutch bank accounts a bank account without a BSN Number.
When shopping in The Netherlands and using a debit These include:
card, most stores make use of Maestro Cards, where • Bunq
only some accept Master Cards, AMEX and Visas. • ABN AMBRO
When it comes to credit cards, they are more widely • Revolute
accepted. It is therefore recommended that when you
get to The Netherlands in your first days, make sure the Other banks in The Netherlands are:
shop will accept the kind of card you want to use, or to • ING
have cash on hand. • Rabobank
It is also good to note that when handling cash, opt to • N26
get smaller notes, as many shops don’t accept €200, • ASN
and in some cases, €100 notes. • Triods
• SNS

Expat guide 8
Housing
House hunting
Finding a place to live in Amsterdam can be a challenge, however with At first, finding accommodation may be frighting and you think you
the right information and advice, you can easily find your dream home cannot do it without an agent. But once you get the hang of the fast
like many others. If you don’t know where you want to live yet, explore rental/ buying culture, you can easily do it online on your own. Here is
the different parts of the region at iamsterdam.com. The housing a list of the recommended online housing sites you could use:
market in The Netherlands moves fast, so know what you want and • www.funda.nl
make your move. • www.pararius.com
• www.huurwoningen.nl
Renting • www.rooftrack.nl
Renting is the most common immediate solution for most expats
moving to The Netherlands. However, in most cases you need a We recommend that when you go to view a property, take with your
residence permit to sign a lease agreement, so ensure you do that on passport and recent payslip (or employment contract if you are still too
your first days. If you want help on finding a rental property, consider new). This speeds things up, and increases your chances.
using: Please be aware of scammers! As an international, you could be the
• Online housing sites. See below target, so be on the lookout and don’t pay anyone any money until you
• Estate agents (makelaars) have signed a buying/leasing contract.
• Asking around your network

Expat guide 9
Short stay rentals Generally all utilities are included, and just need to be transferred into
These are perfect for when you have just arrived in The Netherlands your name. These include:
and have not yet found your permanent place of dwelling. • Gas
• Water
For a list of short term apartments in Amsterdam visit: • Electricity
Short stay apartments • Heating
You can connect all your utilities online at utility-provider.nl for free
and: advice on getting connected for expats.
iamsterdam.com
Water
Further info There are two elements for water payments: A consumption charge
If you want more information on housing, what your rights are as based on water usage; and a municipal tax for its usage (sewage,
a tenant, where to get legal advice and what to look out for when maintenance etc.)
renting, or buying visit the IND’s website: iamsterdam.com To see which water company covers your area, visit vewin.nl and enter
your postal code; or ask your local gemeente.

Setting up the home Electricity and Gas

The energy market is liberalised, meaning you can choose which
Utilities provider you want to use, with some ‘green’ options also available.
When setting up your home there are some things you need to take The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (www.acm.nl)
into consideration. If you are paying an inclusive rent, make sure what provides a list of electricity and gas providers on the market. You can
is covered in the monthly amount to avoid hidden bills. also compare prices or seek advice on www.consuwijzer.nl or compare
prices in English and get connected at www.energievergelijken.nl.

Expat guide 10
The main suppliers are: The cheapest deal for a mobile is via a contract (abonoment) with a
• Budget Energie main supplier. You can compare the latest rates on bellen.com.
• Electrabel
• Eneco When taking out a contract you will need:
• Energie Direct • proof of identify
• E.ON • address
• Essent • proof of income
• Greenchoice • a bank account
• Nederlandse Energie Maatschappij
• Nuon You can also get a prepaid deal but that is generally more expensive.
• Oxxio
TV and Internet
Recycling Connectivity in The Netherlands is among the highest in Europe, with
Recycling is a big thing in The Netherlands where each home or ADSL, ISDN and cable options available, and can be bought along with
apartment may have more than one bin type. Speak to your neighbours a TV and telephone deal. Compare prices at internetten.nl.
or the gemeente to find out how to go about recycling, and get into You can also get a TV subscription from a different supplier than your
the habit. There are also bins placed around each neighbourhood for for telephone/ internet supplier.
things like glass, plastic, clothing, etc. However, each area is unique so Cable TV is cheap, and the main supplier are Ziggo/Vodaphone and
chat to your gemeente to get specific information. KPN which includes various BBC channels, Dutch channels, childrens
Or for more information about recycling in The Netherlands, visit channels Net 5, National Geographic, and the Discovery channel.
expatica.com.
The main suppliers for Internet, phone and TV are:
Getting connected • KPN • UPC
There is a huge range of options from many suppliers on deals for • Online.nl • Vodaphone
telephone, internet, and TV, charged under a single monthly fee. • Tele2 • Ziggo
The main suppliers for landlines, internet and phone connections visa • T-Mobile
cable networks is KPN and Ziggo/Vodaphone.

Expat guide 11
Getting around Personalised card
This is a yellow card with your photo on it, and only you are allowed
to travel using it. There are various subscriptions and discounts you
Public transport can take out on it for added savings. For example weekend-vrij, where
Traveling within the Amsterdam area is easy and convenient. And when traveling with the trains on weekends is free. More so, your travel
you think of Amsterdam you think of the imbedded cycling culture, so expenses are debited off of your account at the end of the month, and
naturally that is the easiest way to get around. There is also a further you can see your travel statement.
extensive public transport network that connects all cities, that uses
trains, trams, the metro system, busses and ferries. We recommend you get this card as a long term option. You can buy
this online and read more about it at ov-chipcard.nl.

Anonymous card
This is a blue card, and can be used by anyone. This card is different
to the personalised card in that you cannot take out subscriptions and
the card needs to be preloaded with money before use. Take note that
OV-Chipcard before you catch a train, the card will need about EUR 20 on it. So factor
The Netherlands uses a universal public transport chip card called in some pre-loading time when catching the train. This can be done at
the OV-Chipcard. This is an electronic card that can be used on all one of the many vending machines (there is one at every station).
means of public transport in The Netherlands, including trains, trams, This card can be bought at the ticket office or vending machines at
the metro system, busses. Remember to check in and out. There are 3 your main train stations. This card is useful when you have just arrived
different kinds of cards you can get. in The Netherlands and want a card to get around. Keep it safe as it can
be handy for friends and family to use when they visit.

Expat guide 12
Disposable card Using your foreign license
This is a once off card that you buy from a standing vending machine or When moving to The Netherlands, you can drive with your own license
tram. It is for a single journey and will expire. You can also buy a day or for a period of time, but thereafter you need to get a Dutch license
multi-day ticket. These tickets are perfect when you have just arrived in (rijbewijs). Also, some car rental agencies don’t accept foreign drivers
The Netherlands and just what to get to your accommodation. licenses for insurance reasons so rather convert it.
• For EU and EFTA counties, you can use your own license or 10-15
For more information visit these sites: years.
Public transportation (GVB): gvb.nl phone 0900 8011 • However, for all other countries, you can only use your license for 6
Route planning: 9292.nl (There is also an app available) months after registering at your local municipality (gemeente)
Trains: ns.nl phone 030 751 5155

Driver’s licence
If you want to drive in The Netherlands, this section may be useful
to you. More so, if you plan to stay in The Netherlands for a long
time, exchanging your driver’s license for a Dutch one is a good
idea. Take note, that you need to exchange your license before the
old one expires.

Expat guide 13
Conditions for exchange With your application you will need to provide:
If you meet all these requirements, you can easily exchange your • Color passport photo
license for a Dutch License: • Your foreign driving license (they send this back to your home
• You live in The Netherlands and you are registered at your local country)
municipality • Your residence permit (unless you are EU, EEA or Switzerland)
• You have the 30% ruling, or are from EU, EEA, Switzerland or are • Proof of your 30% tax ruling (if applicable)
from another country with a special arrangement • Certificate of fitness (see below)
• You have a valid residence permit (unless you are from EU, EEA or
Switzerland) Certificate of fitness
• Your current driving license is still valid You may be required to provide a certificate of fitness (verklaring van
• Your current driving license, if issues outside of EU, was issues after geschiktheid) that proves you are psychologically and physically fit to
being a resident of that country for at least 185 days. drive. When completing the application, you will be notified if you need
to obtain this certificate or not.
If you don’t meet these requirements, obtaining a Dutch driving license can
be done by completing a standard theory and practical test at the CBR. For more information your Dutch Drivers License, visit the website of
the CBR.
Exchanging procedures
If you meet above mentioned conditions, you can submit your
application at your local City Office (stadsloket). The application costs
around €50 and takes 2 weeks to process. During this time you are not
allowed to drive.

Expat guide 14
 Healthcare
in The
Netherlands

Expat guide 15
Healthcare system the Hospital or GP (huisarts). Otherwise going to your GP (huisarts) is
required, and calling ahead to make an appointment is essential. They
are also equipped with life saving equipment for cases like allergic
The Dutch healthcare system is one of the best in the world, where reactions. When calling your Huisarts, follow the ‘life threatening
people have access to advanced treatments and preventative care situation’ prompt and they will assist you immediately.
during all stages of life. Hospitals use the latest equipment and physi-
cians are constantly being educated using the latest scientific insights. Health insurance
Everyone living in The Netherlands is legally obligated to have a
General information standards health insurance. This insurance should cover the cost of,
General practitioners (huisarts) play a vital role in the healthcare for example, visiting the General Practitioner, hospital treatments and
system in The Netherlands. If you have a problem, they are your first prescription medicine.
point of contact. It is your choise to choose who you want as a doctor,
but it is useful to choose one that is close to home. Where necessary, The government decided what coverage this standard health insurance
Doctors will refer you to a specialist at a hospital. has, and all insurance companies offer the same standard package.
Healthcare insurers are also obligated to accept anyone who applies
The healthcare system in The Netherlands is based on the principle of for the standard healthcare package, and must charge the same
social solidarity. Together, everyone contributes towards the overall premium to policyholders, no matter their age or state of health. This is
cost of healthcare. Everyone pays towards, for example, the cost of to ensure everyone is protected against the financial risk of illness and
maternity care and geriatric care. hospital admission.

In case of emergency Everyone is free to choose their health insurer (zorgverzekeraar) that
112 is the emergency number for police, fire or ambulance in The offers the standard package (basisverzekerning). You are allowed
Netherlands. To talk to the police on non-urgent matters you can call to cancel your insurance before the 1st January each year, and can
0900-8844. In The Netherlands, if there is a life threatening situation, take out a new insurance before the 1st February each year. Your new
where blood is involved (such as a serious flesh injury), you can go to provider will cover you with retroactive effect from 1 January. You can

Expat guide 16
register for health insurance with your BSN number. Please note that • CZ
you can receive a hefty fine and be billed if you are not insured. • Zilveren Kruis

Additional insurance Discount number (collectiviteitsnummer): 207072517

Not all healthcare services are covered by your standard package, Search on company: HSO Nederland B.V.
and you may need to take out additional insurance to cover for
example physiotherapy or dental. You are not obliged to take this extra For more information
insurance out. • www.government.nl
• www.zorgverzekeringslijn.nl
Insurance premium • www.svb.nl for socail security questions
A fixed premium is paid to your insurance company for the standard • EU direct
healthcare insurance. Children under 18 must have health insurance, • College for Health Insurance phone +31 (020) 797 8555 for health
but they do not have to pay any premiums. Parents need to register insurance questions
children with their insurance 4 months after their birth.
Tuberculosis screening
Health insurance advice In some situations, you may need to be tested for TB during your first
If you have any questions about mandatory insurance, year in The Netherlands. This is mandatory if you are coming from
healthcare premiums, or any debuts from an insure, you can call abroad. However If you have the nationality of one of the countries on
zorgverzekeringslijn.nl on phone 0800 646 4644 toll free, or visit their this list, you do not have to undergo a TB test. To see the list, visit the
website. IND’s website.

In HSO we have two health insurance companies where we have a The TB test only takes place via appointment. To obtain such an
discount, with both companies we have different agreements, so it is appointment, you need to complete the TB test referral form and
good to check both possibilities to see what kind of insurance/package make an appointment online. These tests are free of charge. For more
is best for yourself: information on the TB test, visit the GGD.

Expat guide 17
 30% ruling
You have already heard of the 30% ruling and may have
received one yourself. The 30% tax reimbursement
ruling (AKA 30% ruling) is a tax advantage for highly

30% skilled migrants moving to The Netherlands for a specific

employment role. When the necessary conditions are
met, the employer can grant a tax allowance equivalent
of 30% of the gross salary subject to Dutch payroll tax.
For more information about taxes, visit the website of the
Belastingdienst.

For questions about the 30% ruling: contact the

department for the 30% ruling of the Dutch Tax
Administration Office phone 088 154 2955 or phone 088 154 2862

Expat guide 18
 Education
in The
Netherlands

Expat guide 19
Dutch education system
The Netherlands is renowned for having a strong, well-balanced Primary schools (basisonderwijs)
education system. Children attend primary school starting from the age In The Netherlands, children start school when they turn 4. Schools
of 4, and then after eight years go to secondary school. The choice of have different education approaches, so read up on their curricula,
secondary school and type of education determines the child’s future educational ethos and arrange a visit. Most schools hold information
and higher education. For example if they will attend university of days (voorlichtingsdagen) and are typically found on their websites.
applied science, or a research university. Look for primary schools in your area by visiting the ‘scholen op de
Kaart’-website.
Nearly half of all international in The Netherlands choose Dutch
education because there is a great selection of schools to choose from, Secondary school (voortgezet onderwijs)
and it makes integrating into The Netherlands easier. The OECD rate After completing group 8, pupils move on to secondary school.
Dutch education as of high standard. And Dutch schools receive state There are many different types of Dutch secondary education:
funding, making them more affordable than independent schools. • VMBO
• HAVO
Non-Dutch speaking children up to the age of 12 are able to attend • VWO
Dutch schools, where special Dutch integration programs or new
comers classes are in place to get new-commers ready to attend Pupils will go to the type of secondary school that best suits their
classes with other students their age. You can find out more about this future education needs.
from the schools.

Expat guide 20
 Newtonstraat 27 | 3902 HP Veenendaal | T +31 (0)318 - 509 400 | info-nl@hso.com

HSO has been active as a Microsoft Solution Integrator since 1989 and has grown into a successful ICT company with more than 1500 employees and offices in Europe, North America and
Asia. HSO supports local and international companies in retail, wholesale, industry and (technical) services to make a difference with digital technology. The foundation for this is Microsoft
Dynamics 365 (CRM & ERP), Microsoft 365 and Data & AI. HSO takes care of the implementation, optimisation and 24/7 management of these cloud solutions, worldwide. HSO belongs to
the Microsoft Dynamics Inner Circle and is proud to have been awarded the title ‘Microsoft’s most customer-oriented partner’. You can find more information on HSO at www.hso.com/nl.