1. Immigration Formalities
If you hold an EU nationality, then no immigration formality is needed. You will only need to register at a town hall or Expat Centre.
All citizens holding non-EU nationalities will need to undergo an immigration procedure. Mostly used is the highly skilled migrant procedure, in which the employer acts as the sponsor for you, and you will be the sponsor for your family. After arrival in the Netherlands, you will have to register personally at the immigration authorities (IND) and town hall. Or make an appointment at one of the ExpatCentres if you live and/or work in their working area.
Most Dutch relocation companies also offer immigration services. They may be provided on your employer’s behalf, or be initiated by you (for instance for your family members).
2. Children
Will you bring children? Relocation is very exciting for them. They will have to say goodbye to their school, clubs, relatives and friends while they do not know yet how their life in the Netherlands will be.
Prepare them by reading websites/books about the city where you will live. If possible, bring them on an orientation trip so they may actually see and feel the new city/school/etc.
Make sure that you and your employer have full agreement on the terms of your relocation. Will you have expat terms? A local plus contract? Or will you be on the local payroll with no further extra benefits? In expat and local plus contracts, an allowance for international schools is usually included.
If you are hired locally, then the intention is to get you here on a permanent basis and you may opt for a local school. Sometimes a switch year (to learn Dutch) will be required. There are so-called double stream schools, in which education in Dutch and English is provided.
It is important to explore the new school before your child will actually go there. So make appointments and see how it feels.
3. Housing
Dutch houses are known for their limited space and (in the cities, especially Amsterdam) steep stairs. Your new dwelling may differ a lot from your current one. It is important that you have prepared a number of questions with regards to your new house:
• what are the most important conditions for me to feel at home in a house?
• which of the above are requirements?
• what is the budget available for the monthly rent?
• what if I would see a property that is above my budget?
• how long will I probably stay in the Netherlands?
• how long will I probably stay in this house?
• do I prefer to rent or to buy a house? *
• will I take my furniture with me?
* we at Settle Service usually advice to rent a house in the first year. After this year you will know your new environment better and a decision about buying a house will be less risky.
3. Registration and Other Settling in Tasks
For your registration you may need to bring legalized documents. This is usually done by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country where the documents were issued. The documents need to be handed over in English, French or German or a legalized translation needs to be added.
Other settling in tasks (like getting the right insurances, or an explanation of the Dutch health care system,or the names and addresses of an English speaking family doctor and dentist in your new home’s proximity) may be done by you. However, it will be much easier if a local will guide your way.
4. Relocation Assistance—a Local Will Think Along with You
Relocation assistance will give you (and your employer) the chance to focus on the most important things of your relocation—your family and your work. Local experts will arrange/advice on the needed things to do. The steps in your relocation will be clear from day one; together we will make your relocation to the Netherlands run as smoothly as possible.
Like we at Settle Service put it: ‘Making moves so you don’t have to’. Welcome!
Source: Settle Service