Before commencing or looking for work as an expat in the Netherlands, there are a number of bureaucratic hurdles to leap over. These can seem rather intimidating at first, particularly to those unfamiliar with the Dutch system; the best advice I can give you is to be as organised as possible and to start the process well in advance.
So, without further ado, here are the five most important things to do before working in the Netherlands.
1. Organise a Dutch residence and work permit (if applicable)
If you are from a non-EU country, then you need to apply for both a residence and work permit. The process varies wildly depending on your country of origin and whether you are being sponsored by an employee to move. Make sure to research carefully to ensure that you have applied for the correct permits – if you organise it all before you arrive, the process is really simply. Once in the Netherlands, all you have to do make an appointment with Immigration (it usually takes a week or two to get in) and they will give you a temporary work permit on the spot.
2. Find a place to live
One of the things that has tripped up many expats in the past is that in order to work in the Netherlands you need a BSN (your citizen service number), and in order to get a BSN you need to register at a Town Hall, and in order to register at a Town Hall you need to have a place of residency. This makes finding a place to live your first priority. The Dutch rental market is extremely competitive, particularly for expats, so it is important to start searching as early as possible. Often, the best way to find a rental property is through expat Facebook groups, friends of friends, or Kamernet. Due to the high level of competition, I recommended that you enquire about every rental property that looks even slightly suitable, as most places are snatched up faster than you can blink. Most importantly – do no give up hope if you do not find a place straight away. These things just take a bit of time and patience, which is why it is best not to leave it until the last minute (unless you love tension headaches).
3. Register with the Town Hall
Once you have found a place of residency, you need to register with the local Town Hall (Gemeente). It is best to book your appointment well in advance, as it can sometimes take months to get in. When you make the appointment, this is also a good time to double-check all the documentation you need to bring with you; this usually includes your passport, birth certificate, residence permit (if applicable), and a signed copy of your rental contract. Failure to provide the correct documentation will mean having to reschedule your appointment. Once you are registered, you will receive a printout on the spot with your BSN.
4. Set up a Dutch bank account
Once you have registered at the Town Hall and received your BSN, you can set up a Dutch bank account. As with everything concerning Dutch bureaucracy, appointments must be made – it is usually best to book about a week in advance. Remember to bring your documentation with you, including your BSN, proof of address, residence permit (if applicable) and valid ID.
5. Organise Health insurance
Last but not least, do not forget to get health insurance. This is a requirement for anyone living or working in the Netherlands, and must be organised no later than four months from either getting your residence permit (non-EU citizens) or registering with the Town Hall (EU-citizens). Health insurance is one of the few things that does not require an appointment, as it can be set up online.
Once you have completed these five steps, you are ready to commence your life as an expat in the Netherlands. Congratulations!
Kaylia Payne