Expatica Survival Guide 2010 The Netherlands

YOUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO LIVING IN THE NETHERLANDS FOR MORE INFORMATION PLUS DAILY DUTCH NEWS IN ENGLISH VISIT WWW.EXPATICA.COM

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Welcome to the Netherlands!

If you have just moved here, it is quite likely that you are feeling somewhat overwhelmed.

Apart from a new culture and language to cope with, you will have to sort out a host of practical things within the first few weeks: somewhere to live, your finances, permits, papers, and maybe a school for your children and a job for your partner.

Don’t panic! The Expat Survival Guide can help. It will give you a starting point: the basic information you need and directions to the people, companies, organisations and institutions that can help you.

This guide is published by Expatica.com, a leading media organisation serving the international community in Europe. Check out www.expatica.com to access English language news, features and resources such as housing and job searches, Ask the Expert, free classifieds, A-Z listings, What’s On listings and a thriving online community.

Have a wonderful stay in the Netherlands!

INTRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 – 6 RELOCATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 – 16 Survival checklist; Registration/residence permits; Relocation service providers; Special needs.

FAMILIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 – 20 Registration; Au pairs; Childcare; Child benefit; Tips for families.

HOUSING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 – 38 Rent or buy? Renting: using an agent, other options; Buying: Profiles of popular expat locations.

FINANCE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 – 48 Bank accounts: Taxation; Insurance; Financial service providers.

EDUCATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 – 68 Education system; International education; International schools; Higher education; Learning Dutch.

EMPLOYMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 – 79 Work permits; Finding/changing a job; Working culture; Recruitment agencies.

HEALTHCARE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 – 87 Healthcare system; Having a baby; Useful links; Health providers.

HOME BASICS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 – 89 Setting up home; Utilities – gas, water, electricity; Communication – telephone, internet, TV, radio.

TRANSPORT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 – 91 Driving; Public transport.

CONTACTS & CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 – 94 Groups and clubs; Essential numbers; Holidays.

INDEX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Advertiser’s index.

Published September 2010 © Expatica Communications BV Gedempte Oude Gracht 31 - 2011 GL Haarlem - Netherlands feedback@expatica.com - www.expatica.com Research and copy: Urszula Papajak, Natasha Gunn Editor: Natasha Gunn Assistant editor: Audrey Sykes Cover photo: Suzanne Ong Advertising sales: Barbara Rogoski, barbara.rogoski@expatica.com Sales coordination: Stephanie Mazier Publisher: Mark Welling Layout & design: Benjamin Langman Marketing & communications: Matt Shaw

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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronically or mechanically, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system, without prior written permission from the publisher. Requests for permission should be addressed to Expatica Communications BV, Gedempte Oude Gracht 31, 2011 GL Haarlem, The Netherlands.

Expatica makes great effort to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this guide. However, we will not be responsible for errors or omissions or any damages, howsoever caused, which results from its use, and make no warranty of claims as to the quality or competence of businesses or professionals mentioned. Users are advised to take care when selecting professional services and to use common sense when adjusting to new life in a new country.

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01/09/2010 16:33

•• INTRODUCTION ••

Introduction Famed for its liberal social policies, its maritime and trading traditions, its battles to hold back the sea and the robust communication of its natives, the Netherlands consistently ranks as one of the top places in the world in which to live and do business.

No Dutch city has yet reached a million inhabitants and each retains a unique character and architectural style. The capital is something else entirely. In terms of atmosphere and attitude, Amsterdam and the Netherlands could be two different countries.

In 2010, UNESCO added Amsterdam’s inner canals to its World Heritage Site List. This decision will not only add more prestige to the city’s image, it will also help to preserve some of its most important buildings.

International residents tread a well-worn path to the Lowlands. Of the 16,592,206 people living in the Netherlands in February 2009, 3,362,154 have a foreign background. This multi-ethnic characteristic of the Dutch population has historic roots stretching back several hundred years. The most rapid changes in population demographics have come about in the last 40 years.

Photo by Pieter Musterd (flickr.com)

The standard of living is high and, according to statistics from UNICEF, Dutch children are the happiest children in the developed world. To the newcomer, Dutch society might seem open and informal, but some complex social rules are at play. Ostentatious behaviour is generally frowned upon and egalitarianism is publicly observed. Dutch people “would mostly like to be as normal as possible” according to Martijn

de Rooi, author of The Dutch I Presume?. The Dutch saying ‘Doe maar gewoon dan doe je al gek genoeg‘ (‘just act normal, that’s crazy enough’) is an anthem against eccentricity.

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You have arrived And we’re here to make it easier for highly skilled migrants like you to work and register in the Amsterdam area. Qualifying companies can start the paperwork before arrival and a single visit to the Expatcenter will complete the process.

What’s more, our website has loads of valuable information on a wide range of topics including housing, education, taxes and healthcare.

The cities of Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Almere and Haarlemmermeer are working with the Immigration and Naturalisation Services (IND) to bring you the Expatcenter services free of charge.

To learn more please contact us or visit our website. +31 (0)20 254 7999 welcome@expatcenter.iamsterdam.com www.iamsterdam.com/expatcenter

WWW.EXPATICA.COM | THE NETHERLANDS EXPAT SURVIVAL GUIDE

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•• INTRODUCTION ••

Dutch foreign policy remains a key issue, especially because it has long been influencing the country’s national policy. In February 2010, the Dutch government collapsed over the decision of whether or not to further extend the Afghan mission. As a result, the Netherlands is the first member of NATO to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan. Since February, the main political parties have been trying to build a coalition.

Queen’s Day (Koninginnedag) 2010, as usual, turned the whole country orange. People wore orange shirts, hats, dresses and wigs to celebrate while enjoying the country’s annual ‘free market’—the one time when people can set up shop on the sidewalk without a trading licence.

However, the real “orange madness” began when the Dutch football team made it to the World Cup final this year. The nation was sorely disappointed to lose the gold, which would no doubt have boosted the Dutch economy considerably, but knighted their coach and captain anyhow for bringing their team so far.

All in all, the Netherlands remains an attractive place to live in and expats are an intrinsic part of the Dutch knowledge-based economy.

Dutch people are generally receptive, curious, cultured and friendly, English is widely spoken and with many international companies headquartered here, there are plenty of employment opportunities.

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Population: 16,592,206 (www.cbs.nl July 2009) Density: 488/km2 (the highest in Europe).

Administration: The constitution dates mostly from 1848. Parliament consists of an upper chamber (Eerste Kamer) of 75 members elected by provincial councils and a lower chamber (Tweede Kamer) containing 150 members elected by proportional representation. The cabinet is the executive body and you can’t be a member of the cabinet and parliament at the same time.

Monarchy: The House of Oranje-Nassau has governed the Netherlands since 1815. Queen Beatrix (born 1938) came to the throne in 1980.

Landscape: A fifth of the Netherlands is reclaimed from the sea; a quarter is below sea level. There are 20 national parks and even a few ‘hills’ (highpoint 322 metres) in Limburg.

Agricultural facts: The Dutch cow is a revered milk machine (35 litres a day). Dutch people are extremely tall and still growing.

The Netherlands has the lowest incidence of lactose intolerance in the world. A quarter of the world’s tomatoes are Dutch exports.

Media and culture: The Netherlands has the highest museum density in the world (almost 1,000). Big Brother is a Dutch (John de Mol) invention. Top internet sites in the Netherlands include social networking site www.hyves.nl.

Design: Dutch icons of style are hot-housed in the Design Academy Eindhoven and the Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam. Dutch design is admired for its minimalist, quirky and often humorous qualities.

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Survival checklist If you’ve just landed in the Netherlands it’s tempting to start exploring, but there are some essential tasks to get through first.

Use this checklist with the Expat Survival Guide to simplify easing into the Netherlands. tREPORT TO IMMIGRATION Register with the GBA (gemeentelijke basisadministratie persoonsgegevens) wit hin five days of arrival, and make an appointment with the IND for a residence permit, if you need one. Get ready for lots of paperwork and make sure your documents have all the right stamps.

Bureaucratic? Ja hoor!

Finances first A Dutch bank account will make your life easier.

You’ll need the usual paperwork plus your new citizen number: the BSN (burgerservicenummer).

Finding a school for your children Dutch? International? Dutch and international?

What educational possibilities are available to expats? Get the lowdown on onderwijs in the Netherlands.

Language learning The Dutch are great linguists, but don’t let that stop you learning Nederlands. There are plenty of language classes for all levels of learners. We offer tips on where to find a language course.

Job hunting If you’ve got a work permit (or don’t need one) you’re ready to go. Sign up with agencies which specialise in finding work for expats or start your search online.

Health Do you know what to do in an emergency or how to find a hospital or local doctor? Even if you have health insurance from home, you’ll need to get Dutch health insurance before getting a residence permit. Find out more here.

Settling in If you’re finding everything a little stressful, take heart: there are many expats who have been in the same position and gotten through! Find out about groups and clubs in the Netherlands and the best places to meet fellow ‘internationals’.

Photo by Suzanne Ong

Finding a home The Netherlands is a small country with an excellent transport system, but which location is best for you? Should you rent or buy? Plus, five top tips for using an agent.

Setting up home Get plugged in: How to get a telephone, broadband connection and sort out utilities.

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• • R E L O C AT I O N • •

Relocation The Netherlands is a bureaucratic country and proud of it. Regulations and procedures for expats and their families can seem daunting. The Dutch government is working on making it easier for expats to move through the red tape, with more changes on the way.

The Dutch government has even admitted that its immigration system is “complex and unwieldy” but since 2004 the system has been increasingly streamlined with legislation designed to attract and select more educated and highly skilled migrants. Here’s what you can do to ensure to make the process easier and faster.

First of all, ensure that your documents are in order. Check your passport is valid for the period of your stay and that marriage and birth certificates are translated into Dutch, English, French or German and sufficiently ‘legalised’. This is generally with the addition of an apostille — an extra stamp on the original document — and you obtain this from the ‘competent authority’ in your own country. See the apostille section of www.hcch.net.

There are two main bodies involved: the IND, which implements immigration policy and makes decisions on residence permits, and the GBA, where you register your entry into the Netherlands.

Registering with the GBA: everyone The gemeentelijke basisadministratie persoonsgegevens is the personal records database of the municipal authority. Anyone who intends to stay in the Netherlands for more than three months (including EU/EEA nationals) must register at the GBA within five days of arrival. Registration with the GBA triggers the start of other processes and proof of registration is essential for many more.

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The details you give when you register (such as the size of your apartment and family) determine charges for water and refuse collection, prompts the local health department to contact you regarding checkups for your children, and eligibility to register for social housing. As of November 2007, the burgerservicenummer (BSN) (which has replaced the old fiscal SOFI-number) is initiated here and you’ll need a BSN to open a bank account. Once you have completed this process, you can get a printout of your details (uittreksel) which proves your residence and rights, such as being able to vote in local and European elections.

Documents required include a passport (valid for a minimum period of the length of your stay), rental contract (in your name), employment contract (if applicable) and birth and marriage certificates of all family members (see above for legal format).

Registration is free.

You don’t have to repeat this process every time you move house; you can generally just visit a local office (stadsdeelkantoor) to update your details (which you are legally obliged to do). You also need to de-register when you leave the Netherlands. The GBA no longer deals with applications for residence permits. For that you must contact the IND. In Amsterdam and The Hague, there’s a central location where non-Dutch nationals register for the first time. You need to make an appointment and all members of your family (regardless of age) must be present at the first interview. Once you have registered, contact the IND to make an appointment regarding the residence permit (if required).

IND The Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst implements immigration policy including applications for residence permits, Dutch citizenship, visas and asylum requests. The official policy line is “strict but fair” and efforts are being made to speed up the processes involved. The website has extensive information in English, a Residence Wizard for entering specific circumstances and downloadable brochures and forms. You need to make an appointment and visit an IND office personally to

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• • R E L O C AT I O N • •

be interviewed or have a sticker put in your passport. If you have applied for a highly skilled migrant residence permit, this is not necessary but voluntary. To collect a permit you need to visit an IND office in person. If you receive a letter stating the permit is ready, you can visit the office without an appointment. Renewal forms are automatically sent to you. Office locations can be found on the IND website. (www.ind.nl, tel: 0900 1234561 or +31 20 889 3045 outside the Netherlands.)

What kind of residence permit?

A residence permit (verblijfsvergunning) is related to the purpose of your stay. Your country of origin, purpose for coming to the Netherlands (work, study, marriage, reunification with family), income, age and period of residency are the key factors in determining what kind of residence permit you need or are eligible for. The most expensive relate to family reunification or formation, but if a family arrives in the Netherlands together there is a family tariff. Other requirements include no criminal record, proof of sufficient means of support, Dutch health insurance and no risk to public order, national peace or security. A temporary residence permit is issued initially for a fixed period with a maximum of five years, and after five years’ legal residence it is possible to apply for a permanent residence permit or consider naturalisation. The duration of the temporary residence permit varies. Most permits are issued for one year (and can then be renewed); those issued for work or the knowledge migrant scheme can be longer - up to a maximum of five years.

EU/EEA and Swiss nationals Registration is compulsory for European Union citizens. The procedure for this is IND Registration for EU citizens. You will require proof of GBA registration, health insurance and a valid passport and will also be interviewed about your purpose in the Netherlands. The registration certificate is a sticker in your passport. Nationals of Bulgaria and Romania apply for a different permit: proof of lawful residence. However, according to the IND “There are no immediate consequences if you do not register, because under the EC-Treaty your stay will still be lawful.” If you have been a resident for five years or more you are eligible for the 10

Permanent Residence for EU Citizens certificate that costs EUR 41. This applies also to nationals of Bulgaria and Romania and non-EU/EEA/Swiss family members who have lived with you for five years.

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss All non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals require a residence permit and may also need an MVV (see below) to enter the Netherlands to stay for more than three months. Once registered with the GBA, you make an appointment with the IND to apply for a residence permit.

MVV (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf) This is an authorisation for temporary stay that applies to migrants intending to stay longer than three months (90 days) which can only be applied for while you are outside the Netherlands. An examination covering Dutch language and culture (Civic Integration Abroad, EUR 350) is part of the procedure for some family-based MVVs but generally not for family members of expatriates.

See www.naarnederland.nl for more details of the test. MVV costs vary according to the purpose of your stay. It is a sticker (valid for six months) placed in your passport.

Who doesn’t need an MVV? When applying for a residence permit, there is no MVV requirement for nationals of Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, the Netherlands, UK, USA and Vatican City.

Independent permits After three years in the Netherlands, a non-EU national who has a residence permit based on a relationship (a Dutch partner, for example), can apply for a permit in their own right (Residence Permit for Continued Residence).

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Noordam Advocatuur legal services for expatriates Redundancy proceedings Employment contracts

Your partner for: •

• • •

Relocation services Immigration services HR consultancy & recruitment, Tax Global mobility

Employment disputes Housing and rental issues Tel. +31 (0)20-689 81 23

www.noordamadvocatuur.nl

Camerastraat 21 1322 BB Almere, The Netherlands Phone: +31 (0)36 54 98 442 Fax: +31 (0)36 53 00 300 E-mail: email@t-and-a-relocation.com www.t-and-a-relocation.com

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Costs (Jan 2010. See IND website for full list.)

Stay with/join a family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EUR 830 Additional family members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EUR 188 Accelerated procedure (MVV) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EUR 750 Temporary residence (no MVV) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EUR 433 Highly skilled migrant (no MVV) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EUR 331 Extension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EUR 188 Continued residence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EUR 331 Permanent residence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EUR 401 Civic Integration Act The inburgering (civic integration) legislation obliges those who seek permanent residence in the Netherlands to speak the language. Some elementary knowledge of the Dutch culture and society is also required. The main exemption is EU citizens and their partners (also the Netherlands, EEA, people under 18 and over 65). Passing the exam is a requirement for those who apply for permanent residence. Knowledge migrants and those in the Netherlands for work/study purposes are exempted while on temporary permits. Visit www.hetbegintmettaal.nl for more details. For information on taking the exam abroad, you can call +31 (0)70 3487575.

are not eligible for social benefits and must support themselves financially. During this year they do not need a separate work permit in order to work. If they find an appropriate job (minimum salary EUR 26.376 for new graduates) they can apply for residence under the highly skilled migrant scheme.

Changing permits Most residence permits can be extended; the only exception being working holiday scheme permits and the special permit for a preparatory year for students. If you switch permits (residency based on a work permit to residency as a KM), you must apply for that permit again from the IND with supporting documentation.

Identification All residents over the age of 14 must carry ID that shows their residence status (for EU/EER nationals, a passport).

Highly skilled migrant scheme (KENNISMIGRANTEN) This scheme is initiated by an employer authorised to admit KM applicants—there’s a complete list on the IND site—and it applies to jobs with a gross salary of over EUR 50.183 or EUR 36.801for under 30s (2009). These salary bands don’t apply to teaching and academic positions which are also covered by the scheme (or to footballers who are among those explicitly excluded). A highly skilled migrant needs to get an MVV while staying abroad before applying for a residence permit in the Netherlands. With an MVV under this scheme, it is possible to start work straight away, while waiting for the residence permit to come through.

(Some applicants, who don’t specifically need an MVV, also get an MVV for this reason.) The sponsoring employer deals with the residence and MVV application. Since December 2007, foreign students who have completed an HBO/ WO (higher education) course can file an application with the IND to remain in the Netherlands for a year to look for a job. This is known as a zoekjaar and during this period they 12

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NOVA Relocation, The brighter alternative Experts in providing assistance in national and international mobility of employees.

We offer the following services: • Immigration Services • Destination Services • Departure Services

• International Assignment Management • Move Management • Consulting Services

NOVA Relocation The Netherlands Tel. : +31 (0)70 324 25 24 - info@nova-relo.nl The Netherlands - Belgium - France - United Kingdom

www.nova-relo.com

• • R E L O C AT I O N • •

Expat Centres in the Netherlands Expatcenter Amsterdam World Trade Center Amsterdam F Tower | Strawinskylaan 39 (2nd floor) 1077 XW Amsterdam 020 254 7999 welcome@expatcenter.iamsterdam.com www.iamsterdam.com/en/living/ expatcenter - See page 5 Expat Information Services Center P.J. Oudweg 1 (WTC AA) 1314 CH Almere | 036 523 8400 www.wtcaa.nl - See page 96 Expat Center Brabant Currently serving Eindhoven and Tilburg www.expatcenterbrabant.com

Eindhoven (visiting address) Kennedyplein 200 | 5611 ZT Eindhoven | 040-2386777 eindhoven@expatcenterbrabant.com Tilburg (visiting address) Nieuwlandstraat 34 | 5038 SN Tilburg | 040-2386777 tilburg@expatcenterbrabant.com Expat Centre Leiden Vistors Centre (Stationsweg 41, Leiden) | 2312 AT Leiden welcome@expatcentreleiden.nl 071 516 6005 www.expatcentreleiden.nl Expatdesk Rotterdam World Trade Center Rotterdam Beursplein 37 (Room 337/ 336) 3011 AA Rotterdam 010 205 2829 www.rotterdam.nl/expatdesk See page 19

Holland Gateway Schiphol-based hub for international business in the Netherlands WTC Schiphol Airport, Schiphol Boulevard 167 | 1118 BG Schiphol www.hollandgateway.nl International Service Desk Maastricht Region | Mosae Forum 10 6211 DW Maastricht (Visiting address) International@maastricht.nl 043 350 50 10 The Hague Hospitality Center City Hall (Atrium) | Spui 70 | 2511 BT The Hague | 070 3535043 www.denhaag.com Nijmegen Expatdesk Stadswinkel | Mariënburg 75 | 6511 Nijmegen | 024 3292408 www.nijmegen.nl/expats

Relocation service providers LAWYERS Kroes Immigration Lawyers Keizergracht 62 | 1015CS Amsterdam 020 320 6821 www.kroesadvocaten.nl Noordam Advocatuur PO Box 75280 | 1070 AG Amsterdam 020 689 8123 www.noordamadvocatuur.nl See page 11 Relocation companies Eurohome Relocation Services PO Box 16313 | 2500 BH The Hague 070 301 1366 www.eurohome.nl See page 9

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PAS BMS Relocation Services Schoutenlaan 62 | 2215 ZH Voorhout 0252 347 876 www.pasbms.com Nova Relocation Het Kleine Loo 414T | 2592 CK The Hague 070 324 2524 www.nova-relo.com See page 13 t & a relocation Camerastraat 21 | 1322 BB Almere 036 549 8442 www.t-and-a-relocation.nl See page 11

Moving companies De Haan Removals PO Box 259 | 2950 AG Alblasserdam 078 692 0333 www.dehaan.nl See page 11 Interdean International Relocation Albert Einsteinweg 12 2408 AR Alphen aan den Rijn 0172 447 979 www.interdean.nl See page 15 Voerman International Wolga 12 | 2491 BJ The Hague 070 301 1301 www.voerman.com See page 9

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Special needs A wide array of organisations assist people with special needs in the Netherlands.

The Netherlands has legislation protecting the rights of people with a physical, mental, emotional or sensory impairment that ensures equal access to social, economic and transport systems and full participation in society. In typical Dutch fashion, multiple ministries and organisations coordinate policy. Your doctor, city hall or one of the major advice centres (ANGO, CG-Raad or MEE) can point you in the right direction.

Experienced expats can also provide invaluable advice and support; start a thread on a forum, if existing threads don’t cover your query.

TRANSPORT Old Dutch cities with narrow, uneven streets and bikes parked everywhere are not brilliant terrain for those in wheelchairs, but access is improving.

Help is available getting to/through Schiphol airport (www.schiphol.nl) and on the railways (www.ns.nl), and there’s a bureau for disabled travellers (030-235 7822). Your gemeente site will give local information, often in English, for the location of disabled parking places and other access issues. Or select zorg en welzijn and gehandicapten.

EDUCATION Wherever possible, children are encouraged to attend mainstream primary schools under the “Going to school together” policy. A quarter of Down’s syndrome children now attend mainstream education. Parents can also opt for a special school with a referral from a Regional Education Centre (REC). There are 320 special primary schools and 323 secondary schools. The language of instruction is Dutch, but children from a non-Dutch background can sometimes be taught in their mother tongue to help them settle in. You will find SEN teachers at international schools (public and private) where the language of instruction will be (mostly) English but you may have to fund the assistant. Contact the school 16

directly in the first instance. For higher education, “education and handicap” is an expert centre (www.onderwijsenhandicap.nl).

FUNDING Many services (such as transport) are supported by government funding but there is also financial support for individual families: additional child benefit; healthcare and carer allowances; adaptations to home or transport. Search for “special needs” on the government social welfare site www.svb.nl/int/en.

GOING OUT Wheelchair accessible hotels are selectable from the national tourist board (www.holland.com) and restaurants from several sites (such as www.iens.nl, www.dinnersite.nl). Good sources for sporty types include Stichting Resa (www.stichtingresa.nl) or www.fondsgehandicaptensport.nl.

LINKS (mostly in Dutch) ANGO (General Dutch Disabled Organisation): www.ango.nl MEE: www.mee.nl Enter a postcode for local resources.

CG-RAAD: www.raad.nl for chronically sick and handicapped.

Handilinks: www.handilinks.nl is a useful portal with lots of links.

Dutch Autism Network: www.landelijknetwerkautisme.nl Autism Association for Overseas Families: www.aaof.info Deaf/Blind: www.doofblind.nl Children: www.nsgk.nl; www.moov.nl

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• • FA M I L I E S • •

Families Ranked number one in the world for children’s well-being according to research reported

by UNICEF, the Netherlands is great for families.

Recent immigration policies have had a significant impact on those wishing to bring their family to the Netherlands or join a partner. The costs are considerably higher for these migrants than for newcomers coming for work or study. They apply to migrants not eligible for a different residence permit or to those who are already covered under EC treaties. If you come to the Netherlands to form or join a family, you may need to follow an integration programme. Check with the IND for the latest information and prices.

Family members of expats living in or coming to the Netherlands with a residence permit for work or highly skilled migrants do not need the integration programme and pay lower prices.

EU/EEA/Swiss nationals You need to register at the GBA. When you (plan to) reside for more than three months in the Netherlands, you are required after three months to register at the IND. You must ensure that all appropriate documentation (marriage certificates, birth certificates for you and your children etc.) is duly stamped with an apostille and that you have valid passports for all family members. No costs are involved. Bulgarian and Romanian citizens can submit an application for verification against community law at the IND. For non-EU family members of EU/EEA/Swiss nationals, this application is compulsory and costs EUR 30.

EU/EEA/Swiss nationals and their family members do not need a work permit. This does not apply to Bulgarian and Romanian citizens, though they do not require a residence permit. For more information please see www.ind.nl or www.szw.nl.

Non-EU/EEA All non-EU/EEA /Swiss nationals must have their own residence permits. The family rate is EUR 830 18

for the first applicant and EUR 188 for each family member. Simultaneous application as a family is cheaper. The employee pays EUR 433 or 250 then EUR 188 for each family member.

Partners of highly skilled migrants (of any nationality) do not need a work permit and will usually get a residence permit valid for a year; children get the same permit conditions as the highly skilled migrant.

Significant conditions You must be able to prove you can support your family. The IND publishes a table of required income rates. If you, along with your family, come to the Netherlands as an employee, your contract will be sufficient to meet the requirements regardless of the length of employment.

Au pairs Bringing an au pair to the Netherlands is not straightforward. One of the key rules is that he or she cannot have worked for your family abroad previously, and if your au pair overstays you will be held responsible for repatriation costs. The IND site (www.ind.nl) has a separate section for au pairs who wish to come to the Netherlands (and a complaints line for those who are here) as well as forms and guidelines for those who want to sponsor one.

Below are some general facts; consult the IND site for more details.

Au pair: Over 18 and under 26; unmarried with no dependents; maximum childcare hours: 8/day, 30/week, 2 days off, expenses min, EUR 300 – max. EUR 340 per month, ‘light’ domestic duties; appropriate health insurance, TB test, if necessary; no previous Dutch residence permit.

Sponsor: Sufficient income to support family and au pair; signature on sponsor document; daily schedule for au pair.

The Netherlands Au Pair Organisation (www. napoweb.nl) is a useful portal. They are a member of umbrella organisation IAPA (www.iapa.org) where you can track down a reputable agency to help you through the bureaucracy.

Childcare (kinderopvang) It is never too early to register your child for daycare; for instance, when you are pregnant. Governmental policy (in English) can be found on the ministry site www.ocw.nl.

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advertentie Expatdesk 2.pdf

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10:56

EXPATDESK ROTTERDAM Rotterdam is a hospitable international city.

The city welcomes you as an expat with open arms. When you come to live, work or recreate in Rotterdam, we offer tailormade information.

The Expatdesk Rotterdam is the place for all your questions.

EXPATDESK ROTTERDAM WORLD TRADE CENTER ROOM 337 / 338 BEURSPLEIN 37 ROTTERDAM PHONE +31 (0)10 – 205 28 29 +31 (0)10 – 205 37 49 EXPATDESK@ROTTERDAM.NL WWW.ROTTERDAM.NL/EXPATDESK

• • FA M I L I E S • •

Options Kinderdagverblijf: Public daycare for children aged 6 weeks to 4 years. Centres are generally open from 8.00 to 18.00. Find a local one at www.kinderopvang.net or search at www.blueumbrella.nl. Urban areas have a shortage so expect long waiting lists.

Private daycare: In large cities there are private facilities with longer (up to 24 hour) opening hours, which are considerably more expensive, as well as international nurseries and pre-school establishments.

Pre-school/playgroups (peuterspeelzalen): Activities and play for 2 to 4 year olds. This is more often a social thing rather than proper daycare but—if you can get a place—it might be sufficient if you intend to work part-time.

Some employers have their own daycare arrangements or local daycare places.

After-school care: Some daycare centres provide this (for children up to 12) but it is also provided by buitenschoolse opvang (BSO) and naschoolse opvang establishments (also on www.kinderopvang.net).

The Ministry of OCW has published new tables for childcare allowance for 2011. For all income groups, the rates have been lowered by approximately five percent which means that parents will need to pay slightly more.

As of 1 January 2010, a law was passed saying that childminders could not work at two or more different locations. However, as of August 2010, this law has been annulled and childminders are permitted again to work from different locations.

Childcare allowance At the moment, anyone living or working in the Netherlands is entitled to the childcare allowance (kinderopvangtoeslag). This is a contribution to the cost of childcare, whether for a childcare centre, afterschool care or a private childminder (gastouder). The allowance can reduce childcare costs by up to 90 percent, depending on income and number of children. Calculate your own benefit via www.blueumbrella.nl/childcare-allowance/ calculator.html. Contact the tax office for details.

Top tips for families Get out and about! There are many playgrounds tucked between the houses, streets and shops but the Dutch transport system makes it easy to explore further afield. Good sites for finding more about children’s activities include www.uitkrant.nl (choose Jeugd from the genres) and ‘out with children’ (www. uitmetkinderen.nl). Dutch publisher Kidsgids (www. kidsgids.nl) publishes a number of guides in Dutch (and one in English) that will give you lots of ideas. un for free. Visit a children’s farm or •F kinderboerderij. These city farms can be found everywhere and often have activities on Wednesday afternoons (when Dutch schools are closed) such as a ‘cuddle hour’ for bonding with bunnies and other small furry animals.

•C ultural fun. Dutch museums often have terrific audio guides for kids available in several languages. At science museums, such as NEMO in Amsterdam or the new Corpus museum near Den Haag, interactivity is the watchword.

•H it the beach. The Netherlands has 451 kilometres of (windy!) coastline accessible by car, bike, boat and public transport.

•T heme parks–Dutch style. De Efteling is a huge park offering (scary/exciting) rides for older kids and a Disney-esque experience with folkloric touches for younger ones.

•T op scoff. Who could resist poffertjes? Tiny puffed up pancakes served with butter and tons of powdered sugar.

From January 2010, however, proposed changes to the Dutch Childcare Act will take effect. Most notably, the childcare allowance will be reduced for private childminders and cancelled for live-in

Daycare/Crèches Compa Nanny PO Box 69455 - 1060 CM Amsterdam 020 417 0117 - www.compananny.nl - See page 21

Child benefit At the moment, anyone living or working in the Netherlands is entitled to the kinderbijslag, a quarterly contribution to the cost of raising children from the Sociale Verzerkerings Bank (SVB). The amount depends on the number of children in your household, special needs etc. but is not incomerelated. It can be paid into an international bank account (but this will take longer). Find information in six languages and a list of local offices at www. svb.nl.

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childminders. Private childminders will need to show proof of formal training and/or experience, and first aid training will become mandatory.

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•• HOUSING ••

Housing Finding the perfect home is not easy in the densely populated Netherlands.

The Dutch housing market is characterised by low owner-occupancy and the biggest social housing sector in Europe. In the past, governments have promoted house ownership with some success using financial incentives such as making mortgage interest tax-deductible. Just over half of the housing stock is now owner-occupied, more in rural areas than major cities. In the past year, more houses have become available in the private rental sector as many people put their houses on the rental market, waiting for a better sellers’ market and minimising their double housing expenses.

Photo by Suzanne Ong

RENT OR BUY? The usual advice offered is that if you are here for more than three to five years and are paying a significant rent (say EUR 1,750 a month or more), you are better off buying. Buyers who may wish to retain the property and rent it out in the future should make sure that there is a scenario whereby—given the restrictive verordening in Amsterdam—the legal rent that they are permitted to charge covers costs. The main incentive for potential buyers is that mortgage interest payments are tax-deductible if the house is your main residence, However, there is ongoing political discussion regarding phasing this out.

Expats are advised to buy only if they will be in the Netherlands for three years minimum mainly due to the recovery of start-up costs involved in buying property (around 10 percent of the purchase price). But, with an increase in interest rates, recovery could take longer. If you are only here for a couple of years, renting is likely your best option.

Contract costs are fixed, repairs and maintenance are the landlord’s headache and contracts can be ended if you need to return home.

FIRST, FIND YOUR HOME Properties to rent (te huur) and to buy (te koop) are in newspapers and agency websites including www.funda.nl, the national database of the Nederlandse Vereniging van Makelaars (NVM), the Dutch Association of Estate agents. There are many agencies specialising in expats (be wary of those which charge a registration fee) which can steer a path through the local market. The downside of using an agency is the commission or finder’s fee. A month’s rent (plus 19 percent tax) is the going rate. On the other hand, by not using a reputable agent you run the risk of renting an illegal apartment, being removed by a handhavings action, not recovering your deposit, being bound by an unreasonable contract and paying too much. Most agents who list their rentals at www.funda.nl do not charge tenants a brokerage commission since they charge their fee to landlords. If you’re baffled by real estate terminology, try a website like www.pararius.com with searches in six languages. However, be aware that pararius.com lists unscreened properties and there is no verification that the listing agent has actually seen them. In urban areas, rentals start at EUR 900 upwards, although most people will not qualify for these properties as they either earn too much or have no required link with Greater Amsterdam. You can search for English language postings on housing.expatica.com

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•• HOUSING ••

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•• HOUSING ••

Renting USING AN AGENT A good agent should be able to tell you about the market, city, price and quality of housing (as well as restrictions that apply to expats), arrange visits for you, negotiate with landlords and provide a contract in English. Make sure they have a good choice of properties on their books.

Essentially there are two sectors: • Rent-controlled property mainly owned by housing corporations.

• A much smaller non-regulated free (vrije) sector.

This is where most expats will be house-hunting.

RULES AND REGULATIONS The Dutch rental system for housing, tenants and agents is intensely regulated but not necessarily reflective of current market conditions. There is the theory (the ’points system’) and the reality (too few rental properties driving up prices).

• Dutch rents are calculated using a ‘points system’ (woningwaarderingsstelsel), which scores everything from the floor space and heating system to the size of the kitchen sink.

See www.vrom.nl for more information on the House Value Rating System.

• The government regulates rents up to EUR 631.73 a month (July 2008) and anything over this price is in the free sector (assuming it has the correct points/price ratio).

• Signed the contract but now think you are paying too much? Contact a local huurteam.

• Some landlords expect your employer to act as a guarantor.

• Generally income and residence conditions for cheaper housing apply, and you need an economic tie to the region.

• Be cautious of sublets when searching solo. You may have problems registering with the GBA and be evicted with little notice.

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Costs and contracts Your rental contract should cover: • Status. Is the property furnished, semi-furnished or empty? There may be an inventory and/or photos.

• Duration of lease (e.g. one year).

• Notice period.

• Service charges. Check “all-in”. What portion is rent?

• Utilities. How are they apportioned?

• A diplomatic clause in case you have to leave suddenly.

Expect to pay one or two months’ rent as deposit, a month in advance to the landlord and a month plus 19 percent tax as commission if you use an agent.

AGENT TIPS (PERFECT HOUSING) • Discuss your needs explicitly.

• Select one, at most two, agencies: “we all talk to each other.”

• Arrange viewings three weeks before you need to move in, no earlier. And have vision: “You’ll still have to look through the crap of the current tenant strewn randomly throughout every room.”

• Make your mind up. You like the place, you agree terms in writing, you take it.

• Be ready to move quickly.

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•• HOUSING ••

OTHER OPTIONS If the agent brokerage commission seems one financial burden too many, there are other ways to find property but you will need to put in lots of legwork and don’t expect the monthly rental price to be much cheaper. Most of all, you will need luck, and timing is important. If you start your search too early (say a couple of months before you need to move in) good properties won’t be available. Every avenue is worth exploring. Post a notice in the housing section of expat forums, Dutch internet sites with housing or reply to postings from private landlords. Steer clear of anyone asking for a cash payment or commission.

Given the competition for housing, you need to

...everyone has wide windows and don’t bother to block the outsiders’ view. They actually seem to be trying to enhance it.

Privacy doesn’t seem to be an issue. Tiffany Jansen, American, Utrecht

be able to respond to adverts quickly and, if you can, take someone along with you when viewing.

If you see a flat advertised in an estate agency window or in a newspaper with an estate agent contact number, make it clear you are only interested in that property and you shouldn’t have to pay a commission but you will still have to pay a deposit, share utilities etc. There may be room for negotiation. Always check that you can register with the GBA and check the contract. The standard NVM (Dutch estate agent association) contract has an English version for comparison.

information about low-priced housing. There are often links to other useful room (kamer) internet sites and other sources. Students should be aware that not all institutions of study qualify them for the economic link test. If you study at a non-approved institution, then there is no link, meaning that you will not qualify (legally anyway) for the cheaper properties.

SHORTER-TERM HOUSING Many cities in the Netherlands have ‘aparthotels’ for corporate clients that can sometimes be less anonymous than hotels. If you are looking for a private apartment for a couple of months, the websites aimed at tourists are also worth scouring and they have a wide choice of accommodation including property in the choicest of locations, which will be priced accordingly. New short-stay rules in Amsterdam will drastically curtail possibilities there from June 2009.

LIVING ON THE WATER Tempted by life on a houseboat or Dutch barge?

The houseboat market is a very close-knit community, so personal references will go a long way. There are many rules and regulations regarding permits and mooring conditions and, if you want to buy a boat, it will usually (certainly for newcomers) be a cash transaction. Track down a specialist agent to steer you through the procedures. Useful sites include www.waterwonen. nl and www.botentekoop.nl (which includes all kinds of boats for sale).

Photo by Scottnj (flickr.com)

Renting

STUDENTS Universities try their best to help students with housing and don’t play down the shortage issues.

There are non-commercial agencies for students, housing corporations and antikraak (anti-squat) agencies that rent out accommodation. Check the city housing department (Dienst Wonen) for more 26

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Your employment contract is in English.

Why isn’t your mortgage contract?

At Expat Mortgages all documents and even contracts are in English so you know what you are getting into. Call us at (31) 20 717 39 08 or go to www.expat-mortgages.nl

EXPAT MORTGAGES

speaks your lang uage

Specialized in Real-Estate, Relocation and Consulting Services to Expatriates.

Offering and locating furnished and unfurnished properties for rent and sale both locally and internationally.

Specialized in Haarlem, Heemstede, Hoofddorp, Amsterdam, Amstelveen and surrounding areas.

www.vethrealty.nl E-mail: info@vethrealty.nl Phone: +31-23 542 87 63 Klein Heiligland 7, 2011 EB Haarlem NL

TULIP EXPATS SERVICES

Service, personal attention and integrity comes first EXPAT Licensed Real Estate AGENCY

•• HOUSING ••

Buying It is common to appoint a makelaar to do much of the legwork: tracking down appropriate houses, arranging viewings, suggesting areas where there’s room for negotiation and advising on potential pitfalls. Some properties come with specific regulations; some expats have bought property only to find they don’t have permission (woonvergunning) to live in it. As with renting, find a makelaar you trust, who understands your needs and let them get on with it. The agent’s commission will be one or two percent of the purchase price.

You can hunt on Funda (www.funda.nl) to get ideas of prices in particular areas or scour the pages of newspaper housing supplements.

Proximity to work, schools and amenities all play their part. Be aware of the costs involved in renovating older property to current building standards or the quality required for renting. For leasehold properties, check out the ground rents.

Tax is also levied on the deemed rental value (WOZ) set every four years. See www.nvm.nl for useful information in English.

We found the property ourselves but it was our makelaar who helped us negotiate a great price. His commission was worth every cent. C.Y., American, Amsterdam

COSTS The buyer generally pays costs (kk - kosten koper) but some costs are tax-deductible. Allow for around 10 percent on top of the purchase price.

Once your offer has been accepted, the property should come off the market. Gazumping is illegal in the Netherlands. Make sure your finances are in place first (i.e. that a mortgage lender will lend you up to X amount). On completion, both parties sign a transfer contract (akte van levering) and the notaris informs the Land Registry (www.kadaster. nl). The whole process can take just two to three months.

Pre-sale agreement (koopovereenkomst).

Prepared by vendor’s agent or lawyer (notaris) with 72-hour cooling off period.

It will include details of when the 10 percent deposit should be paid.

Valuation (taxatierapport). Designed for mortgage purposes; not a survey.

Transfer tax (overdrachtsbelasting). Six percent of the purchase price.

Deed of transfer (transportakte).

Mortgage contract (hypotheekakte).

Mortgage arrangement (afsluitprovisie).

Agent commission (makelaarscourtage).

Generally one to two percent, if applicable.

A full structural survey is sensible; possibly fees for translation.

Plus 19 percent tax on the total.

ARRANGING A MORTGAGE (HYPOTHEEK) There are many different types of mortgage and the tax issues are complex. See our Finance section. The general conditions for a mortgage up to five times your salary are: • You have a residence permit.

• You are in full-time employment or have a continuation statement from your employer.

• If self-employed or a contractor, you have certified accounts for the last three years and forecasts for the future.

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THE NETHERLANDS EXPAT SURVIVAL GUIDE | WWW.EXPATICA.COM

•• HOUSING ••

Amstelveen is a leafy, prosperous, family-oriented suburb close to Amsterdam, which has a significant population of international residents. The largest group comes from Japan and the area is increasingly popular with expats from India and China who have displaced the British, Americans and Germans in the top four.

Prices are slightly cheaper than Amsterdam but there’s more family-style housing with gardens (70 percent built after 1960) and excellent shopping and local amenities, particularly for sporty types.

The extra space means parking is not a problem and many homes have garages.

Key attractions for residents, workers and businesses are the proximity to Schiphol airport and access to international schools. The International School of Amsterdam is based here with over 950 children from over 50 countries but pupils at Amsterdam’s other international schools (such as the British School) often live in Amstelveen.

The area is flanked by Amsterdam’s largest park, the Amsterdamse Bos and the CoBrA Museum adds a dash of culture.

HET OUDE DORP ‘The Old Village’ is the ancient hub of the original settlement (1278) with the Amsterdamse Bos to the west and the town centre to the east. There’s a mix of older detached houses, farms, terraced houses and apartments.

WESTWIJK Westwijk is a relatively new area of Amstelveen which is modern and spacious and lined with small canals. It is an area of detached homes that offer a modicum of privacy and thus attracts premium prices.

ELSRIJK Directly north of the town centre, this is considered classic Amstelveen with its wide streets, huge trees and post-war housing next to small parks.

There are terraces, semi-detached houses and villas.

PATRIMONIUM Running alongside the Amsterdamse Bos, there’s a mix of housing and in the Prinsessenbuurt some detached houses and wide, open spaces.

I’m glad I’m living in Amstelveen; it’s greener than Amsterdam, but you still have the advantage of living next to a big city.

G.B., Latvian, Amstelveen

Photo by DennisM2 (flickr.com)

Amstelveen

Population: 79,920 (www.amstelveen.nl) International residents: 8,656 ‘Total non-Dutch’ (10.8 percent) International schools: International School of Amsterdam: www.isa.nl Links: www.amstelveen.nl www.amstelveenweb.com

WWW.EXPATICA.COM | THE NETHERLANDS EXPAT SURVIVAL GUIDE

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•• HOUSING ••

Amsterdam

Photo by MarcelGermain (flickr.com)

Beautiful Amsterdam is a highly prized location with a diverse international population (over 170 nationalities).

There are many distinct neighbourhoods densely packed together and the competition for housing everywhere is fierce.

CENTRE AND CANALS Apartments veer towards the snug rather than spacious in the centre and stairs are steep. Prices on the canal ring (grachtengordel) lined with 17th and 18th century houses are similarly vertiginous.

JORDAAN This district just west of the grachtengordel is an exceptionally desirable neighbourhood with beautiful canals and quirky, narrow streets occupied by a bohemian mixture of artists, yuppies and expats, with a core of working-class locals. Prices have exploded in recent years but in terms of price per square metre, it offers poor value and accommodation is often cramped.

SOUTH (OUD-ZUID) Oud-Zuid is a popular location for expats with easy access to international schools, the Vondelpark and spacious, privately-owned housing. There’s a leafy, gracious-living feel and cafes and shopping streets to match.

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WEST (OUD-WEST) Across the park, housing is cheaper (and smaller) but Oud-West is another area very popular with expats, particularly districts like Helmersbuurt which is a little more urban and edgy than OudZuid and not as expensive for buyers.

ZEEBURG Behind Centraal Station lies a very different Amsterdam, but Zeeburg (which comprises Oostelijk Havengebeid, the Indische Buurt and the new islands of IJburg) offers architecturally interesting surroundings in one of Amsterdam’s hottest development areas. A little less familyfriendly but a growing area.

My husband and I moved to Amsterdam with high expectations about living in a vibrant, international, liberal and tolerant place. So far I haven’t been disappointed. Aliye KurtSuedhoff, Turkish-Canadian, Amsterdam

Population: 747,290 (www.os.amsterdam.nl) International residents: ‘Non-Western foreigners’: 34.6 percent ‘Western foreigners’: 14.4 percent International schools: Amsterdam International Community School: www.aics.espritsholen.nl British School of Amsterdam: www.britams.nl International School Amsterdam: www.isa.nl The Japanese School of Amsterdam: www.jsa.nl Lycée Français Vincent van Gogh: www.lyceevangogh.nl Links: www.amsterdam.nl www.iamsterdam.com (English site)

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HOB

In House of Bols, the Cocktail & Genever experience, visitors can discover the world’s oldest distilled spirit brand Lucas Bols, in Amsterdam since 1575. House of Bols is an experience into the world of cocktails and bartending, as well as a discovery of the traditional Dutch drink: Genever.

IL

G IN

TOUR

The experience is a spectacular combination of taste, smell, visuals, sounds and films; where Dutch history meets contemporary design.

A lot of attention in House of Bols is focused on the glamorous world of bartending and the self-guided tour ends with a Bols cocktail of your choice in the mirror bar. House of Bols offers a unique variety of different activities to extend your tour. Surprise your friends, INCLUD family or colleagues with a culinary liqueur tasting, a cocktail workshop or celebrate your special occasions in the mirror bar of the House of Bols with delicious Bols cocktails.

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C O K TA C

HOUSE OF BOLS, OPPOSITE VAN GOGH MUSEUM Paulus Potterstraat 14, Amsterdam OPENING HOURS 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm daily, Friday Night till 10.00 pm (Closed on Tuesdays) ENTRANCE FEE â‚Ź 11,50 (min. age 18 years) this includes a cocktail of your choice WWW.HOUSEOFBOLS.COM

HOB_148x210mm_ENG_03-09-10#4.indd 1

03-09-10 14:09

Photo by nixang (flickr.com)

•• HOUSING ••

The Hague (Den Haag) Den Haag is the third most populated city in the Netherlands, the capital of South Holland, the seat of government, the home of the Dutch royal family and an outpost for most of the world’s human rights organisations including the International Court of Justice. Many embassies are based here and with numerous international schools, it’s a comfortable place for relocation.

The city has its own hospitality centre for expat residents and information on the city website (www.denhaag.com) is available in eight languages.

Its official name is ‘s-Gravenhage (literally, the count’s hedge) dating back to the 13th century and the Count of Holland’s hunting lodge which was based in a village called Die Hague. History, ritual and tradition play their part in this city, with terrific museums and cultural events. Smart areas nearby like Rijswijk and Voorburg have a sprinkling of Michelin-starred restaurants, though Den Haag itself is most famous for Indonesian cuisine. The gated villas of Wassenaar house diplomats and upmarket expats, as well as members of the House of Orange.

If you want something less genteel, head for the seaside town of Scheveningen with its casino and long, sandy beach.

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ARCHIPELBUURT/ WILLEMSPARK A city centre area of beautiful 19th century houses and apartments full of character. Broad streets and big town houses and villas. This is embassy land and a top location where prices are premium and parking places problematic.

STATENQUARTIER/ DUINOORD C A similar feel to Archipel, with charming, spacious, elegant homes. A solid investment all-round.

M

Y BENOORDENHOUT A green, quiet location but still close to motorway CM and other transport links with woodlands to the MY north and east. Lots of 1930s style accommodation and space for cars.

CY

CMY

Population: 475,904 (www.denhaag.nl) K International residents: Non-Dutch: 46 percent ‘Western foreigners’: 13 percent International schools: The American School of the Hague: www.ash.nl The British School of the Netherlands: www.britishschool.nl Deutsche Internationale Schule Den Haag www.disdh.nl HSV/The Hague International Primary School: www.hsvdenhaag.nl The International School of the Hague: www.ishthehague.nl Lycée français Vincent van Gogh: www.lyceevangogh.nl Polish School in The Hague: www.szkola.nl Links: www.denhaagwoonstad.nl/en www.denhaag.com www.thehagueonline.com

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SON

THE HAGUE/SCHEVENINGEN

The housing portal of The Hague Sonar Appartementen is one of the smaller and therefore more personal Real Estate Agents in The Hague and suburbs. We are specialised in the rental of fully & partly furnished apartments & houses to expats, contractors and companies, for short (no more hotels!) and long periods. We are proud of our individual service and personal guidance. We offer extensive services to our clients (individual or companies) and stay your contact for the whole period you are in The Hague. Not only can you contact us for housing matters, but for any question that you might have during your stay with us. Feel free to visit our website or contact us, so we may assist you in your house hunt.

OUR MISSION:

“We search where no one has searched, we provide service, like no one has provided before”

Gevers Deynootweg 126 2586 BP Den Haag (Scheveningen) T

+31 (0)70 350 5080

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info@sonarappartementen.nl

www. sonarappartementen.nl

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• Fully and partly funished rentals • Short term and long term • Extensive services for expats and companies • Sea view apartments – city apartments and much more

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•• HOUSING ••

Eindhoven

Photo by harry_nl (flickr.com)

Until the arrival of Dr Philips in 1890, Eindhoven was not much more than a collection of villages.

Because of 19th century urban planning decisions, there are no longer canals and pre-1940 architecture was destroyed by war-time bombing.

But over the years things have changed immensely and for the better. Thanks to hi-tech multinational employers, there’s a large community of expats.

Eindhoven railway station is close to the centre and the airport is about 3 km away.

CENTRE Accommodation is mainly in new (pricey) apartments. The central district includes the international schools (attended by children from Den Bosch and Tilburg) and PSV football stadium.

NORTH (WOENSEL) North of the centre is divided by wide, tree-lined boulevards. Housing is mostly new-build with apartments and terraced houses for all budgets.

Woensel South is cheaper and the market is great for ethnic shopping.

EAST Situated around the Karpendonkse Lake and Eckart Forest, the area has a range of housing including some exclusive detached properties.

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SOUTH The Philips High-Tech Campus is situated at Gestel along with the International Primary School, the Open-air Museum and the Tongelreep International Swimming Complex.

VILLAGES The villages surrounding Eindhoven’s centre are popular with expats. International schools are still within cycling distance and the sense of community is greater. Nuenen was home to Vincent van Gogh and the older centre stretches around a leafy village green. Some detached housing; outer areas are newer and mid-priced.

Veldhoven is virtually a south-west suburb (the other side of the A2 from Eindhoven). Housing is modern in a range of price bands. More rural retreats can be found in Waalre, which is surrounded by large areas of forest. The twin towns of Son en Breugel are usually mentioned in a single breath. Son has a pleasant old centre but the majority of housing is located in newer, greener (and more expensive) districts. Popular with expats.

...we find the quaintness of Den Bosch, Eindhoven and Venlo quite refreshing.

The calmness and pace of life are a bit slower than what we were used to.

Tim Plona, American, Eindhoven

Population: 212,342 (www.eindhoven.nl) International residents: 29 percent International schools: Regional International School (4-12): www.riseindhoven.nl The International Secondary School Eindhoven: www.issehv.nl Links: www.eindhoven.nl www.eindhoven.eu

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•• HOUSING ••

Arriving in Utrecht by train, you emerge into the country’s largest (but arguably, most unlovely) shopping mall, but don’t let that put you off.

Utrecht is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture.

With its unusual sunken canals and cellar bars, the medieval centre is a delightful place to live. “A pleasant mix of urban excitement and small-town charm,” according to local convention centre Jaarbeurs. The vibe gets particularly lively at night due to the huge (65,000) student population.

Utrecht is an attractive destination for international companies and enterprise because it has the most highly-educated labour force in the Netherlands.

However, house-hunting here can be even harder than in Amsterdam. To deal with the shortage, the city is in the midst of expansion projects such as in Leidsche Rijn, which will eventually house 73,000 people, and around the railway station to the west.

Transport links are excellent, particularly by train.

Utrecht is HQ for NS (Dutch National Railways) and Utrecht Centraal is the biggest and busiest train station in the Netherlands. The centre is prime territory, particularly the museum quarter and Wilhelminapark with its well-maintained 1930s houses.

It is an easy commute to Amsterdam (25 minutes by train) and the service is regular (five trains an hour).

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IJSSELSTEIN Twenty minutes down the motorway is the popular suburb of IJsselstein complete with a car-free medieval city centre and castle (now a museum).

There are fast train connections to Utrecht and Nieuwegein and good cultural amenities. Nature lovers can enjoy the beautiful green heart of the Netherlands with bike trails through lovely countryside and along the river Lek. NIEUWEGEIN Lying 7 km south of Utrecht, Nieuwegein is a new town created in 1971 to cope with the expanding population of Utrecht. There are a variety of housing styles from classic Dutch brick homes to modern high-rises and, if you need to drive to work, easy access to nearby motorways (A2, A12 and A27). To the east is Houten, a fast-developing town, where a third of the population is under 20.

Photo by Marc from Borft (flickr.com)

Utrecht

Population: 294,742 (www.utrecht.nl) International residents: ‘Non-Western foreigners’: 20 percent ‘Western foreigners’: 10 percent Links: www.utrecht.nl www.iwcu.nl

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•• HOUSING ••

Rotterdam Rotterdam is one of the most dynamic, booming cities in the Netherlands, with a growing expat population and a refreshing lack of tourists. Most of the city was destroyed by WWII bombs and, rather than rebuilding in traditional style like many Dutch cities, Rotterdam has been radically modernised.

CENTRE The city centre offers characteristic buildings dating back to about 1900 alongside minimalist new build in various guises: simple buildings with shared staircases, spacious villas and modern apartments.

KRALINGEN If you’re young, single or ‘dinky’ (two incomes, no children), the neighbourhood of Kralingen is likely to appeal. Fifteen minutes east of the centre, Kralingen’s multi-million-euro mansions stand cheek by jowl with student digs and council housing. Near a lake and woods, the area has a very international feel and a huge variety of affordable to upmarket housing.

KOP VAN ZUID Also favoured by young expats, Kop van Zuid (‘Head of South’) is the trendy extension of the city centre on the southern bank of the Nieuw Maas; great for executives wanting to get to work quickly in the mornings. Like London’s Docklands, it’s a mix of renovated old warehouses and smaller, newer housing and apartments. Upmarket urban prices apply.

HILLEGERSBERG Rotterdam’s jewel is Hillegersberg, a leafy suburb on the northeast of the city. The area escaped wartime bombing, leaving the old village centre and elegant residential streets intact. Homes in Hillegersberg are expensive but enduringly popular, sought after by the Dutch and expats alike. It is home to several of the international schools.

Hillegersberg is only ten minutes from the city centre, thanks to the excellent bus and tram network, or 20 minutes by car. Conversely, a few minutes on your bike brings you out of the city to meadows or the Rotte river. Hillegersberg is located around two fair-sized lakes, where there is endless boating and sailing in the summer, and skating in the winter.

OTHER SUBURBS Schiebroek (west of Hillegersberg), and the newer Prinsenland and Ommoord (in the northeast) are becoming favoured expat sites. For those looking to rent rather than buy, it is relatively easy to find family accommodation at reasonable prices in Ommoord.

The first city I saw was Rotterdam.

It looked so modern. I had expected canals and cobbled streets. Laila Borrie, Indian, Rotterdam

Population: 588,398 (Centre for Research and Statistics) International residents: Non-Western foreigners’: 37 percent ‘Western foreigners’: 11 percent International schools: Rotterdam International Secondary School: www.wolfert.nl/riss American International School of Rotterdam: www.aisr.nl De Blijberg (primary school with international department): www.blijberg.nl Links: www.rotterdam.nl (some information in English) www.yourrotterdam.com (guide to moving to and settling in Rotterdam) www.rotterdamdailyphoto.blogspot.com (photographic impressions of Rotterdam)

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•• HOUSING ••

Accommodation agencies Rental agencies / real estate Atta Makelaars PO Box 23069 3001 KB Rotterdam 010 433 5710 PO Box 7217 2701 AE Zoetermeer 079 316 0500 www.atta.nl JLG Real Estate Sarphatipark 42 1073 CZ Amsterdam 020 330 0031 www.jlgrealestate.com Mie-Lan Kok Makelaardij o/g BV J.H. Weissenbruchweg 19 2102 AE Heemstede 023 547 5941 www.mielankok.nl Stoit Groep Vestdijk, 22 5611 CC Eindhoven www.stoit.nl See page 35

Veth Realty Klein Heiligland, 7 2011 EB Haarlem 023 542 87 63 www.vethrealty.nl See page 27

Htel Amsterdam Teilingen 45 1082 JP Amsterdam 020 426 6400 www.htel.nl See inside front cover

Rental agencies Amsterdam Beautiful Property Rentals Prinsengracht 683 sous 1016 JT Amsterdam 020 330 7338 www.amsterdambeautiful.nl See page 25

Renthouse International BV Nederhoven 19-21 1083 AM Amsterdam 020 644 8751 www.renthouse.nl See page 23

Dutch Housing Centre Valeriusstraat 174 1075 GH Amsterdam 020 662 1234 www.dutchhousing.nl See page 25 Htel Serviced Apartments Htel Amstelveen Laan van de Helende Meesters 421 1186 AL Amstelveen

Miscellaneous BOOKS PanMacmillan www.panmacmillan.com See page 17 CULTURAL Museum Tickets www.museumtickets.nl CHURCHES Trinity International Church Sunday worship service 10:00 Gruttolaan 19-23 2261 ET Leidschendam 070 5178024 www.trinitychurch.nl See page 39 38

Thousandhills Neuweg 148 1214 HA Hilversum www.thousandhills.cc See page 39 DRINK House of Bols www.houseofbols.com See page 31 SHOPPING La Maison Shopping www.lamaisonshoppingservices.com See page 39

Sonar Appartementen Gevers Deynootweg 126 2586 BP The Hague 070 350 5080 www.sonarappartementen.nl See page 33 Vesteda Amsterdam: . . . . . . . . . . . . 020 524 6900 Arnhem: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 026 355 0400 Eindhoven: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 040 296 9350 The Hague: . . . . . . . . . . . . . 070 313 1800 Maastricht: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 043 328 4140 Rotterdam: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 010 404 4611 www.vesteda.com/corporatehousing See back cover TRAVEL British Airways www.britishairways.com See page 3 WRITING Amsterdam Writers Brouwersgracht 40 1013 GW Amsterdam 06 14 29 74 62 www.amsterdamwriters.com See page 65 AUPAIR Aupair Anywhere Isadora Duncanweg, 86 1326 SX Almere 06 43 77 56 56 www.aupairanywhere.nl See page 39

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•• FINANCE ••

Finance Money matters can be complex in the Netherlands.

The Dutch tax system is anything but simple.

The Netherlands is home to some of the world’s banking giants. Before you open a Dutch bank account, you should have no problem obtaining cash from an overseas account using an ATM or geldautomaat. They dispense money (in several languages) and accept a wide range of debit and credit cards. The amount you can withdraw and any extra service charges will depend on what kind of account you have and where it is. There should be no charge if you are using a card from one of the 16 eurozone countries (Britain is not one of them). If you want to exchange cash, good rates can usually be found at the post office (postkantoor) or a GWK exchange office. Other banks and bureaus mostly don’t offer such good rates and/or higher commission.

The Netherlands has had the euro since 2002 and paper denominations are EUR 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 though you may encounter problems using anything bigger than a EUR 50 note. The coins, with an image of Queen Beatrix on the back, come in denominations of EUR 1, EUR 2, and 5, 10, 20 and 50 eurocents. Coins for 1 and 2 eurocents have been discontinued but prices will be quoted exactly, for instance, as EUR 37, 21, but will be rounded up to the nearest 5 eurocents for giving change. On bank statements, the exact figure will appear.

All major credit cards are accepted but not everywhere. Hotels, restaurants, large department stores and tourist attractions present no problem, but you can’t use a credit card in the supermarket.

Cash is still widely used, even for large transactions.

But the most common method of payment is pinnen, using a debit card plus PIN code.

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Opening a Dutch bank account The main Dutch banks are: ABN-AMRO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (www.abnamro.nl) Fortis Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (www.fortis.nl) ING Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (www.ing.nl) Rabobank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (www.rabobank.nl) SNS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (www.snsbank.nl) ABN-AMRO recently nationalised, has the most information in English online and a special expat package but you should generally have no problem conducting business in English. Postbank merged with ING in 2009.

Documents legally required: • Passport and/or residence permit.

•B SN burgerservicenummer. You’ll get this when you register with the GBA or direct from the tax office.

• Proof of address (bevolkingsregister extract, utility bill, rental contract etc.).

If you want to open anything other than a savings only account you will also need: • Evidence of income such as an employment contract or payslip.

The credit rating of new clients may be checked with the Central Credit Registration Office (BKR).

An account can be opened in your name and your partner’s (they will also need identity documents).

A private bank account is a privérekening. Various cards are on offer but the bankpas is standard. You must pick up the pass personally (with ID). A fourdigit PIN code (pincode) will be posted separately but you can change this at a bank. When you pay by pin, you swipe your card through the machine and punch in your four-digit number. It’s the most common method of payment used in shops, supermarkets, bars and restaurants.

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YOU’VE GOT ENOUGH TO DISCOVER THAT’S WHY WE OFFER FINANCIAL SERVICES ESPECIALLY FOR EXPATS At ABN AMRO we are aware of the cultural and other differences you will encounter in the Netherlands.

That’s why we’ll do everything to ensure that you won’t have to worry about your banking matters. Our International Client Service starts with quick and easy Internet Banking in English. But we communicate in more than 20 different languages. For advice on more complex financial issues, you can count on the expertise and assistance of a Preferred Banker. Would you like to discover more about our service?

PLEASE VISIT ABNAMRO.COM/INTERNATIONALCLIENTS

ABN AMRO Bank N.V. (“ABN AMRO”) is not licensed to conduct banking business or sell insurance products in the United States under applicable federal and state laws.

The offering, sale and/or distribution of this product or service can also be limited to other persons by the laws and regulations of other jurisdictions. Every (future) client is obliged to make inquiries after and comply with such restrictions. Neither this document, nor any copy there of may be sent to or taken into the United States or distributed in the United States or to a US Person.

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•• FINANCE ••

Chipknip/Chippas/Chippen Next to many ATMs is a Chipknip machine where you can load your card with ’virtual cash’. The money is immediately deducted from your account and ‘sits’ on your card until it is used; if you lose the card though, the money is also lost, just like cash. Chipknip was intended as a fast, convenient way of paying for small transactions since, unlike with pinnen payments, you don’t need a PIN. However, the Chipknip system is gradually being phased out as a pinpas is increasingly used for small transactions.

Credit cards Commercial banks usually have an arrangement with Mastercard or VISA but you will generally need to be a customer for a while before getting one. A credit card will be more expensive than other bank cards and you will be encouraged to pay off the card swiftly and consistently.

Internet banking Online banking is common in the Netherlands.

You will usually be issued with a calculator-sized device into which you slot your bankpas and enter your PIN, then exchange numbers with the login system to gain authorised access to your account.

You can pay bills directly or set up direct debits (automatische overschrijving) for regular payments.

There is usually information in English but you can also get step-by-step tuition at the bank.

Acceptgiro A common method for paying bills, this is a yellow payment slip attached to the bottom of an invoice into which you enter your bank details and sign.

You can pay online into the account on the slip or ‘post’ it at the bank, where there’s a box for them.

Offshore banking The term ’offshore banking‘ originates from the Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey etc.) but is generally used today to refer to any tax haven (such as the Netherlands Antilles). Essentially, it is any account held in a bank located outside your country of residence in a low tax jurisdiction offering certain financial benefits for expatriates who may wish to reduce their tax liability.

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Accounts can be held in a variety of currencies and there’s a diverse range of savings and investment products backed up by a high degree of confidentiality.

For expats based in the Netherlands, the tax situation can be complex. Dutch tax residents pay tax on their worldwide income and there are wealth, inheritance and gift taxes. Non-residents however, generally pay tax on Dutch-sourced income, but if you are eligible for the 30 percent ruling you could potentially be considered as a non-resident or partial non-resident taxpayer. In such a case offshore banking might offer some advantages.

Pensions, investments and savings can all be arranged through a licensed independent financial adviser (IFA) or a bank. Interest rates for savings can be fixed or variable; some banks’ websites provide tools to predict investment returns. The type of fund and level of appropriate risk will obviously depend on individual circumstances, and it is advisable to consult an adviser to ascertain your ‘Risk Profile’. In the current economic climate, there are additional risks to depositing money offshore: recent bank mergers, differing protection schemes and deposits held in a different country to the bank’s service centre can mean investors are unclear about how safe their deposits are.

Financial advisor Craig Welsh of Spectrum IFA Group in Amsterdam urges expats to ask these basic questions: Which bank is my money in; who owns the bank; what is its credit worthiness; and which jurisdiction does it fall under? Regulation is also important when it comes to investments and savings. It has become more important than ever to work with a trusted, independent financial advisor who is experienced with assessing the tax position for expats in the Netherlands.

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•• FINANCE ••

Finance Tax The Dutch tax system, especially for an expat, is anything but simple. The Netherlands is a socially conscious country, and you can expect to pay a substantial proportion (up to 52 percent) of your salary to the taxman. But your personal situation (non-working partner, for example), type of work, residency status and other assets and earnings (particularly from abroad) affect your position considerably. In many cases, you will still be filing a tax return in your home country and will be entering the land of double taxation agreements.

There are many expat financial specialists who can complete your tax forms for you or provide other consultancy services. Other useful information can be found on the Expatica website (Ask the Expert) where financial experts answer readers’ questions.

The Ministry of Finance publish a guide (in English) to the Dutch Taxation System (www.minfin.nl). The tax office is the Belastingdienst (www.belastingdienst.nl) and their website has extensive information in English.

Tax returns are mostly submitted digitally, due by 1 April (or 1 July for those under the 30 percent ruling) and for this you will need a digital signature or DigiD (www.digid.nl) or the services of a tax consultant. The DigiD is essentially a personal login that you use with all government agencies enabling some transactions (paying parking fines, applying for permits etc.) to be done over the Internet. Authentication requirements may vary according to the sensitivity of information in transit. Tax returns can be completed retrospectively (up to 5 years, ask your tax consultant).

Residency status If you have demonstrable ties to the Netherlands (for instance, you live here, you work here, your family is based here) you are generally regarded as a ‘resident taxpayer’ as from day one. If you live abroad but receive income that is taxable in the Netherlands you are generally a ‘non-resident taxpayer’. Non-residents can also apply to be treated as residents for tax purposes (in order to gain access to Dutch deductible items) and an

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additional category of partial non-resident taxpayers covers those eligible for the so-called 30 percent ruling (see below). As a resident taxpayer you are taxed on your assets worldwide.

The Box system Different categories of income are treated differently for tax purposes on the tax return and there are three types of taxable income: Box 1: Income from profits, employment and home ownership. This includes wages, pensions, social benefits, company car, and WOZ value of owner-occupied property (max. 52 percent).

Box 2: Income from substantial shareholding (5 percent minimum holding — 25 percent rate).

Box 3: Taxable income from savings and investments. Income from property for instance, owned but not lived in as a main residence is taxed here: not the actual income but a value of the asset (fictitious return: 4 percent taxed at 30 percent = 1.2 percent).

Calculating tax: the amount of tax payable is calculated by applying the various tax rates to the various taxable incomes in the boxes. The amount calculated is then reduced by one or more tax credits.

Tax credits and allowances Everyone is entitled to a general tax credit (EUR 1,987 in 2010) and may be additionally entitled to other credits. The employed person’s tax credit is age-related (at maximum EUR 1,489 in 2010); the single parent’s tax credit (EUR 945 plus EUR 1,513 under additional conditions). The general tax credit comprises an income and social security element (to which you are only entitled if you have compulsory Dutch social security coverage). Your employer will take these into account when deducting wage withholding tax but not any other personal circumstances. You claim other allowances and potential refunds when you file your tax return or request a provisional refund.

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•• FINANCE ••

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Finance

Partners Where possible, partners are taxed individually but, when only one partner works, the other partner is generally entitled to a refund of general tax credit and deductible expenditure can be apportioned to take advantage of tax credits.

30 percent ruling This is a tax incentive for employees, recruited from abroad who bring specific skills to the Netherlands. It acknowledges the additional expenses incurred by expats (extraterritorial costs) by allowing the employer to grant a tax-free lump sum to cover these costs up to a maximum of 30 percent of the sum of wages and allowances.

Applications (completed by both employer and employee) should be made to the Belastingdienst Limburg Kantoor Buitenland in Heerlen.

Mortgages and tax implications When arranging a mortgage it is important to look at the whole picture: interest, cost of life insurance, savings plan and investment accounts. If this sounds complicated, it is. If you are intending to sublet, you may need to pay off a substantial part (say 30 percent) of the mortgage to get permission from the lender. When your interest rate comes up for renewal, it is important to check that it is still competitive.

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Tax implications include: • Interest payments are tax-deductible if the property is your primary residence and the loan is used for acquisition or improvement of the house.

• The 30 percent ruling may affect your ability to get a mortgage but many expats have bought property.

• There is no capital gains tax in the Netherlands but increases in the value may impact your mortgage relief if and when you use the profits to buy another house in the Netherlands.

• Tax is levied on the deemed rental value of the house determined by the local authority.

• Expenses in financing the purchase of a house are tax-deductible.

Finsens (www.finsens.nl) publish a useful guide to Dutch mortgages in English.

Insurance You can arrange insurance through your employer or a private insurance company. (See the national association of insurers at www.verzekeraars.nl.)

Aside from obligatory medical insurance (see the Health section), you may need specific insurance if you are self-employed (and pregnant while selfemployed) although there may be an applicable welfare benefit.

House and home Homeowners or house insurance is known as woonhuisverzekering. A standard policy covers fire, storm, flood and theft. In terms of flood, there is a distinction between rainwater flooding and damage (covered) and water damage due to a breakdown in the dykes, for example (not covered). Houseboat dwellers come under separate conditions.

Contents An annual household contents policy starts at about EUR 20 depending on what is covered. This insurance is known as inboedelverzekering.

Higher priced items such as art, jewellery or antiques will need to be individually valued and insured separately.

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•• FINANCE ••

Drivers Third-party insurance is required by law. An all risk verzekering covers you and your car against fire, theft and damage.

Life insurance Known as levensverzekering, it is similar to schemes in most other countries.

Belastingdienst www.belastingdienst.nl The website for the tax authority has extensive information in English and downloadable forms and brochures. There are separate offices for resident and non-resident taxpayers. Email queries are not possible.

TaxLine: 0800 0543 This is the central information line for residents (only Dutch spoken) Mon-Thurs: 0800-2000 Fri: 0800-1700 Information line for non-resident tax issues: 055-538 5385 or +31-555 385 385

This covers businesses and individuals based abroad who are liable for Dutch tax and also those classified as non-residents for tax purposes.

Customs www.douane.nl Has extensive information in English regarding duties payable and procedures for individuals and businesses. If you move to the Netherlands from outside the EU or if you wish to bring your car, enquire about the exemption for moving household goods (in Dutch on the website).

DigiD www.digid.nl If you want to file your taxes electronically, or indeed any other official form (local taxes etc.) you need a DigiD registration number. The website has an English section.

Government www.minfin.nl The Ministry of Finance site provides details (in English) of the Dutch Government’s financial policies including the 30 percent facility.

Financial services Financial and tax advisors ABN AMRO www.abnambro.nl See page 41 De Boer Financial Consultants Johannes Verhulststraat 163-hs 1075 GX Amsterdam 020 664 5578 Gang 3 2242 KD Wassenaar 070 517 8852 www.fvbdeboer.nl Accinterra Cypresbaan 14 A 2908 LT Capelle a/ d Ijssel 010 2581818 www.accinterra.nl See page 49

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Total Compliance & Outsource (TCO) PO Box 4 | 1420 AA Uithoorn 0297 513 313 Postbus 14 | 3738 ZL 029 751 3313 www.totalcompliance.nl See page 49 Tulip Expat Services Cornelis de Wittlaan, 190 2582 CM The Hague www.tulipexpatservices.com See page 27 Mortgage providers Expat Mortgages BV Roerstraat 133 | 1078LM Amsterdam 020 717 3908 www.expat-mortgages.nl See page 27

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• • E D U C AT I O N • •

Education

By learning good Dutch they will connect to their new world more easily. You certainly won’t be the only non-Dutch parent in the playground.

The Netherlands is committed to choice in education.

Compulsory education under Dutch law applies to children of all nationalities from 5 to 18 years who are residing in the Netherlands. The school system is, however, quite unusual.

Choosing a school There’s a commitment to educational choice in the Netherlands. Schools following particular religious or pedagogic principles have had equal state funding to public schools since 1917 and there are now twice as many privately run as publicly run schools. International education is available at both Dutch and private schools throughout the country.

Local or international?

Your finances, location, nationality, the age of your children, and how long you are likely to stay in the Netherlands are the main factors you should take into account when selecting a school.

Many companies reimburse international school fees as part of a relocation package, and the reimbursements could be exempt from income tax (though not for all schools).

While teenagers might appreciate the educational and social continuity provided by an international school, younger children might get a greater sense of belonging by going to a local school.

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Applying for a school Register your child as soon as possible at the school of your choice. Technically, public schools are not allowed to refuse admission. Popular schools, however, have waiting lists (you can register a child from the age of three) and the municipality can assign catchment areas based on postcodes. All schools have brochures and websites where they announce ‘open days’ when you can visit the school.

Most children start at about four years—98 percent start at three years and 10 months when they come in for five orientation days before they turn four. Children are leerplichtig (under a learning obligation or leerplicht) from five years for 12 years full-time education and one or two years part-time (until the attainment of a diploma).

School inspection reports can be viewed online (this applies to state schools and Dutch international schools only) at www.owinsp.nl: select schoolwijzer and enter the name of the school and/or town. The visual representation of green (good) and red (not good) blobs will at least give you some idea of performance.

In the Pisa/OECD international rankings for 15-year-olds in 56 countries (published in December 2007), the Netherlands was “above average” for both mathematics (5th) and reading (10th).

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“Educating, confident, ethical and resourceful world citizens”

Please contact: Ms A. Nijpels | Tel.: +31 (0)10 890 7745 | Fax: +31 (0)10 890 7755 E-mail: info.riss@wolfert.nl | Website: www.wolfert.nl/riss

• • E D U C AT I O N • •

Types of school Source schools at www.voo.nl, www.scholenlijst.nl or via your city’s website (onderwijs = education).

Public (openbare) schools State-run schools (non-denominational) provide secular education, but they can also offer teaching around specific philosophic or pedagogic principles (such as Montessori, Steiner). Public schools are governed by the municipal council or a public legal entity or foundation set up by the council.

Private schools Most private schools are denominational (Roman Catholic, Protestant, Islamic, Hindu) or follow specific philosophic principles, as above. Private schools are governed by a board or the foundation that set them up. Financially, they have the same status as public schools and are basically free, although all schools ask for a small contribution for things such as school trips.

Special schools The national ‘Going to school together’ policy is designed to enable as many children as possible to be educated in mainstream schools, but there are schools for children with special needs and also special needs teachers at Dutch schools.

Lighthouse Special Education provides extensive assistance in the English language. Entry is by referral.

Education policy The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science has set quality standards, attainment targets and social objectives but individual schools ‘fill in the details’ of the curriculum and budget allocation.

Education policy includes combating school segregation, integrating special needs children, tackling early school leaving and addressing teacher shortage.

Dutch Primary education (primair onderwijs or basisonderwijs) There are eight years of primary schooling.

Most children start at four years in group one and move up a group every year. Different age groups may be in the same class. In ‘Group 8’ (in February of each year), children in 85 percent of primary schools (basisscholen) sit the CITO test (www.cito.nl) which will determine their next level of education. CITO tests are also used in some schools to measure the literacy and numeracy of younger children. The government sets attainment targets in six curriculum areas: Dutch, English (taught in Groups 7 and 8), arithmetic and mathematics, social and environmental studies, creative expression and sports and movement.

New targets include citizenship, technology and cultural education.

Costs Primary and secondary state education is free, with parents being asked to contribute a ‘voluntary’ nominal amount, which varies from school to school with additional payments for lengthier school trips and lunchtime supervision (tussenschoolse opvang) and after-school care (naschoolse opvang) which the school is supposed to provide or sub-contract.

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Offering quality education to the international community.

Please come and meet teachers and pupils: schools make people and people make schools.

If you would like to make an appointment to visit the school or would like more information please contact us.

The British School of Amsterdam Anthonie van Dijckstraat 1, 1077 ME— Amsterdam Telephone + 31 (0) 20 6797840 www. britams.nl info@britams.nl

• • E D U C AT I O N • •

DUTCH SECONDARY EDUCATION (voortgezet onderwijs) - From 12 years. Four main diplomas: VMBO (a further four years of school). Prep school for vocational secondary education. A VMBO-T diploma can lead onto secondary vocational education (MBO).

HAVO (five years). Senior general secondary education. Provides entrance to hogescholen or ‘vocational universities’ (HBO Hoger beroepsonderwijs).

VWO (six years). Preparation for academic studies at a research university (WO Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs). VWO schools are called Athenaeum, Gymnasium and/ or Lyceum. In the past, the various forms of secondary education were provided in different schools but now there are broader combined schools allowing movement between diploma programmes.

Just under a third of secondary schools are run by the public authority. English is a compulsory subject. VMBO-T pupils study one modern language and HAVO/VWO pupils at least two. A Gymnasium (VWO) programme will also include Greek and/or Latin. Other core areas include mathematics, humanities, arts and sciences. In the first few years all pupils study the same subjects (to different academic levels), which is known as the basisvorming. This is followed by a second stage (tweede fase) in which specialist profiles are selected.

School holidays Major holidays for state schools are set nationally with staggered start/finish times between three regions. Private international school holidays can be different.

Visit www.rijksoverheid.nl and type in schoolvakanties in the zoek box

MBO. Secondary Vocational Education. If a student has successfully completed the Dutch VMBO-T or the international middle school programmes, the IGCSE or IB-MYP, but is not admitted to the IB-Diploma Programme, the MBO (three to four years) might be a good option. In the Netherlands students can follow several MBO-programmes taught in the English language as well.

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Explore the Joy of Learning!

International Curriculum for ages 3-18

admissions@ash.nl Amsterdam International Community School Prinses Irenestraat 59 1077 WV Amsterdam T: 020 - 5771240 E: info@aics.eu www.aics.eu

We are a unique Primary and Secondary school located in Amsterdam, offering International education in English.

We “cause” community-based, international learning for students of all nationalities, abilities and classes living in the Netherlands.

We are pleased to offer: • The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for children aged 16 - 19 years • The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IBMYP) for children aged 11 - 15 years • The International Primary Curriculum (IPC) for children aged 4 - 10 years • 3 hours of Dutch per week • Additional English lessons (EAL) • Activities organised by the AICS and the Dutch community • Affordable tuition, Primary School (E 4000); Secondary School (E 4900-5900) The IBDP is an internationally recognised pre-university course of study that leads to the acquisition of the IB Diploma, offering entrance into universities and institutions of further education worldwide.

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International schools

Bilingual education There are 99 schools with a VWO bilingual stream and 20 with HAVO. Only students that master the Dutch language at an appropriate level will be admitted. (www.netwerktto.europeesplatform.nl)

These provide education for global nomad students of any nationality.

Dutch International Primary Schools (DIPS) and Dutch International Secondary Schools (DISS) provide international education at a reasonable fee because of a subsidy from the Dutch government. They are designed for non-Dutch families living in the Netherlands for a limited time, and Dutch families returning from, or preparing for, an overseas assignment. These schools teach either the International Primary Curriculum (4 to 11 years) the IGCSE (11to16 years) or the International Baccalaureate programmes at primary (4 to 11 years) and middle years’ level (11 to 16 years). All DISS teach the IB-Diploma programme (16 to 18 years).

What I most appreciate (and a big factor as to why we are still here) is the education system. My youngest son has special needs, and although the usual Dutch red tape was difficult to deal with in the beginning, it really is a fantastic school. Francesca OosterbaanClarke, British, Zutphen

International schools (Private Sector) These schools teach the national curriculum of a specific country (UK, US, French, German, Japanese) or an international curriculum as described above. Facilities (swimming pools, football pitches) are often spectacular compared to the Dutch schools. For about half of the school population at all international schools, English is not the first language.

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Our personal approach takes you further ÂťThinking BusinessÂŤ

The Amsterdam MBA and the Master in International Finance n

Part-time (evenings), or Full-time

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Tailormade for ambitious professionals

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International in students, content and staff

Plantage Muidergracht 12 | 1018 TV Amsterdam | www.abs.uva.nl/mba-mif

• • E D U C AT I O N • •

International schools ALKMAAR AREA The European School Molenweidtje 5 1862 BC Bergen NH 072 589 0109 ALMERE Primary International Department at Letterland Roland Holststraat 58 1321 RX Almere 036 536 7240 Secondary Department at International School Almere (Het Baken) Sas van Gentlaan 6 | 1324 CT Almere 036 845 3500 (Note: School will change address in 2011) AMSTERDAM AREA Amsterdam International Community School (AICS) Prinses Irenestraat 59-61 1077 WV Amsterdam 020 577 1240 www.aics.esprit-sg.nl See page 55 British School of Amsterdam Anthonie van Dijckstraat 1 1077 ME Amsterdam Nursery & Infant School Anthonie van Dijckstraat 1 1077 ME Amsterdam Lower Junior School Jan van Eijckstraat 21 1077 LG Amsterdam Upper School Fred. Roeskestraat 94a 1076 ED Amsterdam 020 679 7840 www.britams.nl See page 53

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International School Amsterdam Sportlaan 45 | 1185 TB Amstelveen 020 347 1111 Annexe du Lycée Français Vincent van Gogh Uiterwaardenstraat 60 1079 CB Amsterdam 070 306 6920 (Admissions) 020 644 6507 (School) The Japanese School of Amsterdam Karel Klinkenbergstraat 13 1061 AL Amsterdam 020 611 8136 ARNHEM Arnhem International School Primary Dept. at Dr. Aletta Jacobsschool Slochterenweg 27 | 6835 CD Arnhem 026 323 0729 Secondary Dept. at Lorentz Groningensingel 1245 6835 HZ Arnhem 026 320 0110 ASSEN The British School in the Netherlands (BSN) - Junior School Assen - The Helen Sharman School Lottingstraat 17 | 9406 LX Assen 059 234 4590 (Note: This school will close its doors in July 2011 www.britishschool.nl) BREDA, covering Zeeland and West Brabant (Note: Will start with international primary and secondary education in August 2011.)

BRUNSSUM (Limburg) Afnorth Intern ational School Ferdinand Bolstraat 1 6445 EE Brunssum 045 527 8220

EERDE (near Zwolle) International School Eerde Kasteellaan 1 | 7731 PJ Ommen 0529 451 452 EINDHOVEN Regional International School (Primary) Humperdincklaan 4 5654 PA Eindhoven 040 251 9437 The International Secondary School Eindhoven Venetiëstraat 43 | 5632 RM Eindhoven 040 242 6835 ENSCHEDE International School Twente (IST) Staringstraat 15 | 7514 DE Enschede IST Primary Dept. Prinseschool 053 436 8109 (Note: The IST Secondary Dept. will start in 2010.)

GRONINGEN International School Groningen Primary Dept. at Groningse Schoolvereniging Sweelincklaan 4 | 9722 JV Groningen 050 527 0818/06 2073 8551 Secondary Dept. at St. Maartens College P.O. Box 6105 | 9702 HC Groningen 050 534 0084 THE HAGUE AREA Haagsche Schoolvereniging International Primary Department Nassaulaan 26 | 2514 JT Den Haag 070 363 8531 Koningin Sophielaan 24a 2595 TG Den Haag 070 324 3453 (Admissions) Van Nijenrodestraat 16 2597 RM Den Haag 070 328 1441

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• • E D U C AT I O N • •

The International School of The Hague Wijndaelerduin 1 2554 BX The Hague Primary Dept. 070 338 4567 Secondary Dept. 070 328 1450 www.ishthehague.nl See page 53 See page 53 Lighthouse Special Education [now part of the Haagsche Schoolvereniging] Amalia van Solmstraat 155 2595 TA Den Haag 070 335 5698 The American School of The Hague Rijksstraatweg 200 | 2241 BX Wassenaar 070 512 1060 www.ash.nl See page 55 The British School in the Netherlands (BSN) - Junior Schools Leidschenveen Vrouw Avenweg 640 | 2493 The Hague Vlaskamp 19 | 2592 AA The Hague Diamanthorst 16 | 2592 GH The Hague Telephone: 070 315 4077 (Admissions for Junior Schools) www.britishschool.nl See page 51 The British School in the Netherlands (BSN) Senior School Jan van Hooflaan 3 2252 BG Voorschoten 071 560 2222 www.britishschool.nl See page 51 Deutsche Schule (German School) Van Bleiswijkstraat 125 2582 LB Den Haag 070 354 9454 Le Lycée Français Vincent van Gogh Scheveningseweg 237 2584 AA Den Haag 070 306 6923

The Indonesian Embassy School in the Netherlands Rijksstraatweg 679 | 2245 CB Wassenaar 070 517 8875 Polish International School(s) See www.fpsn.nl for different locations in NL HILVERSUM Violenschool International Department (Primary) Rembrandtlaan 30 1213 BH Hilversum Frans Halslaan 57A 1213 BK Hilversum 035 621 6053 (Admissions) International School Hilversum Alberdingk Thijm Emmastraat 56 | 1213 AL Hilversum 035 672 9931 www.klg.nl See page 63 LEIDEN AREA Leiden International Primary School International Dept. at Elckerlyc Montessori Klimopzoom 41 | 2353 RE Leiderdorp 071 589 6861

UTRECHT (Note: Will start with international education in August 2011) ROTTERDAM De Blijberg – International Primary Department Graaf Florisstraat 56 | 3021 CJ Rotterdam 010 448 2266 Rotterdam International Secondary School (RISS) Bentincklaan 294 3039 - KK Rotterdam 010 890 7745 www.wolfert.nl/riss See page 51 American International School of Rotterdam Verhulstlaan 21 | 3055 WJ Rotterdam 010 422 5351 The Japanese School of Rotterdam Verhulstlaan 19 | 3055 WJ Rotterdam 010 422 1211 List provided with the help of EDUCAIDE, International Education Solution House (www.educaide.nl).

Het Rijnlands Lyceum International Secondary Apollolaan 1 | 2341 BA Oegstgeest 071 519 3555 www.isrlo.nl MAASTRICHT International School Maastricht United World College Maastricht Primary and Secondary School Maastricht Nijverheidsweg 25 (Primary school is 25 a) | 6227 AL Maastricht Website which links to Primary and Secondary school websites: www.uwcmaastricht.com Primary School: 043 356 1100 Secondary School: 043 367 4666

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NHTV INT EXPAT 2010 TEKST:Opmaak 1

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NHTV

Discover your world - study at NHTV Breda!

NHTV Breda University of Applied Sciences is a renowned institute that was one of the first to offer English-taught programmes. NHTV was founded in 1966 as an institute offering management programmes in tourism and leisure and in this field, it is still the largest and leading education institution in the world. Nowadays we are offering academic Bachelor and Master programmes in the fields of Games & Media, Hospitality, Leisure, Tourism and Mobility.

The city of Breda

How international is NHTV? Most of NHTV’s study programmes are taught in English.

The institute recruits foreign professionals and almost 10% of the total student population are foreigners.

International business and international cooperation are key elemets in NHTV’s curriculum, both from a social and cultural perspective and from an economic point of view. The cultural mix is a fertile breeding ground for open-minded, curious and wordly-wise students.

NHTV prepares you for the management-level positions in an international setting.

International accreditations from for instance, the UN World Tourism Organization underline the quality of education. In the quality of rankings of Studiekeuze 123, an independent review of accredited study programmes in higher education, all NHTV study programmes have scored first place within their categories.

Currently, NHTV has approx. 6,500 students from over 50 countries, who join each other in mixed classes.

This means you will not only learn about the Dutch culture, but also about the cultures of your classmates!

NHTV is located in the south of Holland, in the city Breda.

A sparkling and inspiring city, and an easy place to live as a foreigner. Breda has approx. 170,000 inhabitants, 13,500 of which are students! Breda is only 100 km from both Amsterdam and Brussels and with the new speed train it takes you only 4 hours to get to Paris. In terms of culture and sport, Breda has a lot to offer and there are many students organisations - it is a great place to study!

Moreover, life in Breda is cheaper than in big cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

Visit NHTV You are welcome to visit us during one of our open days or open evenings.

This will give you an impression of what NHTV has to offer in an informal, but efficient manner.

There are many students and lecturers you can talk to and you are given the opportunity to browse through the course material. Students from abroad have the opportunity to talk to employees of International Office and discuss practical matters like application, housing, etc. During an open day or open evening, there is a continuous programme. You do NOT have to register beforehand but you can drop in at any time that suits you! Next Open Day is 13 November 2010 or 19 March 2011. More information can be found on www.nhtv.nl or ask for a brochure through communicatie@nhtv.nl

We hope to meet you in the future!

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Discover your world English-taught bachelor and master programmes in the disciplines of

Facility Games Hotel Imagineering Leisure Logistics Media Mobility Tourism NHTV P.O. Box 3917 4800 DX Breda T +31 76 533 22 03 F +31 76 533 22 05 international.office@nhtv.nl www.nhtv.nl

www.nhtv.nl

• • E D U C AT I O N • •

Higher education Third-level education, as it is known in the Netherlands, is offered at vocational level (HBO, at a ‘university of applied sciences’ or hogeschool) and at academic level (WO, at a university or universiteit). Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees are available at both HBO and WO institutions but you can only do a PhD at a (WO) university. There’s a huge range of courses taught in English (around 1,300). You can see what’s available and where on the Nuffic (Netherlands organisation for international cooperation in higher education) website (www.nuffic.nl) which includes extensive information about the Dutch higher education system. Institutions are either government funded or government approved.

There are also privately financed institutions that are not recognised. The accreditation organisation is NVAO (www.nvao.net).

How to apply There are nearly 50,000 international students studying in the Netherlands—Germany is top of the international student list—and information on fees, qualifications and study programmes is widely available in English. Students should first contact the institution offering the course, which will specify what education qualifications are required for admission. A quota system is in place for oversubscribed courses; places are allocated by lottery. At www.studielink.nl you can apply online for third-level courses which are subsidised by the Dutch Ministry of Education.

University programmes consist of a Bachelor’s or undergraduate phase lasting three years and a Master’s or graduate phase lasting one to two years. As many Dutch universities have partner institutions in other countries, students can study part of their course abroad.

HBO Around 370,000 students are enrolled at 44 ‘universities of applied sciences’ or hogescholen, which provide general courses or specific study in one of seven sectors: agriculture, engineering and technology, economics and business administration, healthcare, fine and performing arts, education/teacher training and social welfare.

For more information, visit www.hbo-raad.nl.

WO There are 14 research universities with around 205,000 students involved in intensive academic studies.

For more information, visit www.mastersportal.eu, www.studyin.nl and www.vsnu.nl.

Costs Fees depend on your nationality and age. There’s an EU fee for EU/EEA nationals, which is set by the Dutch government. Otherwise you pay the institutional fee (three or four times higher). The fees at private institutions can be substantially higher.

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International School Hilversum Alberdingk Thijm

LE A RNING

T H RO U G H DI V E R SI T Y

The International School Hilversum is an internationally oriented school with over two decades of experience in international and bi-lingual education. We are a small, friendly yet professional international community of 370 students and 50 staff members.

• Coordinated programmes of study for 4-19 year olds and: - International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme - International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme - International Baccalaureate Diplome Programme • Transition to and from other national and international systems • Easy access by public transportation • Many extra-curricular activities • Cultural exchange and excursion programmes • An outstanding succes rate (over 95% pass rate) International School Hilversum ‘Alberdingk Thijm’ Emmastraat 56, 1213 AL Hilversum. The Netherlands Tel: +31 (0)35 672 99 31 Fax: +31 (0)35 672 99 39 Email: ish@atscholen.nl www.ishilversum.nl

Need a job?

Visit Expatica’s JOBS section WWW.EXPATICA.COM Europe’s #1 helping hand for internationals.

• • E D U C AT I O N • •

Qualification accreditation Diplomas and certificates awarded overseas need to be accredited by the Dutch authorities.

Often the school where you have applied takes care of this. If not, you can check IDW Internationale Diplomawaardering (www.idw.nl)

for information. Check with the institute to see if costs are involved. Non-native English speakers are required to pass an English language test at a specified level, most commonly the TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge Test.

Education links Ministry of Education, Culture and Science: www.minocw.nl Lots of information in English.

Eurydice: www.eurydice.org Detailed information on the Dutch education system.

Nuffic: www.nuffic.nl Everything you need to know about higher education in the Netherlands.

Educaide: www.educaide.nl The Professional Helpdesk for International Education in the Netherlands: +31 (0)65 598 8998 (contact: Willemijn van Oppen-Stuyt) (info-educaide@xs4all.nl).

Colo: www.colo.nl Portal for vocational training.

IB-Groep: www.ib-groep.nl Information about studying and funding.

Masters: www.mastersportal.eu

IDW: www.idw.nl Non-Dutch diploma evaluation.

Studielink: www.studielink.nl Apply online.

SIO: www.sio.nl Foundation for International Education in the Netherlands.

Business education Amsterdam Business School Plantage Muidergracht 12 1018 TV Amsterdam 020 525 9111/4084 www.abs.uva.nl See page 57 BPP Professional Education (Benelux) Paasheuvelweg 35 1105 BG Amsterdam 020 567 7825 www.bpp.com

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NHTV Breda University Rotterdam School of of Applied Sciences Management Erasmus University PO BOX 3917 PO Box 1738 4800 DX Breda 3000 DR Rotterdam 076 533 2203 010 408 2222 www.nhtv.nl www.rsm.nl See page 60/61

See inside back cover Roosevelt Academy PO Box 94 4330 AB Middelburg 011 865 5500 www.roac.nl See page 63

Webster University Boommarkt 1 2311 EA Leiden 071 516 8000 www.webster.nl See page 1

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G In

AMSTERDAM WRITERS believes that like athletes & other artists, writers only become great through dedication and regular practice.

AMSTERDAM

WRITERS write first. ask questions later.

Our workshops and seminars keep writers fit, healthy and strong through invigorating exercises performed in a safe, supportive, inspiring environment.

Workshops for all kinds of writers, including you. www.amsterdamwriters.com info@amsterdamwriters.com +31.6.1429.7462

TAALTAAL Quality language courses in The Hague

Dutch, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese and more Group lessons Intensive courses

Private training In-company

More information: 070 3226091 info@taaltaal.nl

www.taaltaal.nl

• • E D U C AT I O N • •

Spreekt u Nederlands?

Dutch has been compared to a disease of the throat rather than a language. A sloppy pronunciation of seaside town Scheveningen was (so the legend goes) a way to catch out spies in the war. Whatever your attitude to languages, learning Dutch is a crucial step to integration in the Netherlands and part of the immigration and integration (inburgering) procedure.

(See www.dutchgrammar.com for firsthand recollections of doing the test.)

Despite what you might hear from fellow pupils in your evening classes, people will reply in Dutch, not English, if you start a conversation. Persist! In no time at all, you’ll be appreciating the heady mishmash that is ‘Dunglish’ (www.dunglish.nl) or checking out the latest thoughts from Dutch language pedants (http://taalpuristen.web-log.nl/ taalpuristen).

Joining a class is a friendly and supportive way to learn a new language, and because the makeup of classes is often international, you may well pick up linguistic niceties in several other languages as well.

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There’s a wide choice of commercial language courses on offer to suit individual needs and budgets, with courses ranging from ‘Dutch for Au Pairs’ to more intensive NT2 (Nederlands als Tweede Taal) classes.

It is always worth asking about average class sizes. The smaller the class size (generally), the higher the fee. The language school can’t always predict class size in advance so you may be lucky, particularly if you’re learning in Amsterdam or Den Haag where competition between schools is high.

Universities often provide beginner Dutch classes for non-students, although, as you would expect, a certain level of academic ability is required to keep up. These classes can progress quite fast.

Homework is an essential part of the learning process. But watching TV or DVDs with Dutch subtitles is also extremely helpful.

Institutions targeting business and professional users can often provide cross-cultural training programmes as well although there’s no shortage of ‘Dealing with the Dutch’ type literature online or in the bookshops.

Some organisations fund language lessons as part of relocation, which might also include lessons for partners. If you discover that you’re being sent to ‘the nuns’, fear not (indeed rejoice): the Sisters no longer teach at the Regina Coeli Institute in Vught, but the intense, individual Dutch language programmes are renowned.

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Dutch Language Courses • Beginner to advanced • Dutch for business • In-company courses & private tuition • NT2 exam preparation

English Language Courses • Beginner to advanced

• Business English • In-company courses & private tuition • CELTA teacher training • Cambridge exam preparation

Language learning for life s Adult d an ren Child

For further information call 070 315 4080 www.britishschool.nl/languagecentre

“Language Center for Adults”

Please contact: Ms Lynn Libert or Andrea Savage | Tel.: +31 (0)10 890 7744 | Fax: +31 (0)10 890 7755 E-mail: rilc@wolfert.nl | Website: www.wolfert.nl/riss

• • E D U C AT I O N • •

Language schools BSN Language Centre Vrouw Avenweg 640 2493 WZ The Hague 070 315 4080 www.britishschool.nl See page 67 Easy Dutch Plus Leidsestraat, 32 1017 PB Amsterdam 020 422 1906 www.easydutchplus.com See page 65

Rotterdam International Language Centre (RILC) Bentincklaan 294 3039 KK Rotterdam 010 890 7745 www.wolfert.nl/riss See page 67

Taal Taal Hoge Prins Willemstraat 226 E 2584 HX The Hague 070 322 6091 www.taaltaal.nl See page 65

Talencoach Keizersgracht 8 1015 CN Amsterdam 020 625 3231 www.talencoach.nl See page 65

Meet the expat community Looking to chat with other expats? Look no further than the Expatica Discussion Forums, where hundreds of internationals discuss various topics each day. Chat about anything from jobs, housing and immigration, to learning Dutch, moving your pet, or what’s on this weekend. Get advice and tips from seasoned expats.

If you’re in the mood for a discussion about news or politics, join Expatica’s lively Dutch and International News forums.

Join the discussion today at www.expatica.com and click ‘Forums & Connect’.

They say the only way to really learn a language is ‘immersion,’ but there’s no such thing as immersion in Amsterdam.

The closest I’ve come is with my in-laws in Limburg. Gregory Shapiro, American, Amsterdam

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Joining Expat Voices in the Netherlands If you would like to share your perspective about life in the Netherlands, please send an email to editorNL@expatica.com with ‘Please send me an Expat Voices questionnaire’ in the subject line.

You can also request an Expat Artist, Writer or Entrepreneur questionnaire. For examples of Expat Voices, check out our Expat Voices section on our Life in the Netherlands channel.

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•• EMPLOYMENT ••

Employment Expats are an essential component of the Dutch workforce. Office life has its cultural quirks.

The Dutch workforce (7.73 million people) is internationally oriented, highly educated and multilingual. Unemployment is low, at 4.4 percent; it was the lowest in the EU in 2008, at 2.6 percent, and workers’ rights are strongly protected. The demand for highly skilled workers remains high and there are incentives for international employees such as the 30 percent ruling (a tax benefit scheme) and fasttrack highly skilled migrants programme (no separate work permit application required).

According to figures from the immigration department (www.ind.nl), in 2008 there were 6,838 applications for a temporary resident permit (MVV) under this scheme of which 11 percent came from China and 10 percent from India, and 7,192 applications for regular residency permits from highly skilled migrants.

Work permits If you are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national who wants to work in the Netherlands, in most cases you need a work permit (tewerkstellingsvergunning or TWV) and it is the employer that applies. There are a number of exceptions, some of which are listed below.

The permit is specific to the job and employer, and is issued for a specified period (up to three years). Work permits and residency status are intimately connected. The IND site (www.ind. nl) has detailed information on coming to the Netherlands to work as an employee or on a self-employed basis, as well as the financial and other conditions that need to be met. Once you have been issued with a work permit, you can start work: You must have applied for a residence permit but do not have to wait for the IND to make a decision over your application.

(If the residence permit application is rejected though, the work permit is no longer valid.) The consequences of illegal working can be severe for both employer and employee.

Who doesn’t need a work permit?

The main exceptions are: • EU/EEA/Swiss nationals (except Bulgarians and Romanians who need a work permit for a year and the ‘proof of lawful residence’ permit).

• Highly skilled migrants.

• Self-employed workers (their eligibility for residency is assessed by the IND).

• Workers on short assignment (performers, musicians, guest lecturers, journalists etc.).

• Those with a residence permit or passport sticker stating ‘Arbeid vrij toegestaan. TWV is niet vereist’ (free to work, no work permit is required).

Partners: who can work?

If you are allowed to work in the Netherlands then generally your spouse/partner and children are also allowed to work. How quickly you can start work depends on the status of your working partner (EU/EER resident, knowledge migrant etc.), whether you have an MVV, and whether applications for residency for you and your partner are filed at the same time (advisable). You may need to wait until you have received your residence permit before you can start work.

The mentality that makes part-time work arrangements for women almost a norm puzzles me because it’s in conflict with the stereotype of the Dutch culture being a very progressive one. Aliye Kurt-Suedhoff, TurkishCanadian, Amsterdam

WWW.EXPATICA.COM | THE NETHERLANDS EXPAT SURVIVAL GUIDE

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•• EMPLOYMENT ••

Work permit through employer Work permits are initiated by employers who apply to the UWV WERKbedrijf (formerly the CWI or Centrum voor Werk en Inkomen) (www. werk.nl) with supporting evidence to show that the job cannot be filled by an EU/EEA applicant, such as copies of advertisements, postings on the Internet, statements from agencies. This supporting evidence is not necessary in case of in-company transfers, internships and most scientific jobs. For a company to apply for a work permit, the candidate must be aged between 18 and 45. If an MVV is required for a particular applicant, the employer can start this process with the IND (‘a request for recommendation for an MVV’) and, with a positive response, the applicant applies for the MVV in their own country before moving and a residence permit once in the Netherlands.

After three years of employment with a work permit and a residence permit in the Netherlands, the employee no longer needs a separate work permit and ‘Arbeid vrij toegestaan. TWV is niet vereist’ will appear on relevant documents. (If this does not happen when your annual permit is renewed, you can apply directly to the IND.) Changing jobs Any changes in your work or partnership status must be reported to the IND. When applying to extend a residence permit, your circumstances will be assessed again in reference to the original application.

If you change jobs, the same rules apply as for the first permit you were granted. So if you worked with a separate work permit, your new employer needs a new work permit as well. If you worked as a highly skilled migrant, your new employer needs to be eligible to apply for residence permits based on the highly skilled migrant scheme.

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The main exception is that, after three years working on any given residence permit which allowed you to work (such as partner or labour with a work permit, excepting highly skilled migrants), you no longer need a separate work permit. After three years of legal stay as a highly skilled migrant you can change your purpose of stay into ‘labour’ which allows you to work without a work permit and without meeting the requirements for the highly skilled migrants scheme.

If you have a highly skilled migrant residence permit and you change job, you do not need to change your permit. Your new employer will need to send proof to the IND that you still meet the requirements of the highly skilled migrant scheme and send in your contract to prove that you still earn the required salary.

It is essential to apply for a new resident permit before the old one expires. If you wait for more than two years after the expiry date, you will most probably have to leave the country to obtain a new visa in your home country.

Highly skilled migrants For expats under this scheme, employers no longer have to apply for a work permit, but they must be a member of the IND Highly Skilled Migrants Scheme. If the employment contract is issued for an indefinite period, the residence permit will be issued for a maximum of five years. If it is a fixed-term contract, the residence permit will be issued accordingly.

Partners of highly skilled migrants can work without a work permit, though they still require a residence permit. If the highly skilled migrant (and/or their partner) has an MVV they can start work immediately. Otherwise they need to wait until the residence permit comes through. They are legally permitted to work in this interim period if they visit the IND desk and get a sticker for their passport which proves that they have applied for a residence permit.

THE NETHERLANDS EXPAT SURVIVAL GUIDE | WWW.EXPATICA.COM

•• EMPLOYMENT ••

Self-employed/entrepreneurs Conditions for granting residency based on self-employment (for non-EU/EEA/Swiss) are that “with your business activities you must be serving a material Dutch economic purpose.”

A points system is in operation for this, which takes into account your personal experience, business plan and what you expect to offer the Netherlands (innovation, job creation, investment etc.). You will also need to prove you have the appropriate qualifications for carrying out your business. If you have a residence permit for an independent entrepreneur, you can’t work as an employee (unless the new employer applies to the UWV WERKbedrijf in the usual way).

Dutch American Friendship Treaty American citizens (under 60) who wish to start a business in the Netherlands can apply under this scheme which has been in operation since 1956. They don’t need to satisfy the Dutch economic interest conditions as above, but they do need to be registered at the Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel, www.kvk.nl), have accounts verified by a qualified accountant, a business plan and substantial capital, and they cannot apply for social welfare.

Students There are no restrictions on working hours for students who are EU/EEA/Swiss nationals; they don’t need a work permit. For other nationalities, there are two options: full-time seasonal work in June, July and August or parttime work (max. 10 hours a week) throughout the year. The employer or agency must apply directly to the UWV WERKbedrijf and the permit will be valid for the same time period as the university registration.

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Working holiday schemes Expats (aged 18 to 30) from Australia, Canada or New Zealand can apply under these schemes to live and work in the Netherlands for one year.

Conditions include proof of sufficient funds.

Job hunting Recruitment agencies are big in the Netherlands and several specialise in recruiting non-Dutch nationals. It’s worth exploring every avenue, from Internet job engines such as www.intermediair.nl or the popular www.monsterboard.nl, to sector-specific sites (architecture, biotechnology, finance etc.)

UWV WERKbedrijf portal www.werk.nl has a useful list including EURES, the European job mobility portal (www.eures.info). Expat forums like Expatica have employment listings (www.jobs.expatica.com/nl). Getting a job through personal contacts is quite common, so don’t be shy about making a direct enquiry to a company or dropping in to a branch of an agency or uitzendbureau.

Vacancy (vacature) advertisements are covered in all Dutch newspapers and senior positions at international companies are often placed in English. The list of companies that are eligible for applying for highly skilled migrants is a useful source and can be found on the IND site (www.ind.nl).

Skills in demand Expats with French, German, Flemish and Scandinavian language skills are always in demand, according to expat agency Undutchables. There is a (worldwide) shortage of engineers and those with technical skills. The job market is also strong for those in finance and IT, sales and marketing and customer service. Be flexible and open-minded; don’t write off specific areas or industries when jobhunting.

THE NETHERLANDS EXPAT SURVIVAL GUIDE | WWW.EXPATICA.COM

Professional Resource Solutions In the world of international recruitment, Madison Parker has consistently delivered high quality recruitment solutions to both candidates and clients.

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Blue Lynx

Employment by Language

Employment by Language for International Professionals English, bi-lingual & multi-lingual employment solutions. Specialists in Recruitment, Executive Search, Contracting and Temping throughout the Netherlands.

A Dutch market leader for over 22 years; employing a select group of international and local permanent staff whose mission is recruitment excellence for our clients and candidates. Our expertise extends to all disciplines of industry including: Finance, Accountancy, HR, Sales, Marketing, Logistics, Technical, IT, Engineering and all other Ofďƒžce Support Staff.

For a broader perspective of Blue Lynx and hundreds of employment opportunities please visit our website www.bluelynx.com Statenplein 19, 2582 EZ The Hague Email: thehague@bluelynx.com Tel. +31 (0)20-406 9180 Teleportboulevard 110, 1043 EJ Amsterdam Email: amsterdam@bluelynx.com Tel. +31 (0)70-311 7829

www.bluelynx.com

•• EMPLOYMENT ••

Contracts and employment law The laws covering employment in the Netherlands are many and various. Your personal contract will determine your pay and specific conditions. Dutch legislation covers key areas such as trial periods, holidays, notice and dismissal, minimum wages, health and safety and equal treatment. The system for dismissal is particularly unusual in being so protective of the employee: In most cases the employer needs permission from the UWV WERKbedrijf or the court to fire you. Useful information regarding working practises, labour law and the minimum wage can be found on the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment website (www.internationalezaken.szw.nl) or the UWV WERKbedrijf website (www.werk.nl). If you want to check the market rate for your salary or calculate bruto/netto rates (before/after tax and social security deductions), then try website www.loonwijzer.nl. It is standard practice in the Netherlands to get extra wages (usually eight percent of your salary) for holidays (normally paid in May) and four weeks of paid leave.

Sanne van Ruitenbeek of Pallas Advocaten provides the following important information: • If you work in the Netherlands, Dutch law is partly and often fully applicable to your employment, even if the law of another country is declared applicable in your contract.

• The number of succeeding employment contracts for a fixed term is limited to three.

The total duration of fixed term contracts is limited to three years. If the duration of the contracts or the number of fixed contracts exceed the legal limit, the employment contract will automatically become a contract for an unlimited term.

• If the contract is for less than two years, the trial period cannot be longer than one month.

The maximum duration of a trial period is two months. During the trial period both employer and employee are allowed to terminate the employment contract with immediate effect.

• The notice period for the employee is usually one month. If the notice period for the employee is extended, the notice period for the employer should be double the notice period of the employee.

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Collective Labour Agreement (CAO) This is a written agreement covering working conditions and benefits that is drawn up by employers, employers’ organisations and employee organisations (such as unions). A CAO operates at company or industry sector level and the provisions (number of holidays, for example) are often more generous than statutory requirements. It should state in your contract whether a CAO is applicable; you don’t have to be a member of a union to benefit. If no CAO applies—they all have to be registered— you will need to negotiate your own terms and conditions. The largest trade union federation in the Netherlands is the FNV (www.fnv.nl).

Working culture Work life and home life are kept separate and office hours will be strictly observed.

Newcomers working at Dutch companies are often surprised by the informal working relationships, horizontal management structures and (lots of) meetings (overleggen) at which every point of view must be discussed to reach a consensus. There’s a punctilious approach to these meetings, indeed social engagements of any kind: always carry your diary (agenda). Colleagues often lunch together (all part of working as an egalitarian team) or there may be a canteen. The working environment in an international company can be very different. Flexible working is common, particularly for families with children (75 percent of women and 23.3 percent men work part-time). However, senior executive women are still some distance from the boardroom. In terms of gender diversity at the top level, “the Netherlands lags sorely behind other countries,” says Mary van der Boon of Netherlands-based cultural consultancy firm Global tmc. However, things are looking up.

According to the EuropeanPWN BoardWomen Monitor 2008, the number of women in Dutch boardrooms has risen from 6.5 percent in 2006 to 12.3 percent in 2008.

THE NETHERLANDS EXPAT SURVIVAL GUIDE | WWW.EXPATICA.COM

•• EMPLOYMENT ••

Cultural competency Many international companies have headquarters in the Netherlands. For senior executives, ‘cross-cultural competency’ tests may be part of the selecti on procedure for international assignments. Following on from standard personality analysis programmes like the Meyers Briggs Type Indicators, these tests analyse personality preferences and prejudices that could affect performance in a new cultural environment; technical competence to do the job is already assumed. Top firms are looking for executives who are open-minded, flexible, mature, who show respect for, and interest in different cultures.

Culturally correct CVs Concise, direct and professional communication is the style for job applications in the Netherlands.

“Remember that a Dutch CV only states facts and figures,” urges the former Centre for Work and Employment (www.werk.nl) UWV WERKbedrijf.

One or two pages maximum in this order: • Personal details (address etc); • Education (courses, not results).

• Work experience (the most recent first is popular with recruiters but some like to see career progression). Include job responsibilities.

• ‘Leisure activities’ are valued “very much”

by Dutch companies, according to the UWV WERKbedrijf. In your cover letter (which should be in Dutch if possible) include more about your motivation for the job, but kee p the tone professional. If you’ve done your research, you should know what the company is looking for and how you fit in.

Social Security The Dutch social security system is one of the most comprehensive in Europe but access to the welfare system is becoming more restrictive.

There are three strands: National Insurance administered by the social insurance bank (www.svb.nl) which includes old age pension (AOW) and child benefit (AKW); Employee Insurance administered by UWV (www.uwv.nl) including unemployment benefit (WW, see below), long-term disability (WIA) and sickness (ZW) and Social Assistance administered by municipalities (www.rechtopbijstand.nl).

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Specific conditions apply to each benefit. Also, do check that your residence rights are not affected if you apply for benefits. Your official documents will need to be in good order: you’ll need proof of identity, valid residence permit, proof of registration with the IND, work permit etc. There have been significant changes in the last few years.

Consult the Ministry of Social Affairs and Welfare website (www.szw.nl) for more information.

Unemployment benefit (WW) Your employment history will determine the amount and duration of payments. It comprises the first two months at 75 percent and thereafter 70 percent, of your last earned salary (there’s a maximum daily rate of EUR 187.77 gross). You must have worked for 26 out of the previous 36 weeks before the first day of unemployment (or fewer if you are a musician or artist not in regular employment). It can be restricted if other benefits are in operation. You apply for benefit online at www.werk.nl or at a local office of UWV WERKbedrijf.

Voluntary work A volunteer is a vrijwilliger and there are many opportunities depending on your skills. Expat advice centre ACCESS is always on the lookout for volunteers in its offices in Amsterdam and Den Haag (www.access-nl.org).

Finding a job Expats seeking a new career challenge in the Netherlands will find ample opportunities.

The Dutch employment market is mature, sophisticated and boasts an impressive array of both local and international companies spread across the Randstad region and beyond. It also has a vast network of specialist and generalist recruitment firms. Many newcomers choose to take the recruitment agency route for speed and convenience, as well as for the valuable contacts that established agencies can tap in to. But how do you find an agency that is both tuned in to the local market and to your personal needs?

THE NETHERLANDS EXPAT SURVIVAL GUIDE | WWW.EXPATICA.COM

Very ambitious. Very Unique.

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Unique Multilingual candidates are fluent in English and at least one other language.In spite of their different cultural backgrounds, our candidates are enthusiastic,motivated and capable of adapting quickly to new work environments.

Unique Multilingual utilises an extensive and professional selection procedure. As a result, we are in an excellent position to meet our clients’ & candidates’ requirements.

Enjoy the benefits of our international experience, network and focus. +31(0) 70 310 27 40 +31(0) 10 503 29 00 +31(0) 20 570 20 94 +31(0) 30 232 63 40 +31(0) 40 239 52 00

•• EMPLOYMENT ••

WORKING WITH AGENCIES Specialist and generalist agencies openly advertise their services on websites geared to expats and are frequent advertisers on job boards and leading publications. Trade directories also carry agency listings and search engines like Google will help you navigate your way to various websites. So how do you ensure that your partner agency will serve your needs positively?

Here are some golden rules: • Make sure you have an up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) in English which fully reflects your skills, education, work experience and personal profile, and try to keep it as concise as possible.

• Always support any application with a clear overview or motivation letter setting out your primary work requirements and career objectives.

• Follow up any application if you hear nothing back within three to five days.

• Always try to meet your agent in person as this can build rapport and trust—and make sure that your CV does not get sent anywhere without your permission.

• Be clear about your work preferences and present yourself in a positive and personable light.

• Stay flexible and be ready to attend interviews as opportunities emerge, but remain patient whilst your agent scours the market for the right opportunity.

• Keep your agent informed of any personal developments which might affect the work they are doing on your behalf.

THE INTERVIEW PROCESS So, you’ve set yourself up with your preferred agencies and the enquiries are starting to flow in. Now you need to prepare yourself for interviews. As an expat, one of your primary concerns may be about language. Fortunately, many HR personnel and other hiring managers in the Netherlands speak English at a high level, but this should not stop you from speaking clearly and slowly. Avoid using jargon or colloquial expressions. Just like in your home country, prospective employers expect interviewees to be well presented, enthusiastic

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and well informed. You should research the company in advance using the internet, and most good agencies will prepare you in the best possible way based on their intimate knowledge of the company. But self-preparation is equally important.

When you receive a job offer which fully matches your expectations, your agent will help you to assess the various aspects of the offer, including salary level, benefits, role progression and career development. Unless you are fully convinced it is the right job for you, allow yourself two or three days to consider all of the angles.

Starting a new job in a foreign country might be a daunting prospect for many, but the Dutch are very tuned into working with foreign nationals and you can be reassured that your new co-workers will be supportive of their new ‘international’ colleague.

Finally, make an effort to learn some Dutch as it will pay dividends in the long run!

Text on finding a job and working with recruitment agencies courtesy of Madison Parker International – Professional Resource Solutions.

A HAPPY expat simply achieves MORE!

Feel free to contact me for a free orientation session.

EVA KEMPINGER M:+31(0)645294404 E: info@expatsatwork.com W:www.expatsatwork.com

THE NETHERLANDS EXPAT SURVIVAL GUIDE | WWW.EXPATICA.COM

•• EMPLOYMENT ••

Recruitment agencies AMERSFOORT Michael Page International Van Asch van Wijckstraat 4b 3811 LP Amersfoort 033 422 1550 www.michaelpage.nl See page 75 AMSTELVEEN Undutchables Burgermeester Haspelslaan 21 1181 NB Amstelveen 020 445 9738 www.undutchables.nl See page 71 AMSTERDAM Adam’s Multilingual Recruitment Orlyplein 10, 24th floor 1043 DP Amsterdam 020 5800340 www.adamsrecruitment.com Blue Lynx Group The Teleportboulevard 110 1043 EJ Amsterdam 020 406 9180 www.bluelynx.com See page 73 Michael Page International Strawinskylaan 421 1077 XX Amsterdam 020 578 9444 www.michaelpage.nl See page 75 Page Personnel Strawinskylaan 421 1077 XX Amsterdam 020 5788 070 www.pagepersonnel.nl

Unique Multilingual Services Paulus Potterstraat 28 II 1071 DA Amsterdam 020 570 2094 www.uniquemls.com See page 77

Undutchables Nassaulaan 1 B 2514 JS The Hague 070 711 8500 www.undutchables.nl See page 71

EINDHOVEN Michael Page International Vonderweg 22 5616 RM Eindhoven 040 243 3735 www.michaelpage.nl See page 75

ROTTERDAM Adam’s Multilingual Recruitment Beursplein 37, 16th floor 3011 AA Rotterdam 010 205 2710 www.adamsrecruitment.com

Page Personnel Vonderweg 22 5616 RM Eindhoven 040 799 9800 www.pagepersonnel.nl

Michael Page International Weena 284-286 9th floor, Tower B 3012 NJ Rotterdam 010 217 6565 www.michaelpage.nl See page 75

Undutchables Veldmaarschalk Montgomery laan 7 5612 BA Eindhoven 040 237 3395 www.undutchables.nl See page 71

Page Personnel Aert van Nesstraat 25p 3012 CA Rotterdam 010 799 9700 www.pagepersonnel.nl

Uniques Multilingual Services Parklaan 85 5613 BB Eindhoven 040 239 52 00 eindhoven@uniquemls.com See page 77

Unique Multilingual Services Westersingel 97 3015 LC Rotterdam 010 503 2900 www.uniquemls.com See page 77

THE HAGUE Blue Lynx Group The Statenplein 19 2582 EZ The Hague 070 311 7822 www.bluelynx.com See page 73.

Undutchables Oudehoofdplein 4 3011 TM Rotterdam 010 404 6650 www.undutchables.nl See page 71

Secretaries by Adams Orlyplein 10, 24th floor 1043 DP Amsterdam 020 580 0342 www.secretariesbyadams.com

Madison Parker International BV Oosteinde 137 2271 EE Voorburg 070 387 5911 www.madisonparker.nl See page 73

Undutchables Westeinde 20 1017 ZPAmsterdam 020 623 1300 www.undutchables.nl See page 71

Unique Multilingual Services Koninginnegracht 62 2414 AG, ‘S-Gravenhage 070 311 7800 www.uniquemls.com See page 77

WWW.EXPATICA.COM | THE NETHERLANDS EXPAT SURVIVAL GUIDE

UTRECHT Undutchables Achter de Dom 14 3512 JP Utrecht 030 238 2228 www.undutchables.nl See page 71 Unique Multilingual Services Maliesingel 39 3581 BK Utrecht 030 232 6340 www.uniquemls.com See page 77 Page Personnel Gebouw Leeuwensteyn Jaarbeursplein 15 3521 AM Utrecht 030 799 0960 www.pagepersonnel.nl

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• • H E A LT H • •

Health

(zorgverzekeringen) and find the cheapest (goedkoopste) basispakket. Both websites are in Dutch.

General medical care is of a high standard in the Netherlands but noninterventionist in nature.

The Dutch healthcare system has undergone radical change in the last few years. It is now mandatory for everyone to have at least a base level of insurance (basisverzekering) or run the risk of a warning and fines. However, you are free to choose your own health insurer (zorgverzekeraar) and change companies once a year.

You must take out insurance with a Dutch insurer within four months of arrival even if you already have an existing policy that gives you cover in the Netherlands. Children under 18 are included in their parents’ insurance. A Dutch insurance company cannot refuse to cover for you for the basic package, regardless of your age or state of health. The standard basic package is pretty much the same from all providers except that costs may vary. If your income is under a fixed minimum level, you can apply for a healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) from the tax authorities (belastingdienst). Visit website www.toeslagen.nl (in Dutch) for more details.

The quality of life is much better here in terms of things such as cleanliness, health care, public transportation and education.

Arwa Lokhandwala, Indian, Rotterdam

The trade association of health insurance providers (www.zn.nl) includes some information in English and the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (www. rijksoverheid.nl/ministeries/vws) has a downloadable leaflet on the health insurance obligation (in 10 languages) as well as detailed information in English on many medical aspects.

At www.kiesbeter.nl (‘choose better’) and www. independer.nl you can compare health insurance 80

Basic insurance The basic insurance covers general medical care (visits to the huisarts, for example), hospital stays, dental care for up to age 22, prescription medicine and various appliances. Costs start at approximately EUR 100 a month. The government keeps tweaking this package.

The quality of medical treatment in the Netherlands is way below that of my homeland. Susan van Heemst, American, Oosterhout

You will need extra coverage for extensive dental treatment, physiotherapy or anything else the government considers to be your own responsibility, and it is in these additional areas where companies compete. You can change the extras each year. Some insurance companies have policy documents in English. It is also worth checking with your colleagues and, if you work at a company, whether there is a collective scheme that provides a discount. Some employers cover (some) costs. If you are self-employed, you may want to take out extra cover. Always check that the healthcare supplier (such as a physiotherapist) is registered with your particular insurer before starting treatment.

From 2010 there is a compulsory excess of EUR 165 on medical bills (verplicht eigen risico) for care not covered under the general health package. For additional treatment, you will pay via your insurer the first EUR 165 of bills. You can choose a higher ‘own risk’ amount in which case your monthly premiums will be lower. The noclaims bonus (a refund of EUR 255 if you made no claim throughout the year) is no more.

THE NETHERLANDS EXPAT SURVIVAL GUIDE | WWW.EXPATICA.COM

Anze

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Excellent care, safety and service. DKV Globality is the international health insurer with a special focus on expatriates – people who study, live or work abroad. It is a calming thought to know that there is always someone at your side with knowledge and experience. A partner who is familiar with the healthcare system in your new country of residence and who knows local cultures, as well as the right people to contact. A partner who makes you feel save and secure. Internationally operating companies and their expatriate staff as well as individuals and their families place their trust in our expertise. With Globality CoGenio® and Globality YouGenio® we offer flexible underwriting solutions, high-level products with comprehensive outpatient, inpatient and dental insurance cover and market leading services around the globe. As an integral part of one of the world’s largest re-insurers your health is always in good hands, no matter where you are.

Call our consultants at +352 270 444 2201 or visit www.dkv-globality.com to find out more.

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DKV Globality. Globally yours.

17.03.10 13:09

• • H E A LT H • •

No smoking Since 1 July 2008, smoking has been banned in cafes, pubs, clubs, restaurants and hotels.

Separate, enclosed smoking zones are possible but food and drink cannot be served in them.

The rule applies to tobacco smoking, not to coffeeshops, although the counter where you buy soft drugs must be a smoke-free zone.

Doctor A huisarts is a family doctor and you need to register with one close to your home. The idea is that they are no more than ten minutes away in case of house calls. Some will turn you away because they are already full. Your insurance company can provide a list or check the local gemeentegids (a guide to everything in your area). Sound out friends and colleagues for recommendations. You’ll need a referral from a huisarts to receive non-urgent medical treatment from a hospital or other specialist health provider (like a physiotherapist). Many practices have a spreekuur (or consultation hour) where you can consult your doctor. At weekends or during holidays you’ll hear a recorded message on their telephone telling you how to contact on-call medical services. For emergencies your huisarts can alert the hospital (for instance, if you’ve broken your ankle while skating, they call ahead to ensure that X-rays are ready to see you). Don’t expect a lot of medication. For instance, Dutch doctors are generally reluctant to hand out antibiotics.

Dentist A dentist (tandarts) can also be located via your insurance company and this is one area where you want to check your policy carefully. Dental care for those under 22 is covered in basic insurance. An annual check-up may be included in the basic insurance package (but not the hygienist fees, for instance). You can pay for additional cover.

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GGD: Healthcare for children The municipal health service (Gemeentelijke Gezondheidsdienst, www.ggd.nl) covers all aspects of children’s growth and development from 4 to 19 years. On the website you can search for your local GGD, but if you have young children, they’ll probably find you first via your registration with the GBA. Inoculations and checks from birth to age 4 take place at the consultatiebureau, which is usually part of the GGD; there’s a big check-up just before starting school. Publications are available in several languages.

Hospitals Accident and emergency is EHBO (Eerste Hulp Bij Ongelukken) and the emergency services number is 112. For a hospital admission for non-emergency treatment, keep your insurance company informed and check your policy. Your insurers will require a referral letter from your huisarts. You need to make the appointment with the specialist at the hospital yourself.

Pharmacies Once you have located a huisarts, you need to locate a nearby pharmacy (apotheek) where you will pick up subscriptions. If this pharmacy deals with your particular insurance scheme, you won’t have to pay bills directly. Pharmacists are highly trained and are able to give advice for minor complaints. Opening hours vary, but the address of the nearest out-of-hours pharmacy will be indicated on the door. Drogisten supply over-the-counter remedies.

THE NETHERLANDS EXPAT SURVIVAL GUIDE | WWW.EXPATICA.COM

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• • H E A LT H • •

Having a baby in the Netherlands The Netherlands has a good record in prenatal care and safe childbirth. A third of babies are born at home. A midwife, an independent medical practitioner, will generally be your sole care provider during your pregnancy and delivery. Should you prefer a hospital birth, just let your midwife know. However, you should also check that your insurer will cover a hospital birth. If you do deliver your baby in a hospital you can often be back at home the same day for postnatal care.

Regular check-ups take place with the midwife.

Prenatal testing and genetic screening are not routine for women under 36 unless there is some medical history that puts her or the baby into a higher risk category. But if you need further tests, your midwife will refer you. There are many types of birth preparation classes, some of which are offered through a local homecare (thuiszorg) organisation, and they can supply a special pack for giving birth at home. Many costs will be covered by your insurance.

Ten to fifteen years ago midwives were more against pain relief. But nowadays, this is an outdated image. Monique Schers, KNOV

Pregnancy yoga is extremely popular, offering a variety of approaches, from gentle breathing and relaxation exercises to more energetic stretching. One of the best things about taking a class is meeting other parents-to-be and sharing experiences, information and concerns.

Finding a midwife The majority of Dutch women are usually cared for by a midwife (verloskundige) during pregnancy and childbirth. Gynaecologists are generally only part of the care process for women who have (or expect to have) complications. You can choose to have your baby at home (thuisbevalling) or at a hospital with a midwife (poliklinische bevalling).

When locating a midwife, word of mouth is best but your huisarts might be able to make a recommendation. You can also visit the website of the Royal Dutch Association of Midwives (www.knov.nl). It is important to let your midwife know your feelings about pain relief from the beginning. Whether you get an epidural or not, for example, will depend on hospital logistics if your labour takes place during the day.

While some women complain that the Dutch childbirth system is becoming too medicalised, and others that it is not medicalised enough, everyone loves the postnatal care (kraamzorg).

Once your baby has arrived, you will be given assistance at home by a maternity nurse (kraamverzorgster). She will monitor you and your baby’s health, teach some general childcare and set up a daily routine. Best of all, it may include household help. The amount of kraamzorg varies (from a few hours a day for eight days to fulltime care) and a representative will come round to discuss what is appropriate. The insurance generally covers the costs.

There is a wide choice of prenatal classes for you and your partner. Advice centre ACCESS runs a number of popular ones, from the general workshop ‘Having a Baby in the Netherlands’ to childbirth preparation and breastfeeding classes.

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• • H E A LT H • •

Health contacts ACCESS: www.access-nl.org ACCESS publishes an excellent Babies and Toddlers book.

Midwives: www.knov.nl Doula: www.doula.nl Thuiszorg: thuiszorg.startpagina.nl Relevant articles on Expatica. com with more useful links and information include ‘Maternity matters What to expect in the Netherlands’ and ‘Childbirth in Holland’.

Medical 112 is the emergency number (for fire, police and ambulance)

Doctor Don’t wait for an emergency before registering with a family doctor.

Find one at www.huisartsen.nl.

Central doctors’ services: Amsterdam: 020 592 3434 Emergency number for nights, weekends and public holidays in the Amsterdam region: 0880 030600.

The Hague (SMASH): 070 346 9669 Rotterdam: 010 290 9888 Information line (not all areas, though they can locate the right number): 0900 1515

Hospital A hospital is a ziekenhuis and a complete list of hospitals and medical centres for the Netherlands can be seen at www.kiesbeter.nl.

Dental Find a dentist at www.tandarts.nl.

Emergency numbers: Amsterdam: 0900 821 2230 The Hague: 070 311 0305 Rotterdam: 010 455 2155 Pharmacy To locate an apotheek: www.apotheek.nl

Health service providers Dentist Lassus Dentistry Lassusstraat 9 1075 GV Amsterdam info@lassustandartsen.nl 020-4713137 www.lassustandartsen.nl See page 86

Health Insurance AXA PP Phillips House Cresend Road Tunbridge Wells Kent TN 12PL www.axapphealthcare.co.uk See page 85

Doctor HADH (Huisarts a/d Herengracht) Herengracht 318 1016 CE Amsterdam 020 524 7079 www.hadh.nl

Bupa International Russell House Russell Mews Brighton BN1 2NR + 44 (0) 1273 718324 www.bupa-intl.com See page 83 DKV Rue Edward Steichen 3 Ludembourg 2540 www.dkv-globality.com See page 81

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Therapy/Counseling Arts & Bolck Therapist Keizersgracht 178 1016 DW Amsterdam 020 468 9086 www.counselingamsterdam.nl See page 86 Expatriate Counseling Egelantiersgracht 628 1015 RS Amsterdam 06 282 440 88 www.expatriatecounseling.com Zensation Nicolas Anslijnstraat 153 1068 WX Amsterdam 06 244 66455 www.zensationamsterdam.com See page 86

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•• HOME BASICS ••

Setting up home Utilities In many cases, the utilities (gas, water and electricity) will already be connected and you just have to have them transferred to your name. If you are paying an inclusive rent, check your contact carefully for what is covered.

Water There are two elements to water payments: a consumption charge based on actual water usage (which is estimated if you don’t have a meter) and a municipal tax for services (sewage, pollution etc). To see which water company covers your area, visit www.vewin.nl or ask at your local gemeente.

Amsterdam - Waternet: 0900 9394 Den Haag/Leiden - Duinwaterbedrijf Zuid-Holland: 079 347 1515 Rotterdam - Evides: 0900 0787 Utrecht - Vitens: 0900 0650 or PWN Waterleidingbedrijf Noord-Holland: 0900 405 0700 Electricity and gas The energy market is liberalised so you are able to choose (or change) suppliers. Most have ‘green’ options, where energy is bought from alternative sources such as wind, water and biomass. Regulatory authorities ensure fair practices and tariffs. On the website of the Office of Energy Regulation (www.dte.nl) there’s a complete list of gas and electricity suppliers (Energiebedrijven > wie is wie > vergunninghouders).

Main suppliers: Dong Energy:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.dongenergy.nl Eneco:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.eneco.nl Essent: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.essent.nl Greenchoice: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.greenchoice.nl Nuon:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.nuon.nl (main supplier for Amsterdam) Oxxio: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.oxxio.nl

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Communication There is a huge range of options from many suppliers with combination deals of telephone (bellen), Internet (surfen) and TV. You then just pay a monthly fee.

Telephones KPN is still the main supplier for landlines.

The easiest way to get connected is often to visit a KPN Primafoon shop with appropriate identification and they can set it up. There are many additional services such as voicemail, call waiting, discounts for favourite numbers etc and deals in combination with Internet and TV. For really cheap international calls you can have calls charged via a cheaper provider. For instance, you rent the line from KPN but the calls go through Tele2, or register with bell1649 (www.bel1649.nl), or use an international calling card which you can buy from independent call shops. In all these cases you key in a combination of codes before dialling overseas.

Internet telephony (such as Skype) is becoming more common. To use a public phone you’ll need to buy a phone card from a supermarket or newsagent.

Mobile telephones The cheapest deal for a mobile will be via a contract (abonnementen) with one of the main suppliers. Shop around or compare the latest rates on www.bellen.com (in Dutch). You’ll need proof of address and income and a bank account to sign a deal. A prepaid phone is more expensive but you can top it up with cards from supermarkets. If your phone is unlocked, you can buy a Dutch SIM. Every phone has a unique IMEI serial number (enter *#06# to find out yours). You’ll need this when reporting a stolen phone.

0800 numbers are toll free; 0900 numbers are charged (per call or minute).

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•• HOME BASICS ••

Internet All kinds of dial-up, ISDN, ADSL and cable options are available which can be combined with telephone and TV deals. Depending on the current TV channel deals, you might go for a TV option from one supplier and telephone/ Internet from another. You can compare deals at www.internetten.nl. It will take about three weeks to set up, and you need a cable connection. There are Internet cafes dotted about and many more with WiFi. If you are in Amsterdam, you can go to the central library (www.oba.nl) which offers free Internet and fabulous views.

Television Cable TV is cheap and widespread. The main provider is UPC and included in the standard package are BBC 1, BBC 2, BBC World and CNN alongside Dutch channels which include the government-owned Nederland 1, 2 and 3 and RTL 4, 5, 7. You’ll also receive Veronica, Net 5 (quality films and drama including popular US serials), National Geographic and the Discovery Channel. Local TV channels are another option.

For Amsterdam it is AT5: Mayor Job Cohen has a regular spot. Subtitling, rather than dubbing, is used except for children’s TV. For more films, sport, or other interests, you can select different options for an extra payment. Check out www.digitelevisie.nl for coverage in your area (by postcode) or compare prices at www. vergelijkdigitv.nl or at any of the suppliers. You get a media box and then pay for your chosen option. Satellite TV is also possible but you will need to be able to fix a dish facing in the right (southern) direction and (of course) there are regulations.

Radio Radio Netherlands (www.rnw.nl) has programming in English. Listening online is becoming more popular.

Suppliers You generally pay every quarter.

CanalDigitaal:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.canaldigitaal.nl KPN:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.kpn.com Scarlet:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.scarlet.nl Tele2:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.tele2.nl Telfort:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.telfort.nl UPC:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.upc.nl UPCLive:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.upclive.nl Ziggo: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.ziggo.nl Satellite www.tvfromhome.nu Phones/Internet www.hetnet.nl www.kpn.com www.t-mobile.nl www.telfort.nl www.xs4all.nl www.vodafone.nl Useful websites Advice:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.access-nl.org Film: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.filmladder.nl Government info:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.overheid.nl News and information: . . . . . . . www.expatica.com Opera:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.dno.nl Restaurants:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.iens.nl Royal family: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.koninklijkhuis.nl Social networking:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.hyves.nl Weather:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.hetweer.nl Website links – by category:. www.startpagina.nl Yellow pages:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.goudengids.nl Telephone directory:. . . . www.detelefoongids.nl Setting up home HEMA (www.hema.nl) is a Dutch Institution for all household matters. Blokker is cheap (www. blokker.nl) and lKEA (www.ikea.nl) is opening more branches in the Netherlands.

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•• TRANSPORT ••

Driving To drive a car in the Netherlands you must have a valid license—recognised by Dutch law—be aged 18, have third party insurance and be driving a registered vehicle. Once you are a resident of the Netherlands (registered in the municipality database) you cannot drive a car registered in another country.

Exchanging a driving license To exchange (omwisselen) your existing national driving license (rijbewijs) for a Dutch one, you must fit into one of the categories below. Otherwise you can use it for 185 days after arrival, after which you must pass the regular CBR theory and driving tests. You can take both the theory and practical exam in English. ‘Drivers in international traffic’— essentially tourists or short-term visitors—are nonresidents on the Dutch roads and do not need a Dutch driving license. Dutch licenses are generally issued for 10 years. If you have a license from an EU country, it is also valid for ten years from the date of issue. You may like to exchange it anyway: it is a valid proof of identity in many cases.

Licenses that can be exchanged: Aruba, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Republic of • Cyprus, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Hungary, Republic of Ireland, Iceland, Italy, (States of) Jersey, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Isle of Man, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands Antilles, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Slovenia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Sweden and Switzerland.

• Specific licenses from Taiwan, Israel, Japan, Singapore, Andorra, South Korea, Canadian Province of Quebec.

Residents with the 30 percent ruling status • (whatever nationality).

For most of the countries listed above, the licenses will be valid for 10 years from the date of issue at the most. Note: Several countries issue a license for less than 10 years.

Apply at a municipal office for an ‘Aanvraag omwisseling voor Nederlands rijbewijs’ form— you must have a BSN and be registered in the municipality database as a resident—and an ‘Eigen Verklaring’ (a CBR statement of health). If you are 70 years or over you need an ‘Uitgebreide Eigen Verklaring’ (an extensive statement of health). There are fees for these. If you are applying under the 30 percent ruling you will need a statement from the tax office’s international department in Heerlen. Additional documentation 90

may be required in certain circumstances so check with your embassy for any specific translation or authentication requirements. You will generally forfeit your original licence (unless applying under the 30 percent ruling).You need a special license for a bromfiets (moped), snorfiets (light moped), or brommobiel (mobility car) (unless you have a license of the A or B category) and you must be 16 or over to get one.

For all information on driving licences visit the website www.rijbewijs.nl, which has an English language section.

Registering and owning a car The hefty disincentive for bringing a car into the Netherlands is the private motor vehicle and motorcycle tax (BPM) levied as a percentage of the value of the car. Exemption certificates are dealt with by customs www.douane.nl. There are many other tax implications for car owners: consult the website www.belastingdienst.nl for full details (in English). Also note that you, as a Dutch resident, may not drive in a vehicle with foreign registration plates as you will be considered to be evading the import duty on the vehicle and road tax and you risk being heavily fined. All cars must be registered with the RDW. You can register a car at a post office with all the usual identification documents and certificate of ownership, statutory liability insurance (WA) and safety certificate (APK).

For second hand vehicles, there is a transfer certificate (overschrijvingsbewijs). A seller should ensure their previous ownership certificate has been officially invalidated. After registering your car, you will receive a bill for road tax (motorrijtuigenbelasting) from the tax office.

The vehicle’s registration certificate (kentekenbewijs) and the certificate of ownership (tenaamstellingsbewijs) must be in the car at all times when on the road.

The APK test (at an RDW approved garage) measures the road worthiness of your vehicle.

For cars brought into the Netherlands, a test is necessary if the car is older than three years. For insurance, check the yellow pages or other sources for suppliers of autoverzekering.

General driving You drive on the right. Unless otherwise marked, the speed limits are 50 km/hr in the city, 80 km/ hr on other roads and 100 or 120 km/hr on motorways. Traffic is an issue (www.trafficnet.nl) and so is parking: for which you generally need a permit. There are various options for paying for parking: by cash, chip or via your mobile phone. See www.parkmobiel.nl or www.park-line. nl or www.yellowbrick.nl. Most Dutch drivers are

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•• TRANSPORT ••

members of motoring organisation ANWB (www. anwb.nl) which can provide breakdown cover (wegenwacht) at home or abroad. There are park and ride (P+R) schemes in most cities and car sharing schemes like Green Wheels and Connect Car are popular options.

Contacts The Department of Road Transport (www.rdw.nl) 0900 0739 or outside the Netherlands +31 598 393330 Driving licenses (www.rijbewijs.nl) Driving tests (www.cbr.nl) 070 413 0300 You can download a brochure ‘Road Traffic Signs and Regulations’ from the website of the Ministry of Transport and Public works (www. verkeerenwaterstaat.nl). For information on traffic offences, the BVOM (Bureau for Traffic Enforcement of the Public Prosecution Service) has details on its website about common offences (www.verkeershandhaving.nl).

Public transport The Netherlands has excellent transport links by air, train, metro, tram, bus and boat. Public transport is cheap, safe and reliable.

The website www.9292ov.nl provides door-todoor itineraries for national travel now also in the English language. Smart-card system, the OVchipkaart, (www.ov-chipkaart.nl) is currently being phased in throughout the Netherlands and it is the official transport payment system for metro, bus and tram in the major Dutch cities. You may still use the older form of ticketing in some regions— check where on the OV-chipkaart website where you will find an English language section (helpline: 0900 0980 (EUR 0.10 p/m).

There are two types of cards: anonymous, which you can buy from the OV-chipkaart machines, or personal, which you need to apply for online or via the post and submit a photo. Your pass can be loaded from one of the OV-chipkaart machines at train and metro stations. You can arrange for your personal card to ‘load’ automatically from a bank account. You pay for the distance travelled through swiping it upon entering and leaving your transport station. You pay for the distance travelled. Personal products, such as season or discount tickets can be loaded to your personal OV-chipkaart and you are automatically eligible for discounts. Night buses have a fixed rate.

Train The Nederlandse Spoorwegen (www.ns.nl) is the national train company running between all main cities. NS offers season tickets and discounts for off-peak travel including the kortingskaart

(‘discount card’) which takes 40 percent off the price of tickets, not only for you but for up to three other people travelling with you. This is a bargain at EUR 55 a year, plus if you order one now it’ll come with an OV-chipkaart built in. Many trains are double-deckers. Tickets are checked regularly and fines are heavy. You save 50 eurocents through purchasing your train ticket via the machines (both the website and machines have English sections) rather than at the counter.

For smaller cities, you can organise a treintaxi when you buy your train ticket. This is a shared door-todoor taxi service at a fixed price (EUR 4.30).

Information lines National transport (local and city to city information) 0900 9292 (EUR 0.70p/m) 0900 555 9292 (EUR 0.70 pm) Text telephone OV-fietspass (bicycle pass) www.ov-fiets.nl (Dutch) Nederlandse Spoorwegen (trains) 0900 9296 (EUR 0.35 p/m).

030 235 7822 (to book assistance 07.00 – 23.00) 030 235 3033 (fax for the hearing impaired) OV-Begeleiderskaart (Carers Travel pass, you will be asked to enter your phone number after the beep, including area code) 0900 1462 (EUR 0.10 p/m) Schiphol Airport 0900 72 44 7465 (EUR 0.40 p/m, general information) - www.schiphol.nl (English section) 020 316 1417 International Help to the Disabled Schiphol Travel Taxi 020 653 1000 National Treintaxi 0900 8734682 (0.35 euro pm).

Valys (Regional Assisted transport) 0900 9630 (local rates) (if you do not make a menu choice, you will be automatically connected to an operator) www.valys.nl (Dutch) Main taxi numbers Amsterdam: 020 677 7777 The Hague: 070 383 0830 Rotterdam: 010 462 6333 Utrecht: 030 230 0400 Het Gooi: 035 691 8888 Credit: The Driving section was updated with the help of Michael Davidson of The International Driving School of The Netherlands (www.driveright.nl).

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•• GROUPS & CLUBS ••

Advice & Information ACCESS Helpline (Amsterdam, English) 020 423 3217 Helpline (Amsterdam, Japanese) 020 423 3218 Helpline (Den Haag, English) 070 346 2525 www.access-nl.org Autism Association for Overseas Families (NL) www.aaof.info BIRTH/BABIES/TODDLERS Parenting in Holland – links, information, Q&As www.parentinginholland.nl Almere: ABCDE - Almere Baby Club for Dutch and English www.parkwijkalmere.nl/ abcde AMSTERDAM: Childbirth preparation courses www.bumpandbeyond.nl International Playgroup www.robbeburg.com The Playgroup www.englishbookshop.nl Delft: Delft Maternity and Motherhood Assistance www.delftmama.nl Den Haag: Birth preparation/baby massage: www.greatexpectations.nl Pre-school (English) www.thewindmill.nl British Club of The Hague www.bwclubthehague. demon.nl International childcare centre www.commealamaison.nl Gorinchem: International children and parents club www.icpc.info 92

Haarlem: English Speaking Contact Group www.english-haarlem.nl

CULTURE

Maastricht: International playgroup www.ipmaastricht.info

InPlayers (Amsterdam) www.inplayers.org

Nijmegen/Arnhem: Information and assistance for the English-speaking community www.fexchange.net Rotterdam: English-speaking mother and toddler group www.intouchnl.com Voorhut: International parent and toddler group www.firstfriends.web-log.nl Voorschoten: Parent and toddler group www.geocities.com/ toddlergroup Business/ Professional Amsterdam American Business Club www.aabc.nl Australian Business in Europe www.abie.nl Connecting Women (The Hague) www.connectingwomen.nl European Professional Women’s Network (Amsterdam chapter) www.europeanpwn.net Junior Chamber International (Amsterdam) www.jciai.nl Netherlands British Chamber of Commerce www.nbcc.co.uk Rotary Club Utrecht International www.ikzie.org Society of English-NativeSpeaking Editors www.sense-online.nl Toastmasters Club www.toastmasters.nl

Anglo American Theatre Group (Den Haag) www. aatg.nl

GAY AND LESBIAN www.pinkpoint.org www.gayamsterdam.nl www.gaysite.nl Gay and Lesbian Rights Organisation: www.coc.nl The Love Exiles Foundation www.loveexiles.org Ladies Fuel www.ladiesfuelinfo. wordpress.com National Australia Aussies in Holland www.coolabah.com/oz/ hollandsite Canada Canadian Expatriates Club of Amsterdam (CECA) www.spetz.ca/CECA France www.alliance-francaise.nl www.amsterdam-accueil. org India www.indiawijzer.nl Ireland Irish Club www.irishclub.nl Latin America CLO Stichting Centro Latinoamericano de Orientación www.cloeindhoven.nl New Zealand New Zealand’s Global Talent Community www.keanewzealand.com Singapore Singapore Netherlands Association www.sna-org.nl

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•• GROUPS & CLUBS ••

Spain La Asociación Hispánica de La Haya www.asoha.nl South Africa The South African Club in the Netherlands www.southafricanclub.nl UK British Society of Amsterdam www. britishsocietyofamsterdam. org British Club of The Hague www.bwclubthehague. demon.nl St Andrew’s Society www. standrews.nl Politics/Activist Amnesty International www.amnesty.nl Democrats Abroad www.democratsabroad.nl Social Amsterdam Expat Meetup Group www.meetup.com/ amsterdam-expat English speaking contact group of Haarlem www.english-haarlem.nl Expatica Forum www.forum.expatica.com/ Netherlands-f207.html Expatica Date www.netherlandsdating. expatica.com

American Netherlands Club of Rotterdam www.ancorotterdam.com American Women’s Club of the Hague www.awcthehague.org Australian and New Zealand Women’s Club www.anzwc.nl English Language Bond of Women Dordrecht www.home.wanadoo.nl/ elbow/elbow.htm MOPS in Holland (Mothers of Preschoolers) www.mopsinholland.org The Petroleum Wives Club of the Hague www.pwc-thehague.com International Women’s Contact Amsterdam www.iwcamsterdam.nl International Women’s Contact Utrecht www.iwcu.nl International Women’s Contact The Hague www.iwcthehague.nl International Women’s Club Breda www.iwcbreda.nl International Women’s Club South Limburg www.iwc-sl.nl

Legal Aliens www.legalaliens.eu

Pickwick Women’s Club of Rotterdam www.welcome.to/pickwick

Leiden Expats Club www.groups.yahoo.com/ group/Leidenexpats

South African Women’s Club in the Netherlands www.sawcnl.com

Meet in Eindhoven www.meetin.org/city/ meetineindhoven Women’s Clubs American Women’s Club of Amsterdam www.awca.nl/amsterdam

Visit the Groups & Clubs section on the Life in the Netherlands section of Expatica.com for our full listing of groups and clubs which covers: Advice & Information; Activist; Art & Photography; City; Food & Wine; Educational; Family; Gay & Lesbian; Language; Literary; Music; National; Political; Professional; Regional; Religious; Social; Sports; Theatre; Women’s and Writer’s clubs.

‘s-Hertogenbosch’s International Women’s Club www.members.lycos.nl/hiwc Women’s International Group Zeeland www.wigz.nl

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•• EMERGENCY NUMBERS ••

Emergency numbers 112 is the number for emergency police, ambulance or fire (www.brandweer.nl). You will be asked for the address and city where you are calling from and the nature of the emergency.

Helplines ACCESS: (www.access-nl.org) Invaluable resource for all international residents.

Amsterdam: 020 423 3217 The Hague: 070 346 2525

Public holidays There are a few regional variations with carnaval celebrated in February and March in Catholic areas. For all Dutch citizens, Queen’s Day is the big one.

Alcoholics Anonymous: (www.aa-netherlands.org) National: 020 625 6057

Sinterklaas (not an official holiday) Sunday, 5 December 2010

Gay & Lesbian Switchboard: (www.switchboard.nl) National: 020 623 6565 Kindertelefoon: (www.kindertelefoon.nl) 0800 0432

Christmas Day (eerste Kerstdag) Saturday, 25 December 2010 Boxing Day (tweede Kerstdag) Sunday, 26 December 2010 New Year’s Day (Nieuwjaar) Saturday, 1 January 2011

SOS 24-hour helpline: (www.SOShulp.nl) - Staffed by Dutch volunteers but many speak English.

0900 0767

Good Friday Friday, 22 April 2011

Gas and electricity emergencies: If you suspect a gas leak (gaslucht) or have a power problem (stroomstoring) the national line is 0800 9009 or, for serious emergencies posing a public threat, call 112.

Queen’s Day (Koninginnedag) Saturday, 30 April 2011

Water emergency: Contact your local gemeente for serious (sewage) issues. Otherwise search the yellow pages (gouden gids) for a loodgieter (plumber).

Lost and stolen: AMERICAN EXPRESS 020 504 8666 DINERS CLUB 020 557 3407 VISA 0800 022 3110 MASTERCARD/EUROCARD 0800 022 5821 LOST PROPERTY SCHIPHOL 0900 0141

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Police: (www.politie.nl) 0900 8844 is the non-emergency number. You will be connected to your local police station.

If your passport has been stolen, contact your embassy immediately for instructions as to what to do next. You generally need to make a statement at a police station to start any kind of official procedure (insurance, applying for a new passport etc.).

Easter Sunday/Monday (Pasen) Sunday/Monday, 24/25 April 2011

National Remembrance Day Wednesday, 4 May 2011 Liberation Day (official holiday every 5 years) 5 May 2011 Ascension (Hemelvaart) Thursday, 2 June 2011 Whitsun (Pinksteren) Sunday/Monday, 12/13 June 2011 School holidays: www.minocw.nl/schoolvakanties

THE NETHERLANDS EXPAT SURVIVAL GUIDE | WWW.EXPATICA.COM

•• INDEX ••

Advertisers index A ABN AMRO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Accintera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 AICS - Amsterdam International Community School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 American School of The Hague. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Amsterdam Beautiful Property Rental . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Amsterdam Business School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Amsterdam Writers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Aupair Anywhere. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 AXA PPP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 B Blue Lynx. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 BNP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 British School in the Netherlands. . . . . . . . . . . . . 51, 67 British School of Amsterdam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Brtitish Airways. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Bupa International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 C Clements International. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Compa Nanny Nederland B.V.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 D De Haan Removals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Dennis Verhoeve Dentist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 DKV Globality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Dutch Housing Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 E Easy Dutch Plus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Eurohome relocation services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Expat Mortgages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 ExpaTax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Expatcenter Amsterdam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Expatdesk Rotterdam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Expats at work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 H Htel Serviced Apartments. . . . . . Inside Front Cover I Interdean International Relocation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 International School of Hilversum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 International School of The Hague. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 L La Maison Shopping Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Lucas Bols BV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 M Madison Parker International BV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

N NHTV Breda University of Applied Sciences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60, 61 Noordam Advocaten. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Nova Relocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 P Michael Page. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Pan Macmillan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 PASBMS Relocation Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 R Renthouse International BV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Roosevelt Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Rotterdam Secondary School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51, 67 RSM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover S Sonar Appartementen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Stoit Groep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 T t&a Relocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 TaalTaal BV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Talencoach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 TaXpat B.V.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Therapeuten Arts & Bolck. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Thousand Hills International Church. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Total Compliance & Outsource BV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Trinity International Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Tulip Expats Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 U Undutchables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Unique MLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 V Vesteda. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover Veth Realty & Consulting BV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Voerman International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 W Webster University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 WTCAA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 Z Zensation Amsterdam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 NEED MORE GUIDES? The Expat Survival Guide will be distributed this year to over 40,000 expats in the Netherlands, through embassies, international companies, expat housing and relocation companies and international schools. If you are involved in managing expats, or run a bookshop, café, bar or restaurant frequented by expats, and would like to distribute the Expat Survival Guide, then please contact us at survivalguides@expatica.com to order your free guides. Delivery is also free within the Netherlands.

WWW.EXPATICA.COM | THE NETHERLANDS EXPAT SURVIVAL GUIDE

95

Expat Information Services Center in the World Trade Center Almere Area Arriving and finding your way in a new country can be challenging. Arranging the official documents, a house, banking and a school for the children can be time and energy consuming.

The Almere Area represents a new, young and ambitious part of the Netherlands with a strong focus on international business. The World Trade Center Almere Area (WTCAA) runs five international programs to facilitate this. The Expat Information Services Center (EISC) program helps you to settle in the Almere, Lelystad, Hilversum and Amersfoort region with a full range of services. In addition the WTCAA focuses on the existing expat community in the Almere Area.

The WTCAA offers you and your family an interesting mix of informative and social events.

Contact details:

Opening hours

Location: WTC ALNOVUM (first floor)

Expat Information Services Center:

P.J. Oudweg 1, 1314 CH Almere-Stad

Monday - Friday from 9.00 to 17.00 hrs

The Netherlands

(by appointment only)

Telephone: +31 (0)36 523 8405 E-mail: eisc@wtcaa.nl, Internet: www.wtcaa.nl

Dit project is mede mogelijk gemaakt door een bijdrage van de provincie Flevoland en de gemeente Almere in het kader van de Investeringsimpuls Flevoland-Almere.

22.10.0036 WT Advertentie Expatica A5 staand.indd 1

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