Relocating to the Netherlands
Tip: Do you know someone who is planning a move to the Netherlands? Share this article with them and make sure they get the right help!
What to do when relocating to the Netherlands? And how to make this transition as smooth as possible for you and your family? Especially at this time of year, we receive a lot of questions around these topics. Housing is on top of the list, but planning a relocation to another country involves much more.
If you have found yourself in the position of moving internationally you already know how it goes: it starts with getting all your papers in order, so that you can get a visa and a residence or work permit. Once that is sorted, you need to find an accommodation. This is especially important in the Netherlands, where you need to have a residence address in order to register at your municipality and receive your social-security number (BSN) . This number is necessary to work, go to the doctor, open a bank account, and much more.
Finally you start moving, and you might want to bring with you some belongings, maybe your pets. How to do so? What documents do you need? For instance, if you need to import your car, you might have to pay import fees, arrange for the registration of the vehicle, and make sure your driving licence is still valid.
All together it's a lot to take care of, which can make it a stressful and challenging period! However, there are ways to make this process run smoother and save you lots of headaches during your first months in the Netherlands.
To start, you can read through the official immigration checklist from the Dutch government.
Where to get help with your relocation?
Our best tip at Leiden International Centre is to make use of services from experts. You are not alone in this transition, and we have a network of trusted professionals that can help you at every step.
Some services are available for free, while others require a fee. Of course it's understandable that you want to save on costs during the move, but we see that often employing an expert can save you money (plus time and stress) in the long run. Money spent towards settling these initial matters is money saved from possible fines, unwanted extra costs, and can help you to plan your move for less
Our helpdesk and resources
As Leiden International Centre, we offer free support to internationals who plan to relocate to Leiden and the surrounding region. On our website you can find an answer to most of your questions, and for the ones you can’t find yourself we have a friendly helpdesk professional, Ruth, who can help you. You can contact her at helpdesk@leideninternationalcentre.nl, or schedule a free video call appointment.
If you are not sure where to start, we suggest getting familiar with our online resources
Are you planning to move to the Netherlands, but not in the Leiden region? There are 11 international welcome centres across the country that can offer you a similar support.
BSN registration services
When you first arrive to the Netherlands, and plan to stay for longer than four months, you must register to receive a social security number (BSN) at your local municipality. To do so you can schedule an appointment for free via your municipality's website.
However, you can also pay for an appointment with Leiden International Centre to benefit from the following:
- Shorter waiting times: It's difficult to get your life started in the Netherlands without a BSN. Our appointments are available within 2 weeks (often much faster). You will receive your BSN immediately.
- No address? No problem. Finding a long-term address can be challenging due to the housing crisis. However, we may be able to temporarily register you at your employer’s address. This is possible if your employer is located in Leiden, Leiderdorp, or Voorschoten.
To learn more about how to make a BSN registration appointment with us, you can visit our dedicated webpage.
Relocation agencies
Relocation agents like PAS BMS and Jimble are specialised professionals who support individuals and families when moving to another country. Each company has a different offer, but the range of services normally includes
- Immigration services: arranging for a visa and/or residence/work permit
- Moving services: help with importing belongings and pets
- Housing: help with looking for a house that meets your needs – either before or after arrival. Oftentimes relocation agents can go to house viewings on your behalf. As a client, you benefit from their local network which eases your access to the Dutch housing market. Most relocation agencies can also help you with checking your rent contract or purchase agreement.
- Settling in: relocation agents normally support their clients for a few months after moving. This can mean help with arranging utilities, getting a valid driving licence, or registering with a doctor.
In most cases, a relocation agency can help you with one or more of the above issues, depending on your individual needs and circumstances. Taking care of everything yourself is possible, but working with an expert can save you time and energy. It may also save you money. For example, with housing secured before your arrival you won't have to pay for short-stay accommodation. Make sure to discuss relocation support with your employer, who may assist in covering relocation support costs.
School advisors
For families relocating with children, navigating a different school system can be confusing. On our website you can find an overview of the Dutch school system and information on how to make the right choice for your family.
If you have doubts, you can also ask for support from professional school advisors, like Young Expat Services. They can explain how the Dutch school system works and advise you on the best path for your children. For instance, should they be enrolled in a Dutch public school, or is it best to go for an international one? How can your child access the Dutch school system? And what about children with special needs?
Some school advisors are also able to visit the schools with you, or in your place, and support your family in the enrolment process.
Job platforms
Many people relocating to the Netherlands will already have a job in the country, but this is not always the case, especially for spouses and partners. There are various resources available when you are job hunting. On our website we have an entire page of information about looking for a job in the Leiden region
- Work in South Holland - find thousands of job positions for English speakers in South Holland, as well as information about working here and useful events for job seekers
- Welcome to NL - access a national job board for English speakers
- In Leiden, the Werkcentrum is free to access and open every day. The website is in Dutch but they support internationals too!
- Undutchables is a specialised recruiter for internationals in the Netherlands
We hope that this overview will help you navigate the relocation process without stress. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to our helpdesk!