Welcome to the Advance moves information page on Moving to the Netherlands in 2024. - We try to keep this page as up to date as possible to provide accurate information and advice on moving to the Netherlands in 2024 after Brexit. The page below gives detailed info on all aspects of Living in the Netherlands in 2024 and how to undertake a removal to the Netherlands after Brexit. If you want an instant online quote for a removal to the Netherlands in 2024 or beyond, then use the yellow buttons at the top of the page to get an instant quick quote, and then you will receive up to 5 more accurate quotes from professional removal companies all looking to help you with your move to the Netherlands in 2024.
The Netherlands and Holland are a popular destination for an international removal due to work and lifestyle changes and moving to the Netherlands from the UK is easily done due to the close proximity of the two countries. Advance moves specialise in providing removals to the Netherlands from UK for its clients by providing information on how to move to the Netherlands as well as instant online quotes for removals to the Netherlands. Scroll down to read up on just about everything you need to know about removals to the Netherlands and then living in the Netherlands, as well as everything you need to know about moving to the Netherlands from UK after Brexit.
With the UK now out of the EU many Brits are asking about removals to the Netherlands after Brexit. Well, there is a transition period up to the 31st December 2020 where nothing actually changes with regard to Removals to the Netherlands, if you’re are a British Citizen. During this period negotiations will be on going between the UK and the EU as to the state of play after the transition period expires. It’s fair to say that a removal to the Netherlands after the transition period will be a more complex process than before, so if you are thinking of moving to Holland after Brexit then its best to get it done before the transition period expires. Advance moves can help with that. Use the yellow buttons at the top of the page to get an instant online quote for your removal to the Netherlands before the end of the Brexit transition period.
To make your move to the Netherlands after Brexit its best to start planning things now. Use this page to read up on how to gain residency in the Netherlands as once you have moved to the Netherlands. Once you have completed your removal to the Netherlands the next thing you will need to do to stay in the Netherlands is to become a legal resident. The info below will help guide you on how to become a resident in the Netherlands so you can legally, live, work and stay in the Netherlands after Brexit.
The information below will give you a wealth of info on how to move to the Netherlands after Brexit as well as helpful links to UK government sites that give further updates on the withdrawal agreement and the ongoing negotiations. It’s an easy way to keep up to date with what’s going on, but the advice from Advance moves is to get your removal to the Netherlands done sooner rather than later. The yellow buttons at the top of the page on this website have an online quick quote generator that can provide you with a quotation for your removal to Holland in just 30 seconds. With your removal costs estimated for a move not just to the Netherlands but to anywhere in the world.
But moving to the Netherlands from UK after Brexit isn’t enough. It’s very important that you obtain residency in Holland prior to the Transition period deadline of 31st December 2020, although this date could be put back to allow for more time. Before this date a removal to the Netherlands is straight forward. After this date things with regard to removals to the Netherlands are bound to become more complicated.
If you are in the Netherlands for more than 3 months, you must apply for residency. To do this, you must register with your local Municipality Administration (Gemeente) who can tell you what you need to do and the documents you will require to live in the Netherlands.
If you are resident in the Netherlands before the transition period ends on 31 December 2020, you will be able to stay. Many people are moving to the Netherlands prior to this date to make sure they can stay in the Netherlands.
During the transition period, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) will write to you at your registered address held by your local council (gemeente). The letter will tell you how to obtain the new residence document to be able to live in the Netherlands.
If you already have a valid EU residence document (duurzaamverblijf), you will still need a new residence document. The IND will invite you to exchange your current document for a new one.
If you have Dutch citizenship or a valid Dutch national residence permit, you don’t need a new residence document. You will not receive the letter. You can continue to live in the Netherlands as before.
Read the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service’s guidance on residency and how to obtain new residence documents. It’s also worth checking out the European commission questions and answers page on the rights of EU and UK citizens, as outlined in the withdrawal agreement.
If you are in the Netherlands for study purposes only, your educational institution will apply for a residence permit on your behalf. The educational institution can only submit a residence permit application for you if they are recognised as a sponsor by the IND.
To obtain a residence permit for studying in the Netherlands, you must:
If you are under 30 and live in the Netherlands for study purposes only, you cannot enrol with a Dutch health insurer for the mandatory basic health insurance.
If you have a part-time job during your studies, you become subject to Dutch social security legislation and are required to have mandatory basic health insurance with a Dutch health insurer. This is also the case if you have a zero hours contract, volunteer position or internship.
You will be able to study in the Netherlands broadly as before if you are in the Netherlands by the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020. You will be able to use a UK-issued Student EHIC for the duration of your studies.
If you work or volunteer alongside your studies, you will become subject to Dutch social security provisions and must take out mandatory health insurance.
For more information visit the Nuffic website and read the Dutch government’s guidance on studying in the Netherlands.
The rules on travel will stay the same until the transition period ends on 31 December 2020. During this time you can continue to travel to countries in the Schengen area or elsewhere in the EU with your UK passport.So moving to the Netherlands is no problem.
You can apply for or renew your British passport from the Netherlands.
Check your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip. Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay.
You’ll need to renew your passport before travelling if you do not have enough time left on your passport.
Whilst many people actually refer to the Netherlands as Holland, this is actually incorrect. Holland is a region of the Netherlands and not another name for the entire country. So removals to Holland after Brexit are usually just a reference to removals to the Netherlands after Brexit. All procedures and legislation is the same as a removal to the Netherlands.
Use the yellow buttons at the top of this page to get an instant online quote for your removal to the Netherlands. Enter some basic info about your removal and in 30 seconds you will have an instant online quote for your removal to Holland emailed to you. But how do you get the best price for a removal to the Netherlands. That’s easy, just wait, once you get your quick quote for your removal to the Netherlands you will then get up to 5 more accurate quotes for your removal to Holland. Advance moves selects the best movers to undertake your removal with some of the best levels of service and most competitive prices. The service is free and leaves you to choose the mover that best suits your removal requirements. So save time and money on your removal to the Netherlands with advance moves quick quote.
To save money on your removal to the Netherlands the first thing to do is to reduce the volume of effects that you want to move to the Netherlands. Make sure you are only taking things that are worthwhile and that will survive the journey. The expensive solid oak table is good, but those cheap chipboard wardrobes are best of staying behind. You can buy them new in the Netherlands cheaper than the cost to transport them, plus chipboard doesn’t travel well. Then try and dismantle anything that you can and flat pack it or box it. Use clothes and bedding and linen as padding in boxes. All of this saves on space and volume is what you will be charged on for your removal to the Netherlands. Finally make sure all movers are quoting on the same volume and service before deciding on the best mover for you. Cheapest isn’t always the best for a removal to the Netherlands.
Use the advance moves quick quote system to get yourself up to five quotes for your move to the Netherlands and then choose the mover that suits you. It’s the quickest and easiest way to get quotes for your removal to the Netherlands and save time and money on your move to Holland.
If you move to the Netherlands, you must arrange health insurance within 4 months of your arrival. The basic Dutch health insurance (basis verzekering) covers general medical care, such as visits to a local GP and hospital care. You can read UK government guidance on health insurance in the Netherlands.
If you are a resident of the Netherlands and purchase basic Dutch health insurance, your access to healthcare will not change.
Read more UK government info and guidance on who can access healthcare in the Netherlands and how to register.
If you live in the Netherlands and receive an exportable UK pension, contribution-based Employment Support Allowance or another exportable benefit, you may currently be entitled to state healthcare paid for by the UK. You will need to apply for a certificate of entitlement known as an S1 certificate.
You can apply for an S1 certificate through the Business Services Authority.
If you are resident in the Netherlands, you must not use your EHIC from the UK to access healthcare in the Netherlands.
When you travel from the Netherlands for a temporary stay in another European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland, you can use an EHIC to access state-provided healthcare in that country. During that short stay:
There will be no changes to your healthcare access before 31 December 2020. You can also continue to use your EHIC, as you did before, during this time.
You should also read guidance on:
If you are a student, read further information about healthcare:
There are plenty of job opportunities when you move to the Netherlands, it has a vibrant job market.
Read the UK government guidance on working in an EU country.
To apply for a job you may need to apply for a:
If you are resident in the Netherlands on or before 31 December 2020, your right to work will not change, as long as you remain resident in the Netherlands.So moving to the Netherlands before this date will help you.
Many people move to the Netherlands from UK for a different way of life. So why move to the Netherlands, what makes moving to the Netherlands such a great thing to do. Well the Dutch are very welcoming and friendly, they are also very direct and honest so you can expect some straight talking. BY moving to the Netherlands you will notice that a lot of people cycle everywhere. The work life balance is one of the best in the world. Things are organized and structured well. Moving to the Netherlands means you can speak English just about everywhere and the crime rate is low. It’s a safe country to move to. Its also pretty easy to find work and get a good job. Moving to the Netherlands is a good move to make.
The UK has a double taxation agreement with the Netherlands to ensure you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.
Existing double taxation arrangements for UK nationals living in the Netherlands have not changed.
For more information, you can read the UK government guidance on:
We recommend you get professional advice on paying tax in the Netherlands. Find an English-speaking lawyer in the Netherlands.
You may also be able to pay National Insurance while abroad so that you protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances.
If you are employed or self-employed in the EU or EEA and you have a UK-issued A1/E101 form, you will remain subject to UK legislation until the end date on the form.
You will need to tell the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving or retiring abroad.
If you retire in the Netherlands, you can claim:
For more information you can read the Dutch government’s guidance on Dutch social security, including pensions.
There will be no changes before 31 December 2020 to the rules on claiming the UK State Pension in the EU, EEA or Switzerland as a result of the UK leaving the EU.
You can continue to receive your UK State Pension if you live in the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you can still claim your UK State Pension.
If you are living in the EU, EEA or Switzerland by 31 December 2020 you will get your UK State Pension uprated every year for as long as you continue to live there. This will happen even if you start claiming your pension on or after 1 January 2021, as long as you meet the qualifying conditions explained in the new State Pension guidance.
If you are living in the Netherlands before by 31 December 2020, you will be able to count future social security contributions towards meeting the qualifying conditions for your UK State Pension.
If you work and pay social security contributions in the Netherlands, you will still be able to add your UK social security contributions towards your Dutch pension. This will happen even if you claim your pension after 31 December 2020.
Read the UK government guidance on benefits and pensions in the EU.
You will need to tell the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving or retiring abroad.
You may still be able to claim some UK benefits like child and disability benefits if you live in the Netherlands.
You should:
Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit cannot be paid to you if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.
You may be eligible to claim some Dutch social security benefits. Read the EU’s guide to benefits in the Netherlands.
You can request proof of the time you’ve worked in the UK from HMRC if you are asked for this.
There will be no changes before 31 December 2020 to the rules on claiming UK benefits in the EU, EEA or Switzerland as a result of the UK leaving the EU.
If you are living in the EU, EEA or Switzerland by 31 December 2020, you will continue to receive any UK benefits you already receive. This will continue for as long as you live there and meet all other eligibility requirements.
If you work and pay social security contributions in the Netherlands, your UK social security contributions will be taken into account when applying for Dutch contributions-based benefits. This will happen even if you claim contributions-based benefits after 31 December 2020.
Read the UK government guidance on benefits and pensions in the EU.
Driving licence rules will stay the same until 31 December 2020.
Driving licences can be exchanged at your local council (gemeente). More information about the process can be found via the Netherlands’ Vehicle Authority (RDW).
For information on driving in the Netherlands, read guidance on:
When driving in the Netherlands, you should always carry your:
You cannot vote in the European Parliament elections. We will provide more information about voting rights in the Netherlands as soon as it becomes available.
You may be able to vote in some UK elections. You can:
Currently, if you are resident in the Netherlands you can vote in local municipal and European parliamentary elections. For more information you can read the European Union’s guidance on elections abroad.
If your child is born in the Netherlands, you will need to register the birth abroad.
If someone dies in the Netherlands you can:
Find out how you can get married abroad.
You may also need:
Top tips for buying a property abroad
For all emergencies dial the European emergency number on 112.
People with disabilities can use the emergency application, a web-based emergency access and relay service.
If you’re the victim of crime, have been arrested, or are affected by a crisis abroad, contact your nearest British embassy or consulate.
Tell the UK and the Dutch authorities if you are returning to the UK permanently.
If you get a UK State Pension, you must tell the International Pension Centre.
If you get healthcare in the Netherlands through the S1 form, you must contact the Overseas Healthcare Team on +44 (0)191 218 1999 to make sure your S1 is cancelled at the right time.
Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on, amongst other things, tax, access to services and bringing family members.
Visit TextFancy.com to make your strings more stylish. Pick emojis and other characters, generate ascii art and more.
Advance Moves can save you time and money when it comes to Removals to the Netherlands after Brexit. We can give you an instant online quick quote for your removal to the Netherlands or anywhere in the world, which is then backed up by up to 5 free quotes from moving companies specially selected from our list of agents and partners to cover your area and requirements. You then have the choice of selecting the mover and quotation that is best for you, saving both time and money in obtaining a competitive removals quotation.
If you are Moving to Amsterdam after Brexit and especially if you are moving to Amsterdam from the UK, or any destination in the Netherlands then make Advance moves your number one choice. We run a regular service moving to the Netherlands making Moving to Holland an easy and cost effective solution.
Advance moves have become leaders in the field of international and European removal services, and Moving to Holland from UK / Moving to Netherlands from UK is on one of our main routes
For international moves we can arrange Shipping to Holland or if you are after a more economical European removal option then you could consider One way van hire to Holland.
Just enter your basic removal requirements into our quick quote system and you will have an instant online quote for moving to the Netherlands from UK or any other move requirements, so if you're moving to Netherlands or an employment relocation move to Amsterdam then just obtain a quick quote to get the ball rolling.
Are you an expat working and living in the Netherlands? Or are you to moving Amsterdam soon or, Rotterdam or any other of the Dutch international hotspots? If you are a citizen of one of the EU/EEA member states, you do not need a visa to move to the Netherlands. We can provide quotation whether you are looking at moving to the Netherlands from the UK, or One way Van hire to the Netherlands.
Expat life in the Netherlands has much to offer and provides a great intercultural experience – from discovering the countryside like the Ijsselmeer, learning how Dutch people celebrate Koninginnedag (Queen's Day), up to tasting the Netherlands’s favorite dishes such as stamppot. If you are considering moving to the Netherlands from the UK, below is some information that may help you on your way.
Do you associate the Netherlands with tulips, windmills, and cheese? In fact, there’s a lot more worth knowing before moving to the Netherlands: Thanks to the country’s diverse and liberal society, expats rarely have difficulties adjusting to life in the Netherlands. Moving to the Netherlands from a Western culture is on the whole a painless experience. The Dutch strive for an egalitarian society and are known for their liberalism, welcoming religions and traditions from elsewhere. But this doesn’t mean the Netherlands doesn’t have its own rich cultural heritage – far from it. A move to Amsterdam might be just what the doctor ordered, if you fancy a change in life.
As far as moving to the Netherlands after brexit is concerned, nothing will change until the transition period has expired which is currently scheduled to end on 31st December 2020. Until that date you can still move and live in the Netherlands. However it is essential to gain Dutch residency within this time frame to be able to stay in the Netherlands once the transition period expires. If you are looking to move to the Netherlands then do it before the transition period expires. Use the yellow quick quote buttons at the top of the page to obtain an instant online quote to budget for your move to the Netherlands and get yourself moved whilst the process of moving to the Netherlands is relatively simple. For further information and updates on the Brexit withdrawal agreement, visit the British government information page on moving to the Netherlands after Brexit
The Netherlands has one of Europe’s lowest rates of unemployment a good reason to move to Amersterdam?, which combined with the 30 percent tax-free allowance available to people moving to work in the Netherlands, makes for an attractive work destination. But this allowance is mainly for people with specific skills which are rare within the local labour market.
The Dutch labor law establishes the framework for all aspects of working in the Netherlands. General requirements and conditions are laid out as follows:
Most employees are granted between 20 and 25 days of vacation per year.
The Dutch are known for their healthy work-life balance and many people work part-time.
If a Dutch employer wants to hire someone from outside the EU, they have to prove a Dutch citizen or someone from another EU country can’t fill the position – which is rarely the case.
In recent years, new jobs have been created in different economic sectors all over the Netherlands, such as logistics, services and trade, or information and telecommunication. Huge foreign investment in the Netherlands by over 300 companies such as Tesla and easyJet has created thousands of jobs since 2015. You might also want to brush up your Dutch if you consider working in the Netherlands. Fluency in English is indispensable, too. The most important economic sector in the Netherlands is agriculture. In fact, the country is one of the most significant exporters of agricultural products. Germany and the UK in particular purchase fresh produce from the Netherlands on a regular basis. Other areas, such as the automobile industry and sustainable energy, are gaining considerable importance as well.
The Dutch Labor Administration (UWV Werkbedrijf) can help you find a job if you are an EU/EEA citizen interested in working in the Netherlands. To sign up, you need to provide proof of your EU citizenship and your income tax number.
Your salary for working in the Netherlands will vary depending on your sector of employment, much like the UK. The highest salaries can be found in financial services, chemicals, and law. However, if you should be employed in the Netherlands’ textile industry or agriculture, chances are you will be earning a lot less.
A law on the minimum wage for working in the Netherlands regulates the income of employees aged between 23 and 65.
In July 2017, the unemployment rate in the Netherlands was 4.8%. You will, however, find that there are huge regional differences for employees working in the Netherlands. During 2017, there was a 40% increase in the number of vacancies in Zeeland. However, while Utrecht and Zeeland are known for their high employment rate, Flevoland has the highest number of people without a job.
If you are interested in starting a job in the Netherlands, you should also be aware of some legal issues: EU/EEA citizens, for instance, don’t require a work permit. People of other nationalities, however, will need one before they can start working in the Netherlands.
One of the world’s most densely populated countries, living in an apartment is commonplace in the Netherlands.
Expats can either rent or buy apartments in various styles and locations to suit their budget – but it makes sense to live in the city where amenities and new friends will be close by. Dutch accommodation is generally of a high standard and most apartments feel spacious with large windows and high ceilings.
Expats will need to move quickly when they find an apartment as the best ones get snapped up quickly. Although light and airy, the Dutch tendency to tack the kitchen onto the living room’s back wall isn’t always practical.
Apartments in the Netherlands are either furnished, unfurnished or advertised as a shell. Shell apartments may seem like a bargain, but renting one often means having to buy everything, including carpets and white goods. Finally, some rental agencies charge a month’s deposit and a month’s rent as a finder’s fee on top of all the other relocation costs. You may want to look at moving to Netherlands from the UK your household effects or One Way van Hire to Holland in order have your things from home around you.
The Dutch lifestyle is so lively, it sometimes seems like they’ll use any excuse for a public celebration.
The Grote Markts’ easy-going café culture and the summer music festivals that pop up in parks and public spaces are ideal for meeting up with friends. There are also well-supported cultural events throughout the year, where museums and galleries open their doors to the public for nominal fees. The Dutch do like their organised celebrations, but their aftermath can look devastating as the streets overflow with litter – although, to be fair, it’s almost all cleared away before lunchtime the next day.
The Netherlands compares favourably to the UK and the USA when it comes to crime statistics. Expats will likely feel secure, and even large football crowds are usually family friendly and require few police officers. Nevertheless, as with anywhere, there are areas it’s probably best not to hang around at night. New arrivals will find out where these are quite quickly. Most safety issues in the Netherlands seem to come from bicycles. Cyclists often weave in and out of traffic without safety helmets, and it’s worth bearing in mind that in a collision between a car and a bicycle, the car driver will be held responsible.
Moving to the Netherlands from another Western country hardly feels like culture shock. Almost everyone is tolerant of non-Dutch speakers and speaks English. They also have an inclusive culture that isn’t materialistic, in which employers, employees and people of all ages socialise.
While the Dutch are happy to speak English to new arrivals, they’re justifiably proud of their language and expect expats to learn the basics. Dutch seems like a cross between English and German, so many of the words sound familiar, but getting to grips with its guttural "G" sounds can be challenging.
The Dutch are known for their directness, which takes time to feel comfortable with and can be misunderstood as rudeness when it’s more a desire for clarity and understanding.
The health service in the Netherlands is efficient, waiting times are usually short, and prescriptions can be ordered via telephone and collected the same day. Doctors generally speak impeccable English and give generous appointment times.
Health insurance in the Netherlands is expensive and doesn’t always cover what expats might expect, so it’s important to read the small print. Finding a doctor or dentist after arriving can be difficult and expats may find that dentists don’t offer enough pain relief. Local anaesthetic may cost extra. Doctors’ automated phone systems can also be challenging for non-Dutch speakers – expats may want to note the numbers needed to press to make an appointment and keep them by the phone.
The Netherlands hosts one of Europe’s busiest airports – Schiphol International – and Rotterdam has one of the world’s biggest ports. For a small country, the Dutch do transport on a large scale. The Dutch have long been known as a nation of travellers and it’s easy to see why – most of Europe is easily accessible by car, train or boat, and anywhere else is just a flight away.
Cars aren’t necessary for city residents and it’s possible to travel throughout the country using its extensive network of trains and buses. Almost everyone uses a bicycle for any journey within a few miles. Embracing this habit will increase expats’ fitness levels while doing their bit for the environment and blending in with the locals.
Due to the sheer density of the population, rush hour congestion is common. The usually efficient Dutch trains can be prone to unexpected cancellations, and it’s important to keep bikes chained as theft is widespread. Also, while cycling in the Netherlands is good for fitness, the rain can make it a wet experience.
Traffic in the Netherlands is comparatively relaxed. However, in case of any traffic violation, the owner of the vehicle is held responsible. This means that you have to pay any fines which arise even if you were not the driver who caused the offense. If you don’t pay the fine on time, it will be raised by 25–50%.
When you buy a car in the Netherlands, you have to get insurance for it. This may not be necessary if you travel to the Netherlands for a short visit only. Still, it is advisable to bring an international insurance card along. you may look at shipping to the Netherlands from the UK a car that you already have, once you have registered the vehicle you will need insurance from a Dutch provider. Insurance companies grant a discount for accident-free driving.
You will also be charged a motor vehicle tax (Motorrijtuigenbelasting — MB) for your car as soon as you register it. The exact amount is determined by the weight of the car, the kind of fuel used and the municipality in which you live. If you buy a hybrid car, you may benefit from tax advantages.
Each of the seasons brings its own magic to the Netherlands. The blooming tulips are an iconic sight in spring and the almost-Mediterranean summers stay light until late Skaters fill the frozen canals like a postcard during winter. But autumn is best of all, when the turning leaves transform parks and forests into a golden blaze of colour. Even though it sometimes feels Mediterranean, it isn’t. The Dutch weather changes quickly, especially in the summer, alternating between humid heat and thunderstorms several times a day.
Unlike many other countries, independent stores are common, and shopping at specialist cheese and chocolate shops is a particular treat. The supermarkets are somewhat small, but expats should still find a few of their favourite home brands. Most places host weekly food markets which sell an abundance of fresh produce. The Netherlands has some of Europe’s best drinking water, another bonus is that it isn’t necessary to buy bottled water . The restricted opening hours may take a while to get used to. For example, banks and most shops are closed till 1pm on Mondays and only major cities regularly offer Sunday shopping.
The Hague, aka the “International City of Peace and Justice”, is home to many expats due to the presence of more than 150 international organizations. Most of them are of a judicial nature, strengthening the city’s reputation as the legal capital of the world. This legacy dates back to 1899, when the world’s first peace conference resulted in the establishment of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. Other organizations include the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, and Europol, to name a few.
As the seat of the Dutch Royal Court and Government, The Hague is also home to many foreign journalists, politicians, and civil servants. All foreign embassies and government ministries are situated in The Hague. The city also hosts the European Library and numerous academic institutions devoted to the study of international law.
Education in the Netherlands
Children attend secondary school for 4 to 6 years. There are three types of secondary schools in the Netherlands:
Admission to HAVO and VWO is subject to academic achievement. Foreign languages have a high priority in all types of secondary education. Besides English, a second foreign language, usually French or German, is obligatory. VWO and HAVO may even require a third foreign language.
International Schools
International schools are, of course, a popular alternative to Dutch schools for expat children, with English being spoken in all of them. They are mostly located in bigger cities such as Amsterdam or The Hague. Some primary schools also offer an international academic program for expat children.
The Foundation for International Education in the Netherlands (Stichting Internationaal Onderwijs) has a list of international schools for newly arrived expat families. You can use the search form on their website to find the right school for your child. It also provides contact information for different schools plus additional details on the curriculum and fees.
University in Netherlands
Places in university degree courses are usually assigned centrally by the Centraal Bureau Aanmelding en Loting of the Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs (DUO) in Groningen. Some universities, however, also offer a decentralized selection system. In that case, you should get in touch with the school of your choice. When you have been admitted, you still have to register with DUO.
Many Dutch universities also offer academic programs in English and/or German. However, for most majors fluency in Dutch is obligatory. The fees are the same all over the country and can be paid at once or in installments. In some cases, students have to pay Instellingscollegegeld instead, for example when they study at a private institution. This sum is determined by the individual university and usually higher than the average annual fee.
Once a mere 13th century fishing village, Rotterdam is the Netherlands most modern city today. Europe’s largest port is sometimes referred to as the “Gateway to Europe”, due to its strategic location in an extensive network of waterways reaching all across the continent. As a result, Rotterdam is widely recognized as an international commercial center, and moving to Rotterdam would put you right on the pulse of all that is happening in the Netherlands.. Very bike friendly like Amsterdam, Rotterdam boasts several historic districts for visitors to explore. The popular Delfshaven district is where the pilgrims launched sail from in 1620, and the summertime festivals and carnivals there attract visitors from nearby European countries every year. Erasmus Bridge is highly unique and imposing, but highly regarded as a work of art, as it soars over Europe’s largest harbor. By far, the most popular visitor stop is at the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, where artworks on display span from the Middle Ages to modern times, including masterpieces by Dali, Van Gogh, Bosch, and Rembrandt.
Do you like taking a trip on the waterways? Maybe moving to Gouda would suit you. Gouda is a typical Dutch city with lots of old buildings and pretty canals, and is a popular destination for a day trip, thanks to its great rail- and highway connections. The city is famous for its cheese, its stroopwafels (syrup waffles), candles and its clay pipes. Attractions in Gouda include the beautiful 15th century town hall and the amazing glass windows in St. Janskerk. The compact city center is entirely ringed by canals and is a mere five minutes’ walk from the station.
Maybe moving to Groninger would suit you? This culturally diverse university city is small but boasts two colleges, making it the main place to visit in the northern part of the Netherlands, especially concerning the arts, business, and education. Museum lovers never tire in Groningen, as the Groninger Museum is one of the most innovative and modern in all of Holland, and there is additionally a graphical museum, comics museum, maritime museum, and a university museum. Music and theater abound in Groningen, and many street cafes feature live entertainment. Because of its high student population, nightlife hotspots are a huge attraction, with The Grote Markt, the Peperstraat, and the Vismarkt being the most popular.
If you love gardening and horticulture moving to Haarlem could be for you. The center of the tulip bulb-growing district, Haarlem is unofficially dubbed Bloemenstad, which means ‘flower city’ and is naturally the home of the Annual Bloemencorso Parade. This quiet bedroom community lies along the shoreline of the Spaarne River and boasts numerous intact medieval structures around town. Visitors enjoy shopping and perusing the stunning architecture and museums along the Grote Markt city center. Popular museums in Haarlem include the oldest museum in the country, the Teylers Museum, which specializes in natural history, art, and science exhibits. Art aficionados find themselves drawn to the Franz Hals Museum where many Dutch masters’ works rest.
If you like history then moving to Utrecht is for you. The rich Middle Age history of Utrecht is very apparent in the city’s architecture, with its most unique feature being the inner canal wharf system that was created to stave off parts of the Rhine River from invading the city center. Utrecht’s claim to fame may be the fact that it boasts the largest college in Holland, the University of Utrecht. Another notable visitor attraction in Utrecht includes the awe-striking Gothic Cathedral of Saint Martin, a 200-year structural feat that began in 1254. Architecture and museum enthusiasts should not miss the Dom Tower, the Rietveld Schroder House, and the Museum Speelklok, which boasts a vast collection of striking clocks, music boxes, and self-playing musical instruments.
Best known for its dynamic city square, the Vrijthof, moving to Maastricht in southern Holland will see you living in the home of the impressive Saint Servatius Church, the Saint Jan’s Cathedral, and the old fortifications, or Vestigingswerkens, are huge draws for visitors here. Many annual festivals take place at the Vrijthof, with local favorites arriving in autumn and winter, and this bustling town square also boasts amazing cafes, hip bars, and interesting galleries and shops. Other popular attractions in Maastricht include the St. Pietersberg Caves and the Helpoort, the oldest surviving town gate of its kind in the Netherlands.
Best known for the contemporary art exhibits at the Gemeentemuseum Den Haag and the Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis, Moving to the Hague is arguably one of the most extraordinary places to live in the Netherlands. Known as the Royal City by the Sea due to its Dutch Royalty citizens, visitors often enjoy spending time along the North Sea in the warmer months at the sea town of Scheveningen. Several notable monuments and historic districts are easily traversable in The Hague, and travelers can peruse the luxury department stores, cozy shops, and international art galleries with ease. The Binnenhof, the seat of the government of the Netherlands is also located in The Hague even though Amsterdam is the capital. Other attractions in The Hague include the miniature city, Madurodam and a 360 degree panoramic view of the Scheveningen Sea in the 19th century at Panorama Mesdag.
For a quite life moving to Leiden could be the answer. The picturesque city of Leiden is a great place to visit for its scenic, tree-lined canals that are marked with old windmills, wooden bridges and lush parks. A boat ride down one of these lovely canals makes for an unforgettable experience. Attractions in Leiden include the numerous museums that range from science and natural history to museums dedicated to windmills and Egyptian antiquities. The Hortus Botanicus offers sprawling botanical gardens and the world’s oldest academical observatory. Visitors can also admire the beautiful architecture of the 16th century Church of St. Peter and check out its association with several historic people, including the American pilgrims.
Moving to Amsterdam, the Netherlands’ largest city and its financial and cultural capital, could be the answer if you are looking at job prospects. The headquarters of many Dutch corporations and institutions are located here, as are the regional headquarters and branches of multinational corporations and financial institutions. After all, Amsterdam is home to the world’s oldest stock exchange. Being the country's major economic, commercial and finance hub, it provides many career prospects for expatriates. Known to be the Netherlands' cultural capital, it also offers quality living to its residents in a dynamic and innovating environment.
One of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, Amsterdam is widely known for its party atmosphere, cannabis practice and the red light district. With over 1500 fabulous monumental buildings and just as many bridges, visitors to Amsterdam spend much of their time exploring the eccentricities and marvelous museums dotting the 60 miles of canals across the city. The Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum Museum are the most popular stops for history and art seekers, while the Prinsengracht area is one of the best places for shopping, gallery viewing, pub crawling, and checking out the unique coffee shops in Amsterdam.