Mon, 28 May 2012
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If you've just landed in the Netherlands it's tempting to start exploring, but there are some essential tasks to get through first. Our guide takes you through your first few days in the Netherlands. Expat benefits
Find out if you are eligible for the Dutch 30 percent ruling and use the services of the various expat centres to help you cut through the red tape.
Report to immigration
Register with the GBA (gemeentelijke basisadministratie persoonsgegevens) at your local town hall within 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. Read Expatica article Dutch immigration and residency regulations for detailed information on registration, visas and permits.
Open a Dutch bank account
After choosing a bank in the Netherlands you'll need to go along with your passport and/or residence permit and BSN (Burgerservicenummer), proof of address (for instance bevolkingsregister extract, utility bill, rental contract). 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 salary slip. For more information read Expatica article Opening a Dutch bank account.
Find 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? Visit our Housing section for more information on buying and renting property in the Netherlands or make use of Expatica Housing search.
Set up home
Find out how to get a telephone, broadband connection and sort out utilities. Click here for more information.
Organise childcare (pre- and after-school if necessary)
Find out how the Dutch childcare system works and what child allowance and benefits you are entitled to.
Find a job
If you need a work permit, go through the red tape and obtain one. Next, sign up with agencies which specialise in finding work for expats or start your search online. Job searchers should sign on with specialist agencies or start their search online. Read our two-part guide to working in the Netherlands. Make use of Expatica's Job Search.
Learn Dutch
The Dutch are great linguists, but don't let that stop you learning Nederlands. There are plenty of language classes for all levels. Visit your local town hall to see what courses are on offer. Expatica offers tips on how to go about learning Dutch and where to find a language course.
Take out health insurance and register with a doctor
Choose a health insurer and find a doctor and dentist. Know who to call outside of practice hours. Read our Guide to the Dutch healthcare system for detailed information.
Find out if you can exchange your driving license
Read Driving in the Netherlands for the general rules of the road and details on whether your license is exchangeable and how to obtain Dutch license should this not be the case.
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' such as the online Expatica Community.
Our Editor's guide to Relocation to the Netherlands has more useful links.
A guide to telephone, internet and television along with utility services water, electricity and gas in the Netherlands.
Lost in the Dutch immigration system? Look no further than this guide compiled for our Survival Guide 2012.
Expatica offers a whistle-stop tour of life in the modern Netherlands.
The challenges and benefits of the maternity system in the Netherlands and how it differs to other countries.
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