It's an exciting prospect to move to the Netherlands.You will be among some of the tallest, beer loving people in the world.Since the Netherlands is a flat country, it is easy to get around on a bike or foot.There are a lot of things to love.If you are planning to move to this beautiful country, you should have a plan for employment and housing.
Step 1: If you are moving from within the EU, you don't need a visa.
A number of countries with a common visa and no border controls are part of the Schengen area of Europe.If you are a citizen of one of the European Union, European Economic Area or Switzerland, you don't need to worry about getting a visa.You will need a visa if you are from Croatia, a new EU member.Depending on which passport you use to enter the country, you may need a visa if you have two nationalities.
Step 2: For less than three months, apply for a C-visa.
You can apply for a short-stay visa if you want to move to the Netherlands for three months or less.You can live in the Netherlands for up to 90 days within a six-month period.Sixty euros is the cost for a short stay visa.If your employer has a work permit in your name, you can work with this type of visa.You can't apply for a residence permit with this type of visa.
Step 3: For periods of longer than three months, apply for a long-term visa.
If you want to stay in the Netherlands for more than three months, you will need a long-term visa.You apply for the visa at the same time as your permit.Depending on where you are coming from the process will be slightly different.You need to make an appointment with the Immigration and Naturalisation Service for the residence permit.If you are travelling from the UK, you can apply for a visa through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which has a Netherlands Visa Application Center.If you are from the EU, USA, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and other countries, you don't need a long-term visa.You still need a residence permit.You can make an appointment with IND by calling.They are open from 9am to 5pm on Mondays and Fridays.The cost of long term visas can be found on the website.If you are travelling from one of the European Union or European Economic Area member states or from Switzerland, you don't need a visa.To inquire about specific visa requirements for your situation, visit a Netherlands Embassy.
Step 4: You should visit the doctor to get the vaccinations you need.
You should do a check up and get health certificates before you move.Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is one of the vaccines you should get.If you aren't travelling from the US, you may need a vaccine.
Step 5: The documents should be brought from home.
To register with the Gemeente, you will need official documents.You have to get an official translation of your documents if they are not written in Dutch, English, French or German.Extra copies of important documents, such as your birth certificate and marriage certificate, make sense.Bring a valid passport or personal identification with you from home.A residence permit can be found in your passport, ID card or letter.A rental contract.You have a certified copy of your birth certificate.You have to have a foreign marriage certificate, divorce certificate or registered partnership.
Step 6: You can find an address to register.
Before you register with the Gemeente, you need to find a place to live, as you will need a rental contract or agreement to get your social security number.Some property owners don't allow registration because it increases their taxes, so if you're looking for a place to live, you need to ask if they allow it.If you have friends in the Netherlands, you should ask them for help finding an apartment.You can find rental groups in the Netherlands on Facebook.If you are studying in the Netherlands, you may want to live in a university.
Step 7: You can make an appointment to register.
When you arrive in the Netherlands, you should book your appointment with the Gemeente.If you want to book a day and a time, ask them when the next appointment is.If you are moving to Amsterdam, you can call the Gemeente.You can call if you are moving to Utrecht.If you know the city you are moving to, you can see if they have online appointment booking.You can find the website for the Gemeente at your final destination and book an appointment online.
Step 8: You should learn the language.
Most people in the Netherlands speak English, but you should learn the language.If you speak their language, people will appreciate it.You can find a language class upon arrival.Dutch can be difficult to learn, but it is worth it if you want to move to the Netherlands.
Step 9: There is a job in the Netherlands.
Before moving to the Netherlands, you should consider your employment prospects.Because most jobs require strong Dutch language skills and there are restrictions on hiring people who are not citizens of the European Union, you should be prepared for a long job search.Your employer may be able to sponsor you if you are a scientist or highly trained professional.
Step 10: You can convert your currency to Euros.
The more money you bring, the better you will be in the Netherlands.The Euro may be worth less than your own currency.
Step 11: There are online foreign language services at the bank.
If you want to pay with foreign bank cards in the Netherlands, you should open a Dutch bank account.Few banks offer good online English services.
Step 12: Do you know how you'll be covered for health care?
In the Netherlands, you have to have health insurance.Basic coverage is available for just over a hundred dollars.You should make sure you have travel and health insurance.You will be fined if you don't get insurance within three months.Basic medical aid will be given to you, but you can expect a high bill if you are not insured.Every hospital has a fund for people without papers who need urgent medical aid.Australia, Cape Verde Islands, Croatia, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, Vojvodina, Bosnia-Herzegovina and The Republic of North Macedonia are among the countries that have agreements with the Netherlands on health insurance.
Step 13: Prepare for culture shock.
Driving on another side of the road or the temperature may take some getting used to.Try to laugh it off.Things will come in time.
Step 14: Meet new people.
The local pub, gym or school is a good place to meet Dutch people.Unless you've made your way into their circle of close friends and family, the Dutch generally don't invite you to their home.You can meet people at work, at the gym, or at your hobby club.It is helpful to get in touch with fellow countrymen when making your first steps into Dutch society.Expatica is one of the richest resources for expatriates in the Netherlands.
Step 15: After five years of residence, you can become a citizen.
You can become a Dutch citizen after living in the Netherlands for five years in a row.You will need to prove you can speak Dutch, adopt a name that can be easily pronounced in Dutch and give up your other citizenship.The process for applying through the IND takes about a year.