About the Netherlands

Living in The Netherlands

The Netherlands is a popular destination for expats. The high standard of living, financial benefits and excellent working conditions make expats happy to come to the Netherlands. For companies that employ expats, this can involve a lot of arranging. It is ideal if you can leave something like an expat residence to a specialized party. That is exactly what Hello Housing provides!

What is it like to live and work in the Netherlands as an expat?

For an expat, some Dutch traditions and customs can take some time getting used to. Especially in the beginning. Snacks that you pull out of the wall, herring bites, taking the bike, thriftiness and of course, sociability. A word that can hardly be translated to another language. Yet the Netherlands has much to offer an expat.

The balance between work and private life in the Netherlands is excellent. This puts the country in the top spot worldwide. In the Netherlands, employees have a lot of free time and part-time work is quite normal. The Dutch economy belongs to the sub top of Europe and almost everyone in the Netherlands speaks English.

Apart from finding accommodation, what else takes into account when housing expats in the Netherlands

If an expat is coming to work and live in the Netherlands for more than 4 months, he or she has to register with the municipality where the expat is coming to live. Do this at the latest 5 days after arrival in the Netherlands. The municipality will provide a Citizen Service Number (BSN) and registration in the Basic Registration (BRP). It is also mandatory in the Netherlands to take out health insurance.

Things that are not compulsory, but which an expatriate should take into account, are

  • Registering with a general practitioner
  • Obtaining a valid driver’s license
  • Have a diploma or training recognized
  • Open a bank account

Living in The Hague

Because of the many international institutions and companies in The Hague, the city has an international character. The inhabitants speak good English and are open to tourists and expats. It will therefore not be difficult as an expat to find your way in this city.

Living in Rotterdam

For a long time, Rotterdam was a city of which Rotterdammers themselves were particularly proud. In recent years the city has also been discovered by outsiders. The New York Times placed Rotterdam in 2014 in the top 10 cities to visit that year. After this, Rotterdam has actually only become more popular.