When you come to live and work in the Netherlands, you will have to deal with rules, customs and facilities that may be different from those in your home country.
The Netherlands is a small country in Western Europe. Many people from other countries live and work here. The country has good facilities such as public transport, education and healthcare. There are clear rules about employment, housing and taxation. That is why it is important to prepare well.
In the Netherlands, you can live in a city or a village. You can rent an apartment or a house with a garden. Many people rent a house first. There are rules to protect tenants. If you are buying a house, you can get help from a mortgage broker and a buying agent.
Everyone in the Netherlands has a right to healthcare. You have to take out health insurance. This insurance covers the cost of a visit to the doctor or hospital. Many doctors and nurses speak English.
Childcare is available for young children. You can choose a day nursery, childminder or after-school care. For children from 4 years old, there is primary school. There are also international schools. Children who do not speak Dutch yet can get extra language lessons.
Many people in the Netherlands speak good English. Still, it is important to learn Dutch so you can participate better at work and in the neighbourhood. There are many language schools and classes. Some of them are offered free of charge by the municipality. You can learn in a group or online.
If you fled from Ukraine, you can live in the Netherlands temporarily under the Temporary Protection Directive. The municipality will help you find a place to live, for example in a reception centre such as a sports hall or hotel. If you can you arrange accommodation yourself, that is good too. You must always register with the municipality. This gives you access to important services such as healthcare and education.
Read more on the Refugee from Ukraine page
You must have health insurance. It costs about €160 a month on average and ensures you will get good care. This is basic insurance. It covers care provided by a GP, hospital or specialist. Many medicines are covered by this insurance too. Basic insurance covers many costs. You sometimes also have to pay a small part of the costs yourself. This is called the 'excess'. You choose your own insurer and can switch insurer once a year.
Yes. You can rent a home even if you are new to the Netherlands. Many people start off in a rented home. There is social sector housing, which is more affordable, and private sector housing, which is more expensive. Sometimes you have to wait for a home. You usually have a tenancy agreement and have to pay a deposit. The landlord cannot simply decide to raise the rent or evict you. You can also seek help from a housing association or estate agent. In the Netherlands, there are rules that protect tenants.
No. Learning Dutch is not compulsory, but it is a smart thing to do. Speaking Dutch will help you participate better at work and in your neighbourhood and communicate with your doctor. Almost every town and city has language schools or classes run by the municipality. Some classes are free. You can learn in a group, with a tutor or online. Even if you already speak English, understanding a little Dutch will help you feel at home faster.
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