Question: I'm planning to come to the Netherlands. What are the necessary requirements and preparation do I need to make?

Answer:

Coming to the Netherlands takes a reasonable amount of time, effort and preparation. You need to follow certain procedures and comply with certain requirements and documentations depending on the following factors:

• Duration of stay in the Netherlands
• Nationality
• Reason of your stay

Please have a look at website of the Office of Immigration and Naturalisation Service in the Netherlands. You will find in the website detailed information on what you should do before coming to the Netherlands. You just need to provide information that relates to the factors stated above for you to find out details on the necessary requirements that one needs to comply before coming to the Netherlands.

Except for official procedures from the Immigration Authorities there are other administrative things that may be done as well. The most important are:

• have an insurance for costs of health care (until you are insured in the Netherlands) and your belongings;
• arrange accommodation (house, apartment or temporarily a hotel);
• if you have children: look for an international school and/or childcare;
• make sure that you have access to your bank account and can withdraw money from the ATM;
• if you or any family members use medicine, take some supplies with you and a declaration from your doctor that you need these medicines. In this way you don't need to find a doctor immediately after arrival to get a prescription;
• look if you are allowed to drive a car in the Netherlands with the driving license from your home country.

These things are not compulsory but it is best to have them sorted out before coming to the Netherlands.

Furthermore, ACCESS can help with information about housing, childcare/international schools, driving license and other information that one might need as an expat in the Netherlands. Should you need further information on these, please let us know and we will provide you with details as soon as possible.

Another website that may be of use to you is www.newtoholland.com. This site provides information about the arrangements you will need to make if you come to the Netherlands, whether temporarily or permanently. The information provided is geared towards your personal situation.

ACCESS has comprehensive guides covering frequently encountered issues by members of the international community in the Netherlands. You might find one or more topics that we have useful. You may download the ACCESS Guides from here.