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9. Living in the Netherlands

The Netherlands at a Glance

Living in the Netherlands

Most expats enjoy living in the Netherlands.

Foreigners and ethnic minorities living in the Netherlands make up about 19% of the population, with most of them living in the Netherlands’ bigger cities like Rotterdam, Amsterdam, or The Hague.

Expat life in the Netherlands will make you realize that the Dutch themselves are welcoming and cordial, albeit rather reserved. Indeed, it is not common for locals in the Netherlands to let themselves be overwhelmed by emotion. In conversation, the Dutch tend to be friendly, but also straightforward and honest. If you are used to distantly polite interaction, this may come as a shock.

Living in the Netherlands: Renting an Apartment

There’s only a limited number of rental apartments available to foreigners living in the Netherlands. Especially in the bigger cities, it is quite difficult to find affordable accommodation. While Dutch nationals have the option of contacting building cooperatives for available housing, expats living in the Netherlands can only go house-hunting on the open market. This means paying higher rents and, if necessary, moving to the suburbs.

Most apartments are offered through real estate agents who usually charge a fee of one month’s rent plus taxes for their services. In addition, you will have to pay between one and two months’ rent as a deposit to your landlord. This charge may be even higher if you decide to rent a furnished (gestoffeerd) apartment. Rental prices vary depending on where exactly you will be living in the Netherlands.

Life in the Netherlands: Buying Property

If you are planning to spend a longer period of your life in the Netherlands, buying an apartment or house is an attractive alternative to renting. Fortunately, there are no restrictions on buying property for foreigners living in the Netherlands. An agent can help you find the right place for your life in the Netherlands. If you want to save the agency fees, you can also check the classified sections of local newspapers.

The following offices provide model contracts for property purchases you make while living in the Netherlands:

• the Dutch Consumer Advice Center (Consumentenbond)
• the Dutch Association of Real Estate Agents (Nedelandse Verenigung van Makelaars)
• the Dutch Homeowner Association (Vereniging Eigen Huis – VEH)

The sales contract does not have to fulfill any formal requirements, but it should state the basic rights and responsibilities of both parties. The transfer of property needs to be attested by a notary living in the Netherlands.

Living in the Netherlands: Healthcare

Leading a healthy life in the Netherlands is quite easy with the country’s comprehensive healthcare system. The government invests a significant share of the annual GNP in the health sector. About 140 hospitals, 330 nursing homes, and 80 psychiatric clinics can be found all over the Netherlands.

The Health Insurance Act (Zorgverzekeringswet) makes it obligatory for everyone living in the Netherlands to have health insurance. Private health insurance providers are committed to accepting every resident in their area. The insured pays an income-based contribution to their insurance providers. The insurance will in turn provide them with a standard package of essential healthcare services.

Life in the Netherlands: Education

School is obligatory for all children living in the Netherlands aged five to 16. Most Dutch schools are privately run, but supervised by the state. They are free of charge for all children living in the Netherlands up to the age of 16. Older children have to pay tuition fees, which are the same for all types of schools (an annual 1013€ in 2009/2010).

The Dutch school system is divided into primary (Basisonderwijs) and secondary education (Voortgezet Onderwijs). After eight years of primary school, a recommendation regarding further academic options is issued to all children living in the Netherlands.