Zoekjaar  – translated literally it means “search year” – refers to a status for graduates with advanced education who would like to work in the Netherlands after graduation.   Think of a zoekjaar as an orientation year for graduates from universities and schools in the Netherlands or abroad. The government is aware of your skills … Continued

Forewarned is Forearmed By Wijnand de Gelder Don’t forget that you are making things easier for potential burglars if you leave a door or window open to a room that you are not in – if even for a few minutes. Be sure to shut them, even if you are only going to take a … Continued

Financial Asset and Emotion   The song Driving home for Christmas probably expresses best that a house is much more than a pile of bricks. That it is, in fact, a vital part of one’s wellbeing.   When preserving the family home is the goal, it might be advisable to work together with a notary … Continued

For many people, the topic of a will is a difficult one. As is the timely considering and arranging of a prenup or a cohabitation agreement. We would understandably rather not consider the unpleasant things that could happen to us, let alone make arrangements for them. Though it must be said, once we have taken … Continued

A Good Option for Your Child Who Doesn’t Speak (Fluent) Dutch? By Annebet van Mameren   In the almost six years Annebet van Mameren has been advising international parents on the most suitable schools for their children in the Netherlands, bilingual schools must have been the topic they have discussed the most frequently. Many of … Continued

It has been more than 32 years since ACCESS was founded, but still, Community Education plays a similar function; that of offering something to help internationals, expats if you will, from feeling isolated in their new surroundings, or offering them different opportunities to improve upon skills, learn new ones, or prepare for their new lives … Continued

When relocating anywhere in the world, for an extended period of time, finding a place to live is among the first steps which need to be taken. Intuitively we know this can be of vital significance in getting settled. More often than not, though, the urgency of having to find a place overrides moments of … Continued

The Dutch Social Security System If you legally reside and/or work in the Netherlands then, in principle, you are subject to the Dutch social security system, unless you are exempt under EC Regulation 883/2004 or a bilateral social security treaty (both of which you will read about further on). The same goes for your partner … Continued

By Yolanda Bokhorst   Isn’t it wonderful when you meet the love of your life? And when you then decide to make it official, by getting married? For a marriage to be valid, you have to enter into it in accordance with the formalities of the country in which it is being carried out. Of … Continued

By Annebet van Mameren   More and more international families relocating to the Netherlands. While previously most expats received an extensive relocation package from their employers, these additional benefits are no longer standard. As you can imagine, not everyone is able to pay for an international school themselves. Research shows that many internationals plan to … Continued

When you move to another country, you are faced with its rules and idiosyncrasies. Not only in daily life and at work, but also when it comes to other, more formal rules. The author has learned that many of her expat clients are not aware of the myriad Dutch tax rules that apply to them … Continued

Each Comes With Its Own Rules   Whether you want to buy or sell a house, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind. In this article, a few words of advice for you, tailor-made to which side of the negotiating table you are sitting on.   Negotiating a Real Estate … Continued