What to do if you are coming to live in Wassenaar from abroad
In cooperation with The Hague International Centre, the municipality has created a step-by-step guide for newly arrived (international) residents. Moving to the Netherlands can be quite challenging, especially when navigating Dutch laws and regulations. In addition, aspects such as the Dutch housing market and healthcare system often raise many questions. This guide is therefore designed for anyone moving to the Netherlands, and specifically to Wassenaar. Each step contains a link to more information provided by The Hague International Centre, the expat center of the municipality of The Hague.
Before you move
Before you move to the Netherlands, there are several things you need to arrange, such as a visa and/or work permit. Other points in this step-by-step guide may also apply to you, and it may be helpful to arrange these things before you leave for the Netherlands.
Upon arrival
Once you arrive in the Netherlands, you will need to arrange certain matters with the authorities. Please note that some of these tasks in this overview are mandatory and in some cases must be completed within a few days of arrival. Health ensure that you arrange these matters in a timely manner.You must register with the municipality within five days of arrival to obtain your BSN (citizen service number). In addition, you must sign contracts for utilities (gas, water, electricity, internet) and open a Dutch bank account to receive your salary from your employer. In addition, Dutch government agencies use DigiD for their digital communication with residents, so you must create an account for this system. Please note that different procedures apply to diplomats. We advise them to contact the municipality's Customer Contact Center.
Establish
Once you reside in the Netherlands, there are several things you will need to arrange, mainly related to accessing and navigating the Dutch healthcare system. It is important to note that having health insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands, so Health make sure you arrange this in a timely manner. Some important things are registering with a general practitioner, as well as with a pharmacy and a dentist. You will have to arrange this yourself. In addition, in many cases you will need to exchange your driver's license from your home country for a Dutch driver's license.
Works
Once you start working, it is important to become familiar with the Dutch tax system and your rights and obligations as an employee. It is also helpful to understand how social security matters are organized in the Netherlands.
Social
Finally, becoming familiar with social life in the Netherlands can improve your living experience. Here are a few tips to get you started.
In Wassenaar:
Useful websites
Here are some websites that can help you navigate life in the Netherlands.
Government Services
- Rijksoverheid: Information about Dutch laws, regulations and government services
- Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND): For visas, residence permits and work permits
Healthcare
- Health Insurance Line: Information about compulsory health insurance
- Thuisarts: Reliable health information in Dutch (useful for understanding GP advice)
Housing
Work and taxes
- Tax Office: Dutch Tax Service for tax-related information
- UWV: Information about unemployment benefits and social security
General expat support
- IamExpat: A resource for expats in the Netherlands covering a variety of topics
- THIC: The Hague International Centre, offers support for expats
Transportation
Useful phone numbers
- Emergency number (police, ambulance, fire department): 112
- Police (non-urgent): 0900-8844
- Fire department (non-urgent): 0900-0904
- National Poisoning Information Center (NVIC): 088 755 8561
- National Gas and Electricity Fault Number: 0800-9009
- Municipality of Wassenaar: 14 070