Moving to the Netherlands

lindsay689

Hi All,

My husband has been offered a job in Leiden, Netherlands and so we plan to move next year. I have never moved country before and would love some advice on moving to The Netherlands and a heads up on what two/three Corkonian's should expect.

Just some context about us. We are having a baby at the end of March (our first!!) and plan to move in May of next year. My husband will be going in February and coming home for about two months before/after the baby. The company will help us to find accommodation. We have a medium size dog that we will be taking, we will be renting out our own home in Ireland. We are planning on taking one car as we may get housing on outskirts. I am a secondary school teacher (Religion and Politics) and as of now am unsure what I will do over there after maternity leave.

Thanks!

SweetSand

Hi :) I have never relocated to Netherlands but I did it twice in my life, 1st time with no kids and 2nd - with 2 kids. 

My main advice will be to try to figure out how “the system” works over there. If your husband’s company have a dedicated relocating person/s - use any help they can offer or if it’s a small company - advice of colleagues. Do not relocate thinking - sure, it’s the same as Ireland and we ll figure it all out as we go along. You will but it will take time. I am talking about simple everyday stuff, like do both of your names have to be on the apartment lease/utility bills, how does the healthcare work, what do you need to register with GP, how does childcare work, how do I set up a bank account, how do I get child benefit or any other benefits like free childcare if there is any, how do taxes work, is there emergency tax like in Ireland and etc. I do not know much about Netherlands apart from visiting Amsterdam but I know a family who relocated to Germany 2 years ago and although things are straightforward there - everything is done by appointment and you can be waiting for one for a very long time. I am sure each country has specifics :)

If at all possible - start networking before you go. I am not on Facebook but if you are - look up different groups like Irish expats in Netherlands and etc. Try to figure out what do moms with young babies do there, like little gyms or read/sing together and etc. Meeting up in the groups is super beneficial for both you and the baby and great place to make friends. My friend relocated with a 6 month old few years ago and mom/babies groups were amazing support for her. Made really good friends and it was a really great way to spend time with baby. It will be lonely sometimes for you as you will be in a new place with new people and trying to figure out things. It was for me for sure, for the first few months after we moved until I started making friends with fellow moms and neighbors.

Ditch the car, as in the idea of bringing Irish car over there. I am not even sure if it’s legal to drive it as a resident there and it’s just dangerous and unsafe. I would either sell it or keep with the family if possible. My other friend did that, she didn’t want to lose NCB so paid tax/insurance for 4 years they were away and used it while visiting Ireland. Public transport is really well developed in most parts of Europe and everyone cycles in Netherlands:))) If you feel like you def need car - just buy it over there but I bet there is a very high chance you won’t need it.

House - renting your house is a good idea, our friends did that. Although they knew the family they rented to and everything was ok-ish on their return, they ended up renovating pretty much most of the house. They paid tax on rent as well. 

Dog - another excuse to make friends and probably the easiest one :) Again, you ll need to find out if it needs to be registered, vet and etc.

 It will be a great adventure for sure. The more prepared you ll be going - the smoother everything will go. Good luck!