Relocating to Holland from UK

Will Schiphol Airport Become a Harbour?

When moving to Holland by plane you may land below the sea level. With ¼ below sea level and ½ less than 3’ above, the Netherlands are flat and low. The airport is 14 ½ feet below sea level. The city of Amsterdam is built entirely on poles; there are around eleven million poles holding the city up. The average house needs ten poles but the Royal Palace has 13,659 poles. These are fixed on a sandy layer beneath the clay, around 35’ deep.

Amsterdam has 60 miles of waterways in which around 25,000 bicycles end up every year, despite this there are more bicycles than residents. In fact, The Netherlands has the highest population density in Europe – and Dutch people are the tallest people in the world, the average man being just over 6’tall.

The Netherlands was a founder member of the EU in 1952. It has been a member of the Schengen Area since 1985. The capital city is Amsterdam and the currency the euro. Originally, Holland was a part of “

Netherlands”, which extended beyond its present boundaries, and although many people refer to the country as Holland, the correct name according to the EU is the Netherlands, despite the boundary changes.

Registering Essentials

It goes without saying, that if you’re relocating to Holland from UK you will need to register – either with our local municipality or, if you have a sponsor through work, with the Expat Centre. And although you do not need a residence permit, to successfully register yourself you will need:

• ID
• Work contract – proof of economic viability
• Original birth certificate English is acceptable
• Family documents – marriage or divorce certificates etc
• Proof of residence

When you have lived in the Netherlands for 5 years or longer you are eligible for a long term residence permit.

You need a personal public service number (BSN). You will receive your BSN after you have registered. You need this to get the compulsory medical insurance in Netherlands. Failure to do so means that you may be fined and billed retroactively for any medical treatment you have received.

Customs

Although Britain is not a member of the Schengen Area, and therefore customs formalities apply, because we are members of the EU, there is little of consequence to concern the average Briton relocating to the Netherlands.

Most goods bought within the EU for personal use may be imported without restrictions, including currency, although there are limits to the amount of alcohol and tobacco allowed.  Firearms require a permit from Dutch customs before you go. You may bring in small quantities of cut flowers – without soil.

Follow this link if you want to learn more about moving to Holland from UK.

Expats

There are several sites where you can get information about expat clubs, news and communities. These three sites will give you a taste of what is available.

http://www.expatica.com/nl/life-in-netherlands/expat_voices_list.html

http://www.internations.org/netherlands–expats

http://www.expatsblog.com/blogs/netherlands

Tips for moving to Holland

• Do not expect the Dutch to anticipate your needs – if you need help, just ask.
• Bring your bike (or rent one, once you get there). Netherlands are famous for having some of the most bicycle friendly cities in the world.
• Visit the town hall as soon as you arrive. And, although it can be a struggle for a foreigner, don’t bother asking a native to come with you – unless they absolutely have to, they won’t. Dutch word “Gemeente” (the Town Hall) is made from the word “gemeen”, which means “mean”, and that’s for a reason. Nobody likes to go there.
• Don’t be disheartened if you fail to make friends in Holland. When it comes to friends the Dutchman prefer quality over quantity.