Settling-In Tips from
Staff at Crown Amsterdam

What is special or unique about your city?

The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is called "the Venice of the North" due to its many beautiful canals. In addition, the center of the city boasts nearly 7,000 national monuments - from 15th century fortifications to the grand gables of the Golden Age. Amsterdam is synonymous with the arts. Clustered around the Museumplein at the southern end of town, you will find three museums (van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum and Stedelijk Museum) and a world-famous concert hall. The city is also home to the Dutch national ballet and opera company. Some of the greatest pleasures in Amsterdam are the simplest, such as a walk along the canals admiring the stately houses along the way. And for a break from city life, many Amsterdam locals visit nearby Het Groene Hart (The Green Heart), a largely agricultural area east of the urban Randstad zone.

What are a newcomer's first impressions of your city?

In Amsterdam, everyone can be who he or she wants to be! The population of Amsterdam is comprised of over 171 nationalities, which does a great deal to promote an atmosphere of cultural and religious tolerance.

Are these impressions likely to change?

No.

What is the local language?

Dutch.

How easily could I live in this city without knowing this language?

Almost everyone living and working in the Netherlands is able and willing to speak English. It would be very unlikely that you would have to speak Dutch.

What are good things to remember in order to avoid offending the other residents of this city?

Nothing special.

How might the local weather affect my daily life?

The warmest months of the year are June to August, when temperatures range between 21 and 26 degrees Celsius. There are rarely extreme temperatures, and even in winter the temperature does not often fall far below freezing point.

Is there anything else I should know about the overall character of your city or its people?

A compact city with a population of just around 750,000, Amsterdam is human-sized. You can cross the city in half an hour on foot - or by bicycle if you are a true Amsterdammer!

Useful Links

General Amsterdam information (includes an English version) www.amsterdam.nl Netherlands information for expats www.expatica.com/index.asp

 

As a foreign resident, what is my status in your country?

As a non-EU resident you & your company can apply for a Knowledge Migrant status. In that case you do not need a work permit, only a residence permit. In the case that you are not a knowledge migrant and are a non-EU resident, your employer will need to apply for a work permit. An expatriate who intends to stay in the Netherlands for longer than three months must register with his or her municipality. The IND in your municipality will also issue a residence permit to you. In some cases, a MVV (preliminary residence permit/entry visa) is needed before an application for residence permit is possible. The IND will check if the MVV and work permit have been obtained.

What kinds of visas are available?

Before entering the Netherlands for a period of less than three months (either for business or tourist purposes), foreigners from a number of countries need to have a visa. There is an extended list of visa-duty countries which changes every three years. All non-EU citizens need to have a MVV Visa - provided by the Dutch embassy or consulate in the transferee's home country when the expected stay in the Netherlands is longer than 3 months. A MVV is a national visa in the form of a sticker in your passport. Exempted from MVV-duty are EU-countries, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, Australia, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Switzerland and Monaco.

What is required to obtain these visas?

Foreigners who need visas must request them in person at the Dutch embassy or consulate in their home country. Required documents are a passport and an invitation letter from your employer in the Netherlands. This letter should state your name and date of birth, the purpose of your visit, your passport number, a description of the relation between you and the company and a guarantee regarding the possible costs made by your visit. You will also need to show a return ticket and adequate travel insurance.

Are spouses permitted and/or likely to find work?

Yes, although a spouse needs his or her own work permit. Crown Amsterdam can explain in detail which rules apply in your case.

What are the main forms of identification and how does a newcomer obtain them?

A passport and / or driver's license are the main forms of identification.

Are there any other important permits I must obtain, or places where I must register right away?

Upon move-in, register with your municipality. The IND in your municipality will also issue your residence permit. If you are planning to live outside of the city of Amsterdam, the procedure may be slightly different. Documents needed for registering with the municipality and for obtaining a work permit include: · passport · employment contract · work permit (if required) · employer's statement (werkgeversverklaring) · 2 recent color passport photos · birth and marriage certificates (please check with Crown Amsterdam to find out if these documents require legalization and/or translation) · original rental contract · recent salary slips · updated CV · current employment contract · copy of diplomas, degrees, etc

What items should I avoid bringing into the country?

Do not bring weapons or drugs into the Netherlands.

Is there anything else I should know about entering and remaining in the country legally?

Be sure to extend your permits before they expire.

Useful Links

Immigration and Naturalization service www.ind.nl The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs www.minbuza.nl

 

What is the local currency?

Euro.

What denominations does it come in?

Notes (euros): 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Coins (cents): 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 Coins (euros): 1, 2

What is the best way to exchange currency?

With a bank, post office or at a GWK money exchange office. You will find GWK offices at railway stations, the airport and other places where there are a lot of tourists.

What are commonly-used forms of payment for everyday purchases (such as groceries)?

Cash and bank card (debit card).

Will I be able to use my credit card around town? If not, list when I’ll need cash.

Restaurants, hotels and department stores generally accept all major credit cards. However, paying by credit card is less common in smaller shops. Instead, you'll need to pay by cash or bank card.

By what method are bills (such as rent and utilities) paid?

Pre-authorized debit is an efficient way of paying gas, water and electricity bills. This way your bills are automatically deducted from your bank account.

What are the requirements for opening a bank account? At what stage of the settling-in process should I open it?

To open a bank account, you must furnish an address, passport and a sofi number (local tax/social security number). A sofi number puts you into the financial/tax and social system. Both the tax office (which provides one) and your employer will need this number, which is personally bound. For EU citizens, you simply take your passport to your local tax office and ask for a sofi number. Non-EU citizens will need to present a valid passport, proof of registration with the Aliens Police and proof of registration from the Register of Population to receive a sofi number. To open a bank account with the Postbank you also need a residence permit. To open a bank account with the ABN Amro you also need a Dutch employment contract.

Will foreign residents be able to find banking services in their native languages?

Foreign residents will be able to find banking services in their native languages, though there are few brochures and application forms available in foreign languages.

Are there any restrictions on services for those who are new to your country?

No restrictions.

What are typical banking hours?

Monday through Friday, from 9am to 5pm.

Are automatic teller machines (ATMs) available around the clock?

Yes.

Is there any other money information that might help me?

To pay for small items (or even for parking), many people use a form of rechargeable electronic purse called a chipknip. Loaded at the bank, a chipknip can be either a separate card or your regular bank card with this added feature. Usually there is a machine next to the ATM machine that says 'chipknip.' What you can load onto your chipknip depends on the amount of money in your bank account.

Useful Links

All about the euro www.euro.nl Local banks: ABN AMRO www.abnamro.nl Postbank www.postbank.nl ING www.inggroup.com Fortis www.fortis.com SNS Bank www.sns.nl Rabobank www.rabobank.nl

 

What are the top factors to keep in mind when searching for a place to live in your city?

Consider the characteristics of the neighborhood, traffic in the area (for security and noise) and parking possibilities. Also note the proximity to public transport, schools, work, shops, cinemas, churches and other places you'll need to visit on a regular basis.

What are the most popular neighborhoods in your city for expats?

Amsterdam South and Old South - these are the most popular areas for expatriates in Amsterdam. Close to the Vondelpark, they provide the best of urban living along with the more leafy feel of a suburb. Transport is excellent, with the city center only 20 minutes by tram and some areas within walking distance. There are currently no waiting lists for parking permits and the district is close to main motorway entrances. Rivierenbuurt - also very popular with expatriates, this is a conveniently-located, upscale residential area. It has many shops, supermarkets and facilities and is also very well-connected by public transport and the main access roads. De Pijp - a trendy area that's more suitable for young expatriates without cars, this neighborhood has many bars and restaurants. It is also where De Albert Cuyp market - Amsterdam's most famous market - is located. Here you can shop for fresh fruit, vegetables or fish. This area is also very well-connected by public transport. City Center - besieged by tourists in the summer, the beautiful, canal-laden central area of Amsterdam remains popular with some expats. Parking can be a horror, but a renovated house by a canal can make a beautiful home if you are prepared to dig deep into your pockets. Amstelveen - just a stone's throw from Amsterdamse Bos (woods), leafy, suburban Amstelveen is a popular location for multinationals employees. A tram ride away from Amsterdam, Amstelveen is also home to Schiphol Airport. The International School of Amsterdam is located here, and there are plenty of restaurants, cafes and shops.

Do expats tend to buy or rent their homes?

Rent.

Typically, will I be required to pay additional money up front (such as a deposit) before moving into leased housing? If so, how much is common?

Generally, one month commission and a one to three month deposit has to be paid - depending on the estate agent and owner.

Are utilities generally included in the price of rent, or are they extra?

Utilities are excluded in the rent of unfurnished houses. However, in the rent of fully furnished houses, the utilities are generally included.

Are there special security concerns I should be aware of in regards to my home or choice of neighborhood?

There are not really any security concerns specific to certain Amsterdam neighborhoods. Just note that you should always lock your bicycle and do not leave any valuable things in your car.

I’m not sure if I should bring my appliances. What is the electric current, Hz and plug shape in your city?

The electric current is AC 220 - 240 volts. Frequency (Hz) is 50. Electrical appliances from the UK are compatible. However, appliances from the US (110 volts / 60 Hz) need step-down transformers. For most appliances from EU countries, a simple adaptor should work for everything except the heavier appliances. These may require transformers as well. Plug shape is the standard two-pinned type. Plug adapters can be bought in most electrical shops.

Do you have any other accommodation information that might help me?

Compared to other cities in the Netherlands, Amsterdam has the highest cost of living. Renting a one bedroom apartment starts at EUR 1,000 per month - excluding utilities.

Useful Links

Information about housing www.expatica.com/housing

 

What types of schools do most expats in your city choose for their children?

In general, expats prefer private international schools over Dutch public schools. British expats tend to choose a British School, French-speaking expats send their kids to a French school, Japanese expats tend to choose a Japanese school and so on.

What are some examples of these schools?

British School of Amsterdam - British nursery, primary and first year of middle school for children ages 2 to 12. International School of Amsterdam - International Baccalaureate (IB) for children ages 3 to 18. The Japanese School of Amsterdam - Primary and secondary education for children ages 6 to 15. Annexe du Lycee Francais Vincent van Gogh - Enseignement Francais (maternelles et elementaire) for children ages 3 to 11.

Is there a lot of competition for spots in local schools?

Many schools have waiting lists. Please contact Crown Amsterdam for current information on the schools you are interested in.

Are pre-schools also widely available (for children approx. 2 to 5 years old)?

Yes, but a lot of these pre-schools also have waiting lists. Most of them are affiliated with the international schools mentioned above.

How are most kids transported to and from school?

Most schools have school bus transportation. Public transport or travel by bike are other possibilities.

When does the typical school year start and end?

September to June.

Is there anything else I should know about local schools?

Some local schools have an international department. Please contact Crown Amsterdam to learn more.

Useful Links

Foundation for International Education in the Netherlands - includes listing of all international schools www.sio.nl

 

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Please contact your closest embassy or consulate for confirmation.