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Welcome to the land of windmills, bicycles, tulips and... your new home! Moving here can be a great experience, but also a bit of a hazzard when it comes to arranging stuff. Don't worry, the Pararius Expat Guide is here to help. Learn everything you need to know about moving to The Netherlands!

Learning Dutch as an expat: where to start?

​​Moving to the Netherlands as an expat is an exciting step, but learning the Dutch language can seem challenging. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to learn your new language and feel at home. Whether you want to be able to communicate daily with colleagues, hit the shops without stress, or just want to integrate more into Dutch culture, we list the best ways to start learning Dutch, including free options and handy tips.

Moving to the Netherlands: A practical guide

Moving to the Netherlands is an exciting step, but it requires careful preparation. This article offers practical tips to ensure your move goes smoothly, with a focus on quality and sustainability.

Tiny fridges and steep stairs: The expat's guide to Amsterdam apartments

So, you’ve decided to go for it and move to Amsterdam? Congratulations! You're in for a treat – beautiful canals, vibrant culture, and a lifestyle like no other. But first, let’s talk about where you’re going to live. Because, let’s be honest, finding an apartment in Amsterdam can be quite the adventure.

Essential tips to prevent rental scams

Trust. Such a simple word, but of great importance when it comes to the rental market here in The Netherlands. Where do you find a trustworthy landlord, especially if you live on the other side of the globe? Too many expats I speak with have been scammed on their house hunt before they hired a relocation agent. What can you actively do and what are the warning signs when it comes to trying to find a rental property?

The neigbourhoods of Amsterdam

Amsterdam, the most famous city when foreigners think about The Netherlands. The Dutch capital offers a range of neighbourhoods, each with their own offering when it comes to shops, restaurants and other facilities as well as types of properties. Let us tell you about the different areas of Amsterdam!

Surprising Netherlands!

With its diverse landscapes and lifestyles, The Netherlands offers something for everyone. Whether you’re drawn to the dynamic energy of cities or the serene beauty of the skies, the light, the water. Let me tell you what surprised me about The Netherlands when I first moved here from London.

Choosing a school in The Netherlands

If you have a good understanding of the Dutch education system, the next step is to find a school that can welcome your children. But how do you tackle this, and what kind of hurdles might you encounter during the search, application, and registration process? Let us guide you by sharing some helpful input for the journey ahead.

Childcare in The Netherlands

Moving to the Netherlands offers a new way of living, especially for families. One critical aspect of settling in involves understanding the Dutch childcare system, which is pivotal for working parents. This article provides an in-depth look at the "kinderopvang" (childcare) system in the Netherlands, aimed at helping you navigate the various options, trends, and financial support mechanisms.

What to expect on the Dutch rental market

You can't start a new Dutch life without a home! And with a market that is tight and competitive, we will do our upmost best to prepare you for what is to come. The Dutch housing market also requires some necessary preparations and expectation management, so let us prepare you for what you can expect when you start your home search!

The Dutch and their habits

Welcome to the Netherlands! You've probably gathered some information about The Netherlands, but do you know the typical habits of its residents? Learn all about the typical Dutch mentality and what you can expect from your fellow Dutchies! This way, we want to help you make some friends in your new country.

Dutch traditions

Have you ever heard of Koningsdag (Kingsday)? Or are you familiar with Sinterklaas? And have you ever eaten raw herring? Doesn't it ring a bell? No worries, we are here to tell you all about the Dutch traditions and national holidays!

How to find a home in The Netherlands

Are you looking for a home in the Netherlands? Then you've come to the right place! Our platform is developed to connect home seekers and home providers, making your search for a home much easier. In this article, we offer you some handy tools so you can find a home faster!

The Dutch education system

Moving to another country is not just an exciting step for you as an adult. This life change brings even more challenges for your family, including finding the right school. As a parent, you naturally want nothing more than for a child to feel safe, comfortable, and at home in a new culture and environment. This article highlights the educational system of the Netherlands, providing you as parents with the right tools to find a suitable school (or childcare) in the Netherlands.

Settling in your new home

Congratulations! You've found the perfect rental home in the Netherlands, a significant step towards starting your new life in this vibrant country. However, before you can truly settle in and call it home, there are several important arrangements to be made. This article aims to guide you hrough the process of transitioning from securing a rental to becoming an established resident.

Ready to move: The first steps for successful relocation

Are you preparing to move to the Netherlands? Congratulations! You're about to start a new life in your new country. However, there are crucial steps that require your attention.

Getting started with your home search

Searching for a rental home in the Netherlands can be daunting, especially for newcomers navigating the local housing market. Don't know where to begin? This article serves as a primer for those embarking on their housing journey in the Netherlands. Having explored market trends, let's now delve into some practical tips to start your home search in The Netherlands!

Dutch healthcare

Starting a new chapter in the Netherlands also means getting to know its healthcare system, an essential task for expats. In The Netherlands, the focus is on general practitioners (GPs) and dentists as primary care providers, and not so much on hospitals or specialists. This article offers insights into engaging with these key healthcare services, equipping you with the knowledge to smoothly integrate into the Dutch healthcare framework.

Registering in The Netherlands

Moving to the Netherlands involves various administrative tasks, including registering with the municipality, obtaining a Citizen Service Number (BSN), and applying for a DigiD. These steps are crucial for accessing essential services and facilities in the country.

The 30% tax ruling

So now that you have everything ready to move to The Netherlands, there is another important thing you should know: living in The Netherlands comes quite a cost. Due to the country's elevated living expenses, you might face a higher cost of living. To offset this, your employer may cover these additional costs, known as 'extraterritorial costs', which are tax-free. Alternatively, your employer might offer you 30% of your salary, including extraterritorial costs, as a tax-free benefit, known as ‘the 30% facility’.

Dutch health insurance

If you are new to the Netherlands, one of the initial tasks on your checklist is likely sorting out your health insurance. It is vital to ensure both you and your loved ones are well-covered in your new home. In this article, we will guide you through the basics of Dutch healthcare, alongside what is covered and how to apply for suitable health insurance. In the meantime, we will also ensure that your temporary care is well arranged.