Published April 29, 2024
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.
Renting in the Netherlands can come with its set of surprises, especially regarding what is and isn't included in your rent. Typically, the rent covers the property's use, but charges for utilities (gas, water, electricity) are often excluded. It's crucial to check your rental agreement for details on service costs or 'servicekosten', which might include cleaning of common areas, electricity in shared spaces, and sometimes even water. However, individual contracts vary, so understanding your specific obligations is essential.
Whether you rent a property or a room, it's essential to know about municipal and water board taxes. In case of renting a property (apartment or house), the tenant directly receives tax bills from the municipality and water board. Room renters should note that these bills are typically the landlord's responsibility. If received by mistake, it's important to contest these charges with the relevant authorities. The cost of the tax depends on how many people there are in your household.
Municipal taxes
Almost all municipalities charge tenants for waste disposal (afvalstoffenheffing), and about half also levy a sewage charge (rioolheffing). Renters do not pay property tax (OZB), and landlords cannot pass these costs on to tenants.
Water board taxes
Tenants also need to pay charges to the local water board for water purification (zuiveringsheffing) and a water system levy for residents (watersysteemheffing ingezetenen).
These taxes fund collective benefits like sewage maintenance and flood prevention, ensuring
that communal facilities and protections are adequately maintained for all residents.
There are a few more things you should arrange once you've moved into your new Dutch home. Let us sum them up for you:
Registering with the municipality
Mandatory for obtaining a BSN (Burger Service Nummer), crucial for employment, healthcare, and banking. Expats must register at the local municipality office (gemeente) where they live. You will need a valid passport, rental agreement, and, in some cases, a birth certificate. This process can take a few weeks, so it's advisable to schedule an appointment as soon as possible after arriving.
Opening a Dutch bank account
Essential for daily transactions and receiving salary. Prominent banks include ING, Rabobank, ABN AMRO and bunq, known for offering services in English and accommodating expats. The Netherlands favours digital and contactless payments. To open an account, you will need a BSN, proof of address (rental contract), and a valid ID.
Connecting utilities (gas, water, electricity)
Typically the tenant's responsibility. Contracts can be fixed or flexible in duration. Recommended energy suppliers include Eneco, Essent, and Vattenfall. For comparisons, visit sites like De Consumentenbond (in Dutch) for an overview of the best deals. Setting up utilities should be one of the first things you do upon moving in.
Internet connection
Providers like Ziggo, KPN, and Odido offer competitive packages, with installation times varying. The transition to fiber-optic connections is ongoing, making it worthwhile to inquire about this option. It can take a few days to set up, so plan accordingly.
Registering with healthcare providers
Finding a GP (huisarts) and dentist (tandarts) that accept new patients and speak English may take time. It is crucial to start this process early, considering possible waiting lists. Understanding the coverage provided by your health insurance is also important.
Securing a rental home is just the beginning of an adventure in the Netherlands. The steps that have been discussed in this article, from registering with the municipality to setting up the home utilities and meeting the neighbours, are key to settling in smoothly. While it might seem like a lot to handle, remember that The Netherlands offers a supportive and well-organized system for expats, and there's a wealth of resources and communities to help you along the way.
This article was prepared in collaboration with RSH | Relocation and Immigration Services, a full-service Relocation, Immigration, and Home Finding agency with 35 years of in-house experience. RSH provides support to knowledge migrants, HR managers, recruiters, and expats in organizing immigration matters, moving to, and housing in the Netherlands.
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