International staff

First of all, we will assist you with the first residence permit application of your partner and/or children. 

Dual Career Programme

We offer an extensive Dual Career Programme, helping partners to set up their own life and career in the Netherlands. This programme can be tailored to anyone and offers coaching, trainings, social support and assistance with finding potential new employers (with a success rate over 90%!). We recommend you to sign up for the Dual Career Programme before moving here, so you can improve the chances of a smooth transition for your partner. 

Facts and figures

• In the Netherlands (and at EUR!) we value a healthy work-life balance, which allows people to spend time with their family during the week and in the weekends
• Dutch children are ranked amongst the happiest children in the world
• The Dutch education system is free and of high quality. It offers many different types of schools, allowing you and your child to find a school that suits you. More information about primary schools, secondary schools and international schools

Childcare

Childcare facilities in the Netherlands generally provide a high quality of care. They are expensive, but most people receive a large part of childcare fees back from the government through childcare benefits. Keep in mind that only those with an employment contract are eligible for childcare benefits. We also have our own childcare facility on campus.

Contact

If you have any questions about the family matters above, please reach out to HR International.

DigiD

DigiD stands for "Digital Identity". It is a personal digital identity which allows the user to obtain digital services from governmental bodies, as well as education, healthcare, and pension funds. You can obtain your DigiD once you have obtained your BSN. When accessing (governmental) websites where you have to share personal information, you are typically required to confirm your identity using the two-step verification of the DigiD mobile app. An example of when you have to use DigiD is when you want to view the digital messages you receive from the Dutch Tax Office (Belastingdienst). Once you've started working with us, you will receive more information on how to apply for your DigiD.

Healthcare insurance

When you move to the Netherlands, it is important to get healthcare insurance. Most people in the Netherlands are obliged to take out a Dutch public health insurance, but not everyone.

A Dutch public healthcare insurance (also known as basic healthcare insurance or "basiszorgverzekering" in Dutch) covers most of the costs of all regular medical procedures. Think of a visiting the GP, medicine, visiting a specialist, hospital treatment and more preventive care.

Costs

It costs around 150 euro per month per person, children under 18 are free of charge. We refer you to the Zorgverzekeringslijn for extensive neutral information about the Dutch healthcare system and the Dutch public health insurance. For people who do not fall under the Dutch public health insurance, HR International can recommend you other fitting insurance packages.

Once your contract has been formalised, EUR will contact you to help with administrative preparations. This also includes advice on your healthcare insurance, both during your travel to the Netherlands, and your stay here. Advice will also be offered to possible accompanying partner and/or children.

Registration and BSN

When moving to the Netherlands, you are required to register at the local municipality within 4 months after arrival. If you intend to live in Rotterdam or The Hague, we can help schedule an appointment for you at the Expat Center.

Once you are registered, you will receive your citizen service number (BSN). The BSN is a general unique registration number for every citizen and is to be used for all government services. You need your BSN to register yourself with the public healthcare insurance, and to access online government services such as filing your income tax return and applying for allowances (including the 30% rule). Most importantly, we will also need your BSN in order to pay out your salary. It is therefore important to schedule your registration appointment as soon as possible after arriving in the Netherlands.

Wage tax

If you get an employment contract at EUR and generate income, you are obliged to pay wage tax in the Netherlands. Wage tax is deducted from your salary each month and remitted to the tax authorities. Once a year, you have to declare your entire income to the Dutch tax authorities to see if you have paid enough tax or if you paid too muxh taxes. In that case, you will get overpaid taxes back. To help you do this, every year we organise  a tax workshop for internationals in English, just before you have to file your tax return. If you need one-on-one help with filing your tax return, we can also refer you to an external tax advisor.

30% rule

If you move to the Netherlands to work for our university, there is a considerable possibility that you will incura dditional costs related to your move. These moving costs can be reimbursed through the so called 30% rule (the Expat Scheme).

If you meet the specific conditions, EUR can grant a tax-free allowance equivalent to 30% of your gross salary for a maximum of 5 years. HR International can determine if you qualify and assist you with the application.

Contact

If you have any questions about any of the practical matters listed above, please reach out to HR International.

• Cost of living in the Netherlands
  Find average prices per city in the Netherlands for housing, meals and groceries 
• DigiD
  More information on DigiD and how to apply
• Dutch healthcare
  More information on the Dutch healthcare system
• Dutch tax authorities
  The Dutch tax authorities' information page on filing tax returns
• Funda & Pararius
  On these housing platforms you will find a large proportion of houses available for rent and for sale
• I am Expat
  Useful practical information on the Netherlands for expats moving to the Netherlands