Transform your move to the Netherlands: The top perks of hiring relocation specialists

Dutch relocation company Royal De Gruijter offers a range of services designed to make every aspect of your move successful (and much less stressful!). Here is why hiring a relocation specialist when moving abroad can really help you out!

Relocating to the Netherlands can be a thrilling adventure, but before you start the next (best?) chapter of your life in this low country, you first have to find your feet. You’ll need to register with the local authorities, open a bank account and find a place to stay - all pretty much right away. Except, you don’t know how anything works or even where to go.

It’s at this early, yet critical, stage of your expatriation that specialist relocation services can make all the difference. By offering you expert support as you take your first steps in the Netherlands, they make sure your relocation starts off on the right foot.

Finding your new home

One of the primary concerns for any newly arrived expat is finding suitable accommodation. The Dutch housing market is competitive and complex, especially in major cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague where rental properties are hard to come by. Relocation specialists can use their in-depth understanding of the Dutch real estate market to offer you:

• Expert guidance: They’re familiar with the nuances of different neighbourhoods and can help quickly identify areas that suit your lifestyle, budget, and commuting needs.
• Streamlined search: They can handle the property search on your behalf, arrange viewings, and negotiate rental agreements, saving you hours in the process and making sure your lease is legally compliant.
• Temporary housing: If permanent housing is not immediately available, they can assist in finding temporary accommodation, ensuring you have a place to lay your head upon arrival.

Finding a school for your kid(s)

If you’re moving with children, finding the right school will be another priority to check off your list. The Dutch education system offers various options, including public schools, international schools and private institutions. A relocation specialist can help you narrow your choices with services such as:

• School search: They’ll provide you with detailed information about different schools according to your children’s needs, the curriculum, extracurricular activities, and admission processes.
• Admissions assistance: They’ll guide you through the application and enrolment procedures, including arranging visits to schools and meeting with administrators.
• Support for special needs: If your children have specific educational requirements, they can help you find schools that meet their needs.

Navigating local law

Complying with local laws and regulations is crucial for a successful relocation. Getting this step wrong could cost you valuable time. It could even delay the payment of your salary. Relocation specialists can provide:

• Legal advice: Information on legal requirements for residency, work permits and visas. They can also connect you with legal professionals for more complex issues.
• Registration assistance: Help with mandatory registrations, such as at the municipality (gemeente) for your BSN (citizen service number), which is essential for accessing various services in the Netherlands.
• Contract reviews: Expertise in reviewing employment contracts and other legal documents to ensure your rights are protected.

Moving services

Imbued with treasured memories, your personal belongings are what make your new accommodation feel like home. But, from securely packing your grandmother’s set of 12 crystal champagne flutes to filling out the paperwork for customs, moving your stuff to a new country can be hard work. Relocation specialists can coordinate this aspect of your move as well by providing:

• Packing and transport: Professional packing, transportation, and unpacking services to ensure your belongings arrive safely.
• Customs clearance: Assistance with customs regulations and paperwork, reducing the risk of delays or additional costs.
• Furniture rental: Options for temporary furniture rental if there is a gap between your arrival and the delivery of your possessions.

Settling-in services

Beyond the move, getting properly set up for life in the Netherlands is crucial for a full and hassle-free expat experience. But with all the coordination and paperwork involved, it can be stressful, too. The settling-in services offered by relocation specialists are designed to reduce your newcomer stress levels on all fronts:

• Local registrations: Assistance with all required local registrations to ensure compliance with Dutch regulations.
• Opening a bank account: Help with the necessary documentation and procedures to open a local bank account.
• Healthcare: Assisting with finding a doctor and dentist, plus registration.
• Utility connections: Assistance with setting up essential utilities such as water, electricity and gas.
• Subscriptions: Help with subscriptions for mobile phone services, cable or satellite TV, public transportation, sports, and recreation clubs.
• Driver's licence exchange: Support in obtaining a Dutch driver’s licence. This includes translation of your home-country licence if necessary.
• 30% tax ruling: Information and assistance regarding the 30% tax ruling specific to the Netherlands.

No matter if you're moving solo or with loved ones, the expertise of a relocation specialist can profoundly enhance your experience!

With Royal De Gruijter handling all the details and guiding you through each step, you can avoid the common (and stressful!) challenges that expats face as they adapt to a new and unfamiliar country. Experience a seamless relocation with Royal De Gruijter – your trusted partner in global mobility. Get in touch now!