Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

Hi.

I'm looking to move to the Netherlands hopefully later this year or next year and just need some information.

I'm a UK citizen, and have a dutch partner, however, I'm in the process of a divorce from my previous partner so will have all that complete before I even plan on moving anywhere.

I'm also learning dutch at the moment, and want to be able to speak at least basic dutch before I leave the UK.

So basically, what exactly is it that I will need to do in order to move?

When I visited the IND in Rotterdam with my girlfriend, they mentioned just having enough money to provide for myself (if so, what would be a sufficient amount?), and birth certificate / proof I'm not married, and that's it, is that all correct?

Also, with regards to work, is it possible to start looking for work before the move, or do I need to be registered before I can start applying for jobs?

Thanks.

Mark.

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

With regards to your Birth Certificate and Proof of Divorce they should be legalised with an Apostille stamp (https://www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised) and also make sure its your full Birth Certificate and not the short form one.

When I registered at the IND I had to show that I had a legitimate place to live, (i.e. was on the lease for an appartment, or had permission from my partner in writing to live with them), and show that I'd registered with the Gemeente for my BSN (social security) number. You should register with the local gemeente within 3 days of arriving I believe, however I waited to register with the IND until I had a job so that I could prove my income. As an EU citizen although they ask you to do this, its not legally binding that you must.

I tried to look for work before I came, however I found that no agency entertained the idea and mostly said, come back to me when your here. Might be different in The Randstad, but up north that was the issue.

Good luck with your move!

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

1) A short form of the birth certificate was ok in my case (I'm Italian but it shouldn't make any difference)

2) You don't need to go personally to the IND. Just book an appointment with the "Niewukomers loket" of the council where you are going to live, together with a valid passport, a valid birth certificate (see above) and a copy of the rental contract where your name is clearly stated.

3) Request a sofinummer before you go, it will save you a lot of hassle. Send a copy of your passport to the Belastingdienst Herleen, asking to have a sofinummer as "Particulier Buitenlands".

With that in hand you can open a bank account and start working, even before you're registed.

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

Your story sounds familiar to mine.... was waiting for my divorce before I moved over too..... :)

Anyways, what has been said above is correct (and I must get around to the Apostille thing too, but have not had the money to do so as it costs per document and its not needed at the moment i.e. no plans to get married again!).

With regards to the money, I basically took everything I had. As I lived on my own in the UK, I had to pay for the rent, bills etc, so no chance of saving. But the plus side was that I wouldn't need the furniture, TV, and other house things, so was able to sell them off at a car boot sale or privately. Unfortunately, 6 months down the line, money has run out, but I am lucky to live with my boyfriend who provides for me - but obviously I am job hunting every day and getting close to finding work any day now.

With regards to the IND, my name was added to my boyfriend's bank account to prove I had access to money - but I never use the account anyway.

But, what I can recommend is when you are ready to come over, don't forget to reclaim any tax that you have paid - I did that and found I was able to claim a refund of just under £500 which helped a lot.

With regards to learning Dutch - I knew some words and sentences, but you only really learn when you are here and immersed in the language. I have lessons every Wednesday at a sort of asylum seekers building. I am not one, but they accepted me on the basis I have no money to pay for a course.

Also, the libraries run Taalcafes, I attend our local one on Friday mornings - you learn more there too as they only speak Dutch. Is it Rotterdam you are moving to?

Websites for you -

http://www.indeed.nl (Job site)
http://www.nt2taalmenu.nl/ (language learning)
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/cnr/p85_p85s.htm (for claiming your tax back when you leave)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dutch-For-Du...ch+for+dummies

Brilliant book - better than all the other phrase books I've had!

Good luck!

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

Thanks all.

With regards to place to live, would a letter from my girlfriend's parents be suitable, if we ended up living with them for awhile?

Is there a minimum amount of money that is required to move, or I just need enough to show I can provide for myself?

Groningen is where I'm planning on moving to.

Thanks again for all the help, much appreciated.

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

When you arrive in The Netherlands, you should apply for a BSN number. Your girlfriend would need to be present when you do it as they will ask her for her address, passport details etc. Thats what happened when I applied for mine.

With regards to the money, I can't honestly comment. I knew that I would be living with my boyfriend, so just took whatever I had left from selling my stuff in the UK, refund of rent and tax. I would say that was about £1500 - needless to say, thats not a lot and I am now dependent on my boyfriend.

Groningen is just over an hour away from me :)

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

Thanks again for the reply. :)

Sadly, at this moment in time, I'm unemployed, would this affect anything when it comes to moving?

I'm not planning on moving until later this year or early 2015, so will hopefully have found work by then, but if not, will anything be affected?

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

As an EU citizen, you are allowed to live and work anywhere in the EU without a permit, so unlike places such as Australia where you HAVE to have confirmed work to go to, you can just settle in The Netherlands without a job. Although its also good to have a job too!

Nothing stops you from looking early though when you have a confirmed date, you can start emailing agencies or check out indeed.nl for jobs.

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

Thank you!

So being unemployed in the UK currently won't affect it, correct? (I worry far too much about nearly everything, so always like to be double sure about everything)

I remember reading something about benefits awhile back, but think it said I can't be on benefits when in the Netherlands.

When you moved did you state you was moving to be with your partner or to work? I noticed on the IND website, it mentions telling them if circumstances change, such as stating you're there for work, but then not working etc.

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

Hi I am in the same boat insofar as I am in the UK but I am looking for work in the Netherlands with a view to moving as soon as humanly possible. We have a lot of family and friends over there so we are keen to go. I have found that recruiters aren't that interested in me in the UK and the single response to an application that I have received back is "to look when in country" which isn't much use really. I think i am going to take a week off, stay with friends in Holland, book interviews with the big recruiters then see what happens from there. In terms of language skills, I have basic Dutch, even more basic French and my English is more fluent Yorkshire than strictly the Queen's. Apparently this is sufficient to find work in the Ranstad according to friends (thank God!) but could be a problem once you start to head East :)

All of this could be academic of course if one of you lovely people over in the Netherlands needs a Project Manager with comms, engagement and events experience...PM me! ;)

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

1st question - nope, I left my job and a week later I moved to The Netherlands

2nd question - If you live with someone then no. We already asked that and because I live with someone, they are expected to provide for me instead. Sucks, but its the same in the UK in some cases.

3rd question - I don't know about that. I guess they would know if you were working when your BSN number is used by a future employer. As for not working afterwards, you would have to question it.

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

You need to write down the skills you are good at. Before my CV would say that I wasn't good at Dutch etc. Now it says that English is my native language and I am currently learning the Dutch language and would love the opportunity to use my current job skills whilst learning the language. You just need to think of the positive things.

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

Thanks again! You've been a huge help.

So you left your job then just went to the Netherlands week after. Did you apply for anything related to moving before you left, or was it just a case of leaving UK then sorting everything when there?

Just trying to be sure of everything before I plan it all properly.

Thanks again. :)

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

I applied for a couple of jobs, but personally, I wanted to wait til I was there. BSN number couldn't be applied for til I was living in The Netherlands either.

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

Thanks.

Noticed earlier, you mentioned you still need to get the Apostille stamp on your documents.

Did you not need to show proof of divorce / proof you wasn't married when you moved?

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

I showed them my divorce document and they said it needs an apostille stamp...... as I am not planning to get married again anytime soon, its at the bottom of the list of things to do!

Strangely, they also asked for a copy of my marriage certificate - understandably, I don't have that anymore! If its necessary, I will have to write to Leicester City Council for a copy.....

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

So is it really required to show?

Odd that they requested marriage certificate, was there any issues with you not having that?

I have no plans of being married again either, and trying to get my divorce sorted here quickly, looking at doing it online, so hopefully can get it sorted soon.

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

Well, I took all the important documents with me - birth certificate, divorce certificate and deed poll (for after the divorce). Birth certificate is definitely required along with your passport. As for the divorce/marriage certificates, not sure how important these are, don't think you need to show them straight away.

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

In theory the Gemeente shouldn't ask to see your marriage certificate, unless you ask to 'legalize' it (legalisatie). By 'legalization' the Dutch law means that you want the certificate to be available to the Dutch system. If you are not planning to get married immediately or you are not having kids or planning to adopt, there's no reason for them to request it. However you will soon realize that here the Gemeenten want to establish their own law and they'll give you hard time for no reasons.

I am not a British citizen but across the continent the birth certificate should have an annotation of your marriage, divorce and change of names. So all information should be already in your birth certificate.

Until last year any non resident could simply write to the Belastingdienst office in Heerlen and ask for a sofinummer. That's how I got it.

The law seems to have changed on the 6th of January. If you are planning to stay less than 4 months (you can change your mind afterwards) you can go in person to one of these offices:
http://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wc...ecurity_number

and get a BSN. You need to call 0800 - 0543 and make an appointment first.

My feeling is that they haven't implemented it yet, though.

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

Thanks. I'll make sure to get all the certificates just in case. Don't think I'll be ever getting married again, no plans to anyway, but might possibly have kids.

My marriage took place in Canada, to a Canadian, so it wouldn't be on my birth certificate anyway, even if all the information was on there.

Speaking of that, I doubt there will be, but will there be any issues with moving to The Netherlands, if I've previously lived in Canada? (was there 1 year on a working visa, and 6 months on holiday)

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

So you're British, you got married in Canada but your marriage never got registered on your birth certificate? That's a bit weird.

To be honest I would rather make sure that you have your previous marriage registered on a legal British document and validated by the UK embassy in NL just in case.

Then, because the marriage was outside the EU and it doesn't appear in your bc, it should be legalized in NL:
http://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwer...het-buitenland

Until the marriage certificate is not legalised the council might either not register you at all or accept a temporary registration (I know the law says the opposite but that's the reality).

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

Yes, ask the Gemeente for the form: "Toestemming inschrijving op adres" or you can download it from their website. All councils in NL have a website.

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

I'm British, my ex is Canadian, was married in Canada. I have no idea if it is registered on my birth certificate, didn't even have birth certificate with me when I lived in Canada.

I have a copy of the marriage certificate, which I'll be using to process my divorce, which is stamped from Canada.

I was ready to start my divorce this week, so are you saying if I do that, then I might not be able to move to The Netherlands in the future?

My current girlfriend and I have no plans of being married at all, and have discussed that many times, so will it still be a problem?

Also, it says on the gov.uk website:

You can register your overseas marriage or civil partnership in the UK if one of you is:

- a UK national marrying a foreign national before a UK consular officer in a country without legal registration facilities
- a serving member of, or attached to, the British Armed Forces

none of these apply to my situation and the marriage took place in 2010.

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

Information like that isn't recorded on birth certificates - not here anyways.

I shouldn't have thought there is any problem of moving after getting divorced if your marriage was abroad.

You could contact the Dutch Embassy - http://unitedkingdom.nlembassy.org/

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

I'll look into contacting them tomorrow.

Also on the gov.uk website it says:

Your marriage or civil partnership should be recognised in the UK if you follow the correct process according to local law.

I guess I'll just contact the Canadian Embassy too to find out.

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

The solution is quite easy. Your marriage certificate must be legalized in the Netherlands. The Gemeente will do that for you (for a fee) when you register. The only thing is, until the certificate is legalized (usually takes 4 weeks) the Gemeente might only issue a temporary registration (tijdelijke inschrijving) which is valid to all effects, but they cannot refuse you entry to the Netherlands.

If you need a 1-2-1 free legal advice you can go to the nearest Juridisch Loket, they're usually quite good.

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

I am currently in the process of getting my birth certificate legalised. I wasn't told I needed to do this till last week. I move on the 24th! Really hoping it arrives back on time.

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

I'm really confused here, apologies.

I won't have the marriage certificate when I arrive. I'm using the marriage certificate to process my divorce (unless they return it to me when done, I don't know).

When moving, I'll have my Birth Certificate and Divorce Certificate both with an Apostille Stamp to make sure they are legalized. If they are both legalized in the UK then surely they can be legalized in the Netherlands?

I just don't see why my marriage certificate would be needed, if I have proof of divorce, this is where I'm confused.

Basically if I start processing my divorce this week, here in the UK, will that have any affect whatsoever on my future?

Thanks.

Katie, how are you getting it legalized, by getting an Apostille Stamp on it here in the UK?

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

I'm confused as to why they need a copy of my marriage certificate as well...... I will apply for a copy soon (I would think getting a copy costs money).

It will have no bearing on your future here in the Netherlands :)

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

It's all in here:
http://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwer...dse-documenten

Ask your beloved Dutch-speaking partner to translate it for you.

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

I translated it using chrome, but just correct me if I'm wrong here.

My Birth Certificate and Divorce Certificate, which will both be issued in the UK, just need an apostille stamp to be legalized, then they are ready to be used in Netherlands, so no problems here?

However, my marriage certificate from Canada will need to be legalized in the Netherlands, which can be done upon arriving in the Netherlands, if it's requested.

This all correct?

I'm still unsure about legalizing a foreign marriage, I can still do this after I've been divorced, that correct too? (Such as obtaining marriage certificate after divorce)

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

I am getting my birth certificate legalized with an apostille stamp in the UK. They only accept a certified copy of your certificate if you're born before 1991. You have to buy £23, your own birth certificate. Then send it off to get it legalised with an application form. That's another £30 per document.

In my opinion it's a farce and a money making scheme but it has to be done.


https://www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

Thanks.

I'll have a few documents to do, luckily my planned move isn't until a good few months away, so gives me time to sort it. :)

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

I though you had a Dutch partner!

I assume that once the divorce is registered and incorporated into your UK-issued documents, they are exempt from legalization or in other words should be automatically registered into the Gemeente acts. However my own Gemeente has given me very hard time even accepting a birth certificate from my country. I suggest you go with a Dutch speaking person the day you register to the council.

You can also web-chat with the Juridish Loket:
https://chat.juridischloket.nl/chat/

However in my experience they give better service when you speak Dutch (again, ask your partner to do the job).

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

I do have a dutch partner. We don't live together currently, she's home in Netherlands and I'm in the UK. Due to her studying and schedule, our talking time is reduced lately, hence why I translated using chrome.

When I eventually do move and go to register, my girlfriend will be joining.

Thanks for all your help though, I'll make sure to have all my important documents with me when I arrive anyway.

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

Hey again,

When getting the documents stamped with an apostille stamp, do they need to be less than 6 months old or so, or would I be fine to get that out the way now, even if my move won't be til November-ish (hopefully anyway)?

Thanks again

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

Best thing is to ask the Gemeente in advance. Research on their website.

6 months should be enough but I've seen on my council's website that they accept documents not older than 3 months.

Remember, at the end of the day you'll be dealt with by some frustrated
bureaucrat who might want to make your life hard just for fun.

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

Hello. I am a Brit married to a Dutch citizen. There is a small chance we might move permanently to Holland later this year or early next. I am a pensioner. I have been reading the above and wonder how much of it, if any, I would need to have done because of my marriage status?

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

Are any of your docs in English or Spanish?
What docs are in Dutch?

Re: Moving to Netherlands questions.
 

Mine are all in English. Our wedding certificate is in English. We have both been married before. Only my wife's birth certificate and passport are in Dutch. She has not lived in Holland for 32 years.