My family and I are planning to move to the Netherlands

Hi Malteser,

Welcome to the Forum.

At the top of the page is our Handy Tools link; if you select that you'll get a further link to our expat guides, which contains articles which may help you in your journey.

To answer your question.  The BSN number is issued to you when you register at the Gemeente (Town Hall) where you live; you do that once you have found somewhere to live, you don't need a BSN number to rent a property; this link takes you to the Dutch Government website that explains the BSN number.

With regards to your profession, I'd check whether your Chartered Accountant Diploma is valid in Holland; the Dutch are funny about qualifications and you may need to do something else to use it there.

As for speaking the language; I disagree with your agent.  Speaking the language is probably one of the most important parts of getting work in Holland.  Unemployment is currently a significant issue in Holland and there are plenty of Dutch accountants looking for work.  Many agencies wont even interview you once it becomes apparent you cant speak Dutch.  I think your thought to initially move there by yourself is very wise, except for the reason; do that until you find a job with a contract.

Best of luck in your journey.

Hello Cynic - thank you for your reply.  May I ask, how do you know that there are plenty of accountants looking for work? Do you have any research prove I can see? Thank you.

Themalteser wrote:

Hello Cynic - thank you for your reply.  May I ask, how do you know that there are plenty of accountants looking for work? Do you have any research prove I can see? Thank you.

Hi Malteser,

My comment was in regards to your comment about not speaking Dutch; in that regards there are plenty of English speaking Dutch accountants either looking for that promotion, or looking to find work from recent finance industry closures (my sister-in-law is one of them - that's my proof; I know what she and her ex-colleagues are going through in trying to find work).  If your agent has lined you up with interviews, or found you that job, then of course you would be right to go for it.

Best of luck in your journey.

P.S. Just noticed your comment regarding your heart condition.  My experience is that the Dutch healthcare system is 1st class, so no worries there.  Your EHIC card from the UK will cover you for emergency treatment until you register as a resident in Holland.  From then,  private Health Insurance is compulsory in Holland.  It's normally part of your contract with your employer with them paying a part of the costs, but until you start work, you'll need to sort that for yourself.  This link will take you to the Dutch Government website that explains it.

That's really good information Cynic. I am nervous, but hopefully I will find something suitable in Amsterdam. I am researching quite a bit of information so that I'm prepared. I am also thinking in living in Almere area with my family. Houses seems reasonable and commutable to Ams.

Regarding my Heath condition, thank you for all the information and the link, this is very helpful. I did hear that Dutch healthcare is one of the best. In addition, I was recently made aware that I can use my UK prescription in a Dutch pharmacy to buy my regular medication, until I am registered with a doctor and a consultant.

Thank you very much for all your help.

Themalteser wrote:

..... Regarding my Heath condition, thank you for all the information and the link, this is very helpful. I did hear that Dutch healthcare is one of the best. In addition, I was recently made aware that I can use my UK prescription in a Dutch pharmacy to buy my regular medication, until I am registered with a doctor and a consultant.

Thank you very much for all your help.

One last point regarding your prescription;  have a chat with your UK GP before you go and ask him if he can issue you with a prescription to last you for a couple of months (so you have time to get registered).  I'd also advise that you ask your doctor for a copy of your medical notes to hand to your new Dutch doctor; my daughter did this last year when she moved back to Holland.

How the system works in Holland is that you'll have to register with the Gemeente (Town Hall) once you have found somewhere to live; doing this will get you your BSN number, which you'll need to register with a doctor (plus get a Dutch driving licence and open a bank account); also to give to your new employer so he can sort out your tax and Health Insurance.

Your employer will probably have a favoured Health Insurance supplier; they are all pretty much the same, but it's for the basic package and you should contact them to set up any additional bits you may want to add to your cover (you have to pay for any extras); also have a chat with your new colleagues to see who they use - you may save a few Euros.

It's normal to have an initial interview with your doctor when you sign with him/her. You may find the Dutch system a bit over-regulated in comparison to the NHS, but it works very well (I think it's much better).  For example, you only go to A&E with a life-threatening issue; everything else must be arranged via your GP, or you'll be sent away.  There is normally an "on-call doctor" during times when the surgery is closed.  It's not unusual for an ambulance crew to ask you for your Insurance card.

Dutch prescription medicines are normally covered by your health insurance, but it's limited to the lowest cost item; you can ask for an alternative that costs more, but you'll need to pay the extra costs yourself.

Don't forget that if you subsequently move, you have to let the Gemeente know.

Hope this helps.