Author: Bert van Essen

Working in Self Employment

Though most people work directly for an employer, over the past years, a considerable and growing number of people in the Netherlands have chosen to work in self-employment, to the point where, at present, 1.76 million people have self-employment as their main, or only, source of income. Of these, 900,000 are what the Dutch call ZZP-er – Zelfstandige Zonder Personeel, or self-employed persons with no employees.

The percentages show the inevitable entrepreneurial and independent nature of those who work in self-employment. The most important reasons for doing so are: needing a new challenge; wanting to be able to determine for themselves how much work they do and when; always having wanted to work in self-employment; and not liking working for a boss. A smaller group is in self-employment out of necessity: because they lost their job, the atmosphere at work was not good, or because they couldn’t find a job. It is this last category that, starting in 2017, is causing the number of ZZP-ers to shrink. Due to the economic upswing, there is an increase in jobs in employment, while employers are becoming less leery of offering a fixed contract. Also impending legislative changes governing the contracts between clients and freelancers are causing both parties to protect themselves by changing the nature of their collaboration.

As the Netherlands is a country that so easily accommodates self-employment, and that has an economy that is based mostly on the services sector, is an attractive country for also non-Dutch nationals to come and try their luck – be it as an expressly-chosen destination, or as an accompanying partner/spouse. In short, there are plenty of opportunities, practical advantages and tax benefits – but before you get started, there are a few things that are good to know, in order to be well-prepared.

Assistance

First of all, whom do you turn to for information and support? There are several organizations in the Netherlands that can help you along the way.

As a country that accommodates self-employment, and has an economy based on the services sector, the Netherlands is an attractive country to try your luck

Chambers of Commerce: The Chamber of Commerce is a public institution and the information desk can provide you with information on how to start a business, which diplomas you need for your specific line of business, how to write a business plan to be able to finance your ideas and what (zoning) plans your municipality has within the area in which you want to establish your firm.

There are more than 20 regional Chambers of Commerce (Kamers van Koophandel). They register (practically) all companies based in the Netherlands, whether they are of Dutch origin or foreign: public and private limited companies, cooperative societies, mutual guarantee associations, sole traders, partnerships and associations of home-owners. Also private persons who work on a free-lance basis and persons who carry out one of the professions specified on the professions list of the Chamber of Commerce, are obligated to register. The purpose of this registration is to enable third parties to find information on a company – such as who is liable, who can make binding commitments; in other words, the legal structure of a company.

MKB-Nederland: Another institution you can turn to for information is MKB-Nederland (Instituut voor Midden- en Kleinbedrijf), an organization that represents the interests of small and medium-sized companies. Various activities are initiated by this institute, aimed at offering its members relevant knowledge and expertise as well as at improving the general position of small and medium-sized companies.

Other Institutions: Other institutions that can offer you advice are banks and the national tax office. Both have information desks for people who plan to start their own business and can provide you with the information you need. And last, but not least, all major cities have a business desk at the town hall.

 

Proof of Identity

When staring a company, proof of identity will be required when registering with the Chamber of Commerce, as well as an original private bank statement or an original extract from the population register (not older than one month).

The following documents are accepted as valid proof of identity:

a valid travel document (Dutch or foreign passport, European identity card)

  • a valid Dutch driver’s license (a foreign driver’s license will not be accepted)
  • a residence permit issued by the Dutch aliens police
  • a Dutch refugee passport
  • a Dutch aliens passport.

Tip
Enlisting the services of an accountant will help you benefit from the many deductions that apply to you

Setting Up Establishment

There are no specific restrictions for foreign companies who wish to start a business in the Netherlands, nor are there restrictions on the ownership of real estate or on the remission of capital and profits abroad.

There are various ways in which foreign companies can set up permanent establishment in the Netherlands, which we will describe briefly here:

  • branch office
  • eenmanszaak: a one-man business
  • maatschap: partnership – business involving more than one person, usually used by accountants, doctors, etc.
  • vennootschap onder firma (VOF): general or commercial partnership – business involving more than one person, under a common name, each severally liable
  • commanditaire vennootschap (CV): limited partnership with managing and ‘silent’ partners
  • besloten vennootschap (BV): private company with limited liability
  • naamloze vennootschap (NV): (public) corporation.

Branch Office

A foreign company does not require any prior approval from the Dutch authorities to establish a branch office in the Netherlands. It does have to file various details (i.e. name, trade name, objects, manager) and documents (i.e. articles of association) pertaining to the company and the branch office with the Chamber of Commerce. The local manager of the branch office does not have to be of Dutch nationality. Insofar as the obligation to publish the annual report and accounts also applies under the law of the country of formation of the foreign company, these should be filed with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce as well.

Partnership

Under Dutch law, you can set up a partnership with two or more partners: the general partnership (‘VOF’ or vennootschap onder firma) and the limited partnership (‘CV’ or commanditaire vennootschap). The basic difference between these two forms of partnership is the partners’ liabilities. A limited partnership has one or more managing partners (beherende vennoten) and one or more ‘silent’ partners (commanditaire vennoten). The liability of the ‘silent’ partners is limited to the amount of their capital contributions. Each partner in a general partnership is, in addition to the partnership itself, severally liable for the obligations of the company. Under Dutch law, a partnership is similar to a business under single proprietorship, except that there are two or more owners.

Companies with Limited Liability

In the Netherlands, corporate law defines two different types of companies with limited liability: the NV (naamloze vennootschap), which is a public company with limited liability, and the BV (besloten vennootschap), which is a private company with limited liability. The main differences between the two types of companies regard the type of shares, the need for minimum capital, the transfer of shares, the purchase of own shares and financial assistance.

The BV form is particularly suitable for a wholly-owned subsidiary, joint venture companies and family businesses. The NV is suitable for larger companies whose shares may be listed. Ask an accountant, legal or financial advisor or the Chamber of Commerce about the legal and fiscal consequences of the above forms.

Taxes Owed by Self-Employed Persons

If you run your own business you can be held liable for the following:

Self-employed persons who have no employees owe income tax and VAT. Enlisting the services of an accountant will help you benefit from the many deductions that apply to you.

VAT

Those who deliver services and goods in the Netherlands are obligated to charge their customers VAT (Belasting Toegevoegde Waarde or BTW), which they subsequently pay to the tax authorities. The general VAT rates are 21% and 6%. They owe this, no matter whether they (aim to) make a profit or not, the moment an invoice is sent out. To the delivery of goods and services outside the Netherlands, other rules apply.

However, the amount of VAT that you have paid to others who deliver their goods and services to you, can be deducted from the amount of VAT you owe. Those whose ‘VAT income’ does not exceed a certain amount enjoy a full or limited exemption from paying the amount due to the tax authorities.

The amount of VAT due should be reported on the Aangifte omzetbelasting, or Turnover Tax Return, on a regular basis (monthly, quarterly or yearly). This is done online, by means of the so-called electronic, or electronische, Tax Return. The tax authorities issue you a username and a password to do this.

VAR

Until recently, in order to avoid unpleasant (tax) surprises – for you and your client – you requested the tax authorities to issue you a Verklaring Arbeidsrelatie (Statement on Your Labor Relation). This VAR either stated that you were working as an independent person or that you were working as an employee, on the basis of a (fictitious) labor relationship. This way, your clients knew upfront whether or not they would have to withhold wage tax and/or social security contributions on the fee they paid.

This statement has been replaced by standard model contracts, drawn up by the tax authorities, which can be downloaded from their site. These contracts are valid for a period of five years and have been drawn up by the various branch organizations for specific professions. There are three types of model contracts: general model contracts, sector or profession-specific model contracts, and individual model contracts. If you work according to a contract, then your principal will not have to withhold payroll taxes for you. This is not guaranteed, however: if the tax authorities come to the conclusion at a later point in time that you have not, in fact, been working according to such a contract, they may impose a retroactive tax bill.

The implementation phase of this new system will run until January 1, 2018.

Financial Aid and Deductions

The national tax office can tell you about the Tante Agaath-regulation, a scheme that makes it fiscally attractive for private persons to lend money to those who are setting up a business. Of course, you can approach a bank and see what they can do to help you, too.

When it comes to income tax, entrepreneurs enjoy an additional deduction over and above the levy rebate that every taxpayer has a right to every year of € 7,280, irrespective of the actual profits – though it may not exceed them. To this purpose you must prove that you spent at least 1,225 hours over the past tax year working for your own business (if your spouse works for the same company there are additional rules and possible deductions). Those who are starting up a new business (startende ondernemers) have a further deduction, subject to certain conditions, over the first few years of € 2,123. If you are disabled for work and start your own company, you enjoy a generous tax deduction during three of the first five years – subject to certain conditions that you can find on the website of the tax authorities. Furthermore, tax credits are available for investments made in cultural investment funds, green funds and socio-ethical funds.

Diplomas / Permits

Depending on the type of business you want to start, there are a number of diplomas you might need. For most types of businesses, however, no diploma is required. Furthermore, some businesses are subject to a zoning plan, or require a building permit, environmental permit or establishment permit. Before you start your business, you must make sure you obtain the required permits and/or diplomas, for instance by contacting your municipality.

You can ask at the Chamber of Commerce as to what specific (type of) diploma you will need and how or where you can obtain this. If you have obtained a diploma in another country, this diploma can be evaluated by IDW, to see whether it qualifies.

Free-Lancing

There are two ways you can go about free-lancing; either as a self-employed person or through an intermediary agency. In the first case, you can read about some of the rules that apply to you in these paragraphs; in the latter case, you are, in principle, treated as an employee of the intermediary agency for tax purposes.

Side Note
Permits and Citizen Service Number

Every natural person who wants to work in the Netherlands, whether in employment or self-employment, needs to comply with the Dutch entrance requirements set (if any) and must have a Citizen Service Number (burgerservicenummer), for taxation and registration purposes.

Useful links
Chambers of Commerce: www.kvk.nl / ondernemersplein

Institute for Medium and Small-Sized Companies: www.mkb.nl

Tax Authorities: www.belastingdienst.nl, click on Ondernemen, then Onderneming starten

Registered Partnership or Marriage?

Many people who have found the love of their life want to formalize this bond.
In the Netherlands, there are various options available for those who want do this; one of these is the registered partnership. The question arises, however, whether registered partnerships are a wise choice in international situations.

Registered Partnership
The registered partnership was introduced in the Netherlands on January 1, 1998. At the time, it had primarily been created for same-sex partners, in order to allow them to give their relationship a legal basis that was comparable to a marriage. At that time, the option of marriage was not available to them and it wasn’t until April 1, 2001, that people of the same sex could marry.

Difference with Marriage
When the registered partnership was first introduced it differed in a number of legal areas from a marriage – but, following a few legislative amendments, they are now virtually the same, from a legal point of view. The only difference is that, in order to terminate a marriage, you still need to go to the court. A registered partnership can be ended without the intervention of a judge, provided no children were born into this relationship and there are no conflicts between the partners.

Legal Consequences
Once two partners enter into a registered partnership in the Netherlands, the rule of general community property applies. All property and debts of each of the partners become joint property and debts.
This system is about to change, for marriages as well. As of January 1, 2018, all property and debts that the partners/spouses had before their union will remain private property and debts. Also inheritances and gifts will remain private. The rest will automatically become joint property and debts.
In the case of death, the estate of the deceased partner includes his private assets as well as half of the joint assets. Partners automatically become each other’s heir, together with the children of the deceased partner.
In the case of divorce, the joint property and debts must be divided, while one of the partners may have to pay alimony to the other.

Conditions for Partnership
If you set conditions for the partnership you can, for instance, determine that you want to keep your respective assets separate, or that you want to share only a portion of them. You can also differentiate between what happens in the case of death vs in the case of divorce. And you can determine which national law is to apply to your partnership.
Any conditions for the partnership will have to be included in a prenuptial agreement that is to be drawn up by a civil law notary and signed, before the registered partnership is entered into. The deed is then registered with the court, so that the conditions can be invoked against third parties.

Is a Marriage Perhaps Preferable?
If you decide, after a while, that you want to get married instead, you can simply have a registrar convert your registered partnership into a marriage. You will be issued an official document: a deed of conversion. This is only possible, however, if one of the partners has Dutch nationality or lives in the Netherlands. Once the deed of conversion has been drawn up, the registered partnership ends and the marriage begins. It is a seamless conversion.

Registered partnerships and marriage are now virtually the same from a legal point of view

International
Practice has shown that registered partnership can lead to complications in international situations. The most significant ones are:

1. The registered partnership is not recognized
In some countries, registered partnerships are not recognized and have no legal effect. In those countries, the partners are ‘nothing to each other’ – which can have unfavorable consequences for their pensions, fiscal situation, parental authority, alimony and inheritances.

2. The conversion from a registered partnership into a marriage is not recognized
The ‘deed of conversion’ is not seen as a marriage deed, meaning that the marriage that the spouses have now entered into is not recognized either.

3. Which national law applies?
Even if the registered partnership is recognized there can be differences of opinion between the various countries as to which national law applies to it, especially when the partners have not drawn up the conditions for the partnership in which they have chosen an applicable law.

In some countries, the registered partnership is not recognized. In those countries, the partners are ‘nothing to each other

How to Solve This
Sometimes, the only thing the partners can do is dissolve their registered partnership and then get married. However; according to the law, a registered partnership can only be dissolved in case of irreconcilable differences, which is in contradiction with the fact that they are doing this in order to get married…
More serious, however, is the fact, this this is no longer a ‘seamless transition’ into a marriage. A number of weeks generally go by between the end of the registered partnership and the start of the marriage. Should one of the partners pass away in the meantime, the other will inherit nothing. From a legal point of view, the surviving partner is (no longer) the partner and (not yet) the spouse. And should the legal heirs wish to correct this situation and leave everything to the surviving partner, the question remains as to how the tax authorities will view this. It is not at all certain that the low tax rates and high exemptions that apply to partners/spouses will be applied under these circumstances.
Even if the partners include a clause in their will stating that the surviving partner is to be an heir in the intervening period, the fiscal consequences are not clear.

In short, I would advise the following to expats who are considering entering into a registered partnership:
– First find out whether the registered partnership is recognized in your countries of origin or future countries of residence
– Prior to entering into the registered partnership, draw up a prenuptial agreement that includes the conditions for the partnership with a civil law notary who specializes in international matrimonial property law
– Be sure to include which national law is to apply to your registered partnership
– Should you wish to convert your registered partnership into a marriage – knowing that the conversion will not be recognized, meaning that the registered partnership will have to be dissolved – be sure to draw up a will in which you appoint your partner as your heir
– And in general: avoid complications and get married!

How to make sure your kids want to live in NL

By Diane Lemieux, co-author of the book The Mobile Life

In The Mobile Life: a new way of moving anywhere, we describe the process of moving abroad like an expedition. Parents on this family journey to an unknown land are the captains on the ship, each with their own role to play in the success of the mission. Your children are your crew.

We all know intuitively that you have a better chance of succeeding in your mission if your team members support the project: you want everyone rowing in the same direction, and with some level of enthusiasm. But it is never easy to move children from the world they know to a vague promise of a new life elsewhere.

Judging by the streams of happy faces in the international schools in the Netherlands, parents do a great job of helping their kids resettle. Sometimes, we aren’t conscious of the skills and techniques we use for helping our children adjust. Below are four skills borrowed from leadership theory that provide an approach to consciously supporting children through an international move.

  1. Evaluate each child in terms of their motives, perspectives, needs and attitudes to the move. Each has different needs: the age and character of each child will influence how they react to, and how you can help them deal with, the enormity of the change they face with an international move.
  2. Communicate openly with each child individually, and collectively as a family: explain the reasons for the move and the team’s common goal (which should be something like creating opportunities for everyone to have a good life at their new place). Describe the process of change that the family faces, being realistic with the fact that some aspects of the move are good, and others may be less so. Yes, they will miss friends, no, they can’t take their room with them. Most importantly, listen without judgement to their feelings, desires, hopes and fears.
  3. Investigate your new environment, like you would explore a new planet, to find the activities that make each child’s life there worthwhile. What is special about the Netherlands that will make the experience of living here memorable for the rest of their lives? How will their new environment contribute to their growth and development as individuals?
  4. Motivate your children by being a source of answers to question and solutions to problems. Help them be curious about their new home, and, especially with older children, stimulate them to take responsibility for the way they experience their life here.

Remembering that the family is a team also gives a role to children in the success of the expedition. Children are quick learners and may gain a good command of the Dutch language way before you do. They may get a hang of local habits and be able to explain things to you. Using the skills of this team-oriented approach to moving will avoid having a family member turn to you at some point and say ‘I am unhappy and it is your fault because I moved because of you.’ Children may not have control over the decision to move, but they can contribute to the choices about how to move and what the end result looks like.

For more tips and ideas buy the book at www.themobilelife.eu

Diane Lemieux has lived in 11 countries on five continents during which she collected 4 languages, two passports and several cultural identities. She is a journalist and author of four books including The Mobile Life: a new approach to moving anywhere.

Eight Reasons to Draw Up a Will

This article was originally published in The XPat Journal Summer 2017 Issue

 

By Yolanda Bokhorst

I am often asked whether it is really necessary to draw up a will. Isn’t everything already arranged in the law? And when it comes to international situations, don’t we have the European Inheritance Act?

It is a mistake to think that national laws and the European Inheritance Act contain the optimal solution for each individual situation. General rules and regulations by definition do not take into account personal circumstances. Especially in international situations, it is important to draw up a clear will that states what is to happen should you pass away. This will help your heirs avoid a lot of hassle!

Reasons for Drawing Up a Will

1. Including or excluding certain persons
The law contains a certain order in which the persons you leave behind inherit from you. But that is not necessarily the way you want it to be. Sometimes you want your legally appointed heir to receive less – or nothing at all. Or maybe you want to leave something to someone who is not related to you.
Unmarried partners are not automatically heirs. You need a will to leave something to the partner with whom you are living, but to whom you are not married.

2. The position of married partners vs. the children
In the Netherlands, there is the so-called statutory division that applies to spouses and children. The longest-living spouse inherits all property and debts and the children must wait for that spouse to pass away before they get their portion of the estate. The surviving spouse can use up everything, as a consequence of which – for instance – all private property originating from the family of the deceased parent could be gone by the time the second parent dies. Aside from the fact of whether or not this is truly desirable, this system often leads to complications in international situations, as it is a typically Dutch arrangement.

3. Specific arrangements for property located abroad
If you have property that is located outside the EU, then – once you pass away – it is not always clear which inheritance law applies to this property. The national laws of the various countries can be conflicting.
With a clear will, you can determine what is to happen to your house or savings abroad. In practice, the settlement abroad will work out well if there is a testament that clearly states what your intentions are.

4. Appointing a guardian for the under-age children
Should both parents pass away, a guardian will have to raise and represent the children. In your will, you can determine whom this should be. You can also make a list of alternative options, should the initially-appointed guardian not be willing or able to take on the responsibility.

5. Appointing an administrator
An administrator manages the inherited wealth until the children or other heirs have reached a certain age. This helps avoid the situation in which the heirs gain control of the wealth at a very young age. In your will, you can appoint an administrator – and determine until what age of the heirs this will last. You can also determine what the authorities of this administrator are.

6. Fiscal optimizing
If you pass away while living in the Netherlands, Dutch inheritance tax will be due over your worldwide property and assets. Sometimes, property that is located in another country will be subject to inheritance tax in that country as well, which will lead to double taxation.
Though heirs owe inheritance tax in the Netherlands, there are also exemptions that apply to them. The amount of the exemption depends on the relation between the deceased and the heir.
In a will, you can make optimal use of the tax brackets and exemptions. This can help limit the amount of tax due.

7. Avoiding fiscal complications
The European Inheritance Act that entered into force in 2015 has led to a harmonization of the laws applicable to inheritances and their settlement. However, it does not cover inheritance tax. Every country will continue to apply its own rules on inheritance tax. And sometimes, the fiscal rules in one country do not take into account the rules on inheritance of another country. For instance, the Dutch rules on statutory division (mentioned under 2), sometimes result in higher inheritance taxes abroad. A will can help you avoid this type of situation, by declaring the statutory division not applicable and making other arrangements that do not result in this fiscal complication abroad.

8. Appointing an executor
When someone passes away, a lot has to be arranged. To help your heirs do this, you can appoint an executor. This will take a load off their hands. The executor can be a relative, a good friend or a professional executor. They can arrange the funeral, manage the estate, carry out the related administration and take care of the tax returns. They are responsible for the settlement of the estate, so that it can be distributed among the heirs.
Of course, the executor does not have to figure out everything on their own. In the Netherlands, the civil law notary not only draws up and issues the necessary legal statements; they are also an expert who is there to answer any questions the executor may have and to lead him or her through the entire process of settling the estate.

Would you like to know whether your will contains potential ambiguities or complications that can be avoided, and would you like to obtain more information on this topic? Then be sure to make an appointment with a civil law notary who specializes in international inheritance law.

 

Go to the Directory for Legal Asstistance Services

‘Normal’ Wear and Tear…

This article was originally published in The XPat Journal Winter 2016 Issue

 

‘NORMAL’ WEAR AND TEAR…
Has Many Shades of Grey!

What constitutes ‘normal wear and tear’ when you move out of your house at the end of a lease period? Tenants and home owners can be unpleasantly surprised during their final walk-through to specify any damage caused to the rented premises.

I clearly remember Sam and Holly with their two dogs and three young sons. Six years ago I found them a lovely family home close to the beach for € 3,900 per month. It was a no-nonsense house, in good shape and very suitable for a young family. At first, the owner was apprehensive about the dogs and wanted a deposit of three months’ rent, but I negotiated the amount back to the standard of one month’s rent and included an extra clause in the contract that any damage caused by the dogs would be fully for Sam’s account.

Inspection Report

On the day the contract started, I made a detailed inspection report of the actual state of the house and took pictures of any possible defaults, i.e. nails in the wall, dents on the doors of the fridge, marks and smudges on the walls, stains in the carpets, cracks in the colored glass windows, patches in the grass, holes in the fence and so forth. The owner, a neat and elderly lady, introduced Sam to the property manager and all parties happily signed the inspection report. I felt confident that Sam’s deposit would be secured and reimbursed at the end of the tenancy. Of course he knew that he was liable for any damage caused by themselves and the dogs, but at least things would be clear and manageable. I could not have been more wrong. Six years later Sam called me in distress.
“Monique, I am leaving the Netherlands tomorrow and we had the final check-out with the owner yesterday. She will not reimburse my deposit and I have to pay an extra month’s rent. Is this possible?”
“Did you have a pre-check before your final check-out?” I asked.
“Yes,” he answered, “and nothing major came out. We had to make sure the house was clean and there were a few issues, but the property manager promised to take care of them for me.”
Formally, I don’t deal with check-outs, but Sam sounded quite stressed and I wanted to know what had gone wrong. I promised to meet with the owner and property manager the next day to find out what had happened.

The State of the House

As soon as I stepped into the house I remembered the beautifully-colored glass doors leading from the hall into the corridor. I had advised to have them protected at the time, but her agent had told me that the owner was not interested. The pictures we had taken took six years earlier, showed many small cracks, but now some of the panels were totally shattered. The kitchen counter had a burn mark on it. The contour of a round casserole was still to be seen. The carpet in one of the bedrooms had the exact imprint of an iron in the left corner. Some walls were dirty and the decking on the balcony shimmered with a green slime. The lawn showed big dark patches and I saw some broken tiles on the patio. However, the house was very clean, the oven sparkling, the curtains fresh and the wooden floor polished, although the owner pointedly indicated a few cracks. Fortunately, they were also clearly visible in the pictures I had taken six years earlier. Meanwhile the owner was in tears. She looked at me in shock.

“That is why I wanted three months’ deposit” she cried.

“That is why I wanted three months’ deposit” she cried. “Look at my house, it is totally ruined.”
“Yes, there is some damage,” I replied calmly, “but can you expect a young family to live in a house for six years like staid elderly people? The children run around and play, they cook together in the spacious kitchen and most probably have a morning rush to get everyone to school and work in time. Accidents happen, even to normal people,” I smiled. “But never on purpose. If something happens, tenants pay for any damage they have caused, as long as it is reasonable.”

The owner walked over to the shattered panels of the colored glass doors. “Yes,” I agreed, “that can be a difficult repair, but please note that there were quite a few cracks in them six years ago.” I showed her the pictures on my small computer and she nodded her head reluctantly. “Without proper protection, these cracks can turn into damage and become normal wear and tear, especially after six years. Letting a house is never without risk,” I said firmly. “Tenants pay a fair rent and should be allowed to live in it rather that tiptoe around in their rented property.”

Reasonable Amount

She took me to the kitchen and sighed, pointing at the burned circle of the casserole. “Of course the kitchen counter top has to be renewed,” I responded to her gesture, “but you cannot expect a tenant to replace old for new. This kitchen is more than 10 years old. Sam should pay a reasonable amount of damage compensation towards replacement.”

Upstairs we went. The carpet with the iron burn had not been new when they moved in and had already been stained at the time. Fortunately, there was an extra piece of carpet stored in the cellar, which could be used to replace the mark in the corner. In this case a whole new carpet would not have been reasonable. Last, we ended up in the garden. The lawn needed new patches of grass and the broken tiles on the terrace could easily be replaced. I quickly summed up the damage in my head and expected it to be less than a month’s rent. After six years, the paint job on walls can clearly be considered wear and tear and the glass could possibly be claimed on the insurance. I had advised Sam to take out additional glass insurance at the time, because legally tenants are liable for glass breaking.

Deposit

The deposit is money that belongs to the tenant, but is paid upfront to the owner as a guarantee for payment should there be damage to the rented premises. This money cannot be used at random to renew items that were not new to start with. The owner has to provide an exact specification of the costs and be able to justify the claim. To be able to specify the damage, an inspection report at the beginning and at the end of the tenancy is legally required, but if a conflict arises it is doubtful that the tenant will be able to enforce his rights by law. It is simply a matter of common sense and a civilized attitude when it comes to specifying ‘normal’ wear and tear. Parties will have to settle on an amount of compensation that can be considered within reason.

In my opinion, the deposit should be held by an independent party, but unfortunately this is not legally required in Holland. It is not fair that a tenant should pay for a complete replacement of kitchen units or carpets, wooden floors and other items that would have been replaced anyway after a certain number of years. In that case, what is damage and what is wear and tear? And, most of all, who decides what is what? The law is quite grey in this matter and so was my hair at the end of the discussion with the owner and her agent. I asked for an independent quote on the work and we finally settled for less than a third of the amount she had claimed before. Sam was very pleased and the owner felt reassured, because a new family was waiting to move in next month. I negotiated with her agent that this time she would have to install protection for the colored glass panels once they had been repaired.

All’s well that ends well – thank goodness!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Monique Brans is founder of Quality Rentals

Student Life in the Netherlands

There is a rich and thriving student life to be had in the Netherlands! The extracurricular activities you involve yourself in at University are arguably just as valuable as the course you take, and the degree you end up with. If you have chosen to study in NL, or you are considering it, keep reading. This page will explain what’s on offer to you, in the way of: sports clubs, student organizations and alumni networking. Making the most of these opportunities will help you to truly get to know your chosen Dutch city, whilst making invaluable life-long friends and connections. You may be thinking: ‘all this sounds wonderful, but how can I afford it as a student’? Living on a shoestring is difficult, but it should not mean that you miss out during your studies. Therefore, we have also provided a little advice on how to keep costs to a minimum, without compromising your enjoyment of student life in NL.

For further help on this topic, take a look at our page devoted to ‘Financial Matters for Students in NL‘.

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS IN NL

These days, Dutch University campuses tend not to revolve around fraternities, sororities or student organizations as much as they did in the past. However, student life still has a huge influence on the atmosphere and identity of University towns in Holland. There are several reasons for this:

  • Many Dutch cities are not very big
  • Relatively, therefore, students tend to make up quite a high percentage of a city’s population
  • This means that their presence can be felt in the centers of towns, and in neighborhoods that are popular with young people
  • There are few large student campuses in Holland
  • Still, every student town has a number of student organizations
  • Sometimes, a student organization has its own ‘club house’
  • Club houses often have their own unique traditions, rules, atmosphere and culture
  • This seeps out of their walls and can be felt in and around the city as well

Why Join a Student Organization in NL?

  • Joining a Dutch student organization is a great way to meet new people
  • Because organizations tend to be the locus of student life within a city, joining one is a way of accessing the centre of the action!
  • Their buzz and lively atmosphere make them ideal for making friends relatively fast
  • Club houses can feel like a home away from home for international students in NL
  • They often serve as a regular meeting place, where students can hang out with their friends
  • Being a part of a student organization will enable you to naturally build up a network of like-minded people. This could help with your career later on
  • Friends you make at the club house could become future colleagues

Hazing in the Netherlands

In order to become a member of a student organization, you may well have to go through a process called ‘hazing‘:

  • Hazing is a kind of ‘rite of passage’ a student must undergo, in order to be given membership to a fraternity
  • The fraternity will usually devise a series of challenges potential members must overcome, in order to prove they are worthy of joining
  • If you plan to study in NL for just a short period of time it might suit you better to check out some smaller student organizations
  • These are less likely to uphold hazing traditions. Or, said traditions might be less extreme than those of larger fraternities and sororities

TYPES OF STUDENT ORGANIZATION IN NL

There are many different types of student organization on the Netherlands!

1. Organizations for a Common Interest or Hobby

  • Many organizations are aligned with a common interest, such as a sport, a religion, an activity or a cause
  • Some of these have been founded by institutions of higher education themselves

2. ‘Free Time Organizations’

  • These are called ‘gezelligheidsverenigingen‘ in Dutch
  • No particular activity is at the center of such organizations. They are more like social clubs, through which students can meet other people easily
  • They are very popular in Holland

3. ‘Faculty Organizations’

  • In contrast to free time organizations, these organize a lot of activities
  • The events tend to revolve around a specific line of study
  • Activities might include: lectures, workshops or sales of textbooks at a reduced price
  • Faculty organizations are called ‘studieverenigingen‘ in Dutch
  • If you are interested in gaining advice related to your studies and your career path, it is these organizations that are worth looking into

4. National and International Student Organizations

  • These organizations serve a similar purpose  
  • Both can help you find internships, work placements and temporary jobs
  • They also provide fun and interesting activities to help you enjoy student life as an expat in NL

Tip

‘AEGEE‘ and ‘AIESEC‘ are examples of popular international student organizations:

  1. AEGEE is a general European student organization
  2. AIESEC helps students find international internships in a global learning environment

The Organization for You

Student organizations should not be the only thing you base your choice of university on. However, they can act as a good indicator of a city’s character. The types of organization a town is host to are a good meter for what  interests and values its population has. Here are a few tips on how to research student organizations in NL:

  • We recommend that you look over each city’s list of the organizations, to find out which one you would feel most at home in
  • Talking to people at your institute of higher education is another great way to find out what’s on offer
  • If you can attend an open day, we encourage you to do so! It is the only way to really get a taste of a town’s atmosphere 

THE HOLLAND ALUMNI NETWORK

As an international student, you can join the Holland Alumni Network. This network offers services to international students in the Netherlands. By joining, you will gain access to:

  • All sorts of Alumni associations
  • Careers advice from alumni who have gone through the Dutch Higher education system
  • Communication with alumni who are affiliated with Dutch higher education institutions
  • Other relevant organizations for international students and job seekers
  • 62,000 fellow students

SPORTS FOR STUDENTS IN NL

The Dutch are a very sporting nation. Hence, all student towns have sports facilities. This makes sport a huge part of student life for many Dutch University attendees:

  • Sometimes the facilities are a part of a local sports organization
  • Others are affiliated with the institute of higher education itself
  • Sports organizations aim to create camaraderie amongst students
  • They are not usually about serious competition
  • Sports club membership is generally affordable in NL
  • Most organizations offer a student discount too

Rowing in NL

Rowing is one of the most traditional and competitive student sports in the Netherlands:

  • Most Dutch rowing clubs are student clubs
  • Some of them are affiliated with larger student organizations, and others are completely independent
  • Many students take up this sport during their first year, and stop after graduating
  • The main Dutch rowing event is the ‘Varsity‘
  • This is a huge rowing tournament, to which large student rowing clubs send their best teams to compete
  • During the race, thousands of students sit and stand by the water to watch, picnic, drink and boogy
  • A huge party usually continues long into the night on the premises of the student organization of the winning team

Other Sports for Students in NL

If rowing is not your thing, do not be put off! There are plenty of other sports for you to get involved with, such as:

  • Soccer
  • Hockey
  • Rugby
  • Tennis
  • And more!

Most of these sports have their own organization. 

HANGING OUT IN HOLLAND

Having some ‘go to’ places to socialize with friends is fundamental for a healthy student life. Typically, students want:

  • Hangouts that are ‘frequented by other students’
  • Affordable food and drink 
  • A variety of cafés, restaurants, bars and dance clubs

Luckily, most Dutch towns cater very well for these requirements:

  • They tend to have a lot of student cafés and restaurants 
  • Designated student cafeterias are also popular
  • These are best known for offering very cheap meals
  • ‘Eet-cafés’ are also common. These establishments have a pleasant atmosphere and very cheap grub as well

When you first move to your new Dutch student town, we advise you to:

  • Ask other students what they recommend
  • Go out and explore for yourself. The search is half the fun!

STUDENT DISCOUNT CARDS IN NL

There are multiple discount cards designed for young people in the Netherlands. They enable students to save a lot of money. This, in turn, equips them for a richer student life.

The Dutch Cultural Youth Passport

If you are interested in educating yourself on the culture of your new city and country, get yourself a ‘CJP’:

  • CJP is pronounced ‘say-yay-pay’ and stands for ‘cultureel jongeren paspoort‘
  • This translates as ‘cultural youth passport’
  • The CJP costs € 17.50 for those under 30
  • There is a special kind of CJP for students, which costs just €25
  • This student CJP includes a ‘Knaek-discount‘. Knaek is a Dutch company that offers discounts on lots of products that are useful to students
  • The CJP can be bought via the CJP website
  • The pass enables you to claim reductions on theater tickets, concert events, entrance fees for exhibitions and films
  • You can also download CJP’s app

Other Discount Cards in NL

  • The CJP is part of ‘European Youth Card Network‘, or ‘EYCA’
  • This network shows students how to benefit from discounts at restaurants, cinemas, and shops all over the world
  • Another student card that offers discounts is the ‘ISIC‘
  • This is the ‘International Student Identity Card’

A CAREER IN HOLLAND AFTER GRADUATION

Many expat students enjoy student life in the Netherlands so much that they go on to forge a career in Holland, after graduating from their Dutch institution.

The types of students listed below have three years to request a residence permit, following their graduation from a Dutch University. They must dedicate one of these years to finding work as a highly skilled migrant in the Netherlands:

  • Foreign students who have obtained a bachelor’s degree in NL
  • Foreign students who have obtained a master’s degree in NL
  • Students that have obtained a master’s degree, or a Ph.D., at a qualifying university abroad
  • Scientific researchers
  • Post-doctoral students

Useful links

Go to the Directory for International Universities

Int. Higher Education in NL

Holland is host to a huge range of degree courses, taught in both Dutch and English. This makes it a popular study destination for students from all over the world! International higher education in NL may well differ to that of your national country. So, if you are considering applying to Dutch university, please keep reading. This page will outline how higher ed works in Holland, what kinds of institution are out there, and which degree courses are available. Learn which educational path is right for you, and what admission requirements you must meet to follow it, in NL.

Choosing your Institution

In the Netherlands, there is a ‘Dutch system of quality control‘. This guarantees that the education offered at all higher education institutions meets the same high standards. So, how do you pick the right one? 

  • When Dutch students decide where they want to study, they tend not to base their decision on which university is regarded most highly
  • Instead they look at:
  1. Which specializations are offered 
  2. What kind of academic traditions are upheld 
  3. The unique atmosphere and style of the institution 

Dutch Employers

  • The three points above are the main ways in which Dutch Universities distinguish themselves
  • Because Dutch students do not pick a higher education based on its ‘quality’, employers who are based in the Netherlands do not judge their potential candidates by which University they attended
  • They are mostly interested in the degree a future employee has earned

Selection Criteria

For these reasons, it is advisable to compare Dutch Universities by looking into the three aforementioned points of comparison. It is also advisable to consider:

  1. The structure and content of the study programs a university offers
  2. The city in which it is located
  3. The clubs and extra curricular activities available 

Quality Control in NL

There is one measure we recommend you take, in order to ensure that the higher education institution you are interested in is up to scratch:

  • Find out whether it has been approved by the ‘Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders’
  • This is called the ‘Nederlands Vlaamse Accreditatie Organisatie‘ in Dutch
  • The Dutch and Flemish government created this organization specifically for the purpose of monitoring the quality of the higher education courses and programs in the Netherlands
  • Most institutions that offer English-language education are obligated to sign a special Code of Conduct
  • This code sets out standards for Dutch higher education institutions
  • It also lays down rules regarding the fair treatment of international students
  • These rules are to do with: quality of educational programs, student recruitment policy, selection and counselling procedures

Dutch Higher Ed: the Basics

Let’s start by covering the fundamental set-up of higher education in the Netherlands:

  • The higher education system in Holland is based on a three-cycle degree system
  • The system begins with a Bachelor’s degree, progresses to a Master’s degree and concludes with a PhD degree
  • Students can go through this system at ‘research universities’. These are referred to as ‘WOs’ in Holland
  • Alternatively, students can gain a degree from a university of applied sciences. These are referred to as ‘HBOs’ in the Netherlands
  • In Dutch, higher academic education is referred to as ‘universiteit‘
  • Approximately 29% of the population of the Netherlands, who are aged between 15 and 75, have a higher education degree. This percentage is on the rise too!
  • 49% of women and 45% of men in Holland, aged between 35 and 45, have acquired a degree

What Higher Ed looks like in the Netherlands

To get a clearer idea of the educational options available to young people in NL, and how they can be reached, take a look at the diagram below:

Tabel by Educaide

Research Universities in NL

Dutch research universities offer higher education to students in the Netherlands, who hold either an IB-Diploma or a Dutch VWO.  These higher education institutions can be found in:

It is also possible to study in other locations, through one of the above univeristies:

  • Some of these universities have faculties in other cities 
  • Many Dutch universities have partner institutions in other countries too
  • Students can follow part of their course abroad, at one of these partner institutions

WO Higher Education in NL

As we explained earlier, students will follow a ‘WO’ education program at a Dutch Research university:

  • This program will commence with a bachelor’s course, which will last three years 
  • It will be followed by a master’s course, which can last between one and three years
  • A bachelor’s program is sometimes referred to as an ‘undergraduate’ course, and a masters as a ‘graduate’ course
  • Unsurprisingly, Dutch ‘Research universities‘ tend to run research-oriented programs
  • The programs taught at these universities are described as ‘Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs‘, or  ‘WO’ for short
  • This kind of education is designed to prepare students for careers that require highly skilled employees

Fields of Research

Dutch research universities offer students the opportunity to conduct research in a varied and exciting range of disciplines, in order for them to gain expertise in a specific field. These diciplines include, but are not limited to: 

  • Language and culture
  • Behavior and society
  • Economics
  • Law
  • Medical and health sciences
  • Natural sciences
  • Engineering
  • Agriculture

Universities of Applied Science in NL

Universities of applied sciences are called ‘Hogescholen‘ in Dutch. Here’s what you need to know about them:

  • Primarily, Hogescholen offer programs of higher ‘professional’ education
  • In Dutch, this is called ‘Hoger Beroepsonderwijs‘, which is abbreviated to ‘HBO’
  • These programs prepare students for specific professions
  • The education these universities offer tends to be more practice-oriented than that of research universities

HBO Education in NL

  • Universities of applied sciences offer four-year bachelor’s degree programs
  • Two-year master’s programs are also available
  • All degree programs focus on preparing students for particular professions
  • They tend to be more practically-oriented than programs offered by research universities
  • HBO education consists of lectures, seminars, projects and independent study
  • Students are also often required to complete an internship or work placement
  • This normally takes up part of the third year of their course
  • During their fourth year of study, students are usually expected to complete a final project or a major paper

Entry Requirements for HBO Education

  • Students with an IB-diploma can attend a Dutch HBO
  • In some cases, students who have taken the ‘IGCSE-diploma‘, along with two additional subjects at GCE-level, can also attend a Dutch University of applies sciences
  • MBO-diplomas and Dutch HAVO/VWO-diplomas are sometimes considered acceptable entrance qualifications too

HBO programs focus on applied arts and sciences in one of the seven HBO sectors:

  • Agriculture
  • Engineering and technology
  • Economics and business administration
  • Health care
  • Fine and performing arts
  • Education/teacher training
  • Social welfare

International Education in NL

Next to research universities and universities of applied sciences, Holland has a third  branch of higher education. This branch is a lot smaller and lesser known. In the Netherlands, it is simply referred to as ‘International Education’, or ‘IE’:

  • International education offers advanced training courses
  • These are taught in English
  • Originally, they were designed for people from developing countries whose jobs required highly specialized knowledge
  • Most IE institutions are part of a research university
  • They typically focus on courses relevant to developing countries

Tuition Language in NL

Across the Netherlands, Dutch higher education institutions are teaching a growing number of courses in English:

  • It is possible to take specialized courses as well as entire bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. programs in English
  • In total, there are over 2,100 international courses on offer
  • These are all taught entirely in English

English Language Education in NL

In order to enrol in a program or a course that is conducted in English, you must have a sufficient command of the language. Your English will be tested in the following way:

  • You must take an English language test
  • TOEFL is a common example, which is recognized in the Netherlands. TOEFL stands for ‘Test of English as a Foreign Language’
  • IELTS is also recognized in the Netherlands. This is the ‘International English Language Testing System’
  • Some courses have their own, additional, language requirements
  • Make sure you visit the database of the course you are considering applying for, to check whether you will qualify

Higher Education Taught in Dutch

  • Whilst many degree programs are taught entirely in English, some expats opt to take on the challenge of studying a program in Dutch
  • A number of university centers offer ‘Dutch as a second language‘ courses
  • Said courses are specially designed for foreign students, whose lack of Dutch is the only thing stopping them from being qualified for admission 
  • In order to take a Dutch course, you must be able to prove that you have mastered the language sufficiently

Admission Requirements in NL

As we mentioned earlier, students are usually required to have an IB diploma, or a VWO-diploma, in order to be admitted onto a WO bachelor’s program in Holland. There are a few extra admission requirements they must meet on top of this:

  • The minimum access requirement for an HBO course is an IB-diploma
  • In some cases, undergraduates must hold an IGCSE-diploma, with two additional subjects at GCE-level
  • Other courses stipulate that students must have a Dutch HAVO, a VWO-diploma or a level-4 MBO-diploma

Subject Clusters

  • When applying for a WO or an HBO, students must have completed at least one subject ‘cluster’
  • In Dutch a cluster is called a ‘profielen‘
  • The cluster must fulfil the particular requirements that will have been laid out by the individual higher education program for which they are applying

Program Quotas

  • Certain programs have a quota. In Dutch, this is called a ‘numerus fixus‘
  • It is primarily courses related to the health sector that have quotas
  • For these programs, places are allocated using a weighted lottery
  • Prospective students who are over 21 years of age, and are not in possession of one of the afore-mentioned qualifications, can still be admitted onto a Dutch higher eductaion course
  • To qualify, said students need to pass an entrance examination and an assessment
  • The only access requirement for the ‘Open University‘ is that applicants are at least 18 years of age

Equivalent Diplomas for Dutch Higher Ed

Many international students need to apply to a Dutch higher ed institution, with a diploma from another country. How does this work in NL?

  • To determine whether your diploma renders you qualified for admission to a Dutch course you must have it evaluated
  • Your prospective educational institute will carry out this evaluation for you
  • Admission requirements are set by individual institutions themselves in NL
  • So, once you have found a study program that appeals to you, be sure to check its admission requirements. They will not necessarily be the same as those of other programs you have looked at
  • It is essential that you speak, read and write English well!
  • As we mentioned earlier, you must have passed an English language test to be admitted into higher education in the Netherlands
  • IELTS and TOEFL are commonly accepted certificates
  • Institutions may also, however, accept other tests
  • Cambridge English,  for example, is sometimes sufficient

Failure to Meet Entry Requirements

In principle, you can only come to the Netherlands as an expat student, if you meet all the aforementioned requirements. There are, however, a few exceptions to this rule. If:

1. You do not Speak Dutch

  • If the course you want to take is taught in Dutch, and you do not have a sufficient grasp of the language, there is an answer
  • Provided that you meet all the other requirements for the program, you can come to Holland for a year before your course begins, to study the local language and get your skills up to a sufficient level

2. You do not Meet Every Entry Requirement

  • If you do not possess the correct qualifications to be admitted onto the course of your choice, you can come to NL for a year to follow a preparatory program
  • Alternatively, prospective students who are over 21 years of age, and who do not possess one of the qualifications mentioned above, can qualify for access to higher education on the basis of an entrance examination and assessment

3. You do not Feel Ready!

  • If you want to come to NL to study, but you simply do not feel prepared to take the leap, Dutch Universities might be able to help you
  • In Holland you can take a ‘foundation year‘
  • This is a transitional year that has been created specifically for non-European and non-Western students
  • It is intended to help them prepare for their studies in the Netherlands
  • The only access requirement for the Open University is that applicants be at least 18 years of age

Unqualified for a WO

If you would like to pursue a degree at a WO University in the Netherlands, you technically need to have either a ‘HAVO-diploma’ or the equivalent from another country. However, if you do not have this diploma, there is an alternative path you can take:

  • The first year of every HBO and WO-program is known as the ‘propedeuse‘ year
  • Once you have your ‘HBO-propedeuse‘, you can choose whether or not to continue with the bachelor’s program at your university of applied sciences
  • If you opt not to, you can begin the first year of a WO university program
  • To do this, you will usually have had to complete your propedeuse year in a subject that relates to what you wish to study at the WO
  • After ‘investing’ a year in obtaining an HBO-propedeuse, WO universities will accept you without a HAVO diploma

Admittance to a Masters Program in NL

Once you have secured a WO-bachelor’s degree, you are automatically qualified to continue on to at least one master’s program in the Netherlands:

  • Most students choose to do this at the university from which they were awarded their undergraduate degree
  • You can, however, usually attend a different university if you wish
  • This University can be in the Netherlands, or in another country
  • If you want a change of direction, and you wish to apply to a different master’s program at the same university, there could be additional requirements that you must meet

Degrees in the Netherlands

Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in NL

Bachelor’s and master’s degrees are awarded by both universities and universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands:

  • At the end of an HBO bachelor’s degree program graduates obtain the title: ‘Bachelor of …’, for the professional field of study in which they have achieved their qualification
  • Having completed a WO-bachelor’s degree course, graduates are awarded a ‘Bachelor of Science’ or a ‘Bachelor of Arts’ degree
  • The same distinction is made for the names of master’s degrees

Associate Degrees in the Netherlands

An associate degree program is a two-year ‘short cycle’ degree program:

  • Dutch people also refer to it as an ‘associate degree’
  • It is offered by universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands
  • It enables students to obtain a professional qualification in a condensed period of time
  • An associate degree is intended to help them learn skills and competencies needed to improve their chances of finding a job
  • To be accepted onto an associate degree program, prospective students typically require the same qualifications they would need for admittance to an HBO bachelor’s program
  • Once you have obtained an associate degree you can seek employment
  • Alternatively, you could move on to the last two years of an HBO-program, and obtain a bachelor’s degree

Doctorates in the Netherlands

In Holland, students who make it through their third cycle of higher education will be awarded a doctororate degree:

  • This impressive accolade can be achieved only at a research university in Holland
  • All research universities in the Netherlands are eligible to award the country’s highest academic degree, the ‘doctoraat‘, to their students
  • They can also award their pupils a Ph.D.
  • This degree entitles someone to use the title ‘doctor’, or the abbreviated form ‘dr.’
  • The process by which a doctorate is obtained is referred to as the ‘promotie‘ in Dutch

What actually is a doctorate degree?

  • A doctorate is primarily a research degree
  • Students who embark upon a doctorate must write a dissertation
  • This must be based on original research, written up in full and publicly defended
  • The minimum amount of time required to complete a doctorate is four years

How to Apply for a Doctorate Program in NL

  • Most students working on doctorates are actually paid employees, rather than ‘students’
  • They apply for a position as an AIO
  • This stands for ‘assistent-in-opleiding‘, and is a research assistant job
  • It is not essential for a doctoral student to take on such a position, in order to obtain their Ph.D.
  • Working as an AIO merely enables them to have a source of income, whilst they are working towards their Ph.D
  • AIO positions are advertised in the same way jobs are in Holland
  • Candidates must approach a supervisor directly in order to apply
  • Candidates with foreign qualifications can apply for these positions alongside their Dutch counterparts
  • They must ask permission to write their dissertation in another language
  • Prospective doctoral students may also contact a university faculty independently, and write their own research proposal
  • Sometimes the research for a dissertation can be conducted in the candidate’s own country

The Dutch Higher Ed Credit System

The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is used by all higher education institutions in the Netherlands. Here are the bullet points:

  • A WO bachelor’s program stipulates that students must complete 180 credits
  • Ordinarily, a WO master’s program demands that between 60 and 120 credits are completed over the course of one or two years
  • An HBO bachelor’s program asks that students amass 240 credits 
  • 120 credits are required for an associate degree
  • The number of credits a student manages to achieve dictates the degree that he or she is ultimately given

How Many Credits?

120 credits are always required for the completion of a degree in one of the following subjects:

  • Engineering
  • Agriculture
  • Dentistry
  • Math
  • Natural sciences 120

Universities ask that their students complete 180 credits if they are following programs in:

  • Medicine
  • Veterinary medicine
  • Pharmacy

An HBO master’s program requests that students complete 60 to 120 credits

Side Note

The Dutch Grading System

The grading system has been the same for several decades in the Netherlands. Here’s how it works:

  • The grading scale in Holland is fairly simply
  • According to the scale, 1 is very poor and 10 is outstanding
  • The lowest passing grade is 6
  • 9s are seldom given
  • 10s are extremely rare!
  • Grades 1-3 are hardly ever used

Useful links

  • Study in NL: Everything you need to know about higher education in NL
  • Millian: Find masters programs and business courses in NL
  • Educaide: Advise on all forms of higher education in Holland

Student Housing in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is a fantastic place to study as an international student, in so many ways. One of it’s few downfalls, is that there is a shortage of student housing. On this page, we offer a little advice on how to make sure you have a roof over your head, during your time at Dutch University. It is best not to expect to live in luxury during your time as a student in NL, but try not to be put off by this! What you may lack in terms floor space will be more than made up for in terms of thriving student life and Dutch culture!

The Student Housing Shortage in NL

In Holland, most student towns have one problem in common: a shortage of student housing!

  • It is hard enough for Dutch students to find a good place to live in the Netherlands
  • Unfortunately, as a foreign student, this means that it may well be even harder for you
  • It is unlikely that you will be coming to the Netherlands with a ready-built network, from which you can receive help
  • What’s more, short-term accommodation is tougher to come by in NL. Since you may well not be staying in the Netherlands for long, this could put you at more of a disadvantage

How to Find Student Accommodation in NL

Here is our advice:

  • Your education institution may have arranged housing for you. This will usually be the case if you are participating in an exchange program, or you are enrolled in an international course
  • If you do have pre-arranged housing, we recommend that you accept it immediately! It can be tempting to try and find something for yourself. However, this will be a challenge, and the room you are offered could be give to someone else if you wait too long to accept it
  • If your University has not arranged housing for you, they will probably still be able to offer some help
  • Many higher education institutions in NL have special departments for foreign students. These departments are equipped to help students find a suitable place to live
  • Visit your University’s website, to see whether they have a section on housing for international students
  • If they have no such section, contact your institution directly 

Tip

Dutch Housing Websites

If you are undertaking the search yourself, you will probably have to navigate some housing websites, which will be written in Dutch. Try not to be too put off by this:

  • The sites are quite simple to navigate once you get the hang of them
  • In Dutch, ‘housing’ translates as ‘huisvesting‘
  • ‘Huur‘ means ‘rent’
  • ‘Kamers‘  means ‘rooms’. Anything that includes this word is usually related to housing
  • Find a list of housing websites at the bottom of this page

What is Student Housing like in NL?

Once you have found a place to live, what can you expect from it?

  • In Holland, students usually have their own room
  • A student house will typically have a shared shower, toilet, kitchen and living room
  • Students tend to live with other students. So, your roommates will probably be in the same boat as you
  • It is common for men and women to live together in a shared house in Holland
  • If you would rather live with people of the same sex, let your University know as soon as possible
  • Due to the shortage of good accommodation in NL, you may find the room you are offered a bit small and dingy
  • We’re afraid that there is not usually a lot you can do about this
  • Most institutions will simply be glad to offer you shelter!
  • Remember that what really makes student life great is the course, the friends and the city. Once you are happy with these areas, you will forget that your room is not too luxurious!

Useful links

Find a room in Holland through:

For further information on accommodation in the Netherlands, take a look at our pages:

If you plan to stay in your hosing outside of term-time, there are so many productive ways to use your time. Finding an internship, a work placement, a temporary job, or just an activity you love is a great way to gain career experience and to integrate deeper into life in NL. The following organisations can help you with this:

Financial Matters for Students

All students need to keep on top of their financial matters. Tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses and student life all require funding. Throw in another currency and another culture, and you have quite a task on your hands! Luckily there are many forms of financial aid available to you, as an international student in NL. Which type of loan you are eligible for will depend on your personal situation. On this page we will discuss all the various forms of financial support on offer to expat students. Read on to learn about which ones apply to you, and how you can arrange them, in order to make the most of your time studying in Holland!

Tuition Fees in NL

How much you will have to pay to study at a government-funded higher ed institution in NL, as an international student, will depend on where you are from:

  • Expat students from the EU, the EEA, Switzerland and Surinam should expect to pay anything upwards of €2,006 per year
  • Thats is, for 2017/2018. Prices could rise in the future
  • Unfortunately, students of all other nationalities generally have to pay higher fees
  • The average tuition fee for a bachelor’s program is between € 6,000 and € 17,000
  • For a master’s program it is between € 9,400 and € 20,000
  • Tuition for theology studies, however, is lower

Affordable Education

This might seem expensive. However, tuition fees in the Netherlands are generally considered to be very reasonable:

  • Compared to many other countries, international higher education fees in NL are relatively low
  • The level of education in Holland is also of an excellent standard
  • Plenty of grants are available
  • EU, EEA and Swiss students can still apply for ‘studiefinanciering‘. This is the a study loan from the Dutch government, which we will explain in more detail in the paragraphs below

Student Finance in NL

In Dutch, student finance is referred to as ‘studiefinanciering‘. Unfortunately, it will not automatically be available to all international students who come to the Netherlands. We will cover what makes you eligible for this loan a little later on, so keep reading!  

If you do meet the requirements to receive studiefinanciering, we advise you to accept it! It is a huge asset when it comes to financial matters for students in NL. The Dutch student finance system works as follows:

  • Students no longer receive a grant from the government, with which they pay for their studies
  • Instead, students can take out a maximum loan of € 1042
  • This loan includes a tuition fee loan
  • It is up to students themselves to decide how large a loan they would like
  • There are no longer any limits to the amount of money a student is permitted to earn whilst he or she is receiving studiefinanciering
  • If their parents are of limited financial means, students can apply for an additional grant of € 391 a month

Once the Studying is Over

  • This grant will be converted into a gift, if the student achieves his or her diploma within ten years
  • Students in the Netherlands have 15 years to pay off their student loan
  • Those who commence their studies in the academic year of 2018-2019 will have 35 years to pay off their loan 
  • If you entered a Dutch university as a student of applied sciences between 2015 and 2019 or between 2018 and 2019, you will be issued a € 2000-voucher for further studies. That is, on the condition that you obtain your diploma
  • It is important to note that the old student finance system will continue to apply to students following secondary vocational education, or ‘MBO‘

The Student Travel Card in NL

  • If you are eligible to receive a Dutch student finance loan, you will automatically be eligible for a ‘Studenten OV-chipkaart‘
  • This is a discount student travel card, which can be used on all forms of Dutch public transport
  • With your card, you can travel for free either during the weekend or on weekdays
  • You must choose which part of the week you would like to claim your free travel on, for yourself
  • You will still be able to travel at a reduced rate during the other days of the week
  • Using a student discount on public transport is also subject to whether or not you complete your studies within ten years
  • If you fail to meet this condition, you will have to make a retroactive monthly payment for having possessed your card
  • You can own and use a Studenten OV-chipkaart for a maximum of five years
  • You can still have a student travel pass, if you do not take out a Dutch student finance loan

Are you Eligible for Dutch Student Finance?

In order to receive Dutch student finance, you must possess ‘demonstrable’ ties with the Netherlands. Below we have outlined the requirements that constitute ‘demonstrable ties’. 

Student Finance for Non-Dutch Nationals

You can apply for Dutch student finance if you are a non-Dutch national, who legally resides in the Netherlands. You will be eligible for ‘studiefinanciering’ if you are either:

  • Enrolled in full-time higher education, or:
  • Enrolled in a dual course that will last at least one year

Eligibility for EU, EEA or Swiss Nationals

If you are an EU,EEA or Swiss national, you must meet the following requirements in order to qualify for Dutch student finance:

  • You must have lived in the Netherlands for five consecutive years
  • During this time, you must only have lived outside of the Netherlands for a maximum of six months
  • If you, or if your non-Dutch parent or partner, have lived away from Holland for a significant period of time contact DUO
  • DUO stands for ‘Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs‘
  • It is the Dutch Ministry of Education. There could be some additional conditions to which you must adhere

Residence Permits for Non-Dutch Nationals

As well as meeting one of the above conditions, non-Dutch Nationals must hold one of the following residence permits:

  • Type I (temporary) residence permit. This permit must have been issued to you on particular grounds
  • Type II (permanent) residence permit
  • Type III (temporary) residence permit
  • Residence permit type V. This is an EU residence permit for long-term residents
  • Asylum seekers must have a type IV (permanent) residence permit

The DUO strongly advises non-Dutch EU students to do the following:

  • If they have not been living in the Netherlands for five consecutive years or more, contact one of the DUO support Offices
  • They can provide you with further information regarding Dutch student finance

If, according to the requirements above, you are not eligible to receive Dutch student finance, fear not! There are plenty of other forms of assistance available to you. Read on to learn about them.

Side Note

In order to receive student finance in the Netherlands, you must arrange to have a ‘DigiD’. This is your Dutch Digital Identity

Tuition Fees Loan in NL

If You Do not Qualify for Student Finance 

EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who do not qualify for full studiefinanciering, can still apply for a tuition fee loan. This loan can be repaid once they have completed their studies.

How large a loan a student can receive, depends on the type of institution they are attending. If you are:

1. Legally receiving tuition fees, that are being put towards a higher education from a government-funded Dutch University:

  • You can receive a total annual amount of € 2,060
  • That is, for the academic year of 2018-19

2. If your loan money is being used to pay tuition fees to a non-government-funded institute of higher education in NL:

  • You can apply for a loan for whatever the sum of the fees for your institution comes to
  • This means that you can receive up to a maximum of five times the ‘legal’ tuition fee quantity, charged by a government-funded education institution

Nationality and Eligibility

To qualify for a tuition fee loan, you must be between the ages of 18 and 30, and come from one of the countries listed below:

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • The Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Great Britain
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Rumania
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland

Accepted Types of Institution

In addition, you must be enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited course at one of the following institutions:

Further Requirements

You must also have:

Lifelong Learning Credit in NL

If you qualify for neither studiefinanciering nor a tuition fees loan, you can apply for something called ‘lifelong learning credit‘. You can receive this loan, upon the following conditions:

  • You are a full-time, dual or part-time student at a university of applied sciences, or a research university, in the Netherlands
  • You are a full-time student in an MBO learning program
  • Your study program is officially recognized in the Netherlands
  • You are an EU, an EEA or a Swiss National
  • You have a residence permit. Said permit bust be of type II, III, IV or V
  • If you have a type I permit, refer to the DUO, to see whether you qualify for lifelong learning credit
  • You are older than 30 and younger than 55

Side Note

Under certain conditions, you can apply for lifelong learning credit if you are under the age of 30. To qualify, you must:

  • Already have a bachelor’s or a master’s degree
  • Be following a second full-time, or part-time, study at a university of applied sciences
  • Not be in receipt of full reimbursement for your tuition fees. This means that neither an employer, nor a parent, can be helping you to fund your higher eductaion
  • If, however, another party is only partially reimbursing you for your study fees, you can request credit for the remaining amount

Grants in the Netherlands

Scholarships for EU Students

EU students have many of their financial matters taken care of for them, if they come to the Netherlands to study as part of an exchange program. For example, the following affairs will be organized on their behalf:

Scholarships for Non-EU Students

If you are coming to the Netherlands from outside of the EU, we recommend that you take a look into which grants or scholarships are available to you. They could really help cover the costs of your higher education in NL.

If there are scholarships available for international students, they tend to be for students:

  • In a particular field of study
  • From a particular country or region

As well as looking for scholarships online, we recommend that you contact your University and ask what is available. Some institutions have special grant programs for international students.

Refugee and Asylum Seeking Students in NL

Approach the ‘Stichting UAF Steunpunt‘ if you are about to begin your higher education in NL, and you have refugee status, or you are seeking asylum in Holland.

The Stichting UAF Steunpunt is the foundation for refugee students in the Netherlands:

  • They will be able to tell you whether there is a grant available to you
  • There is a small British flag in the top, right-hand corner of their website
  • Click on this flag to access an English-language leaflet. It lists the conditions you must meet, in order to receive financial assistance during your studies in NL

Banking as a Student in NL

All international students will need to open a Dutch bank account, in order to manage their financial matters. Most Dutch banks will be very accommodating:

  • Many banks respect and understand that because foreign students have come to gain a good quality higher education in a completely new and unfamiliar country all by themselves, they need financial advice and support
  • Therefore, you should find the staff friendly and flexible
  • If you ask about their loans, they will endeavour to advise you, and find one that suits you personally
  • They will be open to working out an arrangement that will help you cover your fees
  • They should only expect you to pay back your loan once you have completed your studies and found a job
  • In Dutch cities that have large international student populations, banks should be especially helpful
  • Staff will be happy to answer any questions related to financial matters you may have
  • They will, however, certainly ask to see your student registration
  • You will probably need to provide a guarantor too

Special Banking Programs for Students in NL

The following Dutch banks have special programs for students. We recommend that you contact one of them to set up your banking, whilst you are studying in the Netherlands:

These student banking programs will include features such as:

  • Special interest rates
  • A maximum loan
  • The use of a credit card
  • Special repayment programs
  • Health insurance, for those who cannot take out a health insurance in the Netherlands
  • Other insurances

Student Insurance in NL

If you are a student, under 30 years of age, who has come to NL solely for the purpose of studying, you will be exempt from the general requirement to take out Dutch public health care insurance. In order to be immune to this requirement you cannot hold a part-time job, or a paid internship, during your studies. In addition, you are obligated to make alternative arrangements:

Insurance for European Students

If you are from an EU-country:

Insurance for Non-European Students

If you are from a non-EU country, this financial matter requires further attention. Here’s what we suggest:

  • You can take out a private insurance policy in Holland
  • There are private packages on the market, created specially for international students
  • Visit AON for more information
  • This company has packages that include liability insurance, household content insurance and legal advice
  • We advise you to read up on the different kinds of Dutch insurance that exist in NL. This way, you will know which forms on insurance you are, and are not, obligated to have
  • If you are covered by a public health care insurance plan in your home country, check whether it will cover you during your studies abroad too

Student Jobs in NL

There is nothing to prevent you from taking on a paid job alongside your studies in the Netherlands. In fact, it is a great way to gain work experience and to give your finances a boost! However, there are a few things to bear in mind:

  • You will only be allowed to work in Holland if you have a residence permit and a ‘burgerservicenummer’. This is a Dutch Citizen Service Number
  • Depending on your nationality, you can only work for a limited number of hours per week in NL
  • Your employer must also apply for a work permit on your behalf 
  • Make sure that you check which regulations apply to you before you apply for, or accept, a job. Your University should be able to help you with this

Types of Student Job in NL

What kind of work can you do as a student in NL?

The Perks of Work

  • The process of asking your boss to apply for your work permit should be relatively uncomplicated, if you are from the EU. So do not be put off by having to do this
  • EU, EEA and Swiss nationals are free to work as many hours as they like in the Netherlands, alongside their studies
  • Do not forget that you will have to take out Dutch healthcare insurance if you take on a job. You risk receiving a hefty fine if you fail to do this
  • There is no limit to how much you are allowed to earn, whilst you are receiving the ‘studiefinanciering’ loan. We will discuss this in more detail further on

A Career in Holland After Graduation

Are you considering forging a career in the Netherlands, after graduating from your Dutch institution?

Most expatriates have three years to request a Dutch residence permit, following the conclusion of their studies. They must dedicate one of these three years to finding work as a highly skilled migrant in the Netherlands. This rule applies to the following graduates:

  • Foreign students who have obtained a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in the Netherlands
  • Students that have obtained a master’s degree, or a Ph.D., at a qualifying university abroad
  • Scientific researchers
  • Post-doctoral students

Said expats can also use this time to start up an ‘innovative company’, or to work without a work permit. Until they find work, however, they will not be eligible for benefits in NL. This makes it unlikely that they will be able to cover the basic costs of living in Holland.

Useful links

  • Educaide: Advise on all forms of higher education in Holland
  • Study in NL: Everything you need to know about higher education in NL
  • Career Professor: The network that bridges the gap between graduates and employers
  • Millian: find masters programs and business courses in NL

Information Centers & Business Clubs

Information centers and business clubs can be a huge asset to expats living in the Netherlands. Starting work in a new country is a big challenge! If you have come to Holland to pursue your career, you may well have very minimal resources. You are likely to have few contacts, limited knowledge about the Dutch employment market and perhaps even less about Dutch culture. Luckily there are numerous sources of help and support on offer to you in NL. The information centers listed below can provide you with priceless, practical advice on doing business here. Be sure to take a look at the international clubs we have mentioned too. Being part of a group of like minded people is an invaluable means of learning, networking and amassing colleagues. You can be supported further by the Dutch chambers of commerce, as well as those of your national  country, in the Netherlands. Find details about these at the bottom of this page.

International Information Desks in NL

IN Amsterdam
WTC Amsterdam, I-tower first Floor
Strawinskylaan 1767, 1077 XW Amsterdam
Tel: 020 254 79 99
www.iamsterdam.com/en/in-amsterdam

Amsterdam Airport Area
P.O. Box 75700, 1118 ZT Schiphol Airport
Tel.: 020 405 47 77
www.aaarea.nl

The Hague Business Agency
Prinses Margrietplantsoen 25, 2595 AM The Hague
Tel.: 070 311 55 55
www.businessagency.thehague.com

The Hague International Centre
The Hague City Hall, Atrium
Spui 70, 2511 BT The Hague
Tel.: 070 353 50 43
Open Monday to Friday from 9.00 to 17.00 hours.
www.thehague.com

Rotterdam Info Expatdesk
Korte Hoogstraat 31, 3011 GK Rotterdam
Tel.: 010 790 01 40
https://rotterdamexpatcentre.nl

Expat Center Leiden
Stationsweg 41, 2312 AT Leiden
Tel.: 071 516 60 05
www.expatcentreleiden.nl

Leiden Bio Science Park
Poortgebouw Noord
Rijnsburgerweg 10, 2333 AA Leiden
Tel.: 071 524 75 53
www.leidenbiosciencepark.nl

Province of Utrecht – Foreign Investment Office
P.O. Box 80300, 3508 TH Utrecht
Tel.: 030 258 23 96
www.investinutrecht.com

Expat Center Utrecht
Utrecht City Hall
Stadsplateau 1, 3521 AZ Utrecht
Tel.: 030 286 58 20
www.utrecht.nl/english/expatcenter

BOM Foreign Investments
Goirleseweg 15, 5026 PB Tilburg
Tel.: 088 831 11 20
www.foreigninvestments.eu

Brainport Development
Emmasingel 11, 5611 AZ Eindhoven
Tel.: 040 751 24 24
www.brainport.nl

High Tech Campus Eindhoven
www.hightechcampus.com

Ontwikkelings Maatschappij Oost Nederland NV
Meander 601, 8625 ME Arnhem
Tel.: 026 384 42 22
Hengelosestraat 585, 7521 AG Enschede
Tel.: 053 851 68 51

Limburgse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (LIOF)
Boschstraat 766211 AX Maastricht
Tel.: 043 328 02 80
www.liof.com

Invest in Holland
Prinses Beatrixlaan 2, 2595 AL The Hague
Tel.: 088 602 80 60
https://investinholland.com

International Business Clubs in NL

THE AMSTERDAM AMERICAN BUSINESS CLUB
A professional networking organization for Dutch and American companies around Amsterdam
Keizersgracht 62-64, 1015 CS Amsterdam
Tel.: 020 520 75 34
www.aabc.nl

CLUB OF AMSTERDAM
An independent, international, future-­oriented think tank involved in channeling preferred futures
www.clubofamsterdam.com

COMMERCIAL ANGLO DUTCH SOCIETY
Provides an informal meeting point for Dutch and British professionals
http://cads-amsterdam.org

WTC The Hague International ­Business Club
Prinses Margrietplantsoen 33, 2595 AM The Hague
Tel.: 070 304 36 65
www.wtcthehague.com

CONNECTING WOMEN (THE HAGUE)
A network of professional internationally aware women.
Juliana van Stolberglaan 154, 2595 CL The Hague.
www.connectingwomen.nl

WOMEN’S BUSINESS INITIATIVE INTERNATIONAL
A community of entrepeneurial women.
Laan Copus van Cattenburch 86, 2585 GE The Hague
Tel.: 070 358 85 57
www.womensbusinessinitiative.net

WOMEN’S INTERNATIONAL NETWORK (WIN)
The international networking association for professional women in the Netherlands
www.winconference.net

Chambers of Commerce in NL

DUTCH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE: www.kvk.nl

KAMER VAN KOOPHANDEL AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Chamber of Commerce
De Ruyterkade 5, 1013 AA Amsterdam
Tel.: 020 531 40 00
Team International Trade Information
Tel.: 020 531 44 39
www.kvk.nl

KAMER VAN KOOPHANDEL ROTTERDAM
Rotterdam Chamber of Commerce
Blaak 40, 3000 AL Rotterdam
Tel.: 010 402 77 77
www.rotterdam.kvk.nl
International Business Department
Blaak 40, 3000 AL Rotterdam
Tel.: 010 402 78 90
www.kvk.nl

KAMER VAN KOOPHANDEL DEN HAAG
The Hague Chamber of Commerce
Koninginnegracht 13, 2514 AA The Hague
Tel.: 088 585 15 85
www.kvk.nl

KAMER VAN KOOPHANDEL UTRECHT
Utrecht Chamber of Commerce
Kroonstraat 50, 3511 RC Utrecht
Tel.: 030 236 32 11
www.kvk.nl

INT. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (ICC)
www.iccwbo.org

AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Scheveningseweg 58, 2517 KW The Hague
Tel.: 070 365 98 08
www.amcham.nl

BELGISCH-LUXEMBURGSE KAMER VAN KOOPHANDEL
Groenmarkt 17, 3311 BD Dordrecht
Tel.: 078 635 19 90
www.nkvk.be

ITALIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
De Ruyterkade 5, 1013 AA Amsterdam
Tel.: 020 751 33 63
www.italianchamber.nl

JAPANESE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
World Trade Center 8-9, Strawinskylaan 935, 1077 XX Amsterdam
Tel.: 020 662 14 57
www.jcc-holland.nl

NETHERLANDS BRITISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 328, 1012 RW Amsterdam
Tel.: 020 421 70 40
www.nbcc.co.uk