so, me and my partner are seriously considering moving to amsterdam, and i was just wondering whether anyone has any advice/tips etc? We're both british, do we need visas or anything? thank you!
All you need to know on moving to Amsterdam....... Good luck :beatdeadhorse5: http://www.postwar.nl/pw_2007/subjec...alivehere.html
Updated - Some of the information below is incorrect and therefore greyed out. New (and hopefully correct) information is in bold. Apologies for spreading bullshit.... Firstly, I must explain that this is mostly 2nd hand advice and the first time I have cobbled it together (Dec 08) (revised a little later in Dec 08). I have relatives in Amsterdam and they didn’t get there by conventional methods but this is based on my research and advice from my now extended family. E&OE – everyone should feel free to correct… Theoretically, there are no barriers to you living or working in Amsterdam as a British (and therefore European Union) citizen – you do not need a work permit or citizenship to work in the Netherlands. There are many people working in Amsterdam who don’t speak Dutch but their skills are required in companies that use the International language of English. This seems to be particularly true of IT/Creative/Banking/Call Centre. English is a well understood language but if your skill set isn’t suited to the more ‘qualified’ fields then it can be more difficult to find a job. You won’t, for example, be able to get a job in McDonalds without speaking the lingo but you might find a job in a call centre providing international services (but many will require a second language after English). Look out for English or American companies that have offices in the Dam - they're likely to use English as their business language. Check these websites: http://www.undutchables.nl/ http://www.xpatjobs.com/ The equivalent of our National Insurance (NI) number is the Sofi number and employers will require this when you start a job but, from my understanding you will need a Dutch address to apply for one (makes sense). From a native Dutch resident: "Regarding the SOFI number: I just got off the phone with De Belastingdienst (IRS), and they told me you can get a SOFI number without living in NL, so on your London address. You do indeed have to make an appointment and show up at the Amsterdam IRS office with your passport and London address information (and just to be sure, bring some letters or something that are addressed to you on that address.) " Not sure how that applies to non-European Union citizens... Applying for a job whilst still living in the UK becomes more complicated therefore because technically you do not have the right to work there as you do not have a Dutch address to register your Sofi… As in the UK however, you may find an employer who will recruit you on the basis that their offer of employment will provide you with the necessary qualification to obtain a Sofi. Or, you might have a skill that is uncommon in Holland and you should be able to find a specialised recruitment agency for your purposes. You are expected to register with Immigration (IND); http://www.ind.nl/en/inbedrijf/actueel/registrationeu.asp But you can only do so if you have a residence...! "Please note: Anyone who registers with the IND must first be registered in the personal records database (GBA) of the municipality in which they reside." Having an address you can call home in Amsterdam seems key before you can get a job and inevitably, you’ll need a job to get a home – not easy! The rental market aimed at expats tends to be more expensive and, obviously you are likely to need a job before being able to rent a place. This is a Dutch website translated for us by the power of google that might give you an idea of what you should expect to pay if you were a local (not too scary if you currently live in London, but probably ridiculous if you don’t) http://66.102.9.101/translate_c?hl=...t.aspx&usg=ALkJrhiFEd7kAb9qRI8P1g-GbDo7XHtQPg The Dutch tax system is ‘explained’ here; http://www.belastingdienst.nl/english/individuals.html Some advice on setting up a bank account: http://www.intouchnl.com/getstart/administration.htm#bankacct There’s an interesting book (written by an American expat so some things are not applicable – work permits etc) that you might want to check out for more useful links on living in the city – the Daily Telegraph (apologies from a Guardian reader) did a feature on it and you can find a summary here; http://www.telegraph.co.uk/global/main.jhtml?xml=/global/2008/02/14/ex_amsterdam.xml. There are many other resources that you should be able to find just by following this link; http://tinyurl.com/6kc6rx Do your research and you’re bound to find inspiration from other expats and lots of useful advice. There’s a website that provides free online Dutch lessons if you’re particularly keen - http://www.taalthuis.com/joomla/index.php? My sister-in-law moved there 6 years ago with no vocational qualifications and is now doing a job she loves, happily ensconced with her ridiculously tall Dutch boyfriend. Her first job when she arrived was washing up in a local tapas bar whilst she lived in a legalised squat - she only went to visit a friend for a few weeks but never came back. It doesn’t work for everyone but I hope it works for you. (And me too btw; flogging a dead horse has always been a monkey on my shoulder.) J
I've used some of my own advice and moved to A'dam. So far so very good. It's a massive help that we have family and friends here and I can be confident that despite our naivety as expats that we're not being taken for a ride. Learning the language is a priority. If you plan on settling here don't be fooled by everyone speaking English because you'll not really live here until you grasp the lingo. That's my limited advice but I believe it to be true. If I can advise or seek advice for any forum members thinking of making the leap I'll be happy to help but please appreciate that I'm an EU passport holder and my experience is limited to that field alone. J
