Expats FAQ in Netherlands

Q: What banks are most trusted in Amsterdam?

A: There are four major banks in the Dutch capital - ING, ABN AMRO, ING, SNS-bank and Rabobank. There are smaller banks as well, but most expats prefer banks with a global presence because they offer advantages that are designed to meet expats’ unique needs.

Q: How much is the charge for using ATMs in Amsterdam?

A: ATMs charging fees for transactions are very rare in Amsterdam. If a certain machine does, the user will be given a warning before the transaction is completed.

Q: What is a chipknip?

A: The chipknip is a smart card that is used for small purchases and regularly loaded with virtual cash using certain machines. The objective of using this card is to eventually eliminate the use of cash, although the Dutch have been very reluctant to accept this option proposed by banks.

Q: Where can one report of loss bank cards while in The Netherlands?

A: In such cases of theft or loss of bank cards, one can dial 0800 0313 while in the Netherlands. If outside the country, contact +31 30 283 5372.

Q: What are the most popularly recognized banks in The Netherlands?

A: Popular and largest banks in the country include ABN-AMRO, ING Bank, Rabobank and SNS.

Q: What documents are required to open a bank account in The Netherlands?

A: When opening a bank account, prepare beforehand your BSN number (Burgerservicenummer), a valid ID excluding a driver's license, proof of address and residency permit for non-EU.

Q: What are Amsterdam's advantages as a business location?

A: In terms of business advantage, Amsterdam relies significantly on its being the capital city of the Netherlands. Additionally, it is also the country's financial hub where many local and multinational companies have set up base. Most importantly, Amsterdam is nicknamed, "Gateway to Europe" in recognition of its position as a continental trade center.

Q: Where may expats register a new business in Amsterdam?

A: New businesses in Amsterdam are registered not just with district tax authorities but also with the Kramer van Koophandel (KvK). KvK is located on De Ruytekade 5 and is open the whole workweek from 8:30am to 5pm.

Q: Are there business consultancies in Amsterdam that cater to expats who want to open a business in the city?

A: Yes, there are many. Most of these companies provide professional advice on various aspects of business in Amsterdam, including mergers and acquisitions, international taxation, financial products, tax compliance, etc. Most expats opening a business in the city find it wise to hire one of these companies, especially as the bureaucratic system in Amsterdam is often tainted with red tape.

Q: Are there child friendly cinemas in Amsterdam?

A: Yes, there are plenty and most kid films in the city are shown in both Dutch and the original language, which is usually English. Parents checking out movie screening schedules should look for "OV" after the title, which means, "original version."

Q: Which Amsterdam zoos allow petting by kids?

A: Amsterdam is home to a lot of exciting and educational zoos for children. The better news is many of them do allow petting. Parents who would like to give their kids a more personal experience with animals should take them to Amstelpark petting zoo, Kinderboerderij Darwinpark, The Bijlmerweide petting zoo, De Werf petting zoo and the rest.

Q: What's a good and unique way to entertain kids in Amsterdam?

A: There are many unique activities that await kids in Amsterdam, but one that seems very popular with expats is a trip to the Kinderkookkafe or Children's Cook Cafe. This is where kids don't just eat good food but also prepare it. They'll be suited up in chef hats and aprons to give them a more authentic experience as little chefs. Everyday, the cafe is open between 10am and 5pm, and they receive inquiries through the phone at +31 (0)20 625 3257.

Q: Is camping a popular activity in The Netherlands?

A: Yes. More so, Boy and Girl Scouts are popular in Holland. Children get together almost every Saturday afternoon for fun, recreation and educations activities. The scouts usually go camping for an entire weekend, but in summer, it may be a week-long summer camps.

Q: How much do people pay for cable TV services in Amsterdam?

A: Cable TV costs begin at around 18 euros monthly, and this includes English-speaking channels like CNN, BBC World, etc.

Q: How much does a landline installation cost in Amsterdam?

A: In Amsterdam, line rental begins at around 12 euros monthly, and then a separate cost for each call will be charged. As an option, users can pay a subscription fee monthly, which is around 20 euros monthly for weekend or evening calls, and around 35 euros monthly for all other local calls. International calls are expensive and most expats use Skype instead.

Q: How much do people spend for installing solar panels in Amsterdam?

A: Commercially, 10 solar panels (around 2000 kWh capacity) cost around 5,000 euros at installation. The good news is there are government subsidies available for homeowners who want to use solar panels for their power needs.

Q: What is the average price when dining out in Germany?

A: Don't just go for that famous patat/ potato fritters; for 10- 15.00 Euros, you can have a satisfying Dutch meal. And for some fancy dining for two, 60 Euros can whip up a three course meal.

Q: How much is a monthly pass ticket?

A: A monthly ticket can cost approximately € 79.00 but in a nation where cycling is the ride of choice, opt to bike when going places instead of taking the public transportation.

Q: How much is an apartment for a single person in The Netherlands?

A: In the city area, expect to shell out around 1,500 EUR for a one-bedroom apartment while outside the city is at 1,000 EUR.

Q: Is emergency care free in Amsterdam?

A: Public hospitals are the most convenient option for people looking for emergency medical care. Open 24 hours a day are emergency wards of such hospitals like OLVG Hospital and Sint Lucas Hospital.

Q: Are there 24-hour pharmacies in Amsterdam?

A: Yes, but most pharmacies in the city are open only from 9am to 5:30pm, Mondays thru Fridays. Every pharmacy has a sign on its door indicating whether or not it is open 24 hours a day or during the weekend.

Q: How do expats find a family doctor in Amsterdam?

A: There is a local helpline that expats can call to find a family doctor in Amsterdam. This is the Central Medical Service which is open 24 hours a day, and can be reached at 0900 503 2042. The service provides information about general practitioners in the area, and also doctors whose clinics are open on weekends.

Q: What are the types of hospitals in The Netherlands?

A: There are three main types of hospitals in the Netherlands. First is the Academic hospitals, with eight hospitals in the country. Second is the Teaching hospitals to aid in the training of nurses and medical interns. And the third one is the General hospitals.

Q: How to find a pharmacy in The Netherlands?

A: Pharmacies in The Netherlands or Apotheken is aplenty in the county. To find the nearest one in your neighborhood, contact Afdeling Inlichtingen Apotheken at 020 694 87 09; it is a 24-hour helpline.

Q: Is it important to hire a rental agency when looking for a property to rent in Amsterdam?

A: It's not important but it is highly recommended. That's because most apartments in the city have affiliations with rental agencies. Another reason is that some landlords may have biased rental contracts. Rental agencies help make sure that tenants' rights are protected.

Q: Does the government provide housing subsidies for expats in Amsterdam?

A: Yes, but subsidies are only provided for lower income residents, including expats if they are legally settled. Also note that buying real estate properties in Amsterdam usually comes with red tape, but hiring an agent helps to keep this from becoming a burden.

Q: How do contracts differ between furnished and unfurnished rental properties in Amsterdam?

A: Furnished housing in Amsterdam tends to operate like large hotel rooms where tenant rights are not well-protected. For this reason, most expats go for unfurnished or semi-furnished apartments where contracts are more tenant-friendly.

Q: Can a foreigner buy a property in The Netherlands?

A: The Netherlands has no restrictions on property ownership and buying from foreigners, regardless of residency status. Even a newly arrived expat is allowed to purchase a property.

Q: Which online property portals provide the best listings in the market?

A: With limited space and a densely populated small country, property portals are the go-to-place for would-be buyers and tenants. Some of the leading property portals are Funda, Perfect Housing, Pararius and Direct Wonen.

Q: What are the different types of mortgages in The Netherlands?

A: One is mortgages where you only have to pay interest called aflossingsvrij; the other is called annuiteit, where the monthly costs stay the same but the amount of interest reduces with the amount called; and then there's endowment mortgages. First-time property buyers would also encounter ‘starter mortgages’.

Q: How do expats experience Amsterdam's cultural and artistic highlights?

A: There are many theater plays staged in Amsterdam each night, and a good number of them are in English. There are also around 40 museums and some 50 art houses and cinemas in the city. Ballet and opera is popular, along with some iconic football games which are held at the Amsterdam Arena stadium.

Q: What are some of the most famous festivals that happen in Amsterdam?

A: Queen's Day is one and The Gay Parade is another. Each November, Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) arrives on a boat to signify the start of the Christmas season. There's also the Amsterdam Dance Event, the International Documentary Film Festival and many more.

Q: What food variety is available to expats in Amsterdam?

A: It is said that the Dutch cuisine is not as rich and flavorful as others, like Italian or French. However, when it comes to gastronomic variety, there is plenty for expats in Amsterdam. There's a mix of Surinamese, Indian, Japanese, African and Turkish cuisines and many others. It's wise to avoid touristy areas though where unscrupulous vendors are known to sell expensive but bad-tasting food.

Q: What are the most popular canals in The Netherlands?

A: Although there are more than 100 km (60 miles) of canals and 1,500 bridges surrounding The Netherlands, all pales in comparison with the Canals of Amsterdam -- built in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age. It is one magnificent work of craftsmanship. Its three main canals: Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht form concentric belts around the city, known as the grachtengordel. Leiden Canals is also one beautifully-built canal in Leiden, the birthplace of Rembrandt.

Q: What are can one find the famous cheese markets in The Netherlands?

A: Holland's cheese markets are always abuzz with activities. The best are found in Waagplein, in Alkmaar (www.alkmaar.nl). From mid-April to mid-September, you will see guildsmen in traditional costume carting thousands of wheels of cheese; a sight to behold every Friday. During summer, head off to the town of Edam where they have the same cheese market show.

Q: When is the best time to see the Tulips in full bloom?

A: Mark your calendar for some Tulip spectacle in the month of April.

Q: How long is a typical workweek in Amsterdam?

A: People in Amsterdam go to work for a total of 40 hours per week, although a lot of companies have started to operate on more flexible schedules, such as four-day workweeks.

Q: Do employers in Amsterdam require employees to be fluent in Dutch?

A: Not always. Most people in Amsterdam speak English, especially in business environments. Knowledge of Dutch may be required though for certain industries like tourism.

Q: Is Amsterdam a good city for job-hunting expats?

A: Yes, the job market in Amsterdam is ripe at this time for global workers. There are currently around 2,500 global companies in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area, and the numbers are increasing year to year.

Q: What jobs are highly sought-after in The Netherlands?

A: Highly sought-after are the skilled workers in the fields of engineering, IT, Finances, Sales, Marketing and Customer Service. Employment opportunities also await in the health care, tax, interim managers and education sectors.

Q: What is the average working hours in The Netherlands?

A: In general, Dutch and the expatriates work for 36–40 hours a week. Work starts at 9am until 5pm.

Q: What are some of the renowned and reliable recruitment agencies in The Netherlands?

A: Job seekers can visit the official sites of the following recruitment agencies: Hays, Madison Parker, Octagon Professionals, Page Personnel and Projob. For skilled-specific agencies, IT professionals can contact Ardekay, Darwin recruitment and Rave recruitment.

Q: Do they use mostly cash or cards in Amsterdam?

A: They use more cash than cards, but it's still good to carry a few cards when going out in the city. There are more and more business establishments that do not accept cash, or those that accept strictly credit cards or strictly debit cards.

Q: Where do people find "No Commission" money-changers in Amsterdam?

A: No Commission moneychangers, also known as No Fees moneychangers, can be quite tricky because the deal actually comes with conditions that are essentially offset by any waived fees or commissions. Moneychangers at airports and train stations also tend to charge too much. Independent money exchange bureaus in touristy areas in the city are the best.

Q: When in Amsterdam, is it better to buy in US dollars or the local currency?

A: There are many businesses that offer card charges in US dollars supposedly for convenience. However, this is far from cost-effective for customers. These companies will actually pick whichever currency lets them earn the most profit.

Q: What is the box system in The Netherlands?

A: Types of taxable income in The Netherlands: Income from profits, employment and home ownership ex. Paychecks, company car, pensions, social benefits, company car, and WOZ value of owner-occupied property; income from substantial shareholding (5-25 percent rate); and taxable income from savings and investments.

Q: What is a BSN Number is The Netherlands?

A: BSN or Burge service Nummer is a citizen service number; it is a fiscal number like "social security number" in the US. All residents in The Netherlands need to apply for a BSN. The BSN number is also used as a general identifier for government services and healthcare.

Q: Is Amsterdam a huge city?

A: The city center is geographically small with a population of less than 800,000, but it is surrounded by a large area composed of medium-sized villages. For a lot of expats who have relocated to Amsterdam, this area is home.

Q: What are the most important helplines that Amsterdam expats must take note of?

A: Yes, there are, though the policies differ from one clinic to the next. There is also a city-wide hotline - 0900 321 2230 and 0900 821 2230 - that people can call when seeking care for this type of emergency.

Q: Do expats in Amsterdam speak Dutch?

A: Those who have lived in Amsterdam for a long time have naturally learned to speak Dutch. Those who are engaged in business are often more adept at the language because it is important by the nature of their dealings. In any case, many people in Amsterdam do speak English.

Q: What is the emergency number for an ambulance in The Netherlands?

A: 112 is the number to dial when in need of an ambulance; free of charge from any phone.

Q: What are the public holidays in The Netherlands?

A: Official Public Holidays in The Netherlands include New Year's Day (Nieuwjaarsdag) 1 January; Easter Sunday/Monday (Pasen) 5/6 April; King's Day (Koningendag) 27 April; Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag) 5 May 2015 - an official holiday every 5 years; Ascension (Hemelvaart): 14 May ; Whitsun (Pinksteren) 24/25 May; Christmas Day (Eerste Kerstdag), 25 December 2015; and Boxing Day (Tweede Kerstdag) Saturday, 26 December. There are other public holidays, but not considered official.

Q: What are the best places for an expat with a family to live in the Netherlands?

A: The Randstad and the surrounding areas are expat-centric, with a perfect location near Amsterdam, The Hague, Utrecht and Rotterdam. Another emerging expat-centric town is Zoetermeer.

Q: Where do dog owners register their pets in Amsterdam?

A: Dog registration is processed at the municipal tax office in Amsterdam (Gemeentelijke Belastingdienst), and can be done through a letter or in person upon arrival. There is a municipal tax office in each of the districts in the city, including Noord, Central District, Zuid, West, Oost, Zuidoost, and Nieuw-west. Dog owners should call or visit the municipal tax office where they live.

Q: Are there centers offering comprehensive pet services in Amsterdam?

A: Yes. The services can vary but most include grooming, transport, emergency care, and many others. Consultations are often by appointment and typical business hours for these centers are 8:30am-12:30 pm Mondays thru Thursdays. On Fridays, closing time is usually around one or two hours earlier. Most centers are open in the morning on Saturdays and closed on Sundays.

Q: Are there dog-friendly restaurants in Amsterdam?

A: Yes. In fact, there are many. Examples are De Bakkerswinkel, Pacific Parc, @7, Vibes Cafè Cocktail Bar, etc. Most pet-friendly restaurants are located in the city center, but there are other restaurants in surrounding areas that welcome pets.

Q: Is there an organization in The Netherlands that protects animal welfare?

A: Yes, the country has launched Animal police in 2011. There are also other private organizations that extend assistance for abandoned animals.

Q: What is a dog tax?

A: Municipalities in The Netherlands charge an annual Dog Tax for residents. Although charge Prices vary on the number of dogs, owners must still register their canine pet with the municipality and the municipal tax office (Gemeentelijke Belastingdienst). The tax is then used by most municipalities to provide facilities for dog owners and to cover dog related costs.

Q: What are the requirements in bringing pets to The Netherlands?

A: Pet owners must bear in mind to obtain an ISO pet microchip inserted to the pet, and complete vaccination including rabies vaccination at least 21 days prior to travel and no more than one year prior to travelling, along with the a USDA (or CFIA) accredited veterinarian document (note: must be bi-lingual Annex II for The Netherlands for endorsement by the USDA or CFIA if traveling from the United States or Canada). For other countries, obtain endorsement from the governing authority.

Q: Do public schools in Amsterdam accept expatriate students?

A: Public schools accept expatriate students but only if they and their parents are legally settled immigrants. Education here is also free up to the age of 16. Note that some public schools use purely Dutch as language of instruction, while others use a combination of English and Dutch.

Q: What educational system is followed by international schools in Amsterdam?

A: Most international schools in Amsterdam use the British or American curriculum, and others follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

Q: What are some of the most popular international schools in Amsterdam?

A: Among the most popular international schools among expats in Amsterdam are the Amsterdam International Community School, Berlage Lyceum, and The Japanese School of Amsterdam. These institutions are usually located within the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area.

Q: What is the age that children can go to school in The Netherlands?

A: At a tender age of 5, children can attend school full time.

Q: What are some of the best language Schools in Germany?

A: Berlitz Schools of Languages B.V. (www.berlitz.nl) is the most established school compared to other language schools. Other esteemed language schools are Elycio Talen, Dutch for Expats and Linguarama Nederland.

Q: How much is the tuition fees in private colleges in The Netherlands?

A: Prepare around 1,800 to 4,700 Euros per semester for education in private colleges in The Netherlands.

Q: What is a dog tax?

A: Municipalities in The Netherlands charge an annual Dog Tax for residents. Although charge Prices vary on the number of dogs, owners must still register their canine pet with the municipality and the municipal tax office (Gemeentelijke Belastingdienst). The tax is then used by most municipalities to provide facilities for dog owners and to cover dog related costs.

Q: What are typical mall/shopping hours in Amsterdam?

A: Because of old Protestant traditions, majority of stores in Amsterdam only operate from 10am to 6pm. Thursdays are exceptions though, and this is when stores may open until around 9 or 10pm. Some are open on Sundays, but these are usually multinational chains.

Q: Where are the good furniture suppliers located in Amsterdam?

A: There's an area in Amsterdam called Villa Arena and it’s where furniture makers and interior designers go to buy stuff they need to create their designs. The prices are cheaper and the variety is wider than all other places selling the same items within Amsterdam.

Q: Where in Amsterdam do people go for their shopping needs?

A: The concept of malls is not very popular in Amsterdam, but there are some shopping areas where similar stores are grouped together. For example, Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat are known for fashion brands like Zara, Esprit, etc., the Nine Streets for vintage shops, and Spiegelkwartier for antiques and crafts.

Q: Are there outlet stores in The Netherlands?

A: The Netherlands has some of the best outlet stores. The first factory outlet store is the Batavia Stad Amsterdam Outlet opened in 2001. Other outlet stores include Roermond Designer Outlet and Rosada Fashion Outlet.

Q: What are the best sites in Germany for shopping online?

A: The Dam square is surrounded by big department stores like the De Bijenkorf (The Beehive). There's also the Kalvertoren Shopping Centre and Magna Plaza. Villa Arena is another shopping haven but located outside Amsterdam.

Q: What are the must-try Dutch snacks?

A: The list may be endless, but start with some tasty treats called Poffertjes; small, fluffy pancakes made with yeast and buckwheat flour or the stroopwafel, a chewy cookie Deep-fried snacks include Bitterballen and Patat, the Dutch's version of French fries.

Q: Are there package deals that already include all basic telecom services in Amsterdam?

A: Yes. In fact, telecom companies are spending millions to promote their "bundle" deals which include all basic services, from landline, mobile phone, cable TV, and Internet.

Q: Do they air English cable TV channels in Amsterdam?

A: Yes. Some of the globally popular cable channels available are Eurosport, national Geographic, CNN, BBC and the rest. Most viewers have switched to digital TV, but analogue is still available.

Q: In the absence of Internet TV services from another country in Amsterdam, what options do expats have for television entertainment?

A: When Internet TV services are unavailable in Amsterdam from another country, users can make use of virtual private networks or proxies. This is usually a problem for British expats who cannot access UK channels from Amsterdam unless they use VPNs.

Q: Where care the telecom providers to choose from in The Netherlands?

A: There are several telecom companies that expats can choose from including KPN (www.kpn.com) , Vodafone (www.vodafone.nl), Telfort (www.telfort.nl), T-Mobile - www.t-mobile.nl, Hi - (www.hi.nl) and Tele2 (www.tele2.nl).

Q: Where can one access public WiFi in The Netherlands?

A: Internet Cafes dot the cities, but also where many petty crimes happen. So be extra careful when going to an Internet Cafe in large cities. Libraries also offer Internet access for only 1 EUR per hour.

Q: What are Internet Providers in The Netherlands?

A: Whether it's Dial-up, ADSL or Cable, the list of Internet providers include KPN, BBned, HCC, InterConnect, DataWeb, InterNLnet, PublishNet Nederland, Luna.nl, Online, Ons Net, Qweb, Scarlet, Solcon, Tele2, Telfort, UPC, XS4ALL, ZeelandNet and Ziggo.

Q: Walking is popular in Amsterdam, but is it safe to walk on the streets of Amsterdam?

A: The only significant danger to pedestrians in Amsterdam comes from cyclists. Anyone walking in this city’s streets should be aware of cycle paths which are often crimson in color. Otherwise, the paths are marked with a bike sign.

Q: Do most people in Amsterdam use public transport or do they drive their own cars?

A: There are few and narrow parking spaces in Amsterdam, not to mention high road and parking taxes and petrol prices. This is why more people would rather ride public vehicles than drive their own cars. The government itself is discouraging the use of private vehicles in the city.

Q: What are the best car rental companies in Amsterdam?

A: GreenWheels is very popular in Amsterdam for unexpected transport needs or long-distance trips. Car2Go is another company that provides car-sharing services using electric smart cars.

Q: Where to rent bikes in The Netherlands?

A: As a bike-loving nation, newcomers will be in awe on how cycling have been imbibed in the Dutch culture and their daily lives. Newbies on cycling can opt to rent instead of buying a new one. Bikes can be rented in the center centre especially in train stations and hotel areas.

Q: Where is a Train Taxi in The Netherlands?

A: The Train Taxi is a type of shared transportation system in The Netherlands. One can share a taxi with other passengers; hence, the travel fee is reduced. Train taxis are used to go from one railway station to another.

Q: Is Amsterdam a safe travel destination?

A: Amsterdam is a generally safe travel destination, but tourists will likely find a "Beware of Pickpockets" sign at airports or the Central Station. Amsterdam is quite notorious for pickpockets among tourists, but it is nothing alarming. When traveling to the city, it's best to use a money belt or a bra pocket for the women.

Q: What time of year does Amsterdam receive the most foreign tourists?

A: July to August is the time when Amsterdam tourists are the highest in number. Understandably, this is because the weather is the best within this period. For the rest of year, weather can be extreme.

Q: Is money counterfeiting prevalent in Amsterdam and are tourists at risk?

A: Counterfeiting is not prevalent in Amsterdam, but there are scams involving people who pose as police officers hunting down fake euro users. These people may demand to check tourists' wallets and do their "thing," leaving tourists with either no cash or fake cash. One thing travelers must remember is that no police officer will demand to look into people's wallets.

Q: What are the main airports in The Netherlands?

A: There are three major airports in the country namely: Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam Airport and Lelystad Airport.

Q: What are must-visit museums in The Netherlands?

A: Hands down, the Van Gogh Museum tops the list. Other museums showcasing contemporary include Rijksmuseum, Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis, Bonnefantenmuseum Maastricht and Kunsthal Rotterdam. For Dutch history and culture, visit the Anne Frank House, Jewish Historical Museum, Royal Delft, Amsterdam Museum and Dick Bruna House.

Q: What are some places outside of Amsterdam worth visiting?

A: Include Maastricht Vrijthof in your itinerary; the Vrijthof is a famed city square in Maastricht, a city in the most southern part of the Netherlands. One can find a massive Saint Servatius Church and Saint Jan’s Cathedral. Vrijthof also sets the stage for big festivals celebrated all year long.

Q: Where do expats process immigration-related documents while in Amsterdam?

A: Immigration-related concerns of Amsterdam expats are the responsibility of the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service, which locals conveniently call IND (Immigratie en Naturalisatiedienst or IND). In Amsterdam, their office is located at Stadhouderskade 85, 1073 AT.

Q: Where in Amsterdam are most foreign embassies and consulates located?

A: Although Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, most diplomatic work happens in The Hague (Den Haag) which is around 50 kilometers southwest of the city. Trains run from Amsterdam Centraal to Den Haag Centraal several times a day at 9.60 euros each trip.

Q: Which countries are represented by embassies/consulates in Amsterdam?

A: Australia, UK, Canada, US, Switzerland and Italy are all represented by embassies or consulates in Amsterdam.

Q: Can a tourist extend a Schengen Visa while in The Netherlands?

A: In order to grant extension of a Schengen visa, the following conditions must apply: the visitors shouldn't exceed 90 days in total; provide valid reason for such request extension; present documents to validate the one is not returning from the country of origin before the visa period ends; funds while in the Netherlands; present healthcare or travel insurance; passport is valid for at least six more months and more than ten years ago; and lastly, no indications that extending visa stay is for illegally stay in the country. Make an appointment with the IND should you wish to extend your Schengen Visa.

Q: What is a Working Holiday Scheme Visa in The Netherlands?

A: A Working Holiday Scheme can be availed by young people from Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. This particular visa scheme allows the citizens from the said countries to visit the Netherlands for a maximum of one year. They can opt to do temporary work while vacationing in the Netherlands. One must, however, pass the eligibility requirements like age and provide supporting documents such as medical insurance, ensure to authorities that primary purpose is holiday and not employment, passport validity is for 15 months, return tickets/ funds. There should also be no children accompanying the applicant for a Working Holiday Scheme Visa.

Q: What are the types of Visas in The Netherlands?

A: There are different types of visa when visiting the Netherlands namely: Schengen or short-stay visa, Airport transit visa, Residence permit or long-stay visa.