The Netherlands is dedicated to making newcomers feel welcome and supported, expat and international centers are a key part of that effort. These centers provide essential resources and guidance to help you navigate your new life, connect with the community, and handle practical matters with ease. Whether you need resources or assistance with understanding local regulations, meeting other expats, or exploring your new city, your local expat center is a great starting point to make your transition easier and more enjoyable. Let’s explore how these centers can help you settle in and thrive in the Netherlands.
What Do Expat Centers Offer? More Than You Might Think!
Expat centers are designed to help newcomers . They offer a range of services that go beyond what you’ll find at a typical city hall. They act as a resource centre for newcomers, collaborating with city halls to get you settled into your new hometown.
- Your Guide to Life in the Netherlands: Expat centers provide helpful information online about everything there is to know about your new city. Their websites can be a treasure trove for expats. For example, The Hague International Centre has handy guides for navigating local services and even advice for things like birth registration and healthcare. It’s like having a friendly local guide, available online at all hours, in English!
- Making Friends and Having Fun: One of the best parts about expat centers is their expat community events. These events are designed to help you meet people, make friends, maybe meet other parents in your area and start to feel like part of the local community. For example, check out the Feel at Home Event: Meet & Mingle hosted by The Hague International Centre. It’s a perfect way to break the ice and start building your new social circle.
They also offer updates on local events, like the weekly Market in Leiden which can be found on the Leiden International Centre. Find out where to shop for fresh produce, flowers, and handmade goods like a local from day one.
- Getting Settled In: Expat centers provide various resources to help you adapt and settle in with ease. For instance, the Groningen International Welcome Center offers events like Let’s Talk Dutch – Beginners, where you can start learning Dutch in a relaxed and friendly environment.
- Before You Arrive: I Amsterdam offers a video introduction to help you get acquainted with life in Amsterdam even before you arrive in the Netherlands. If you are curious, these videos are a great way to get a visual feel for the Netherlands, offering practical insight to make you feel at home before you even step off the plane.
Expat Centers in Main Cities in the Netherlands:
Here are a few expat centers you might find helpful:
- The Hague International Centre: Your go-to for everything about The Hague and its surrounding suburbs, from a service provider directory to a fun events calendar.
- Rotterdam International Centre: Great for settling into Rotterdam with a mix of practical advice and social events.
- Amsterdam Expat Centre: Offers a range of services to help you thrive in Amsterdam.
- Utrecht International Centre: Provides support and guidance to help you find your way in Utrecht.
For a full list of expat centers across the Netherlands, check out the I Amsterdam website.
How Our Relocation Services Can Help
Helping expats and their families relocate to the Netherlands is incredibly rewarding for us, especially knowing they are moving into cities that will support them as new residents for years to come.
One of the first steps that we arrange for many of our expats is registering at city hall, often at their local expat center. If you’ve already been to your expat center with your relocation consultant during the busy first days of your move, you might not have thought to explore everything they offer. You can always visit their websites for additional support, resources, and events tailored to what you might need as you settle in.
Maybe you are not in the Netherlands but you want to learn more about the city you are moving to, expat centers are a fantastic resource for this. Browse their websites to get a sense of what life in the city could offer you.
Whether you’re already here or planning your move, we hope you find many ways to connect, learn, and enjoy your new home!