Understanding the Roles of Your Local City Hall
Relocating to the Netherlands can feel like a treasure hunt at times, as you learn about new services, tax deductions, national holidays, and government support available to you. When you are new to the Netherlands you will typically discover the various services and support offerings provided by City Halls, or ‘de Gemeente,’ as you go along. This blog will give you a head start in understanding the role of ‘de Gemeente’ in the Netherlands and provide some tips for navigating them.
Municipal offices play a crucial role in helping new residents settle in, offering a wide range of services from housing registration to local municipal affairs. City halls are responsible for numerous local services. The responsibilities of ‘de Gemeente’ include urban planning, traffic and transport, education management, welfare and social affairs, council rates (like property tax), and accepting applications for Dutch passports and driving licenses. For official information on the tasks and responsibilities of municipalities in the Netherlands and how to access them, you can visit the government website here.
Registering Your Information at City Hall
One of the first steps for expats moving to the Netherlands is registering at the local city hall. This registration is mandatory and vital for accessing various services and benefits.
– Registration Process
One of the first big milestones in your relocation journey is registering at your local city hall. This process involves presenting documents that verify your identity and personal information, so your details can be entered Dutch Personal Records Database (BRP). Our relocation consultants will help you prepare the necessary documents, schedule the appointment, and, as part of our premium package, accompany you to your appointment to ensure everything goes smoothly. Once registered, you will receive the all-important BSN (Burgerservicenummer), which will become your personal identity number in the Netherlands.
You can login with your DigiD to view or report changes such as a new address, marital status, or other personal details on MijnOverheid. To find out more about viewing and changing your information visite the link to this goverment website.
Permanent Residency and Naturalisation
Municipalities ‘Gemeente’ play a significant role in the naturalization and permanent residency process for expats.
The Netherlands currently offers naturalization and permanent residency paths to those who have lived in the Netherlands for at least five consecutive years with a valid residence permit. For more detailed information about the naturalization process, you can visit the IND website.
– Local and Family Affairs
City halls manage several local and family-related services, making them essential for daily life and significant life events.
– Registering Life Events
You must register births, marriages, and deaths at your local city hall. This registration is necessary for legal documentation and accessing related services.
– Local Taxes and Permits
City halls provide important information about local and municipal taxes and how they are managed. Your local city hall is also responsible for issuing parking permits and building or renovation permits. To find out about this, you can visit the official website of your local municipality, where many have dedicated sections for taxes and permits.
– Family Services
Expats with families can benefit from various services related to child benefits and schooling. City halls offer information and assistance in these areas to help families support children.
– Waste an Recycling
Proper waste management is an important aspect of living in the Netherlands. City halls provide guidelines on how to separate and dispose of waste correctly. Typically, waste is separated into categories such as general ‘Rest’ waste, recyclables (paper, plastic, glass), and organic waste. Each municipality may have specific rules and schedules for waste collection. Sometimes you have to apply for a garbage pass to open the containers for ‘restafval’. You guessed it, this can be applied for at the ‘Gemeente’ too. Additionally, some municipalities offer special services to help you dispose of bulky items or hazardous waste.
TIP: If you have a tower of IKEA or Bol.com boxes taking over your hall, check your local municipality’s website because they might have special paper waste collection schedules. Or if you have an old armchair that you found as pavement treasure and were convinced you would love, but it lost an armrest and is turning your living room a bit more shabby than chic, in some areas you can schedule a bulky waste collection.
Conclusion
City halls in the Netherlands are integral to the expat experience, providing essential services that help newcomers settle into their new environment. To contact your local city hall or make an appointment, visit their official website to find contact details and options for booking an appointment online. Additionally, many city halls offer phone and email support for scheduling and inquiries.
From registration to local municipal affairs and family-related services, exploring the roles and functions of city halls can make your transition smoother and more efficient. Don’t hesitate to utilize the resources and support available at your local city hall to help you settle into your new city.