The Northern Netherlands

Surviving in the Northern Netherlands

Expat in the Northern Netherlands

THE NORTHERN NETHERLANDS

Groningen, Friesland, Drenthe

 

Groningen works closely with Friesland and Drenthe to create an attractive and supportive ecosystem for startups and scale-ups.

 

Groningen is also known for having the cleanest air and the richest cultural offering in the whole of the Netherlands! Groningen is now a vibrant student city with a world top-100 university, a huge number of research institutes and a booming start-up scene. Groningen is rich with talent and facilities that support the health and life sciences sector, among other fields of science. Groningen is also praised for its clean energy sector. Wind, in particular, is a valuable resource in the region.

 

The province Friesland is famous for its speed skaters. When winters are cold enough to allow the freshwater canals to freeze hard, the province holds its traditional Elfstedentocht (Eleven cities tour), a 200-kilometer ice skating tour. However, it has been almost two decades since the winters have been cold enough for the canals to freeze enough to have this event. Friesland is famous for several industries. With the many waterways in Friesland, it is not surprising that water technology is one of the industries.

 

Drenthe is a province located in the northeast of the Netherlands, with nearly 9.500 internationals living here. Drenthe offers a slower pace of life, sociable neighbours, and a less expensive price tag than the Randstad cities. This province is a great location for families, the province is both peaceful and safe. Looking to work in agrifood, chemistry, or aerospace? These are just some of the key sectors that are thriving in Drenthe.

 

You can find more information about the Northern Netherlands in Expat Survival Guide 2024!

Stats and facts

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Helping you

How can we help you in The North OF THE NETHERLANDS?

Employment

Help for Expat Families. If your partner or family is looking to get a job in the Netherlands, the EURES advisers are here to help. EURES is an initiative from the European Commission to help citizens from in- and outsite the European Economic Area te successful wherever they live in the EU.

UWV / EURES

Within the Netherlands and abroad, Mynta Law has an excellent reputation as running a very knowledgeable, experienced, and sincere immigration and nationality law practice. We are thorough in our analysis of your question, realistic in our advice, and very goal-oriented in everything we do.

Mynta Law

Relocation

Relocating to the Netherlands? Plans to move here? ACCESS, a local not-for-profit organisation, managed by volunteers – who moved here themselves – is here to help. We answer any questions you have about moving to, living in and leaving the Netherlands. Questions internationals have when navigating new circumstances, while living here.

ACCESS

Utility Direct is the only independent relocation platform aimed at completely unburdening customers during a move to or within the Netherlands. With years of experience and partnerships with all the biggest providers we will help you settle comfortably in your new home. From arranging your insurance, furniture rental, bank account and moving services, to setting up all your household utilities.

Utility Direct

Within the Netherlands and abroad, Mynta Law has an excellent reputation as running a very knowledgeable, experienced, and sincere immigration and nationality law practice. We are thorough in our analysis of your question, realistic in our advice, and very goal-oriented in everything we do.

Mynta Law

25 years of tradition meets innovation in our expat services, removing any potential roadblocks on your path! Energized by Empowerment and Empathy, we offer Immigration Aid, 30% Tax Ruling, Government Compliance (BSN2, Bank, Car Import, Driving License Exchange), Relocation Care, Daycare&School Search, Home-Finding, Payroll&Employment for Non-Eu nationals and more. Your adventure, our dedication!

PIR GROUP

Balancing a digital and human approach, Expat Management Group offers a wide range of personal and corporate immigration, relocation, and settling-in services for expats and their dependents in Benelux, Germany, and beyond. With the solid base and experience of a large firm and the flexibility and commitment of a small one. Seamlessly. Frictionless. Human first. Every step of the way.

Expat Management Group

We provide advice to those who wish to work and live in the Netherlands and also to (overseas) companies who do business in the Netherlands. We are familiar with all the specific rules and regulations and we can provide a wide range of tailor-made services ranging from relocation – housing tax services (rental and purchase), residence/working permits, settling-in services in the Netherlands.

Tulip Expats Services

Housing

Pararius is the largest independent website for rental properties in the Netherlands. Pararius brings together tenants and landlords. Hundreds of professional organisations offer their available rental properties on Pararius. Visitors of Pararius can easily search the large selection of rental properties and then contact them by email or simply just by calling.

Pararius

We provide advice to those who wish to work and live in the Netherlands and also to (overseas) companies who do business in the Netherlands. We are familiar with all the specific rules and regulations and we can provide a wide range of tailor-made services ranging from relocation – housing tax services (rental and purchase), residence/working permits, settling-in services in the Netherlands.

Tulip Expats Services

Finance

The TaxSavers is an ambitious and fast-growing organization where the customers are always put first. The TaxSavers has been set up to assist clients with the increasing demand in filing their tax returns. Especially in more complex situations, such as after buying or selling a house, in years of migration, or the financial results of other impactful life events.

The TaxSavers

A&H Finance is specialized in helping expats who want to buy a house in the Netherlands. We guide you through the entire mortgage process. Our aim is that you buy a house which you may enjoy for many years, with a mortgage that fits your personal situation.

A&H Finance

Creative entrepreneurs seeking an all-round financial coach can find guidance in a constantly evolving world with our tailored financial and tax advice. Our comprehensive approach, based on both your business and personal situation, ensures that you gain control over your finances, both now and in the future.

NAHV Belastingadviseurs

Leave your mortgage worries behind! Our efficient process ensures your mortgage is completed in no time. Experience our exceptional value, affordable pricing, and 5-star service. Schedule your appointment today at one of our locations in Amsterdam, The Hague or Utrecht, or if you prefer, set up a video-based appointment from the comfort of your own home.

Easy Mortgage

We provide advice to those who wish to work and live in the Netherlands and also to (overseas) companies who do business in the Netherlands. We are familiar with all the specific rules and regulations and we can provide a wide range of tailor-made services ranging from relocation – housing tax services (rental and purchase), residence/working permits, settling-in services in the Netherlands.

Tulip Expats Services

File your Dutch income tax return for € 149, or together with your partner for only € 199. The income tax filing process is simple, straightforward, affordable, completely online and in plain English. Our service is also available to expats with the 30% ruling. Blue Umbrella: specialist in Dutch tax matters, reliable, accurate and affordable. The best choice for internationals.

Blue Umbrella

Education

Whether you’re an expat and want to master Dutch or you’re interested to acquire another language, at Regina Coeli you learn to communicate more effectively in a foreign language. At every Regina Coeli training programme’s core: Personal attention, Face-to-face lessons with native speakers, Full focus on learning the language, Intensity: learn a foreign language in a short time

Language Institute Regina Coeli

The Board of Tests and Examinations (CvTE) is responsible for the organisation and development of the State Exam Dutch as a second language (Nt2). This is the national language proficiency exam for non-native speakers looking to study or work in the Netherlands. The diploma is officially recognized by the Dutch government. Find more information on our website and subscribe to our newsletter!

College voor Toetsen en Examens

Ready to go from overwhelmed to confident in daily Dutch situations? At Vivo Dutch, you’ll learn Dutch in a streamlined, flexible, and structured way – in just 8 weeks. How? Completely online, mostly self-paced, and including personal feedback on pronunciation, and speaking/writing skills. Your teacher Vivian is a certified teacher, native speaker, and former integration exam assessor. Are you in?

Vivo Dutch

Flowently provides language courses for growing companies and busy people. Happy employees will stay with your company. We therefore welcome internationals with exclusive language training and integration programmes; Basic Dutch, Business English, Local Culture Sessions and Intercultural Awareness, for individuals and groups. With proper relocation, expats deliver higher performance faster.

Flowently

New2NL is a specialized education consultancy for international families living in or moving to the Netherlands. Through our research background in Intercultural Conflicts at Work, a Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology, jobs at multinationals and working in Italy, we have a thorough understanding of the (educational) challenges faced by international families in the Netherlands.

New2NL

Families

Help for Expat Families. If your partner or family is looking to get a job in the Netherlands, the EURES advisers are here to help. EURES is an initiative from the European Commission to help citizens from in- and outsite the European Economic Area te successful wherever they live in the EU.

UWV / EURES

You’ve been able to rely on professional childcare since we opened our first childcare centre in 1984. Every day, more than 700 Partou childcare centres welcome over 70,000 children and 9,000 members of staff. This means we are the biggest childcare organisation in the Netherlands and we are proud to say that we have a lot of experience with children.

Partou Childcare

Within the Netherlands and abroad, Mynta Law has an excellent reputation as running a very knowledgeable, experienced, and sincere immigration and nationality law practice. We are thorough in our analysis of your question, realistic in our advice, and very goal-oriented in everything we do.

Mynta Law

New2NL is a specialized education consultancy for international families living in or moving to the Netherlands. Through our research background in Intercultural Conflicts at Work, a Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology, jobs at multinationals and working in Italy, we have a thorough understanding of the (educational) challenges faced by international families in the Netherlands.

New2NL

Setting up home

Utility Direct is the only independent relocation platform aimed at completely unburdening customers during a move to or within the Netherlands. With years of experience and partnerships with all the biggest providers we will help you settle comfortably in your new home. From arranging your insurance, furniture rental, bank account and moving services, to setting up all your household utilities.

Utility Direct

Healthcare

Healthcare for internationals (H4i) is a non-profit network of organisations that aim to close the gap between Dutch healthcare and the needs and expectations of patients with an international background. The network has members and projects in 5 regions across the Netherlands.

Healthcare for Internationals

transport

Bring your car along when relocating or returning to the Netherlands! With 25 years of experience, VDS Auto Import has helped expats import their cars or motorcycles from around the globe. Whether you’re leaving Dubai, the States, Japan, or any other country. We’ll take care of the entire process; from pick-up at your home abroad, to port transport, Dutch registration, and everything in between.

VDS Auto Import

Are you looking for a used car? When you buy a car from Bynco, you don’t run any risks, neither during the purchase nor while driving. That’s because we take all the risks from you.

Bynco

Leisure & clubs

Relocating to the Netherlands? Plans to move here? ACCESS, a local not-for-profit organisation, managed by volunteers – who moved here themselves – is here to help. We answer any questions you have about moving to, living in and leaving the Netherlands. Questions internationals have when navigating new circumstances, while living here.

ACCESS

DutchNews.nl provides Dutch news and current affairs in English for an international audience. Some 70,000 people read DutchNews.nl every day, either online, through our daily digital newsletter or via our social media channels.

Dutch News

The British Society organises events with a British flavour. A very social club, we’re open to people of every nationality who are English speakers looking to meet new friends, play sports and socialise. BritSoc as the society is known is a pro-active and multi-cultural organisation which is run by its members for its members.

The British Society

The Women’s Business Initiative International (WBII) is an international not-for-profit association. We are a community for women business owners, sharing knowledge and experience. We offer a wide variety of events and opportunities to connect, support and grow your business. The pro-activeness of our members enriches and enhances the value of the network.

Women’s Business Initiative International

The ICN was set up to support the objective of allowing the growing number of Irish people settling in the Netherlands to maintain contact with each other and to provide support for sporting and cultural activities. Along with its monthly e-newsletter, the club is organised both on a national basis and with Local Activity Groups.

ICN – Irish Club Netherlands

A home for expatriate life stories! The Expatriate Archive Centre collects and preserves the life stories of expatriates worldwide for future research. We are located in The Netherlands but our outreach is global. We are here to serve researchers around the world!

Expatriate Archive Centre