Bright of life site Expat Guide for the Maastricht Region 2010

Bright
site of life
Expat Guide for the Maastricht Region 2010
World Class in the Maastricht Region
TEFAF
The World’s leading arts and
antiques Fair.
André Rieu
Violinist who performs around the world
with his Johann Strauss orchestra.
UCI World Championship road
cycling 2012
Takes place in the Maastricht Region.
Pinkpop
The Netherlands’ most famous open-air
festival and the world’s longest running
annual outdoor pop festival.
WELCOME TO THE
BRIGHT SITE
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André Rieu
Director Johann Strauss Orchestra
2/3
TABLE OF CONTENT
SETTLING IN
THE SOUTHEAST
NETHERLANDS
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]dbZ
E.P.J. (Elies) Lemkes-Straver
Chairman Brainport Development NV
4
8
10
14
16
18
THE BRIGHT SITE
THE BRIGHT GUIDE
Magazine
Service information
Interview: Yu-Hwa Ed Sheu
Introducing The Netherlands
Interview: Neena Kannan
About the Maastricht Region
Europe by train
Interview: John Smylie
NEED TO KNOW
25
28
The Dutch way
Checklists
TO WORK
37
39
40
42
The best place to do business
Personal assistance for foreign investors
Careers and industries
Professional networks
TO LIVE
45
46
47
47
47
48
48
48
Housing
The Dutch healthcare system
Education
Day-care for children
Transportation
Religion
Daily needs
Waste and recycling
TO LOVE
51
52
53
53
54
Sports
Leisure
Shopping
Culture
For kids
56
Resources
4/5
YU-HWA ED SHEU
BUSINESS GROUP
DIRECTOR, DSM
INTERVIEW YU-HWA ED SHEU
THE WORLD
IS BECOMING
ONE
VILLAGE
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i^XjaVgan#
6/7
INTERVIEW YU-HWA ED SHEU
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8/9
BICYCLES The pre-eminence of bicycles is not just an intriguing fact. A bicycle
has penultimate right-of-way; only that of the tram supercedes it. Everybody
else must yield for bicycles!
INTRODUCING THE
NETHERLANDS
BIRTHDAYS Dutch birthdays are celebrated with great enthusiasm. The most
surprising tradition: the birthday persons buy their own cakes! At work you bring
pastries for colleagues, at school children bring treats for all their classmates.
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A short history of the Netherlands
Government
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i]^hlVhcdiÒcVaanXdcÒgbZYjci^a&+)-#
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=daaVcYVcY7Za\^jbjci^a7Za\^Vc^cYZeZcYZcXZ^c
&-(%#I]ZXdjcignWZXVbZVXdchi^iji^dcVabdcVg"
X]n^c&-)-#
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LdgaYLVg>>#=dlZkZg!CVo^<ZgbVcn^ckVYZY^c
&.)%VcYdXXje^ZYi]ZXdjcign[dg*nZVgh"A^WZgV"
INTRODUCING THE NETHERLANDS
EVga^VbZciXdch^hihd[i]ZHZcViZ,*bZbWZgh
VcYi]Z=djhZd[GZegZhZciVi^kZh&*%bZbWZgh
VcYZaZXiZYWnegdedgi^dcVagZegZhZciVi^dc#6aa
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]djhZh[dgbdgZ^c[dgbVi^dc/lll#b^cWjoV#ca
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g^\]ih[dgVaaVgZ\jVgVciZZYWnaVlVcYVgZVXZc"
igVaiZcZid[9jiX]hdX^Zin#
COMMUNICATION The Dutch tend to be plain-speaking, but there is no intention to appear rude.
DINNER It’s usual to bring wine and flowers when invited to dinner. However
don’t expect the host to open the wine for the meal. It is very often put aside to
be enjoyed later.
DRESS CODE Banking and law are formal and traditional, but in many other
industries the dress code is casual. The focus is on content rather than form.
ENCOUNTERS Virtually everyone shakes hands in the Netherlands when greeting and on departure. In informal situations women and men may also kiss on
alternating cheeks.
MEETINGS In the Netherlands, people at all levels have their say in decisionmaking. This can take some time, but it ensures that everyone’s view is heard.
PUNCTUALITY Call if you are delayed and avoid cancelling meetings at the
last minute. Meetings usually have a strict agenda, finishing on time.
TELEPHONING People say their name straightaway, at work or at home, when
answering or calling.
WORK-LIFE BALANCE Personal time is valued. A business lunch is usually
preferred to dinner. If you want to motivate Dutch workers, time-off works best.
10 / 11
INTERVIEW NEENA KANNAN
NEENA KANNAN
CYCLING AND
RECYCLING
A SENSE OF
COMMUNITY
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Y^YcÉijhZVaad[^i!hd>hiVgiZYWg^c\^c\i]Zi]^c\h
lZY^YcÉicZZYidi]Z@g^c\addel^c`ZagZXnXa^c\
h]de#Æ>[ZZahdgZa^ZkZYV[iZgZkZgnk^h^i#>iÉhkZgn
\ddYida^kZl^i]aZhhhij[[#>i\^kZhbZbdgZi^bZ
[dgdi]Zgi]^c\h#Ç
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WZilZZca^k^c\^c<ZgbVcndgi]ZCZi]ZgaVcYh!
CZZcVY^YcÉi]Zh^iViZ/ÆLZYZX^YZY[dgi]ZCZi]Zg"
aVcYh#>ihZZbZYa^`Zi]ZWZhidei^dcWZXVjhZd[i]Z
aVc\jV\Z#LZ\Vi]ZgZYi]Vi^ildjaYWZbdgZY^[Ò"
XjaiidVY_jhi^c<ZgbVcn!l]ZgZndjXVcÉi\Zindjg
lVnVgdjcYl^i]djiheZV`^c\<ZgbVc#=ZgZZkZc
i]Z\VgWV\ZbVcheZV`h:c\a^h]Ç
12 / 13
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9DCÉIH::G 6>C
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d[BVVhig^X]i!Wjii]Z9jiX]VeegdVX]idlVhiZ
bVcV\ZbZci^c\ZcZgVa/Æ>]VkZWZXdbZbjX]
bdgZXdchX^djhVWdjilVhiZh^cXZ>XVbZida^kZ
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9jiX]VcY^ildg`hkZgnlZaa#>c:^_hYZcl]ZgZ>
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kZgnegVXi^XVa#Ç
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eaVXZ#>iYdZhcÉiadd`a^`ZVYjbe#:kZgni]^c\^hhd
XaZVcVcYdg\Vc^hZY#ÇI]ZldgYhÆdg\Vc^hZYÇVcY
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9jiX]VgZhdbZi^bZhYZhXg^WZYVhgjYZWjii]^h]Vh
cdiWZZcbnZmeZg^ZcXZ#BnXdaaZV\jZhVgZkZgn
VXXdbbdYVi^c\#>[i]Z9jiX]hdbZi^bZhXdbZ
VXgdhhVhgjYZ!>i]^c`^iÉhWZXVjhZ:c\a^h]^hV[dg"
Z^\caVc\jV\Z[dgi]ZbVcYi]ZnYdcÉibVhiZgVaa
i]ZhjWiaZi^Zh#6cYnZh!i]Zna^`ZhVk^c\!Wjii]Zn
VahdiV`ZkZgnZmeZch^kZ]da^YVnh!hd½ÇCZZcV
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lZldjaYYZÒc^iZanWjnV]djhZ^chiZVYd[gZci^c\#
LZldjaYZkZchZcYdjgX]^aYgZcid9jiX]hX]dda#
I]VildjaYWZi]ZcZmiad\^XVahiZe!ldjaYcÉi^i4Ç
INTERVIEW NEENA KANNAN
14 / 15
ABOUT THE
MAASTRICHT REGION
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]^hidgn#;dg'!%%%nZVgh!^i]VhWZZci]ZXgdhhgdVYh
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adXViZYWZilZZc7Za\^jbVcY<ZgbVcn!^ibVhiZgh
i]ZYZa^XViZWVaVcXZWZilZZccVijgZVcYidlch!
Wj^aY^c\hVcYeZdeaZ!egdYjXihVcYVgi#
History
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;gZcX]]VkZVaagjaZYi]ZBVVhig^X]iGZ\^dc#Jci^a
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aVhiegdk^cXZhidWZVYYZYidi]ZCZi]ZgaVcYh#6[iZg
i]ZHZXdcYLdgaYLVg!VcZXdcdbnWVhZYdcXdVa
b^c^c\lVhigVch[dgbZY^cidVbdgZhZgk^XZ"dg^"
ZciZYZXdcdbn#BdgZgZXZcian!i]ZgZ\^dchVli]Z
h^\c^c\d[i]ZBVVhig^X]iIgZVin!l]^X]aZYidi]Z
:jgdeZVcJc^dcVcYi]Z:jgd#
The region today
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:jgdeZ#>iXdbW^cZhVYncVb^XZXdcdbnl^i]
ZmXZaaZcifjVa^ind[a^[Z#I]ZgZ\^dc^hVahdhjg"
gdjcYZYWnheaZcY^YXdjcignh^YZ#L^i]hdbZ
+%%!%%%^c]VW^iVcih!i]ZVgZV^hY^k^YZY^cid[djg
Y^hig^Xih/BVVhig^X]i!EVg`hiVY!H^iiVgY"<ZaZZcVcY
i]Z=ZjkZaaVcYVgZV#
™ BVVhig^X]i!i]ZXVe^iVad[i]ZBVVhig^X]iGZ\^dc!
]VhVbZY^ZkVaidlcXZcigZVcYV]j\ZkVg^Zind[
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]dbZidBVVhig^X]iJc^kZgh^in!l]^X]]VhVc
Zck^VWaZ^ciZgcVi^dcVagZejiVi^dc#
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g^ZhVgZcdlVXgZVi^kZXZcigZi]VilZaXdbZh
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bVaah!V]dbZ[jgc^h]^c\hXdbeaZmVcYbVcn
idjg^hiViigVXi^dch#
™ H^iiVgY"<ZaZZc^hi]ZXZcigZd[VcZlhjWjgWVc
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VeeZVahidVcndcZl]dadkZhi]Z\gZVidjiYddgh#
>iVahd]VhVcZmXZaaZcigVc\Zd[lZaacZhh[VX^a^"
i^Zh!hjX]Vhi]ZKVa`ZcWjg\heV#
Easy access
I]ZBVVhig^X]iGZ\^dc]VhVcZmiZch^kZejWa^X
igVchedgicZildg`VcYigV[ÒX_VbhVgZVabdhi
jc`cdlc#I]ZgZ\^dc]Vh^ihdlcV^gedgiVcY^h
dcanVc]djgVlVn[gdbi]Z^ciZgcVi^dcVaV^gedgih
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heZZYigV^cha^c`BVVhig^X]iid7gjhhZah^cVWdji&
]djg!6bhiZgYVb^c'#*]djgh!EVg^h^cjcYZg(
]djghVcYAdcYdc^cVWdji)]djgh#
Ideal work/life balance
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ÆeZdeaZ!eaVcZiegdÒiÇXVcÓdjg^h]#
ABOUT THE MAASTRICHT REGION
The Maastricht Region has 600,000 inhabitants living in an area of 20 x 20 km.
The Maastricht Region has the best university of applied sciences in the
Netherlands.
Fast train links to Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt, Cologne, London and Paris.
The Maastricht Region is the most popular holiday destination in the
Netherlands.
There are 26,000 students, 40% of whom are foreign, and all of whom enjoy the
best university-level education in the Netherlands.
The Maastricht Region hosts the largest art and antiques fair in the world.
About EUR 100 million will be invested in the Research & Business Campus in
the next 5 years.
There are eight airports within an hour’s travel.
There are 34,000 companies operating in the Maastricht Region, providing
276,000 jobs.
There are 220 kilometres of border shared with foreign countries; only eight
kilometres with the Netherlands.
The Maastricht Region has the best city in the Netherlands for quality of life.
The Maastricht Region has the greenest city in the Netherlands.
The Maastricht Region hosts the third most innovative company in the
Netherlands: DSM.
Collectively, the Maastricht Region’s restaurants boast 8 Michelin stars.
One of the biggest and most innovative chemicals clusters in Europe.
Best pre-university secondary school and best childcare centre in the
Netherlands.
The Maastricht Region has 15 museums, 17 concert halls, 14 theatres and
3 art cinemas.
The Meuse-Rhine Euroregion (50 km radius) comprises 3.7 million
inhabitants, three countries and three languages.
The Maastricht Region even has internationally celebrated vineyards.
There are approximately 200,000 single-family homes.
Labour productivity per FTE is > EUR 116,000 (Netherlands: EUR 82,000).
The Maastricht Region has the Netherland’s best hospital.
www.maastrichtregion.com
16 / 17
EUROPE BY TRAIN
international high-speed railway
national railway
EUROPE BY TRAIN
AMSTERDAM
2 hrs.
TIMETABLE
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###
IgV^chgjc[gdb%*/)(6Bjci^a%&/%%6B
X]Vc\ZigV^ch
BERLIN
ROTTERDAM
EINDHOVEN
1 hr.
SITTARD
MAASTRICHT
BRUSSELS
1 hr. 20 min.
<didlll#bVVhig^X]igZ\^dc#Xdb[dgVXdbeaZiZ
VcYje"id"YViZi^bZiVWaZ#
HEERLEN
COLOGNE
LONDON
4 hrs.
LIÈGE
PARIS
3 hrs.
AACHEN
FRANKFURT
3 hrs.
18 / 19
INTERVIEW JOHN SMYLIE
JOHN SMYLIE
GIGS, SPACE AND
SPORTS
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THE MAASTRICHT REGION
OFFERS ME OPPORTUNITY
FOR CREATIVITY
20 / 21
INTERVIEW JOHN SMYLIE
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:K:CIH#
the
bright
guide
22 / 23
THE DUTCH WAY / CHECKLISTS
THE BEST PLACE TO DO BUSINESS /
PERSONAL ASSISTANCE FOR
FOREIGN INVESTORS / CAREERS
AND INDUSTRIES / PROFESSIONAL
NETWORKS HOUSING / THE DUTCH
HEALTHCARE SYSTEM / EDUCATION / DAY-CARE FOR CHILDREN /
TRANSPORTATION / RELIGION /
DAILY NEEDS / WASTE AND
RECYCLING SPORTS / SHOPPING /
CULTURE / LEISURE / FOR KIDS
24 / 25
INTERNATIONAL SERVICE DESK MAASTRICHT REGION
Its favourable location at a major intersection of roads, cultures and languages
has made Maastricht an internationally oriented city. The Maastricht Region
has developed rapidly into a centre of knowledge and services.
Many foreign companies have discovered Maastricht to be an excellent springboard to access European markets. And as a result, more and more expatriates
are drawn to the Maastricht Region, to live, work and study here.
In response to this trend, the municipality of Maastricht, Brainport Development, Limburg Development and Investment Company LIOF and the Maastricht Region Branding Foundation started an initiative to support the
international community: the International Service Desk Maastricht Region.
The desk is an information point for expatriates, the international business
community and foreign students in the city of Maastricht and the surrounding
region. It provides information and services on a variety of topics, including formalities relating to mandatory registration, parking permits, marriage, registration of birth, converting driving licences, waste collection, etc.
Contact us:
International Service Desk Maastricht Region
Email: international@maastricht.nl or call us at +31 43 350 50 10.
Visiting address:
Gemeente Maastricht (Municipality of Maastricht)
Mosae Forum 10
6211 DW Maastricht
Postal address:
Gemeente Maastricht (Municipality of Maastricht)
PO Box 1992
6201 BZ Maastricht
www.maastricht.nl/internationalservicedesk
If you have any questions or queries about your plans to stay in Maastricht,
please contact us.
Facts
… &MFDUSJDJUZJT7)[
… 5IFNPTUDPNNPOIFBUJOHGVFMJT
natural gas.
… 8BUFSJTVTVBMMZNFUFSFE
… 5FMFQIPOFTJOUIF/FUIFSMBOETVTF
different connector plugs to many
other countries, which means phones
bought outside the Netherlands may
not work without an adaptor or a new
plug.
… 5IFNPCJMFQIPOFTZTUFNJO&VSPQF
uses the GSM standard.
… 5IFSFBSFNBOZUFMFQIPOFDPNQBOJFT
offering cheap international calling.
… *OUFSOFU°DPNQVUFSTNBEFUPVTF
mains power systems other than 220
volts and 50 Hz will not work without
adaptors.
… 5FMFWJTJPOJO&VSPQFVTFTUIF1"-
standard.
NEED TO KNOW
THE DUTCH WAY
SOCIAL SECURITY
The Netherlands has a fairly typical European social security system: i.e. it is
expensive to run, but offers good benefits to those in need. Nevertheless, the
current system is still regarded as one of Dutch society’s finest achievements.
The main principle behind the Dutch social system is that everyone should be
able to play an equally active role in society. Some people need help in doing
so: the old and disabled, families on low incomes, young people without qualifications, ethnic and other minorities.
In some cases it is possible for expats to opt out of paying social security in the
Netherlands if Form E101 or a certificate of coverage are obtained before departure. The unemployment benefit premium is paid partially by the employer and
partially by the employee. The premium for the National Health Insurance Act
is paid by the employer.
More information: www.svb.nl
The SVB provides brochures on social security in several foreign languages.
CITIZEN SERVICE NUMBER
The Citizen Service Number – in Dutch written as Burger Servicenummer or BSN
– is a unique personal ID number for every citizen registered in the Population
Register (the Municipal Personal Records Database) of the municipal authorities. This number is needed for a variety of formalities, so it is important to
obtain it as soon as possible. You will automatically obtain a Citizen Service
Number when you come to live in the Netherlands and register with the municipal authorities.
TAXATION
Cross-border workers
If you are a ‘cross-border worker’, i.e. you reside in another country but still
receive wages from a Dutch employer, you will need a tax and social security
number. You can apply for this from the tax office in Maastricht: 0800-0543.
Visiting address: Terra Nigrastraat 10, 6216 BL Maastricht. Post address: Postbus 5750, 6202 MB Maastricht.
The 30% tax ruling
The Dutch are taxed relatively highly; foreigners, however, often qualify for an
advantageous income tax regulation whereby 30% of their income is classed as
a tax-free allowance. According to the ruling, an employer may provide a taxfree allowance of 30% of the total salary of an employee. Any application for
the 30% ruling must be made by the employer and the employee.
26 / 27
Does
Dutch
Bureaucracy
get on
your
nerves
too?
How to apply for the 30% tax ruling
Each case is specific and not all information is relevant. In practice it is easiest
to see your HR Manager and discuss your case with him/her.
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need to be signed by several different authorities in order to be legalised. This is
called the legalisation chain.
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The official website of the Ministry of Finance provides detailed tax-related
information in English: www.minfin.nl, Maastricht Region also offers personal
assistance, please contact: +31 43 328 25 65 or info@maastrichtregion.com for
services powered by PricewaterhouseCoopers.
NEED TO KNOW
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Some countries have entered into agreements to streamline the legalisation
chain. This means that certain documents from one country may be used in
another country with only a single legalisation or even none at all.
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VISAS
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Citizens of some countries, such as those of the EU, Australia, Canada, Japan,
Norway, the US and South Korea, can enter the Netherlands with the purpose of
residing without a visa. Most other nationalities need a visa - a so-called Authorisation for Temporary Stay (MVV). Check with your HR Manager, International
Office or local Dutch Embassy if unsure.
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BdZYZgYZ<Vch!IZjkZc7:
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The best-known legalisation convention is the Apostille Convention (5 October
1961). This convention does not completely abolish legalisation but shortens
the chain so that only a single action is required: the addition of an apostille
(certification stamp). A document bearing an apostille does not require any further legalisation by the embassy or consulate of the country in which it is to be
used.
For more information on legalising foreign documents, see
www.minbuza.nl/en/welcome/comingtoNL,legalisation_of_documents
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Applying for a voluntary visa can be advantageous even for those who do not
need them. This is because people with visas have had basic checks on their
documents before entering the Netherlands, and can therefore start work
immediately after entry.
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BANKING
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WORK PERMITS
In order to work in the Netherlands, employees from countries outside the EU
and Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein must either have a work
permit or be accepted into the Knowledge Migrant scheme (see below). They
may also be accepted as a researcher according to EU regulation 2005/71/EG.
This also applies to citizens from the new EU member states: Romania and
Bulgaria.
People who don’t need a work permit can start work immediately although they
should apply for a Citizen Service Number (Burger Servicenummer or BSN) right
away. Those needing a work permit must obtain one before they can legally
start work. Getting a visa, work permit and residence permit can take between
one and four months.
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In the Netherlands there are a number of banks that offer services to private
customers. The major banks are ABN AMRO, Rabobank, SNS, ING and Fortis. All
towns and most villages have local branches that are normally open during
office hours. Automatic cash dispensers (ATMs) are also widely available. The
services that the banks offer include, personal and Internet banking, insurance
and mortgages.
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You will need a Dutch bank account if you are going to live here for some time.
To open an account you must go in person to the bank. The bank will ask for
your BSN number, which will be issued by the Town Hall following approval by
the immigration authorities.
It is a good idea to keep your old bank account in your home country. If you do
not already use Internet banking, then now may be a good time to thinking
about setting it up.
INSURANCE
All work permits are specific to a given job and the company usually makes the
application. There are a number of different types, please check the following
website for details on visas and residence permits: www.expatguideholland.
com/themes/formalities
The type and amount of insurance you need is largely a personal decision. For
the available types of insurances please visit: www.expatguideholland.com/
themes/finance___insurance
For more information: www.maastrichtregion.com
LEGALISATION
The Dutch authorities and the authorities of other countries need to be certain
about the status of each other’s documents. This is often difficult to establish.
Legalisation confirms that a document was issued by someone with the authority to issue it and that the signatures it bears are genuine. Some documents
28 / 29
8dciZbedgVgn CHECKLISTS
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BEFORE LEAVING
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the Netherlands, and for the full duration of your planned stay if possible.
… 6QEBUFZPVSESJWJOHMJDFODFNBLFTVSFJUIBTBUMFBTUPOFZFBSCFGPSFJUT
expiry date. If it has no expiry date, make sure it is not more than nine years
since it was issued.
… -FHBMJTBUJPOHFUZPVSCJSUIBOENBSSJBHFDFSUJ¾DBUFTMFHBMJTFEPSBQPTUJMMFE
Documents may also need to be translated if not already in English, French,
German or Dutch. Different rules apply to different nationalities, so check
with your HR Manager for information about your personal situation.
… :PVSFNQMPZFSBQQMJFTGPSZPVSFOUSZWJTBBOEZPVDBODPMMFDUJUJGBQQMJDBble). Your HR Manager / International Office can advise you on the correct
procedure.
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6oddi]ViÉhh`^aa[jaanZbWZYYZY^ci]Z
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OdaYZg7:
Social security, insurance and taxation:
… *GBQQMJDBCMFHFUBO&GPSNJGZPVXJTIUPQBZTPDJBMTFDVSJUZJOZPVS
home country.
… $IFDLZPVSIFBMUIJOTVSBODF°NBLFTVSFUIFSFXJMMCFOPQFSJPEXIFOZPV
are not covered.
… $IFDLXJUIZPVSFNQMPZFSGPSQPTTJCMFDPMMFDUJWFJOTVSBODF
Vehicles:
… $POTJEFSXIFUIFSUPCSJOHZPVSDBSXJUIZPV
… %VUDIQVSDIBTFUBYFTBSFIJHI7FIJDMFTGPSQFSTPOBMVTFNBZCFJNQPSUFEUBY
free under certain conditions (the most important is that you have had and
used the car for more than six months).
… *UNBZCFEJG¾DVMUUPHFUWFIJDMFTPWFSZFBSTPMEUISPVHIFOWJSPONFOUBM
testing.
… (FUBOPDMBJNTTUBUFNFOUGSPNZPVSDVSSFOUJOTVSBODFDPNQBOZ
Moving:
Good preparation is essential before any international move. No matter how
well prepared you are, it is likely you will experience some unexpected surprises
in the first weeks. This checklist may help.
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Arrangements for removals:
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… $IFDLJGBOFYFNQUJPOPGEVUJFTGPSNJTOFDFTTBSZOPSNBMMZTVQQMJFECZ
removals company).
… "SSBOHFEJTDPOOFDUJPOPGIPVTFIPMEVUJMJUJFT
… "SSBOHFTUPSBHFGPSBOZJUFNTZPVBSFOPUCSJOHJOHXJUIZPV
… $POUBDUZPVSMPDBMQPTUPG¾DFUPBSSBOHFSFEJSFDUJPOPGNBJM
7nHjZa^7gdY^c
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^ci]ZBVVhig^X]iGZ\^dch^cXZ&..)!
:meVid[i]ZNZVg'%&%!Wad\\Zg[dgi]Z
Healthcare:
… 3FRVFTUNFEJDBMSFDPSET°NBLFTVSFZPVHFUZPVSDIJMESFOµTGVMMWBDDJOBUJPO
records.
Pets:
… $IFDLUIBUBOJNBMTIBWFBQQSPQSJBUFJEFOUJ¾DBUJPODIJQPSUBUUPP
BOEEPDVmentation.
… $POUBDUZPVSWFUGPSQFUSFHJTUSBUJPOWBDDJOBUJPOBOEFYQPSUQBQFST
… $POUBDUUIFUSBOTQPSUDPNQBOZUPBSSBOHFTIJQNFOU
… "SSBOHFDPMMFDUJPOBOEUSBOTQPSUJOUIF/FUIFSMBOET
l^i]Vh]Vg`iVc`
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Children:
… $PMMFDUFYBNQMFTPGZPVSDIJMEµTDVSSFOUTDIPPMXPSLBOESFQPSUTUFTUSFTVMUT
etc. (in English where possible).
… $IFDLJGUIFSFJTBXBJUJOHMJTUGPSZPVSDIJMEµTZFBSBUUIFJOUFSOBUJPOBM
schools in the Maastricht Region and apply for a place. Also do this for childcare organisations if needed.
… 4QFBLUPBUBYDPOTVMUBOUSFHBSEJOHUBYFYFNQUJPOTBOEUIFJNQMJDBUJPOTPG
school fees.
… 5BLFQIPUPTPGGBNJMZGSJFOETBOEGBNJMJBSQMBDFT
… $IFDLUIBUDIJMESFOIBWFUIFBEESFTTFTPGGSJFOETXJUIXIPNUIFZXBOUUP
stay in contact.
… &OTVSFUIBUGBWPVSJUFUPZTQFSTPOBMJUFNTTQFDJBMGPPECPPLTBOEHBNFT
for the journey and the moving-in period are put aside to go with the hand
luggage.
Housing:
… 4UBSUMPPLJOHBUIPVTJOHXFCTJUFTUPHFUBGFFMGPSQSJDFTTJ[FTBOEMPDBUJPOT
… $IFDLXJUIZPVS)3NBOBHFS*OUFSOBUJPOBM0G¾DFGPSQPTTJCMFIPVTJOHBTTJTtance.
lll#`VhiZZa]dZchWgdZ`#ca
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Financial arrangements:
… "SSBOHFXJUIZPVSCBOLIPXBDDPVOUTBSFUPCFIBOEMFEEVSJOHZPVSTUBZ
… $BODFMTUBOEJOHPSEFSTBTOFDFTTBSZ
… *OGPSNZPVSJODPNFUBYPG¾DFPGUIFNPWFBOEDPNQMFUFBOZOFDFTTBSZ
forms.
NEED TO KNOW
BVVhig^X]iGZ\^dc7gVcY^c\;djcYV"
i^dcVcYZY^idgd[8gdhhgdVYhlZWbV\"
Vo^cZ#
What to bring:
… 5SBOTGPSNFST°.BJOTFMFDUSJDJUZJT7BOE)["$.PTU64BOETPNF
other non-European) electrical appliances will not work without a transformer (the North American electrical supply is 110V and 60 Hz).
… "EBQUPSQMVHT°5IFTFBSFIFMQGVMXIJMFZPVTFUUMFJOBTJUUBLFTUJNFUP
change all the plugs. All Dutch electrical sockets use plugs with two circular
pins – standard throughout much of Northern Europe (except the UK and
Ireland).
… -BNQT°*GZPVNPWFJOUPVOGVSOJTIFEBDDPNNPEBUJPOJUJTMJLFMZUIBUBMMUIF
light fittings and bulbs will have been removed, so bring some lamps with
you to provide light until you have installed new fittings. In Dutch houses
ceiling lighting is often limited. A flashlight may also prove useful.
… -JHIU#VMCT°*GZPVCSJOHMBNQTXJUICBZPOFU¾UUJOHTBMTPCSJOHBHPPE
supply of light bulbs as you can only buy screw-in bulbs in the Netherlands.
WEEZE
EINDHOVEN
nature
ESSEN
VENLO
city
airport
E25
highway
WEERT
5 km
A73
ROERMOND
E313
DÜSSELDORF
THE MAASTRICHT
REGION
COLOGNE
SITTARD-GELEEN
E314
HASSELT
E314
LEUVEN
HEERLEN / PARKSTAD
MAASTRICHT
E40
HEUVELLAND
AACHEN
E313
BRUSSELS
E40
AMSTERDAM
200 KM
LONDON
490 KM
E25
LIÈGE
THE MAASTRICHT
REGION
EUPEN
BRUSSELS
110 KM
COLOGNE
90 KM
E40
FRANKFURT
275 KM
CHARLEROI
use
Me
PARIS
400 KM
32 / 33
;Vh]^dc^hiVh
9gZhhXdYZ!=ZZgaZc
;Vh]^dcVWaZ!?jhi8VkVaa^!A^j?dVcY
EVig^o^VEZeZ#
… 0G¾DFFRVJQNFOU°*GZPVXBOUUPVTF64GPSNBUTUBUJPOFSZCSJOHBTUPDL
with you.
… .FBTVSJOH°%VUDINFBTVSJOHUPPMTBSFNFUSJD
… .FEJDBUJPO°#SJOHBUISFFNPOUITVQQMZPGBOZNFEJDBUJPOZPVVTF*GZPV
have a medical condition requiring attention, bring your medical records.
lll#YgZhhXdYZ"]ZZgaZc#ca
;Vh]^dced^ci!BVVhbZX]ZaZc7:
6]j\ZgVc\Zd[WgVcYh[dgbZc!
ldbZcVcY`^Yh#
lll#[Vh]^dced^ci#WZ
>g^cV@]V!A^Z\Z7:
7VaZcX^V\V!B^jB^jVcYEgVYV#
lll#^g^cV"`]V#WZ
?Zjg^hhZc!=VhhZai7:
I]gZZ\ZcZgVi^dchd[[Vh]^dc#
lll#_Zjg^hhZc#Xdb
@^`^C^ZhiZc!BVVhig^X]i
HinaZ![Vh]^dc!h]dZh#
lll#`^`^c^ZhiZc#Xdb
@nbn`V!BVVhig^X]i
H]dZhVcYWV\h#
lll#`nbn`V#ca
What not to bring:
… "QQMJBODFTNPSFUIBODNXJEF°UIJTJTUIFTUBOEBSETQBDFJONPEFSO
European kitchens.
… /PO&VSPQFBOBQQMJBODFT°TQBSFQBSUTNBZOPUCFBWBJMBCMFJGUIFZCSFBL
down.
… "NFSJDBOFMFDUSJDTUPWFT°UIFZXJMMSFRVJSFSFXJSJOH
… &MFDUSJDBMBQQMJBODFTEFTJHOFEUPSVOPOB)[DZDMFXIJDIJODMVEFDMPDLT
oven clocks, clock radios, etc. – the 50 Hz frequency means they will not keep
correct time.
… /PO&VSPQFBO7$3TBOEUFMFWJTJPOT°UIF%VUDITUBOEBSEJT1"-
… 8BTIJOHNBDIJOFTSFRVJSJOHBIPUXBUFSTVQQMZ°%VUDIIPNFTPOMZQSPWJEF
connection to the cold water supply.
… $MPUIFTESZFST°NBZFYDFFEXBUUBHFMJNJUT
… .PCJMFQIPOFTUIBUEPOµUXPSLBU.)[PS.)[%VUDI4*.DBSETDBO
usually be used.
… ,JOHTJ[FCFETUIBUDBOOPUCFEJTNBOUMFE°%VUDITUBJSDBTFTBSFPGUFOOBSSPX
and steep.
… /FXGVSOJUVSFBOEFRVJQNFOUGSPNPVUTJEFUIF&6°JUNVTUCFNPSFUIBO
months old to avoid import duty.
… -BSHFPWFOQBOTPSTUPSBHFDPOUBJOFST°%VUDILJUDIFOTBSFPGUFOTNBMM
… $BSTPXOFEBOEPSVTFEGPSMFTTUIBONPOUIT
AVWZah!H^iiVgY
Adihd[aVWZah#
ON ARRIVAL
lll#aVWZah[Vh]^dc#ca
There will be quite a few formalities to be completed on arrival in the Netherlands. The exact list of what you need to do depends on your nationality, place
of birth, family composition, and your employer’s choice of work permit (in
some cases). Good preparation is vital.
7n?ja^V@VaaZcWVX]
;Vh]^dc\ZZ`ViAdkZhid=VkZ#Xdb!eaVi"
[dgb[dgaVWZahVcYh]dee^c\^chinaZ#
What to expect:
… .PWJOHUPBOFXDPVOUSZJOWPMWFTCVSFBVDSBDZBOEUIF/FUIFSMBOETJTOP
exception.
… 4PNF%VUDISVMFTBOEQSPDFEVSFTXJMMCFEJGGFSFOUGSPNUIPTFJOZPVSIPNF
country.
… 1MBOUJNFUPBUUFOENFFUJOHTXJUI%VUDIPSHBOJTBUJPOT
… 1MBOUJNFUPQSFQBSFEPDVNFOUTGPSUIFTFNFFUJOHT
… $PNNVOJDBUJPOJOGPSNBUJPO
JTPGUFOJO%VUDI
… %FQFOEJOHPOZPVSDPVOUSZPGPSJHJOZPVNBZOFFEBOFOUSZWJTBBXPSL
permit and a residence permit.
You will need to register with the Town Hall at your new address, which will also
issue you with a Citizen Service Number (Burger Servicenummer or BSN).
NEED TO KNOW
You will need to produce the following documents:
… #JSUIDFSUJ¾DBUFTMFHBMJTFE
$IFDLUIFXFCTJUFPGUIF%VUDI.JOJTUSZPG
Foreign Affairs for legalisation procedures for your country of origin.
… .BSSJBHFDFSUJ¾DBUFMFHBMJTFE
… 7BMJEQBTTQPSUT.BLFTVSFZPVSQBTTQPSUJTWBMJEGPSBTMPOHBTQPTTJCMF
… 7BMJEESJWJOHMJDFODFT
… %VUDIIPVTJOHSFOUBMPSQVSDIBTF
DPOUSBDUPSDPOTFOUPGUIFQSJODJQBM
occupant).
Formalities:
… "QQMZGPSBOEDPMMFDUZPVSXPSLQFSNJUJGBQQMJDBCMF
:PVSFNQMPZFSXJMM
submit the application so consult your HR Manager for details.
… 3FHJTUFSBUUIF5PXO)BMMXIFSFZPVXJMMCFMJWJOH
… "QQMZGPSZPVSSFTJEFODFQFSNJUJGBQQMJDBCMF
*OTPNFDBTFTUIJTBQQMJDBUJPO
can be submitted before the work permit has been issued. Consult your HR
Manager/International Office for details.
… 5BLFBUFTUGPSUVCFSDVMPTJTJGBQQMJDBCMF
5IFUFTUJTSFRVJSFEGPSTQFDJ¾D
nationalities and is carried out by the Municipal Healthcare Services (GGD).
Consult your HR Manager / International Office for details.
… $PMMFDUZPVS#4/OVNCFSBUUIFMPDBM5PXO)BMMJGBQQMJDBCMF
… 4UBSUXPSLTUVEZJGHJWFOBVUIPSJTBUJPOCZUIF%VUDIBVUIPSJUJFT°UIJT
depends on nationality, type of work and residence permit).
… 3FDFJWFDPO¾SNBUJPOCZQPTUUIBUZPVSSFTJEFODFQFSNJUXJMMCFJTTVFEJG
applicable).
… 4UBSUXPSLJGOPUQSFWJPVTMZHJWFOBVUIPSJTBUJPO
… $PMMFDUZPVSSFTJEFODFQFSNJUGSPN*/%JGBQQMJDBCMF
Transport:
… 3FHJTUFSJNQPSUFEWFIJDMFTXJUIUIF%VUDIBVUIPSJUJFT1FPQMFSFHJTUFSFEBT
living in the Netherlands may not own and drive a ‘foreign’ vehicle here.
Children:
… 4UBSUDIJMESFOCFUXFFOUIFBHFTPGBOEZFBSTJOGVMMUJNFFEVDBUJPO
Healthcare:
… 3FHJTUFSXJUIBMPDBMEPDUPSBOEEFOUJTU
Social security, tax and insurance:
… "SSBOHFIFBMUIJOTVSBODF
… *GZPVIBWFBO&BTLZPVSJOTVSFSGPSBO&PS&PS&)*$
BOE
arrange registration.
… 3FHJTUFSXJUIUIF%VUDIBVUIPSJUJFT:PVSFNQMPZFSXJMMEPUIJTGPSZPV
… "SSBOHFWFIJDMFJOTVSBODF
… "QQMZGPSUIFUBYSVMJOHJGBQQMJDBCMF
Housing:
… *EFOUJGZBDDPNNPEBUJPO
… )BWFNFBTVSFNFOUTPG´NVTUUBLFµGVSOJUVSFUPTFFJGJUXJMM¾UJOUIFOFXIPNF
34 / 35
Edebjh^X
AVOdcZ!A^ƒ\Z7:
6aiZgcVi^kZVcYjcYZg\gdjcYbjh^X#
… "HSFFBOETJHODPOUSBDUT
… 0SHBOJTFVUJMJUJFTXBUFSHBTFMFDUSJDJUZQIPOF*OUFSOFUFUD
… $IFDLXIJDIEBZT
ZPVSCJOT
BOEPUIFSXBTUFJUFNTBSFDPMMFDUFE$BMMZPVS
Town Hall, or simply ask a neighbour.
lll#aVodcZ#WZ
Bjo^Z`dYgddb!=VhhZai7:
Mobile phone:
… *GZPVXBOUUPQVSDIBTFBNPCJMFQIPOFXJUITVCTDSJQUJPOZPVXJMMOFFEUP
bring your passport and your most recent bank account statement (with your
address on it!).
… 1SFQBJEDBSETBSFBWBJMBCMFFWFSZXIFSFBOEBSFBWBJMBCMFJOEFOPNJOBUJPOTPG
10, 20, 25, 40, and 50 Euros.
I^eh[gdbVc
^ciZgcVi^dcVa
^ch^YZg
NEED TO KNOW
HiVnXdccZXiZY
=daYdcidndjgbdW^aZe]dcZ!^ib^\]i
iV`ZVl]^aZidWZXdccZXiZYidVaVcY"
a^cZ#;gZZL^Ò^hVkV^aVWaZViBX9dc"
VaYh!i]ZBjc^X^eVaA^WgVgnVcY^c
BVVhig^X]iVi8d[[ZZadkZgh6ccZm
IdjX]WVhZl^i]di]ZgZmeVih
eaZ^c&..'#
Ndjg=GYZeVgibZci!BVVhig^X]i>ciZg"
cVi^dcVaEaVn<gdje!i]Z^ciZgcVi^dcVa
Ndj]VkZ9jiX]bV^a
hX]ddaJc^iZYLdgaY8daaZ\Z!>ciZgcV"
9dcdi^\cdgZ9jiX]ji^a^inW^aahVcY
i^dcVaLdbZcÉh8ajWHdji]A^bWjg\!
di]Zg9jiX]XdggZhedcYZcXZ#I]ZnXVc
GdX`=Zg`9ZHiVY!=Zg`YZHiVY
>ciZgcVi^dcVa8]jgX]ZhZiX#VgZ\gZVi
hXVgZndjd[[WjiVXdaaZV\jZVildg`dg
GdX`;Zhi^kVa^ci]Z[gdcia^cZd[idYVnÉh
hdjgXZhd[^c[dgbVi^dc#
cZ^\]Wdjgl^aaWZ]VeenidigVchaViZ
CVi^dcVaVcY^ciZgcVi^dcVa\^\hVcY
EaVn;Zhi^kVa
lll#bjo^Z`dYgddb#WZ
bjh^X#
SETTLING IN
[dgndjhdndjYdcdi\ZiY^hXdccZXiZY
lll#gdX`]Zg`#WZ
Formalities:
… &YDIBOHFZPVSESJWJOHMJDFODFGPSB%VUDIPOFJGBQQMJDBCMF
… 3FUVSOZPVSGPSFJHOMJDFODFWJBZPVSIPNFDPVOUSZNBLFBDPQZ
… /PUFUIFFYQJSZEBUFTPGBMMQFSNJUTBOEMJDFOTFT°NBLFTVSFZPVSFBQQMZ
on time!
7Z^c[dgbZY
A^c`ha^`Zlll#bVVhig^X]igZ\^dc#Xdb
Cd9jiX]_jc`bV^a
VcYlll#XgdhhgdVYhbV\#ZjVgZ\gZVi
>[ndjYdcdil^h]idgZXZ^kZ_jc`bV^a!
gZhdjgXZh!VcYVahd!k^h^i]ZKKKIdjg"
Vh`[dgVheZX^Vahi^X`ZgVindjgidlc
^hiD[ÒXZ^cndjgidlc!i]Zn]VkZ^c[dg"
]VaaVcYhi^X`^idcaZiiZgWdm#>il^aa
bVi^dcdcadXVaZkZcihVcYViigVXi^dch
hideVaajcVYYgZhhZYbV^a
Healthcare:
… 3FHJTUFSXJUIBEPDUPSEFOUJTUBOEQIBSNBDZJGZPVIBWFOPUBMSFBEZEPOFTP
VcYXVced^cindj^ci]Zg^\]iY^gZX"
i^dc#
HVkZbdcZn
Social security, tax and insurance:
… "QQMZGPSDIJMECFOF¾UJGBQQMJDBCMF
… "QQMZGPSTQPVTFUBYDSFEJUJGBQQMJDBCMF
;^ghi\gdXZg^Zh
b^\]iWZldgi]Vfj^X`WdgYZg]deid
6aWZgi=Z^_c^hV]^\]"ZcYhjeZgbVg"
Òaaje
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6l^YZkVg^Zind[\^\hVhlZaaVhldg`"
h]deh[dgbjh^X^Vch#
lll#bjh^`Wjc`Zg"VVX]Zc#YZ
He^g^id[++!KZgk^Zgh7:
'%%\^\hVnZVg#<gZViXajW[dgÈ++
adkZgh#
lll#he^g^id[++#WZ
EZigda^h[VgX]ZVeZg^c7Za\^jb!^i
`Zi!hdbZhidgZhVgZdeZcdcHjcYVndg
C^ZjlZCdg!=ZZgaZc
jci^aa&%ebdclZZ`YVnhX]ZX`
7n6aZmVcYgV@ViZgWZg\
HjeZgXddaXajW!i]ZLdgaYd[i]ZCdg
lll#V]#ca#;dgjh^c\i]Zh]dee^c\
8aVhhGZegZhZciVi^kZViJL8BVVh"
^hl^aY#
igdaaZn!jhZVe^ZXZd[&ZjgddgVh`[dgV
ig^X]iVcYegZk^djhan^ckdakZY^ci]Z
lll#c^ZjlZcdg#ca
[gZZXd^cVii]Z6=HZgk^XZ9Zh`!eaZVhZ
BVVhig^X]i>ciZgcVi^dcVaEaVn\gdje#
Ydcdi[dg\ZiidWg^c\Vadc\ndjgdlc
7nL^bHbZZih
\gdXZgnWV\h#6ii]ZYZh`ndjVahdWjn
EdehiV\ZBjo^Z`\^ZiZg^_!BVVhig^X]i#
i]ZidlchheZX^ÒXW^ca^cZghkj^ac^h"
lll#bjo^Z`\^ZiZg^_#ca
oV``ZcVcYWVh^XbZY^X^cZha^`ZVhe^"
g^ceVgVXZiVbda!ZiX#6aWZgi=Z^_cÉh
dlcWgVcY^hlZaa`cdlc[dg^iXaZVgh
VaaZg\n^c[d
Di]ZgcZZYh
Add`dji[dgh]deha^`Z7ad``Zg!=ZbV
VcY6Xi^dc!\gZVih]deh[dg]djhZ]daY
\ddYhVcYegZhZcih#
HdbZg^h^c\
hiVgh^c
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:higZaaVHVi
9Zh^\cZYVc^ciZaa^\ZcihnhiZbidigVX`
b^c^c\kZ]^XaZhl^i]deZgVi^dcVa
^hhjZh^cgZVa"i^bZ#
lll#ZhigZaaVhVi#Xdb
Ide=^aaEVX`
EgdYjXi^dcd[\VWaZ"ideeVX`V\Zh[dgV
gVc\Zd[b^a`egdYjXihVcY[gj^i
TO WORK
You want to achieve your ambitions, but you also want to enjoy life
away from your work. In the Maastricht Region, part of the Province of
Limburg, you can. Working here means a balanced life – a top job in a
quiet setting, without the hassle of congested highways. This is a place
where there is plenty going on, but without the typical problems of
major cities. You can recharge your batteries after work by enjoying the
good life: a work-out, a walk in the countryside, a game of golf, a night
at the opera, a movie, or dining out. Everything is right there, and it’s
bustling. Students from 70 different countries provide a constant input
of fresh enthusiasm and ambition. They came to jump-start their
careers and they keep the cities alive and vibrant. If you are moving
with a working spouse, there are many job opportunities available with
Brussels, Düsseldorf, Aachen, Eindhoven, Cologne, Liège and Venlo
within commuting distance. Although most professionals speak English, keep in mind that learning the local language is a definite asset.
Yg^c`h#
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:jgdiZX]
HeZX^Va^hZY^cegdYjX^c\egZX^h^dc
^ckZhibZciXVhi^c\h!^cWdi]Vajb^c"
THE BEST PLACE TO DO
BUSINESS
^jbVcYhZkZgVahiZZaVaadnh#
lll#ZjgdXVhi#ca
HZ`^hj^8]Zb^XVah
6egdYjXi^dc[VX^a^in[dg^ciZgaVnZg
Òabh^cGdZgbdcYVcYVgVlbViZg^Vah
According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, the Netherlands ranks third in the
best European countries for doing business. It scores particularly highly on
indicators such as a stable and effective political system, excellent macroeconomic environment, efficient financial sector, flexible labour market, internationally oriented economy and its central location in the European Union.
eaVci^c<ZaZZc#
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;djcYZgd[L^_a^bWjg\#ca!i]ZZXd"
cdb^XcZlhlZWh^iZ[dgZcigZegZcZjgh
^ci]ZBVVhig^X]iGZ\^dc#
Sabic, Sittard-Geleen
to work
36 / 37
Limburg, the most southern province of the Netherlands, is strategically situated in the heart of Western Europe. With 1.12 million inhabitants, it accounts
for 7% of the Dutch population. The major urban regions are Maastricht, the
oldest city in the Netherlands, Heerlen, Sittard-Geleen and Venlo. In the north,
Limburg borders the provinces of Brabant and Gelderland. The River Meuse
flows through Limburg for 160 kilometres from south to north, providing a
direct connection with the port of Rotterdam and, via canals, with Antwerp.
Limburg borders Germany for a distance of 212 kilometres and Belgium for 140
kilometres and is strategically located between some of the main metropolitan
areas of Europe:
… 3BOETUBE5IF/FUIFSMBOET
UPUIF/PSUI8FTUXJUI"NTUFSEBN3PUUFSEBN
The Hague, Utrecht.
… 'MFNJTI%JBNPOE#FMHJVN
UPUIF8FTUXJUI#SVTTFMT-FVWFO"OUXFSQ
Ghent.
… 3IJOF3VISBSFB(FSNBOZ
UPUIF&BTUXJUI%TTFMEPSG$PMPHOF%VJTCVSH
Essen, Bochum, Dortmund.
… 'SBOLGVSU3IJOF.BJOBSFB(FSNBOZ
UPUIF&BTU
… -VYFNCPVSH.FU[/BODZ'SBODF
UPUIF4PVUI
This geographical situation makes Limburg the prime choice for any enterprise
intending to start its activities in a favourable location in the still-expanding EU
market. In the last 30 years, more than 450 international companies have
chosen Limburg as a base for their, often pan-European, operations. The advantages of Limburg’s geographical situation and the skills of its labour force, combined with other strong local factors, amply reward those who have the
imagination to exploit the opportunities it offers.
38 / 39
TO WORK
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make up the majority of foreigners in Limburg with people from neighbouring
Germany and Belgium being the front runners. Other major foreign communities are Indonesian, Moroccan and Turkish. Limburg’s multicultural population
is a significant advantage for companies doing business in a global economy.
EdanhXdeZEdanbZgh7K
REGIONAL ECONOMY AND INCOME
69jiX]"WVhZYegdYjXZgd[hingZcZ
Limburg’s economy has always been based on industry. In fact, in the 19th century, industrialisation in the Netherlands actually started in Maastricht. The
late 1990s saw a rapid change towards a service-oriented economy with commercial services and healthcare being the main drivers. However Limburg is still
the most industrialised province when employment is considered.
bVaZ^XVc]nYg^YZXdedanbZgh#
INFRASTRUCTURE
lll#edanhXdeZ#Zj
The Maastricht Region is easy to get to by car, boat (inland waterways) and
plane and has a well-developed public transport network. Traffic jams are
almost non-existent. There are four trains an hour between the four “districts”,
and efforts are being made to increase the speed and frequency of service. The
region has its own airport and is only an hour’s travel from the international airQPSUTPG#SVTTFMT%TTFMEPSGBOE$PMPHOF#POO-JoHF"JSQPSUJTBMTPOFBSBU
hand. London and Paris have never been so close. Regular scheduled express
trains run frequently and reach Brussels in just over an hour, Amsterdam in 2,
Paris and Frankfurt in 3 and London in 4 hours.
Road distances
From Maastricht to major European
cities
City
Amsterdam
Antwerp
Berlin
Brussels
Cologne
Düsseldorf
Eindhoven
Frankfurt
Geneva
London
Luxembourg
Milan
Munich
Paris
Prague
Rotterdam
Kilometres
200
110
650
110
90
95
80
275
775
490
150
875
675
400
750
200
Miles
124
68
404
68
65
60
50
171
482
305
93
544
419
249
466
124
POPULATION
Limburg has more than 1 million inhabitants, 55% of whom live in the conurbation in the southern part of the province. The population in the central and
northern part is more scattered with 21% and 25% of the total population
respectively.
Limburg has a multicultural population, with 45 different nationalities living
together. More than 100,000 people are of foreign origin (9%). European citizens
I^\Zc^m
6W^dbZY^XVaXdbeVcni]Vi[dXjhZhdc
^ccdkVi^kZadXVaigZVibZcih[dgYVb"
V\ZYVcYdhiZdVgi]g^i^X_d^cih#
lll#i^\Zc^m#Xdb
Economic growth in Limburg stagnated in the first years of this century.
Because of its strong focus on exports, the world economic downturn hit the
region severely. In 2004, the regional economy recovered and 2006 showed a
strong increase in investments, export, consumption and employment.
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DeZgViZhVhiViZ"d["i]Z"Vgi<BE"
a^XZcXZY[VX^a^in[dg]jbVcXZaa
LABOUR MARKET AND EMPLOYMENT
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The labour force in Limburg numbers almost 500,000 people. Between 2001
and 2005, it showed an annual growth of 1.5%, which was entirely caused by
the increased participation of women.
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;djcYZgd[L^_a^bWjg\#ca!i]ZZXd"
The labour force in Limburg is well educated, with a high proportion of people
who have completed higher education. The number of people at secondary education level is comparable to the national average.
cdb^XcZlhlZWh^iZ[dgZcigZegZcZjgh
^ci]ZBVVhig^X]iGZ\^dc#
PERSONAL ASSISTANCE FOR
FOREIGN INVESTORS
Limburg Development and Investment Company LIOF provides assistance for
foreign investors free of charge. Services include insights and data on site selection and logistic strategies and guidance on such matters as available incentives for investments and innovations, permit produces and tax structures. All
services are tailor-made and provided on a confidential basis. LIOF introduces
corporate investors to a variety of Dutch national and regional networks and
service suppliers, local government authorities and to others central to the
investment process. LIOF can help with finding business accommodation, has
contacts with staffing agencies, and may be able to provide venture capital. For
each focus area LIOF has experts ready to guide foreign investors. Focus areas
are High Tech Systems, Life Sciences, Value-added Logistics, Renewable Energy,
MRO and Agro-Food. Once the decision to settle in Limburg has been made,
LIOF can introduce staff to local partners who can provide help on personal relocation issues, such as accommodation and education.
LIOF‘s brief is to support the development of the Limburg economy and the promotion of its business climate. LIOF regularly combines forces with the Dutch
Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Provincial Government, the Chamber of Commerce and the Limburg municipalities to stimulate investment in Limburg.
More information
Does your company need advice or information about (re)location and the
current business climate? LIOF has experts assigned to key focus and geographical areas.
Renewable Energy
Jacques Mikx, Head of Department, Investment Promotion and Business
Development (IBD)
jmikx@liof.nl
High-tech Systems / Asia
Mart Dijk, Senior Project Manager
mdijk@liof.nl
Life Sciences, Shared Service Centers/ North America
Sjoerd Boomsma, Senior Project Manager
sboomsma@liof.nl
Aerospace MRO / Europe
Jaap Heukelom, Senior Project Manager
jheukelom@liof.nl
Agro-Food
Mark Koppers, Project Manager
mkoppers@liof.nl
CAREERS AND INDUSTRIES
The Maastricht Region offers a wide variety of employment opportunities. Its
three technology campuses are pioneers in innovation. Avantis (Parkstad) specialises in new, high-tech energy facilities, while cross-border clinical facilities
are on the horizon. The Chemelot R&D Campus (Sittard-Geleen) is a global
leader in performance materials and biotechnology. This is the birthplace of
Dyneema, the world’s strongest fibre. Finally, the Campus in Randwyck-Maastricht is making major innovations in healthcare. Heavy industry, such as the
Nedcar automotive manufacturing plant and the DSM chemical company, is
also located close by.
Economic growth is generated by a major academic/life-sciences hub linking
Maastricht University, Maastricht University Medical Center and the technical
universities of Aachen (20 kilometres away), Eindhoven and Louvain. Leading
40 / 41
TO WORK
Hospitals
innovators at the medical and healthcare centres in Heerlen (Atrium), SittardGeleen (Orbis) and Maastricht (MUMC+) are working on the frontiers of modern
medicine.
Atrium Medical Center Heerlen /
Parkstad
Atrium MC is one of the largest general
hospitals in the Netherlands, with locations in Heerlen, Brunssum and Kerkrade. It was voted best hospital of the
year in 2009 by the quality index of
newspaper Algemeen Dagblad, the AD
Ziekenhuis Top 100.
www.atriummc.com
Maastricht UMC+
Maastricht University Medical Center.
A cooperation between the University
Hospital Maastricht and Maastricht
University.
UMC’s five focus area’s:
1 Cardiovascular diseases
2 Chronic diseases
3 Oncology
4 Mental health care and neuroscience
5 Public health and primary care
www.mumc.nl
Orbis Medical Center, Sittard
Orbis Medical Center is a high-tech
center aimed at providing high quality
care in the most patient-friendly and
efficient way, focussing on:
… Striving for at-home feeling
… Patient at the center of care-giving
… Smart technology solutions
www.orbisconcern.nl
The Maastricht Region is home to the headquarters of various multinationals
such as DSM, Sabic, Vodafone and APG (the Dutch public service pension fund,
which with invested assets of EUR 210 billion is one of the largest financial institutions in the world) and the worldwide call centres of DHL and Mercedes-Benz.
Business tourism (conferences) and leisure in the broadest sense (hospitality,
recreation and wellness) are important economic drivers for the region.
CAREERS FOR PARTNERS
Despite an increasingly global society, the expatriate spouse who is unable to
pursue his or her career remains a problem. In fact the number-one reason for
foreign assignment failure remains family discontent. Companies and relocation agencies are realising that self-employment and portable careers are an
alternative solution, and they do focus on being helpful in that direction.
Seventy-five per cent of international managers are involved in a dual-career
scenario. As both partners increasingly have their own careers, this is reflected
in the large numbers of accompanying spouses who want to find a fulfilling
occupation while overseas. Problems that you have to deal with when following
your partner on an international assignment are:
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… *ODPNQBUJCMFDFSUJ¾DBUJPOMJDFODJOH
… 4QPVTFµTMBDLPGUSBOTGFSBCMFTLJMMT
Being in a situation like this means that you should look for help and consultation.
The hiring company can help with applying for a work permit for the partner, and
might even provide support with some language courses. Relocation agencies can
help with the cultural issues, assessments and validation of the foreign education.
Head-hunters, temp agencies and social networks can help you to find a job. It will
take time and the job abroad might not be as interesting as the one you had in
your home country, but it is an experience that will always look good on your CV.
LANGUAGE COURSES AND OTHER ADULT EDUCATION
The Maastricht Region borders on Germany and on both French and Flemishspeaking Belgium. If you include the international students, you will hear many
languages and dialects daily. Apart from the intensive language courses on offer
at Maastricht University, various institutes have classes depending on your
needs. Syntra Limburg in Belgium is said to provide the cheaper options. Most
cities in the region have institutions offering arts and culture education.
42 / 43
8]Z[h
PROFESSIONAL NETWORKS
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Regional professional networks are primarily Dutch; however several service
clubs in the region have dedicated international branches. International Round
Table Maastricht (for men aged18-40), Rotary International (for 40+ professionals), Kiwanis International and Lions Club Maastricht Mondial are internationally known service clubs that are good for getting connected in the area. The
annual May Fair, the Lion’s Club’s main fundraiser, is a great event that brings
together expatriates and their families to meet, mingle and enjoy a free afternoon of entertainment, information and hospitality at a location in the Euregio.
The Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel Zuid-Limburg) is also a
good place to start, especially for networking events, starting your own business or if you are looking for business advice.
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TO WORK
Are you an international and coming to
work and live in the Southeast Netherlands?
Do you have questions about visa? About
housing? Are you looking for a clear
explanation on the Dutch educational
system? Or maybe you want to learn more
Formalities
about the Dutch culture and manners?
Housing
Go to the website Expatguideholland.com
Taxation
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For more information: www.maastrichtregion.com
Finance & Insurance
and find all the answers to your questions!
Education & Careers
Personal & Social Needs
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Culture & Leisure
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The top technology region Southeast Netherlands has not only much to offer on a professional
level but just as much on a personal level. Since moving is always a hectic time, we strive to make
the transition to a new home in a new country as smooth as possible so you and your family can
concentrate on settling in, and enjoy living here.
The website Expatguideholland.com collates all information and services that are relevant to
internationals who are going to live and work in the Southeast Netherlands. Expatguideholland.com
answers every question you may have on the matters of formalities, housing, taxation, finance &
insurance, education & careers, personal & social needs and culture & leisure. And, if you cannot find
the answer to your question on the website, just fill in the contact form and our experts will respond
to your questions within three days!
WWW.EXPATGUIDEHOLLAND.COM
to live
44 / 45
TO LIVE
Moving to the very southern tip of the Netherlands means moving to the
centre of Europe. With Brussels, Amsterdam, Düsseldorf, Cologne, Liège
and, of course, Paris all within three hours’ travelling time and several
airports close-by, Europe is at your feet. And although the inhabitants
will say that the Maastricht Region is nothing like the rest of the Netherlands, the Dutch are generally easy-going, albeit straight-forward.
And most of them speak English. They are known for their tolerance of
other religions, viewpoints and customs, which makes the Netherlands
an attractive location for foreigners.
HOUSING
Insights
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densely populated countries in
Europe, with almost 400 people per
square kilometre.
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why many houses are small and
compact.
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in maximizing the use of space.
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still cheaper and/or more spacious
than in Amsterdam, Utrecht or
Rotterdam.
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diversity of housing types and environments – from the city feel to village life in the surrounding
countryside.
DECIDING WHERE TO LIVE
Choosing where to live can be a major headache if you don’t know the area: the
procedures may not be the same as you are used to, and the information will be
in a language you may not understand. Ideally you should visit the area a
month or so before moving to select your new home, but as this is not always
possible you may need to stay in a hotel when you arrive while you find somewhere to live. Unfortunately, staying in temporary accommodation can delay
your registration at the Town Hall, and in some cases your application for a residence permit – see the ‘Formalities’ section for more information.
Most people coming to the Maastricht Region will probably choose to live in the
area. However, Dutch transport networks are good and some prefer to commute
from other areas. It’s even possible to commute from Belgium, Germany or
Luxembourg but you should check the legal position first. For most EU citizens
there are no issues, but if you need a residence permit you may have to live in
the Netherlands. Living outside the country may also have tax consequences,
so consult your HR Manager. Your company might be able to help you with
housing, so consult them.
DUTCH HOMES
Dutch homes vary from studio apartments (a single room including sleeping area,
living area and cooking facilities) to more traditional apartments with multiple,
separate bedrooms, and larger houses (detached, semi-detached, and terraced).
With little available space, houses at the lower and middle end of the market
tend to be fairly compact out of necessity. How you see this depends on your
experience in your home country. Most Europeans comment that housing is
expensive and gardens small. Americans used to the spacious properties frequently found there also feel that the rooms themselves are small (particularly
children’s bedrooms). They are more likely to require the more luxurious end of
the market in terms of decoration, fixtures and fittings. Those coming from
places such as Singapore however, where land is also at a premium, may see
things differently. Wherever you come from, it is essential to realise that the
housing available will probably not be the same as you are used to!
46 / 47
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LIVING IN THE MAASTRICHT REGION
The Maastricht Region has green hill-country (‘Heuvelland’) in the centre surrounded by the urban areas of Maastricht (West), Sittard/Geleen (North), ParkTUBE&BTU
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Maastricht, no-nonsense Heerlen and the workers’ ethic of Sittard/Geleen. The
region offers a wealth of choice in finding your new home. Traffic jams are practically unheard-of and the cities and villages are safe and relaxed. So whether
you prefer the inner-city bustle, leafy suburban towns or quaint villages and the
privacy of a rural property these are all options within commuting distance of
work. As one executive’s wife put it, ‘This is the first posting where we have been
able to enjoy breakfast with the entire family’.
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UTILITIES (GAS, WATER, ELECTRICITY, PHONE,
INTERNET, TV)
International
education
Pre-primary education
United World College Maastricht
Pre-school
www.joppenhof-id.nl
Primary education
United World College Maastricht
Primary School
www.joppenhof-id.nl
The Netherlands has excellent utilities. Practically every home has mains electricity, drinkable water, central heating, fixed-line phones, and mobile phone
and high-speed Internet coverage. In urban areas, most properties have piped
gas for cooking and heating, mains drainage, and cable TV.
Secondary education
International School Maastricht
(UWC)
www.ismaastricht.nl
You can also organise your telephone line by visiting a Primafoon shop (listed in
the Yellow Pages (www.goudengids.nl). Take your passport, residence permit,
work contract, bank account number and address.
Afnorth international School
www.afnorth-is.com
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Porta Mosana (bi-lingual)
www.portamosana.nl
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THE DUTCH HEALTHCARE
SYSTEM
The family doctor (huisarts) is central to the Dutch healthcare system. For
many newcomers this predominant role is the single most important difference
between the medical practice in the Netherlands and that of their home country. Another difference is the medical culture. In the Netherlands, antibiotics
and other medications are prescribed with greater reserve than you may be
accustomed to. This has resulted in a very low incidence of antibiotic-resistant
infections.
Testing is not automatic and annual check-ups are not part of the basic service.
In general, these extra services are only provided if there is evidence that they
are necessary. Some private clinics now offer this service but these are expensive and are not covered by Dutch insurers. The following institutions offer
scanning facilities: www.prescan.nl and www.privatescan.nl
You can find detailed information on healthcare, including pregnancy, childbirth and dental care at www.maastrichtregion.com and also check the
Resources Section in the back.
TO LIVE
EDUCATION
Schools in the Maastricht Region have ranked among the top ten best schools
in the Netherlands for some years now. Some of them have international curricula suitable for non-Dutch speakers. Two international schools in the region
provide an international education: the Afnorth International School in
Brunssum, which meets British/American and German educational requirements, and recently the United World College Maastricht (UWC). UWC was
founded by merging two existing schools: the International School Maastricht
(ISM), and the Joppenhof International Primary School, which teaches the
International Baccalaureate (IB). The Maastricht Region is also home to two
well-regarded institutes for higher education: Maastricht University (UM) and
Zuyd University (Hogeschool Zuyd). Aachen University of Technology, one of
the largest and best-performing universities in Europe, is within easy reach.
DAY-CARE FOR CHILDREN
There are plenty of day-care centres in the Maastricht Region and waiting-lists
are short. The MIK nursery and after-school care-centre (www.mik-online.nl –
in Dutch) provides services at 80 different locations while Humanitas
(www.humanitas.nl) has 12 day-nurseries and 17 after-school care-centres in
the Maastricht Region. MIK and Humanitas organise many activities, from
street dances and swimming to a brass-band course.
Zuyd University
www.hszuyd.nl
A good meeting point for pregnant women and mothers with young children is
Maastricht International Playgroup: an English-speaking, non-profit association of expatriate and Dutch parents, carers, and parents-to-be (www.mip.f-sw.
com). Apart from day-care and in-home childcare, there is a further option for
toddlers: from the age of two, children can go to ‘peuterspeelzaal’ (toddler play
school).
Other education
Chinese school, Brunssum
www.wahfookwui.nl
TRANSPORTATION
Tertiary education
Maastricht University
www.maastrichtuniversity.nl
Japanese school
www.geocities.jp/maastrichtjapaneseschool/index.htm
It’s easy to get around the Maastricht Region. Fast public transportation and
direct highways connect to major European cities and there are no less than
seven different airports in the area. For an overview of routes in and out of the
region see the map on pages 30-31 .
48 / 49
RELIGION
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The Netherlands is a tolerant nation in which all the major religions are represented. Every individual has the right to change religion and is free to practise
his or her religion or conviction. In this country, about 31% of the population
are Roman Catholic, 20% Protestant and 5.5% Muslim. 2.5% of Dutch people
have another religious conviction while 41% profess no religion at all.
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Fresh food
markets
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Valkenburg
Tuesday
Heerlen/Parkstad
Wednesday
Maastricht
Thursday
Sittard/Geleen
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Most daily groceries can be bought at the Dutch supermarkets or local stores,
but there is also a wide range of options just across the border, including a
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increasing variety of organic foods available in the Netherlands. Most cities
have a health-food store and larger organic supermarkets can be found in
Germany.
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Popular options for shopping are the weekly local markets, which are full of surprises and excellent places for people-watching. Most markets have a wide
range of products ranging from avocados to bike parts, although some specialise in certain items. For example, the Maastricht market on Friday mornings is
famous for fish, the Sittard market on Thursday morning for its selection of fabrics and the Geleen market on Saturday mornings for its fresh produce. Go and
explore them all!
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Sunday
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Speciality food stores for local products such as jams, cheeses and chutneys
can be found in most towns, as can Asian stores. Nowadays, there are several
that enable you to order products from your home country. Expat Guide Holland
(www.expatguideholland.com) provides various links.
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Check the local town website or the special ‘Dutch markets’ website
(www.hollandsemarkten.nl) for weekly schedules of markets near you.
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WASTE AND RECYCLING
There are several recycling schemes, which may vary slightly depending on the
community. Most homes have two rubbish bins that are emptied on alternate
weeks: a green one for biodegradable waste, and a grey one for other household
waste. Paper is collected fortnightly, and a van collects small chemical waste
such as light bulbs, batteries, and harmful cleaning products. Bottle banks are
located outside many supermarkets, as are collection points for unwanted
clothing, and sometimes also batteries. The price of bottled beers and soft
drinks includes a small deposit that is refundable on returning the empty
containers.
Waste and recycling has proved to be a complicated matter, please consult the
Maastricht Region website to find out about waste management in your municipality: www.maastrichtregion.com/to_live/formalities/waste__recycling.html
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DAILY NEEDS
TO LIVE
For more information: www.maastrichtregion.com
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TO LOVE
The Maastricht Region is truly loved by its residents and its many visitors. There is no single reason for its appeal – there are many reasons.
“Maastricht was propelled into stardom with the signing of the Treaty
of Maastricht and the birth of the euro in 1992”, says newcomer David
Wells-Greco. “This rightfully added to its international fame, but it’s
the diversity that makes people speak passionately about the area. It
has cosmopolitan European allure without the big city problems.
There’s plenty of space; it’s green and calm, and yet there are ample
opportunities to be inspired or have fun. Once you’ve lived in the Maastricht Region, you will always remember the good life there. Children
can attend school within walking or cycling distance and safely visit
friends or sports clubs on their own. They don’t have to be taught about
independence and freedom; they live it.”
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SPORTS
The Netherlands prides itself on being a sporting nation and if you want to get
some exercise, you will surely find what you are looking for. Because of its beautiful scenery and hilly landscape, the Maastricht Region attracts many recreational cyclists and hosts various cycling races. It’s also great for hiking. There
is an immense variety of active and spectator sports varying from canoeing on
the Maas, hot-air ballooning and skiing and snowboarding in Europe’s largest
indoor skiing facility, to a leisurely game of golf or boules.
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WHERE TO FIND YOUR FAVOURITE SPORT
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Naturally there are far more sports available in the Maastricht Region than we
have space to feature here. However, here is a selection that seems to appeal to
most expatriates.
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CRICKET
Many expats are surprised to discover that there’s a thriving cricket club in the
Maastricht Region: Heerlen CC. The club welcomes expats and their skills with
open arms! Contact Andrew Davies by e-mail at info@cricketheerlen.com or call
045 566 0970 for more information.
FOOTBALL (SOCCER)
The best-known football team in the Maastricht Region is Roda JC, currently in
the Dutch Premier League. There are also several local soccer clubs for the
enthusiastic amateur. See under voetbal in the Sports section of the Community
Guide.
Cultura Nova, Heerlen
to love
50 / 51
52 / 53
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SWIMMING
There are many swimming pools in the Maastricht Region, the largest of which
is Gulpen Mosaqua with a competition pool, an instruction pool, and a large recreational pool with rapids, water glides, whirlpools, and a paddling pool for the
little ones. Plus a host of other facilities.
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TO LOVE
thing less strenuous, there are the architectural highlights of an historic city
centre. For the adventurous, there’s a variety of activities including kayaking or
canoeing trips and climbing or skiing in the Netherlands’ largest indoor ski
piste. There are even underground passageways that have been made accessible for mountain bikers! And after a day of hard exercise, you can rest and relax
at a spa.
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FIELD HOCKEY
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Hockey is very popular in the Netherlands. There are usually teams appropriate
for all skill levels, not just for top players. Hockey can be a fun way to mix with
Dutch people. Look in the Community Guide under hockey.
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FOOD AND DRINK
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A simple fact says it all: eight Michelin stars have been awarded in a region no
larger than 20 x 20 kilometres. Maastricht is the culinary capital of the Netherlands, but there are countless bistros, cafés and other small restaurants in the
region to suit every taste and budget. Visitors are not only attracted by the gastronomic excellence: they also love the boutiques in the old city centre of Maastricht and the opportunities to enjoy art, cultural events and the beautiful
outdoors in the entire region.
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GOLF
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Golf is growing increasingly popular in the Netherlands. A few years ago, it was
a sport for the happy few, but nowadays it is open to everyone.
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ICE-SKATING
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In Sittard-Geleen, the Laco Glanerbrook sports centre has an ice-skating centre
with a 400m track, an indoor fun court, and a training field.
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MORE INFORMATION
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The ANWB (www.anwb.nl) and the Maastricht Region’s tourist offices
(www.vvvzuidlimburg.nl and www.vvvmaastricht.eu) which are both national
tourism organisations, have informational websites and stores in the larger
cities with a great selection of roadmaps for hiking, cycling and guides for other
sports activities or events.
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See your municipality website, the local community guide or consult the
(online) telephone book (www.detelefoongids.nl) for information on sport clubs
and locations. More information on sports activities can be found at:
www.maastrichtregion.com
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SHOPPING
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Class and allure: that’s what Maastricht is famous for. The cosy atmosphere and
diversity of shops, boutiques and specialty stores makes Maastricht very attractive for all kinds of shoppers.
Just outside Heerlen the Woonboulevard is excellent for home furnishing, it
includes one of Europe’s largest IKEA’s. For other ‘good value’ shopping try
Decathlon for sporting goods and Hornbach, Gamma or Praxis for home furnishing and building materials.
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LEISURE
The spacious, tranquil, hilly countryside of the Maastricht Region is bordered
by historic towns and major tourist attractions. The variety that can be found in
this small region is truly astonishing, and very different from the rest of the
Netherlands. Dutch people who visit often feel they are abroad. And those who
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to Aachen in Germany have all of Europe at their feet.
The Maastricht Region’s hilly countryside makes it ideal for a great many sporting activities. It’s perfect cycling and hiking country. And if you want some-
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Two designer outlets with unique designer labels and luxury brands offer good
fun and value to residents in the region: Designer Outlet Roermond and Maasmechelen Village.
CULTURE
If you’re looking for arts and culture, the Maastricht Region, with its long, rich
history, is definitely the place to be. As you might expect, the region houses a
variety of historical museums and sites, ranging from artefacts from the Roman
era in the Thermen Museum in Heerlen to the treasure-house of Saint Servatius
Cathedral in Maastricht, from the Museum of Natural History to the Museum
aan het Vrijthof (located in the former Spanish government building). International contemporary art can be found in the striking Bonnefanten Museum in
Maastricht, Museum Het Domein in Sittard and at Schunck Glaspaleis in Heerlen. And of course the region abounds in smaller private galleries.
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Schunck Glaspaleis in Heerlen and Centre Céramique in Maastricht amply illustrate that public libraries in the Netherlands are often much more than just a
place to borrow a book: they present frequently-changing exhibitions, house
various community events and organisations and even have a coffee bar.
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Theatre, music and dance abound in Maastricht’s theatres and concert halls.
Even the smaller towns often have two cinemas: one for mainstream movies
and one for art-house movies. And as anyone will tell you, many of the region’s
bars and cafés are often not just places for a late-night drink, but dance-halls
too.
And within an hour’s drive, a world of possibilities for culture-lovers opens up in
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For more information about art and culture in the Maastricht region, see
www.maastrichtregion.com. For detailed information about forthcoming
events, see www.maastrichtregion.com/to_love/cultural_calendar.html
54 / 55
TO LOVE
Events
Maastricht Toneelstad Festival
Theatre festival, Maastricht
www.theateraanhetvrijthof.nl
Kunstroute Europapark Sittard
Art village, Sittard
www.kunstrouteeuropapark.nl
January
The European Fine Food Fair
Food fair, Maastricht
www.efff.nl
Remembrance Day Margraten
Remembrance Day event, Margraten
www.adoptiegraven-margraten.nl
Orlando Festival
International chamber music festival,
Kerkrade
www.orlandofestival.nl
February
Carnaval
Dutch carnival, Limburg
carnaval.eropuitinlimburg.com
Pinkpop
The Netherlands’ oldest music festival,
Landgraaf
www.pinkpop.nl
March
TEFAF
International art fair, Maastricht
www.tefaf.com
June
Breakfest
Youth culture & music festival,
Landgraaf
www.breakfest.nl
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FOR KIDS
The Maastricht Region is a perfect place for children to grow up, and to enjoy
themselves too. They can safely commute to friends or sporting clubs by themselves, and there is plenty to do and discover for toddlers, kids and teenagers.
Activities range from learning how to bake a traditional ‘vlaai’ (the pie of the
region) in the old city centre of Maastricht, to camping in the Ardennes, playing
in one of the many playgrounds in the area or taking a street-dance class at
Kumulus. The Natural History Museum in Maastricht devotes special attention
to kids with interactive exhibits, and if your children want to see the real thing,
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Preuvenemint Maastricht
Culinary event, Maastricht
www.preuvenemint.nl
Limburg Festival
Street theatre, Limburg
www.limburgfestival.nl
September
Musica Sacra Maastricht
Sacred music, Maastricht
www.musicasacramaastricht.nl
Duringtefaf festival
Concerts, performance and exhibitions,
Maastricht
www.duringtefaf.com
Cultuur- en Folklorefestival
Folk festival, Wijnandsrade
www.festivalwijnandsrade.nl
April
Amstel Gold Race
ProTour cycling event, Valkenburg
www.amstelgoldrace.nl
July
Kunstmaand Vaals
Art village, Vaals
www.vaals.nl
Kennedy Mars
Walking event, Sittard
www.kennedymars.org
Oud Limburgs Schutterfeest
Civic guard festival, Grubbenvorst
www.ols-2010.nl
November
Jumping Indoor Maastricht (JIM)
Horse-jumping, Maastricht
www.jumpingindoormaastricht.nl
Made in Europe
Filmfestival, Maastricht, Heerlen,
Sittard, Aachen
www.madeineuropefilmfestival.eu
Worldfestival Parade Brunssum
World dance and music, Brunssum
www.paradebrunssum.nl
(next edition 2012)
December
Kerstmarkt Aken
Christmas market, Aachen, Germany
www.aachen.de
May
Bevrijdingsfestival Roermond
Remembrance Day music event,
Roermond
www.bevrijdingsfestivallimburg.nl
August
Booch! Heerlen
Music festival, Heerlen
www.booch.nl
Kerstmarkt Gemeentegrot
Christmas market, Valkenburg
www.valkenburgkerstmarkt.nl
October
Dutch Dancedays
Performance, Maastricht
www.theateraanhetvrijthof.nl
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The Maastricht region boasts no less than two major theme parks: for good oldfashioned fun, there’s the Valkenier while the enchanting Sprookjesbos brings
all our favourite fairy stories to life. And if you thought that the Netherlands is
just flat polder, you’ll be amazed at the state-of-the-art Neolite climbing centre
in Heerlen.
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For more information: www.maastrichtregion.com
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Koningsvogelschieten St. Joseph
Vijlen
Civic guard festival, Vijlen
www.schutterij-vijlen.nl
Cultura Nova Heerlen
Theatre, music, dance, visual art and
film, Heerlen
www.culturanova.nl
four times a year
PechaKucha Maastricht
12 sparkling speeches, Maastricht
20 x 20 seconds
www.pechakuchamaastricht.eu
Practical
resources
Emergencies (police, ambulance, fire)
112
Immigration and Naturalisation Service
(IND)
www.ind.nl
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (visas, legalisation etc.)
www.minbuza.nl
Netherlands organisation for higher
education
www.nuffic.nl
International service desk Maastricht
+31 43 350 50 10
international@Maastricht.nl
Your Embassy
www.embassiesabroad.com/embassiesin/Netherlands
Tax
www.belastingdienst.nl
Hospitals and healthcare information
www.maastrichtregion.com/to_live/
health.html
Ministry of Health
www.minvws.nl/en
Verification of qualifications
www.ib-groep.nl
www.idw.nl/index2.html
www.beroepserkenning.nl
Welcome to the Maastricht Region
www.maastrichtregion.com
Bank accounts
www.expatguideholland.com/themes/
finance___insurance/finance/bank_
accounts/?region=egh
Practical guide for internationals
www.expatguideholland.com
56 / 57
RESOURCES
International school holidays
www.eurydice.org
Away with the kids
www.wegmetdekids.nl
Box-expat (Belgium)
www.box-expat.eu (Belgium)
Long distance calls
www.bel1649.nl/index2_UK.php
www.tele2.nl
Housing and relocation
www.maastrichtregion.com/to_live/
Driving licence
www.rijbewijs.nl/nl/english
Tourism in and around Aachen
(Germany)
www.kingkalli.de
www.aachenerkinder.de
Resources for
the international
community
Recruitment services for internationals
Undutchables
www.undutchables.nl
your_home.html
Moving to the Netherlands
www.movetothenetherlands.com
List of international movers
www.nevim.com
Utilities
www.maastrichtregion.com/to_live/
your_home.html
www.huisaansluitingen.nl (Dutch)
Yellow Pages
www.goudengids.nl
References to everything Dutch
www.fireflycoaching.com/resources.nl
Your municipality
www.maastrichtregion.com/to_live/formalities/your_municipality.html
Day Care
MIK (Maatwerk in kinderopvang
Maastricht and surroundings)
www.mik-online.nl
Humanitas childcare
www.kinderopvanghumanitas.nl/
default.aspx?id=79&sc=2&taal=
nl&locid=1
Education
www.maastrichtregion.com/to_live/education.html
Public transport
Public Transportation
www.9292ov.nl
Train
www.ns.nl
International trains (also see page 16)
Belgium www.b-rail.be
Germany www.bahn.de
France www.sncf.fr
High-speed trains www.nshispeed.nl/en
Language courses
Maastricht University Language Centre
www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/web/Main/
ProspectiveStudents/ShortCourses.htm
Syntra Limburg
www.syntra-limburg.be
Berlitz
www.berlitz.nl/en/maastricht
Jeroen Bosch Institute
www.instituutjeroenbosch.nl/en/
index.html
(A)way, Belgium-based magazine for
international families
www.awaymagazine.be
In general
About moving to the Netherlands
www.movetothenetherlands.com
Resources for expatriates
www.access-nl.org
www.expatica.com
www.access-nl.org
www.xpats.com
www.NLplanet.com
Government news and information
www.government.nl
Official site of Holland
www.holland.com/global
History of the Netherlands
www.history-netherlands.nl
Dutch royalty
www.koninkrijkhuis.nl/english
CIA’s World Factbook on
The Netherlands
www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/
geos/nl
For other language courses, see under
talenonderwijs in the Yellow Pages
www.goudengids.nl
Pregnancy, birth, family, health
Tourism
Care for women
www.careforwomen.nl
International Schools
Dutch Bureau of Tourism
www.vvv.nl
United World College, Maastricht
www.uwc.nl
Tourism in Maastricht
www.vvv-maastricht.eu/home.html
Afnorth International School, Brunssum
www.afnorth-is.com/index-1.html
Out with the kids
www.uitmetkinderen.nl (Dutch)
Parenting in Holland
www.parentinginholland.com
(Pre)natal care
www.kraamzorg-homecare.nl/en/
index.html
Support during and after childbirth
www.doula.nl
Family matters
www.family-matters.nl
Transition dynamics
www.transition-dynamics.com
Third-Culture kids
www.tckinteract.net
News
Radio Netherlands Worldwide
www.rnw.nl/english
Dutch National Newspaper (NRC) international edition
www.nrc.nl/international/
Dutch news
www.dutchnews.nl
Regional resources
Crossroads, English-language web magazine for the international community
living in Maastricht and surroundings
www.crossroads.mag.eu
Meuse Rhine Journal, online regional
business magazine
www.meuse-rhine-journal.com
History of Maastricht
www.zichtopmaastricht.nl
Cultural Calendar
www.maastrichtregion.com/to_love/cultural_calendar.html
Cultural Highlights Maastricht
www.maastrichtnet.n/english
South Limburg Tourist Guide
www.vvvzuidlimburg.nl/uploads/brochures/VVVZL_WW)&_Engels.pdf
Transportation for Maastricht Region
www.maastrichtbereikbaar.nl
Clubs and groups
Maastricht International Playgroup
mips.theforum.name
International women’s club
www.iwc-sl.nl
Lion’s Club Mondial Maastricht
www.lionsmaastrichtmondial.nl
International Round Table
www.rt179.nl
Rotary
www.rotary.nl
Kiwanis
www.kiwanis.nl
Other (national) expat groups and clubs
www.expatguideholland.com/themes/
personal___social_needs/network___
social_clubs/expat_
related/?region=maastricht
Basic Dutch
phrases
Fine, and you (formal)?
Goed, en met u?
Hello
Hallo
How much is it?
Hoeveel kost het?
Goodbye
Tot ziens
See you later
Tot ziens
Good morning
Goedemorgen
Sorry
Sorry
Good afternoon
Goedemiddag
Excuse me
Pardon
Good evening
Goedenavond
Can you help me please (formal)?
Kunt u me helpen altublieft?
Yes
Ja
Can you help me please (informal)?
Kun je me helpen alsjeblieft?
No
Nee
I am trying to learn Dutch
Ik probeer Nederlands te leren
Interesting books on the
Netherlands
Please (informal)
Alsjeblieft
The Holland Handbook
Xpat Media
Please (formal)
Alstublieft
The History of Holland
Mark Hooker
Thanks (informal)
Dankjewel
Dealing with the Dutch
Jacob Vossestein
Thanks (formal)
Dankuwel
Culture shock Netherlands
Hunt Janin
My name is ..
Ik heet ..
The art of crossing cultures
Craig Storti
What is your name (informal)?
Hoe heet jij?
At home in Holland
American’s Women’s Club of The Hague
What is your name (formal)?
Hoe heet u?
Undutchables
Colin White & Laurie Boucke
How are you (informal)?
Hoe gaat het met jou?
Food shoppers guide to Holland
Xpat Media
How are you (formal)?
Hoe gaat het met u?
Fine, and you (informal)?
Goed, en met jou?
Pleased to meet you
Aangenaam kennis te maken
for more phrases:
www.linguata.com/dutch
58 / 59
RESOURCES
The Maastricht
Region, a
welcoming
region
Current participants
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The Provincial authority, nineteen town
councils, companies and organisations
in the Maastricht Region have joined
forces to ensure a sustainable and promising future for the Maastricht Region.
Two institutions were founded for that
purpose:
1 The Maastricht Region Urban Network, a joint development platform
and lobby;
2 The Maastricht Region Branding
Foundation, set up to promote and
enhance the image of the region.
Current partners
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Expat Guide for the
Maastricht Region
Publisher
Maastricht Region Branding Foundation
A publication of the Maastricht Region
Branding Foundation, May 2010
Concept and editorial
Lorraine Witteveen (Buro ter Meulen) for the Maastricht Branding Foundation
Maastricht Region Branding Foundation
Lage Kanaaldijk 112-b
NL-6212 NA Maastricht
Concept, design and execution
Zuiderlicht, Maastricht
T +31 (0)43 328 25 65
E info@maastrichtregion.com
W www.maastrichtregion.com
Schunck*
(1935 by architect Frits Peutz) is included in the
International Union of Architects (UIA) index of
the 1,000 most significant architectural monuments of the 20th Century.
Cover illustration
Stang Gubbels
Editing
David Frazer Wray
Photography
Interview photography: Loraine Bodewes
Hugo Thomassen and Arnaud Nilwik
Interviews
Sueli Brodin and Lorraine Witteveen
Print
Schrijen Lippertz, Voerendaal
Thanks
André Rieu, Neena Kannan, Yu-Hwa Ed Sheu, John Smylie, Sueli Brodin, Alexandra
Katerberg, Jo Cortenraedt, Vesteda Groep, Sam Welie and all locals who were happy
to share their tips with our new international fellow residents!
Bookstore Selexyz
Dominicanen
Possibly the most beautiful bookshop of all time...
‘A bookshop made in heaven’ (The Guardian), nominated
for the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture, the Mies van der Rohe Award 2009 and winner of 2nd
prize in the Contract World Awards.
Disclaimer
Various sources have been consulted in compiling and a number of organisations
have lent their cooperation and provided information. The Maastricht Region
Branding Foundation has verified this information as far as possible with authorities
and experts. Nevertheless we remain dependent on external sources. We cannot,
therefore, accept any liability for any errors or their consequences. We advise you at
all times to get advice from your HR department or the relevant official bodies.
The Treaty on European Union
Was signed in Maastricht on 7 February 1992.
Welcome to the
Maastricht Region
Moving is always a busy time and there are so
Any comments, questions and suggestions for
many things to be done. You have to get the for-
additions can be sent to info@maastrichtregion.
malities in order, find a house and a school for your
com, mentioning the ‘Bright Site Magazine’. These
children, and understand life in your new country.
will be taken into account for the next edition.
To support you through this hectic period, we are
pleased to offer you this ‘Bright Site Magazine’ with
We sincerely hope this guide is useful to you
insights into the Netherlands and the Maastricht
and your families, and wish you a smooth moving
Region including a comprehensive guide to help
period and a wonderful stay in the Maastricht
you feel at home in this region quickly.
Region!
This publication was produced in cooperation with
Wim Ortjens
Brainport Development N.V., the City of Maastricht,
Managing Director, Maastricht Region Branding
Maastricht University and the Maastricht Region
Foundation
Branding Foundation. The magazine was funded by
regional and national authorities, and was written
on behalf of the international employees of partners of the Maastricht Region Branding Foundation.
Maastricht Region would like to thank all these
organisations for their input and contributions to
this magazine.
www.maastrichtregion.com