Leaving the Netherlands & Moving On

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Leaving the Netherlands & Moving On

Whatever the reasons for leaving Holland and moving on elsewhere, there are a number of tasks to be completed before departure.

Anyone who registered with their Embassy on arrival in Holland now needs to advise them that they are moving on.

• British citizens will find useful information for returning to the UK, including a checklist of things to do, on the Directgov website: Click here
• US citizens can consult their government's travel website for tips on returning: Click here and scroll down to the section on "Returning to the US"
• Information for Australians from their government: Click here
• Information for Canadian citizens: Click here

Local Authorities

Before leaving the country, it is necessary to de-register with the local Municipality (Gemeente) and the Immigration and Naturalization Department (IND).

• For a list of municipalities, including contact information: Click here (in Dutch)
• For more information from the IND, see the section "I have to leave the Netherlands" Click here

When leaving Holland, contact both the town hall and the Municipality to ensure that de-registration has been properly completed.

Education

Give schools a reasonable amount of notice of a child's departure. There may be outstanding bills for school fees, transport or meals to be settled.

On registration at a new school in the new country a parent may be asked for a certificate stating the latest grade passed by the child. Request this from the school when giving notice of departure. Dutch schools will normally be happy to provide a summary of a child's progress and up-to-date test results. They will usually do this in English, if asked.

Leave a forwarding address for any correspondence.

Housing Issues

Rental contract

A lease can, in theory, be for any fixed period, although it is common in the Netherlands for it to be for an indefinite period. If the notice period is not stipulated, it is automatically one month. Check the rental contract for the notice period and any other relevant clauses.

Standard practice is normally to have paid at least the first month's rent in advance, along with a deposit (Borg) equivalent to one or two months' rent. If the property was rented through an agency, it will probably be holding this deposit. Contact the agency to find out if the deposit can be offset against the last month or two of rent.

The landlord or agent may need to visit and inspect the property prior to departure. There is often an inventory that needs to be completed.

Property sales

• For those with property to sell, see the AngloINFO INFOrmation Page, Selling a Property in the Netherlands

Information regarding the property will need to be prepared; the agent will do this as well as viewing the property in order to value it.

Viewings are arranged by the agent as part of their service and they will almost always accompany potential buyers. There is no requirement for the vendor to be present at these viewings if for example they have already left the country.

Once a sale is agreed, completion should be relatively straightforward. Sometimes a deposit is paid – particularly if the process is expected to take more than eight weeks.

Insurance

House insurance can be cancelled once a sale is completed and in some circumstances a partial refund may be due. It is best to cancel all insurance in writing and by recorded delivery.

Utility bills

As with any house move, there are utility bills to be settled and meters to be read. If meters are not outside the property, access will be required. 

Bill totals are estimates based on the previous year's consumption for the property and discrepancies between estimated and actual usage are normally reconciled at the end of the year. However when moving, this should all be sorted out and a final bill or refund arranged.

Leave a forwarding address with all the companies involved.

Electricity and Gas: Since deregulation in 2004, there have been a number of new suppliers. Simply contact the supplier in question with a reasonable amount of notice so that final accounts can be settled. The new tenant/owner may be choosing a different supplier.

Water: Water bills are sometimes paid by the landlord in rental properties. Water is supplied by local water boards and it is necessary to contact the correct one for the area so that they can prepare a final account based on consumption.

Telephone and Internet: This service may have been provided by one of a number of suppliers. They need to be contacted and final accounts settled for line rental and call charges.

• Links to the websites for some providers can be found on the AngloINFO INFOrmation Page, Telephones and Internet in the Netherlands

Health Care and Social Security

Any private health insurance cover which has been in force may need changing or cancelling. Ensure that Dutch health insurance remains valid until arrival in the new country of residence.

Having left Holland, cover by the Dutch national insurance schemes ceases. Contributions will also stop and normally it is no longer possible to build up pension rights under the AOW after emigration (previously accumulated AOW pension rights remain valid). These may be transferred in many cases within EU countries.

However, there are situations in which one can remain covered by Dutch national insurance schemes after emigration.

• For more information, consult the Dutch Tax Administration website: Click here

Anyone who has received dental or medical treatment while in Holland should ask for records to be forwarded to their new practitioner. It is normally possible for these details to be provided in English.

It is also necessary to contact the local Social Insurance Centre (SVB) particularly if in receipt of any benefits. A remigration grant is sometimes available for those returning to their country of origin.

• For more details, contact the SVB: Click here

Business and Tax Issues

Banking

A Dutch bank account should be kept open for a short period to settle final bills (in Euros). Any direct debits in place should be cancelled. Many banks allow clients to close accounts and change addresses online. If this service is not available, accounts should be closed in person or by sending a letter via registered mail.

Credit card companies will also need to be notified of a new address for statements.

Tax

Those leaving the Netherlands may still need to pay tax in the year following emigration. However, the rules relating to refunds and payments are quite complex.

• For tax information relating to emigration from the Netherlands, visit the Dutch Tax Administration website: Click here
• For information about tax liabilities which may exist if you continue to own property in Holland after departure: Click here
• For general tax information visit the Dutch Tax Administration website: Click here

Correspondence

The Dutch postal service (TNT Post) can provide a mail redirection service. It is best to organise this directly at the local post office. There may be a small fee.

• More information from the TNT Post website: Click here (in Dutch)

Vehicles and Driving

Vehicles purchased in Holland or which have been re-registered there will need to be officially exported from Holland and imported into the new country of residence if being kept.

• In order to cancel a vehicle registration number, contact the Dutch Road Transport Directorate (Rijksdienst voor het wegverkeer, RDW): Click here (in Dutch)

Dutch vehicle registration must be cancelled before relocation irrespective of whether the move is to a country within or outside of the EU.

• For information from Dutch Tax Administration on cancelling vehicle registration: Click here

Moving outside the EU may or may not involve payment of import duties. Contact the Embassy or Consulate of the new country of residence for information.

There is no refund available for any vehicles taxes paid for the year.

• For information from the Dutch Tax Administration on exporting vehicles: Click here

Vehicles will still need to carry valid insurance while being exported. Dutch companies will provide evidence of no claims bonus if requested.

Not everyone will have changed their driving licence to a Dutch one. But if this is the case it may be necessary to apply for a new licence on arrival in a new country (depending on licence arrangements between that country and the Netherlands). 

Animals

Depending on the destination, some animals may require a period of quarantine. Their move will almost certainly require documentation and possible additional vaccinations or similar medical treatment.

Most domestic pets require documentation before they can travel. The EU pet passport covers dogs, cats and ferrets for movement within Europe and the Pets Travel Scheme (PETS) allows qualifying domestic pets to travel to and from the UK without a period of quarantine. It is prohibited to take animals that have not been micro-chipped and vaccinated out of Holland. Local vets can provide information and documentation. 

As a general rule, animals have to travel in approved containers and by approved routes. Be aware that sudden outbreaks of diseases (such as avian flu) can affect pet travel. Embassy websites are also good sources of information.

• For more information, visit the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality website: Click here
• The AngloINFO INFOrmation Page, Pet Travel and Moving with Animals gives further details and provides links to other useful sites

Further Information

• UK Visas (information for returning residents)
• United States Embassy, The Netherlands
• British Embassy, The Hague
• Canadian Embassy, The Netherlands
• Australian Embassy, Holland
• Returning to New Zealand (from the New Zealand government website)