Settling in Eindhoven Region
There are many essential things that need to be arranged in the first few days and weeks after your arrival. Once they are complete you can start to relax and enjoy life in your new home. But there are still some things you need to do. This section describes what they are and how to go about them.
You should also be aware that settling in any new place takes time. Moving to a new country also combines a number of the most stressful of life's events, and you should be prepared for this.
What to expect
- Most people go through the "culture shock curve".
- Your arrival and the first few weeks are exciting - this is the "tourist phase".
- After the tourist phase many people feel their mood dipping - the honeymoon period is over but lots of things are still difficult, and "not like they were back home".
- Happily this dip doesn't last forever. You will come out of it, and then life in the Netherlands can really feel great!
Social Security, Insurance and Tax
Social security
All families with children under 18 years of age are eligible for child benefit payments if the Dutch social security scheme is applicable. Contact the Sociale Verzekeringsbank at www.svb.nl (choose English) for more information.
Tax: how you will be taxed?
The employer is obliged to withhold income tax on your salary. In standard situations this will be sufficient and you do not have to pay extra or get a refund. However, in the following situations a tax refund may be possible:
- in your arrival year, if you do not work the full 12 months;
- in your departure year, if you do not work the full 12 months;
- if you own a house in the Netherlands and pay interest on your mortgage; or
- if you have extraordinary burdens above a certain level.
Note that the Dutch tax year runs from January 1 to December 31.
Even if you do not have to pay additional income tax or are not eligible to receive a refund, the tax authorities may still approach you and ask you to complete an income tax return. In this case you are obliged to complete the form they will send you and return it to the tax authorities.
After several months (but within 3 years) the tax inspector will send you a tax assessment, which will state the amount to be paid or received by you (often nil). If there is anything to be paid you must transfer the amount within two months - the tax authorities will give you the bank details. If you are eligible for a refund the tax authorities will pay the money into the bank account you stated in your tax return.
Since the completion of a tax return is complicated, and the official form is in Dutch, many employers support their international employees with this issue. Alternatively you can make use of a tax advisor of your choice (for a fee).
