FAQ

  • At Great Expatation, our distinctive approach to house search and relocation services is designed to elevate your experience and set us apart from other agencies. Here's what makes us unique:

    1. Personalized Service:

    • We believe in tailoring our services to meet your individual needs. Your journey is unique, and our approach reflects that. From the first consultation to settling into your new home, we prioritize personalization.

    2. Transparency in Pricing:

    • Our pricing is transparent and straightforward. No hidden costs or surprises. You'll know exactly what to expect, allowing you to plan your budget with confidence.

    3. Local Expertise:

    • With years of experience, our team possesses in-depth local knowledge. We leverage our extensive network to provide you with exclusive access to high-demand homes.

    4. Boutique Style Services:

    • Great Expatation is not just a house searching agency; we're a boutique-style service. Beyond finding the perfect home, we offer extra personal services to alleviate the stress of moving to a new country.

    5. Global Network:

    • Our services extend globally, making us an ideal partner for those relocating to the Netherlands from various parts of the world. We understand the complexities of international moves and cater to a diverse clientele.

    6. Efficient Short-Term Housing Support:

    • For those in need of short-term housing, our efficient services ensure you find suitable accommodation quickly. We charge a transparent 15% of the total rent period, making short-term transitions seamless.

    7. Comprehensive Relocation Assistance:

    • From BSN registrations and opening bank accounts to healthcare support and finding schools, we handle all aspects of your relocation. Our comprehensive services leave no detail overlooked.

    8. Client-Centric Ethos:

    • Your satisfaction is our top priority. Our client-centric ethos ensures that every step of your relocation journey is met with dedication, support, and a commitment to making your transition a joyful experience.

    9. Proactive Problem Solving:

    • Unexpected challenges are met with a proactive approach. We anticipate issues and swiftly address them, ensuring a smooth relocation experience.

    Choosing Great Expatation means choosing a partner that goes beyond finding a house – we're dedicated to making your transition to the Netherlands a personalized, stress-free, and successful experience. Your journey begins here, and we're here to make it great.

  • Absolutely, we can help you find suitable housing in the Netherlands. Great Expatation specializes in assisting expats in their housing search, whether you're looking for a short-term rental or a permanent residence. And whether you are still abroad or already in the country. Here's how we can assist you:

    Personalized Housing Search: We begin by understanding your housing preferences, budget, and location requirements. Whether you're looking for an apartment in the city center, a family house in a suburban neighborhood, or anything in between, we tailor our search to your needs. To get started click here.

    Access to Exclusive Listings: Our extensive network and local expertise grant us access to a wide range of housing options, including properties not publicly listed. This provides you with more choices and better opportunities to find your ideal home.

    Guidance and Support: We assist you throughout the entire rental or buying process. This includes scheduling viewings, negotiating lease agreements, and ensuring all legal requirements are met. If you're considering purchasing property, we can connect you with trusted real estate agents.

    Short-Term and Corporate Housing: If you're in need of short-term accommodation upon arrival or if you're part of a corporate relocation, we can help you find the right lodging to suit your circumstances.

    Paperwork and Legalities: Navigating the Dutch housing market can be complex, especially for expats. We help with the administrative and legal aspects of your housing search, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.

    Our mission is to make your housing search as efficient and enjoyable as possible, allowing you to focus on settling into your new Dutch home. Whether you're an individual expat or part of a corporate relocation, we're here to ensure your housing needs are met, making your transition to the Netherlands a positive one.

  • Answer: The time it takes to find a house in the Netherlands through Great Expatation can vary based on several factors, including your specific housing preferences, the availability of properties in the market, and your own level of flexibility. Here's a general overview to give you an idea:

    1. Housing Preferences: Your housing criteria play a significant role in the timeline. For example, if you're looking for a very specific type of property in a highly sought-after neighborhood, it may take longer to find the perfect match.

    2. Local Housing Market: The Dutch housing market can be competitive, especially in popular cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague. Availability can fluctuate based on the season and market conditions.

    3. Flexibility: Being open to different options can expedite the process. If you have some flexibility in terms of the location, type of property, or your move-in date, it can help you secure housing more quickly.

    4. Administrative Process: Once a suitable property is found, there's an administrative process that includes lease negotiations, paperwork, and any legal requirements. This can take some time.

    5. Short-Term vs. Permanent Housing: The timeline also varies depending on whether you're seeking short-term accommodation or a permanent residence.

    At Great Expatation, we prioritize efficiency without compromising your housing preferences. On average, it can take anywhere from a week to a month to find and secure a house. We work diligently to match your requirements with available properties and guide you through the administrative steps. The more flexible you are, the quicker the process can be. Our goal is to find you a suitable home as swiftly as possible, ensuring a smooth transition to your new life in the Netherlands.

  • If you require temporary housing upon your arrival in the Netherlands, we can help you find suitable short-term accommodations, whether it's a serviced apartment, furnished house, or another type of lodging. We'll consider your preferences, budget, and the duration of your stay to identify the best options.

  • The fee for Great Expatation's house search services starts at one month's rent plus 21% VAT. This transparent pricing applies specifically to our long-term rental property search services.

    For Great Expatation's short-term housing search services, our pricing is calculated as 15% of the total rent for the specified period. This straightforward pricing model applies to our search for short-term housing solutions, ensuring that you have a clear understanding of the costs associated with finding the right temporary accommodation.

    We are committed to providing exceptional value for your investment, and our aim is to ensure complete transparency in the pricing process, so you know exactly what to expect. Feel free to contact us for a detailed discussion of your requirements and a seamless housing search experience.

  • At Great Expatation, our commitment to ensuring a seamless transition for our clients goes beyond relocation and house searches. We offer a comprehensive suite of services to address various aspects of your move to the Netherlands. These include:

    1. Moving assistance: we manage the logistics of your move, coordinate with reliable moving companies, and assist with settling in. From furniture setup to utilities coordination, our services ensure a smooth and stress-free transition to your new home in the Netherlands.

    2. Legal Assistance:We guide you through the necessary legal processes, including visa applications, residency permits, and other documentation requirements.

    3. Healthcare Support: We assist in navigating the Dutch healthcare system, helping you understand insurance options, find healthcare providers, and fulfill registration requirements.

    4. Educational Consultation: For families with children, we help with school placements, offering guidance on choosing the right educational institution and assisting with enrollment processes.

    5. Daycare and School Support: We extend our services to include assistance in finding suitable daycare options, ensuring a holistic approach to your family's relocation needs.

    6. Language Support: Overcoming language barriers is crucial. We offer language support to make communication and daily interactions in your new environment more comfortable.

    7. Ongoing Assistance: Our commitment doesn't end with the move. We provide ongoing support to address any challenges or questions you may have even after the relocation process is complete.

    Our goal is to tailor our services to your unique needs, ensuring that every aspect of your move is managed with expertise and care. Whether you're an individual or a company relocating employees, our holistic approach aims to make your transition to the Netherlands as smooth and stress-free as possible.

  • BSN Registration: We'll guide you through the process of obtaining your BSN, which is a crucial identification number required for various official matters in the Netherlands like getting a bank account and receiving your salary. We'll help you schedule appointments, gather necessary documents, and ensure you complete this important step swiftly.

    Residency Applications: Whether you're seeking a residence permit, parking permit or other related documentation, our team of experts will provide invaluable support. We'll assist in compiling the required paperwork, completing application forms, and liaising with relevant authorities to ensure a successful application process.

    With our personalized approach, you can trust us to navigate the bureaucratic intricacies, saving you time and reducing the stress associated with these administrative tasks. Your focus can remain on your daily life, work, and settling into your new Dutch home.

  • Absolutely, our commitment to a comprehensive relocation experience extends to ensuring your entire family has a seamless transition, including finding suitable educational and daycare solutions for your children. Our dedicated team is well-versed in the educational landscape of the Netherlands and can assist you in finding not only the right schools but also daycare facilities that align with your family's needs. Whether you're looking for international schools, bilingual programs, local institutions, or quality daycare centers, we provide personalized guidance throughout the placement process. From understanding admission requirements to coordinating school and daycare visits, we strive to make the education and childcare aspects of your relocation worry-free. Our goal is to support your children in adapting to their new educational and social surroundings, fostering a positive and enriching experience as they settle into their new life in the Netherlands.

  • The Dutch healthcare system is known for its high quality and accessibility. It is a mandatory system, and it works efficiently to ensure that residents, including expats, receive proper medical care. Here's an overview of the Dutch healthcare system and how it works for expats:

    Mandatory Health Insurance: In the Netherlands, health insurance is compulsory for all residents, including expats. You are required to have a basic health insurance policy (basisverzekering). This policy covers essential medical services, such as general practitioner (huisarts) visits, hospital care, and prescription medications.

    Choosing a Health Insurance Provider: Expats can choose from various insurance companies, known as zorgverzekeraars. You are free to select the provider that best suits your needs and preferences. You can compare policies based on coverage, costs, and additional services.

    Healthcare Allowance (Zorgtoeslag): The Dutch government provides healthcare allowances to lower-income individuals and families. If you meet specific income criteria, you may be eligible for financial support to help cover your health insurance costs.

    General Practitioner (Huisarts): The Dutch healthcare system is built around the general practitioner (GP). When you need medical care, your first point of contact is typically your GP. They can diagnose, treat, and refer you to specialists if necessary.

    Emergency Care: In case of emergencies, you can call 112 for immediate medical assistance. Emergency services are highly responsive and well-equipped to handle urgent situations.

    Hospitals and Specialists: The Netherlands has excellent medical facilities and specialized healthcare providers. Your GP can refer you to specialists or hospitals for further treatment if needed.

    Healthcare Costs: As an expat, you are responsible for the monthly premium of your health insurance policy. You may also need to pay an annual deductible amount (eigen risico) for certain medical services. The deductible amount can vary, so check your policy for details.

    Healthcare for Children: If you have children, the Dutch healthcare system covers them as well. Routine check-ups, vaccinations, and medical care for kids are all part of the system.

    Great Expatation can assist you in understanding the Dutch healthcare system, choosing the right health insurance provider, and ensuring that you and your family have access to quality medical care. Our goal is to make your healthcare experience in the Netherlands as smooth as possible, so you can focus on enjoying your expat journey.

  • Residence Permits: If you're a non-EU/EEA citizen and plan to stay in the Netherlands for an extended period, you'll likely need a residence permit. The specific type of permit you require depends on factors like your employment status, family situation, or study purposes. Great Expatation can assist you in understanding these requirements and help with the application process.

    Health Insurance: In the Netherlands, health insurance is mandatory for all residents. Expats are no exception. You'll need to secure Dutch health insurance within a few months of your arrival. We can guide you through the options and help you find a suitable health insurance provider.

    Taxation: Understanding Dutch tax regulations is essential. You may be subject to Dutch taxes on your income, assets, and other financial matters. Great Expatation can provide information about tax obligations and help you connect with tax advisors who specialize in expat tax matters.

    Legal Documents: Expats should keep important legal documents in order. This includes your passport, residence permit (if applicable), birth certificates, marriage certificates, and any other relevant documents. We can assist you in ensuring your paperwork is accurate and up to date.

    Language Requirements: While many Dutch people speak English, learning some basic Dutch can be incredibly helpful. Some official documents and interactions with authorities may be in Dutch. We can connect you with language courses to help you become proficient in the local language.

    Navigating these legal considerations and requirements can be complex, especially when you're new to the country. Great Expatation is here to provide the guidance and support you need to ensure you meet these obligations and make your transition to life in the Netherlands as smooth as possible.

  • The cost of living in the Netherlands can vary based on factors such as location, lifestyle, and family size. Generally, major cities like Amsterdam or Utrecht have higher living costs than smaller towns. Housing, healthcare, and education are significant expenses. It's advisable for expats to create a budget based on their specific circumstances to get a more accurate estimate of living expenses.

    Here's a more specific breakdown of average monthly expenses in the Netherlands:

    1. Rent:

    • Single person living in a city: €800 to €1,500 (varies per city).

    • Family living in a city: €1750 to €3,500 (depending on size and which city)

    2. Groceries:

    • Single person: €200 to €300

    • Family: €400 to €600

    3. Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage):

    • Single person: €150 to €200

    • Family: €200 to €300

    4. Health Insurance:

    • Compulsory for all residents; costs vary but can be around €100 to €150 per month.

    5. Transportation:

    • Public transport pass: €70 to €100 per month

    • Gasoline (car): €1.70 to €2.00 per liter

    6. Dining Out/Entertainment:

    • Dinner at a mid-range restaurant: €15 to €30 per person

    • Movie ticket: €10 to €12

    These are average figures, and actual expenses can vary based on location, personal choices, and circumstances. It's crucial for expats to consider their specific needs and lifestyle when budgeting for their cost of living in the Netherlands. To better understand the market, we share with you this link. Here you can see what the prices in the different parts of The Netherlands are and compare cities with each other.