FAQ ISSO

Yes, at ISSO, we can help you apply for residence permits for your partner and/or children. If you’d like to use this service, simply contact us by email.

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss national, your non-EU family members may also qualify for a residence document based on your right to live and work in the Netherlands. We’re happy to advise on the steps and required documents.

Please note: you have to cover the IND’s administrative fees for your family members yourself.

Your BSN (Burgerservicenummer) is a Dutch citizen service number used for official matters such as health insurance, salary payments, and taxes.

You will receive a BSN when you register with either:

• The Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP), if you’re relocating to the Netherlands
• The Non-residents Registration (RNI), if you’re staying less than 4 months

During your welcome meeting, ISSO will guide you through the registration process.

Civic integration (inburgering) is a process designed to help newcomers participate fully in Dutch society. It typically involves learning the Dutch language, gaining knowledge about Dutch culture and values, and developing the skills needed to work or study independently.

If you’re planning to live in the Netherlands long-term or permanently, you may be required, or choose, to take part in the integration process. In some cases, passing integration exams is mandatory.

For more information, visit the official websites of the Dutch government and the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND):

 Integration in the Netherlands
 Living in the Netherlands

Finding housing in the Netherlands can be challenging, so it's advisable to start your search as early as possible, particularly during the summer months. While Maastricht University cannot directly secure housing for you, ISSO can provide information to assist in your search. Please contact us for more information.

The Maastricht Region Expat Centre also offers useful information about housing in the region.

A DigiD (Digital Identification) is a secure online ID that allows you to access various Dutch government services, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and pension funds. It ensures that your personal data is protected while providing easy and secure login access to these services.

You can apply for a DigiD via the official website. If you have a valid EU login from another EU member state, you may be able to use it in combination with your Dutch BSN (Citizen Service Number) to access certain services.

In Maastricht, the waste management system is designed to maximize recycling and minimize residual waste.

Waste is separated into several categories:

1. GFT (Vegetable, Fruit, and Garden Waste): Collected in special green bins, depending on the size of the residence, and has a separate collection schedule.
2. Residual waste: Collected in municipal waste bags, which can be purchased from local supermarkets. These bags are typically red and white. Only non-recyclable material can go into the municipal waste bags
3. Plastic, Metal Packaging, and Drink Cartons (PMD): Picked up in most areas of the city. Residents are advised to place their PMD bags where they usually leave their residual waste bags. These bags can be put out from 19:00 on the evening before collection day until 06:00 on the morning of collection.
4. Paper and cardboard: Collected once a month or taken to a designated recycling point in your neighbourhood. If you take it away yourself, make sure to cut cardboard into smaller pieces.
5. Glass: Must be taken to designated recycling points. These recycling points are referred to as ‘milieuperron’ in Dutch and are usually within 500m of any residence in Maastricht.
6. Batteries, Light Bulbs & Small Electronics: Most grocery stores will have a small section at the entrance with recycling bins for these materials.
7. Medicine:  Medicine that is expired or you no longer use is collected by pharmacies.
8. Chemical waste: Chemical waste such as turpentine, must be taken to a special waste collection point within the milieupark.

Unsure what goes into which waste category? You can check this helpful website to ensure you separate your waste correctly.

Next to the small waste that is collected or taken to recycling points, you can also find Milieuparken in and around Maastricht. These centres are free to use for all residents for large amounts or bigger waste, with charges only for residual and bulky waste (such as old furniture). You need the Milieupas to access the recycling centre.

Residents can download the Milieu App to find the nearest recycling centre and check opening hours. This app provides comprehensive information on waste collection schedules, recycling guidelines, and locations of recycling points. It is available in both Dutch and English and is a valuable tool for residents to manage their waste properly.

Each municipality has its own waste disposal system. If you do not live in Maastricht, please check your local municipality’s website to find out which waste disposal company operates in your area. 

Opening a bank account is straightforward, but requirements can vary slightly between banks. In general, you will need:

• Proof of identity (valid passport or EU ID card).
• Proof of Dutch address (rental contract, utility bill, or registration at the municipality.
• BSN (Burgerservicenummer) – your citizen service number, which you receive when you register with the municipality.
• Residence permit (if you’re from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland).

The process:

1. Choose a bank (see below).
2. Make an appointment online or at a branch (some banks allow you to apply fully online, others require an in-person visit).
3. Submit your documents – usually scanned or photographed copies if applying online.
4. Wait for approval – once approved, you’ll receive your bank card (pinpas) and login details by post.

Tip: Some online-only banks or expat-focused services let you open an account before you have your BSN, but you will need to provide it later.

It depends on your needs and preferences. Here are the main options:

• Traditional Dutch banks (with branches):
  • ING - offers English-language online banking and app.
  • ABN AMRO - with English-speaking staff and full English support.
  • Rabobank – Offers online banking and app access.
     
• Online / mobile banks:
  • bunq – Dutch fintech bank, fully app-based.
  • Revolut / N26 – European app-based banks, easy to open accounts before moving, but may not always be accepted for official matters.
     
• What to consider:
  • Do you need an English-speaking interface?
  • Do you prefer visiting branches or managing everything online?
  • Are you looking for a simple day-to-day account, or will you also need savings, loans, or mortgages in the future?

Whether you are a Dutch citizen or an expat, you are required to pay taxes if you earn income while living in the Netherlands. The Dutch fiscal year runs from January 1 to December 31, and income tax returns are typically submitted in March or April.

Each individual is responsible for filing their own tax return. Please note that all tax forms are in Dutch. However, English-language information is available on the Belastingdienst website. 

More information can be found here.

We strongly recommend attending one of the tax information sessions at the Expat Centre. If you benefit from the Expat Scheme, it is advisable to consult a tax advisor for your first-year income tax return.

The Netherlands offers a comprehensive range of government benefits designed to support its residents in various aspects of life. These benefits are managed primarily by the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration (Belastingdienst) and Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB). We always advise to carefully check your eligibility prior to applying for a benefit. Here is an overview of some key benefits available:

 Healthcare Benefit (Zorgtoeslag)
The healthcare benefit is designed to help residents cover the costs of their health insurance premiums. Eligibility for this benefit depends on your income and assets. The amount you receive is income-dependent, and you must have Dutch health insurance to qualify. Expat insurances such as AON do not qualify. Applications can be submitted online through the Belastingdienst website, and you need a DigiD or European login for this process.

 Rent Benefit (Huurtoeslag)
Rent benefit is available to those who rent their home and have a low income. The amount of benefit you receive depends on your rental costs, income, and age. This benefit is intended to make housing more affordable for low-income households. You can apply for this benefit through the Belastingdienst website, and similar to other benefits, you need to have a DigiD or European login.

 Child Benefit (Kinderbijslag)
The child benefit is a financial aid provided to families with children under the age of 18. The benefit amount depends on the number of children and the family's income. This benefit is automatically paid to eligible families and does not require an application. However, if you are new to the Netherlands, you might automatically be asked to fill out an information form.

 Childcare Benefit (Kinderopvangtoeslag)
Childcare benefit helps parents cover the costs of childcare for children attending registered childcare centers. The benefit amount is based on your income, the number of children, and the number of hours they spend in childcare. You must apply for this benefit within three months after your child starts attending childcare. Applications can be made through the Belastingdienst website.

To apply for most benefits, you will need a DigiD or a European Login. It is crucial to keep your personal information up-to-date and notify the relevant authorities of any changes in your circumstances, as this can affect your eligibility and the amount of benefit you receive.

For more detailed information and to apply for these benefits, you can visit the official Belastingdienst website or contact their information line. Professional advice from tax and financial advisors can also be beneficial, especially if you are new to the Dutch system or have complex financial situations.

The Expat Scheme (also known as the 30% ruling) is a tax advantage for employees who are hired from abroad to work in the Netherlands. If eligible, up to 30% of your gross salary can be paid out tax-free for a period of up to five years. This is meant to compensate for the extra costs of relocating and living abroad (so-called "extraterritorial costs").

To qualify, you must meet certain conditions. You can read this page for more details.

The Expat Scheme can also provide other benefits, such as exchanging your foreign driving license. 

The Dutch medical system is based on primary care through general practitioners (GPs), who act as gatekeepers to specialist and hospital care. You visit a GP first for most health concerns; they refer you to specialists if needed. Hospitals provide high-quality secondary and emergency care, while long-term and home care services are well-developed and widely available. Preventive care and public health services are also integrated into the system.

To find out if you should go to the GP, you can also use this helpful website.

On this webpage you can find an overview of all family doctors in Maastricht.

In the Netherlands, you can reach emergency services by calling 112. This number connects you to police, fire brigade, or ambulance services in life-threatening situations. It’s free and available 24/7.

If you are experiencing a non-life-threatening medical issue outside the family doctor’s regular hours, you can contact the Huisartsenpost (out-of-hours GP service). They provide medical advice and care during evenings, nights, and weekends when your regular GP is unavailable. Always call first before visiting.

In the Netherlands, health insurance is mandatory for everyone who is permanently living or working here. If you do not receive a salary from Maastricht University, there can be situations where you do not need to get a Dutch health insurance. Then you can get an expat insurance. For more information see this page. 

If you can get a basic health insurance, you choose your own insurance company and pay a monthly premium for a basic health insurance plan (basisverzekering), which covers standard medical care like GP visits, hospital treatment, and medications. Maastricht University has a collective insurance with CZ. This provides some fringe benefits.

You also pay an annual deductible (eigen risico) for certain healthcare costs. Additional coverage (e.g. dental, physiotherapy) can be added through optional supplementary insurance.

In Maastricht, there are several educational institutions catering to different needs, including an international primary and secondary school: UWC Maastricht. This school offers a globally recognized curriculum and is an excellent option for expatriate families or those seeking an international education.

To provide a clearer understanding of the regular Dutch school system, we have included a link to a short explanatory video: Education in the Netherlands. This video outlines the key stages of education in the Netherlands, from primary to higher education, and explains the various types of schools and programs available.

In Maastricht, there are two international daycare providers:

• English ChildCare Maastricht – English-speaking
• Kid's Garden Maastricht – Dutch/Spanish with English

Of course, there are also many Dutch daycare options available. 

In some situations, when your child goes to daycare you can get daycare benefit from the government. We recommend you check the requirements carefully and on time, in case you want to apply for this. 

Note: if you do not have paid employment at Maastricht University, you are not entitled to daycare allowance.

Before and after school care

Most primary schools start around 8:30 and finish around 15:00. For the hours before and after the normal school hours, primary schools offer or can arrange before and after school care, buitenschoolse opvang (BSO).

Language courses are available at Maastricht University. At the start of your new employment, it might be helpful to learn ‘Survival Dutch’. Or maybe you are interested in learning a different new language. Through the UM language centre you can learn Dutch from beginner levels to near-native as well as many other languages.

Next to learning a language at the language centre, there are other options to learn the language such as through a podcast via UM for Dutch learners, Language café Babel and Nederlands als tweede taal / Dutch as second language.

In the Netherlands, you can travel by public transport using either a ticket purchased from a machine(train only), the bus/tram driver an OV-chipkaart, or with OV-Pay – checking in directly with a bank card.

There are two types of OV-chipkaart:

• Anonymous card – available at OV-chipkaart machines at the train station.
• Personal card – includes your photo and can be applied for online. This type of card also allows you to take-on subscription packages with discounts. 

You can load credit onto the card, making it easy to check in and travel on public transport.

Train
Train services in the Maastricht region are operated by Arriva and NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen). Train timetables are available at the station or online.

Children up to 4 years of age travel for free on buses, trams, trains, and metro services throughout the Netherlands. Children aged 4–11 are eligible for discounted tickets (called a Railrunner). Another option is the Kids Vrij season pass, which allows children aged 4–11 to travel for free when accompanied by a parent. Please visit the NS website for more information.

Bus
Bus services in Maastricht and the rest of Limburg are operated by Arriva, with the main bus hub located at Maastricht Central Station. All local buses stop there, as well as regional and international lines.

From Maastricht, it is quite easy to travel across the border to Belgium and Germany using Arriva buses or the Belgian bus company De Lijn. During these cross-border trips, you can sometimes continue using your OV-chipkaart. For example when going to Aachen. For more information, visit arriva.nl.

After arriving in the Netherlands, expats can use their foreign driving licence for a limited time.

If you are a non-EU national, you may use your foreign licence for 185 days after registering in the Netherlands. After this period, you are no longer permitted to drive, even if you have already applied for a Dutch driving licence and are waiting for the decision. Please check the RDW website for the most up-to-date information.

One of the advantages of the 30% ruling (expat scheme) is that you may be able to exchange your foreign licence without taking any exams. The Expat Centre Maastricht Region provides more information on this process, including a list of required documents.

During your time in the Netherlands, you will meet expats and expand your social circle. In Maastricht, there are several expat communities outside the University. You can find a lot of them on Facebook if you search for expats in Maastricht.

The Expat Centre Maastricht Region also has information on Social Groups & Social Clubs.

Within Maastricht University, there are several opportunities to meet other expats. For example via a language course (see learning languages), Events from UM and via Studium Generale (lectures and workshops).

You may hear air sirens every now and then because they are tested every first Monday of the month at 12:00 PM. This is a routine test and completely normal—there's no emergency. During this time, the government will sometimes also send an alert to your phone – a so-called NL-Alert.

If you hear air sirens at any other time, it could signal a real emergency. Go indoors immediately, close windows and doors, and follow updates from official sources such as NL-Alert, local news, or government websites.

In the Netherlands, there are several national holidays, listed below:

• Nieuwjaar (New Year’s Day): 1 January
• Pasen (Easter Sunday and Easter Monday): In April
• Koningsdag (King’s Day): 27 April
• Dodenherdenking (National Remembrance Day): 4 May
• Hemelvaart (Ascension Day): In May
• Pinksteren (Whitsun/Pentecost): In May or June
• Eerste Kerstdag (Christmas Day): 25 December
• Tweede Kerstdag (Boxing Day): 26 December

There are also a few extra holidays at Maastricht University: 

• Goede Vrijdag (Good Friday): The Friday before Easter
• Bevrijdingsdag (Liberation Day): 5 May
• Carnaval (Carnival): in February or March

Schools are usually off on national public holidays and combine some of the public holidays with longer vacations. School holidays are staggered, meaning not everyone has time off at the same time. The country is divided into three geographical regions: North, Central, and South. You can always find up-to-date information op school holidays on the government website. 

Most people in the Netherlands use either a mobile phone contract or a prepaid SIM card.

If you plan to make frequent international calls, a contract is often more cost-effective and convenient. To set one up, you'll typically need:

• A valid ID (passport or residence permit)
• A recent bank statement
• Your Dutch bank account details

Some of the most common mobile providers include:

KPN, Odido (T-Mobile), Vodafone, Simyo, Lebara, and Hollandsnieuwe.
Most offer English support, flexible plans, and EU roaming.

Tip: Prepaid SIMs are available at supermarkets, phone shops, and even airports, great for getting started quickly.

Balancing work with relaxation is important, and visiting museums is a great way to explore local culture. In Maastricht, you’ll find several interesting museums:

• Museum aan het Vrijthof
• Bonnefantenmuseum
• Bureau Europa
• Natural History Museum Maastricht
• Brewery Bosch

Nearby cities also offer cultural attractions worth visiting:

• Heerlen – Thermenmuseum and Schunck
• Sittard – De Domijnen
• Kerkrade – Discovery Museum (especially fun for children)
• Valkenburg, a nearby tourist-friendly city, is easily accessible by train. It’s known for its caves and its charming annual Christmas market, which is highly recommended.

To explore Dutch culture and the scenic Limburg countryside, renting a bike is a great way to discover picturesque villages and beautiful nature.

Limburg hosts several major events that attract international attention:

• Pinkpop – The world’s first and longest-running annual music festival
• Cultura Nova – A festival of innovative theatre, dance, music, film, and visual arts
• TEFAF – The world’s largest art fair

Other widely recognized regional events include:

• Amstel Gold Race – A prestigious cycling event
• Jumping Indoor Maastricht (JIM) – A top equestrian competition
• André Rieu Concerts – Globally renowned open-air performances
• Dutch Mountain Film Festival – Celebrating mountain and adventure films

There are plenty of fun activities for children in and around Maastricht. The city has even created a special children’s map that shows where various kid-friendly attractions are located. The map’s legend is available in Dutch, German, French, and English, and it also includes suggestions for activities outside the city. 

See this website for more information.