Podcast
Internationals, let's discuss formalities and legal matters in our new IG podcast! Joining our host Anastasija Zihareva this episode are Greta Gutuleac & Karen Prowse.
International Welcome Center North (IWCN)
(04:20 - 07:43)
IWCN is helping internationals come to the north of the Netherlands and enjoy the experience of living here. They provide help in different ways, such as helping navigate the governmental formalities, organising activities to feel more integrated and advising companies on hiring internationals. Everything to make you feel welcome in the north of the Netherlands!
When coming to Groningen
(07:43 - 08:45)
A good first step is to check the IWCN website; be prepared! Know what you are getting when choosing to move to the Netherlands. An example of a very important step before coming here is preparing your documents in a specific format so you will be able to register and get your BSN. This and more information about moving to the north of the Netherlands can be found in the IWCN welcome guide.
How to intergrate
(08:45-19:12)
Integrating is a necessary part of making a place feel like home. IWCN offers a great amount of integration events, from webinars to hobby clubs. The main focus for integrating should be to simply get out there. Get involved in your hobbies here in the Netherlands through IWCN or one of the many other clubs and associations! Also, volunteering is a great way to improve your dutch and to give back to the local community.
Greta: "Outside of work also try to find hobbies. Get out a bit!"
Jobs
(19:12-23:55)
If you start job hunting but do not yet speak Dutch, take a look at the website of Make it in the North. Make it in the North is a program that lists all of the job openings in the north of the Netherlands that do not require speaking dutch. They also organise different activities related to professional life and the possible cultural differences you can stumble upon in job interviews, your CV or cover letter.
There are many options to help you if you want to learn Dutch. Look online for "cursus Nederlands Groningen" or "Nederlands als tweede taal". The language centre of the University of Groningen also offers different levels of Dutch courses.
Karen: "Most people I know who start to work will learn Dutch within the first year"
Children
(26:15-36:18)
Moving with children or having a child while being new in the Netherlands can bring up a lot of questions. What do you need to take care of for your child? How does the education system work? On the website of IWCN you can find information on all related topics, such as the Dutch education system. Furthermore, IWCN also has a parents and kids group, where parents can share their knowledge and experiences with the newcomers.
International schools are also present in Groningen, so your older child does not have to know the language to start education. Nevertheless, kids learn very quickly so always discuss with the head of the schools that you look into what the options are and what advice they give you.
Permanent residency & passports
(36:18-43:15)
When someone who's not from the EU, has lived legally and continuously in the Netherlands for 5 years, they can apply for a permanent residency. There are two types;
- Under Dutch law
- Under EU law
Under Dutch Law, all the years that you've spent in the Netherlands count, also if this was as a student or on a temporary residence permit. Under EU Law, study years only count as half and other stays don't count at all. Permanent residency under EU law is harder to get but also has better conditions. Dutch law also requires you to live in the Netherlands for at least 6 months a year. A permanent residency does not mean a passport.
You can only get a passport if you change nationality, to which there are conditions attached. You have to do a civic integration which takes about a year and you need to have a residence permit the entire time until you are sworn in as a Dutch citizen.
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