Practical matters
When settling in there are a couple of practical matters that you need to know. We created a list of things you should know when you moved to Groningen.
Taxes
The Dutch tax system
If you earn money while living in the Netherlands, you are required to pay taxes ("belastingen"). The tax system in the Netherlands can be difficult when you are not familiar with it. There are different types of tax that you are likely to encounter while living in the Netherlands. Read more about the Dutch tax system.
File your taxes
Even though wage tax is already been withheld from you salary, you often still need to complete the annual income tax return ("jaarlijkse belastingaangifte") for the tax authority ("belastingdienst"). You can find all the information you need on the IWCN website. If you have any questions about the Dutch tax system or need help with filing your income tax return, you can also contact them.
30% tax ruling
The 30% tax ruling is an income tax advantage for employees who are recruited from abroad and who bring specific skills to the Netherlands. It means that 30% of your salary is tax free. Get more information about the requirements you must meet to benefit from this ruling.
Municipal taxes
If your rent is excluding taxes, you may have to pay municipal taxes yourself. In some cases, you might be eligible for a discount. Read more about the municipal taxes in Groningen.
Lost and found
If you have lost or found an item, you can report this at the municipality or on the website verloren of gevonden.
There are also a couple of Facebook pages dedicated to lost and found items in Groningen, like Verloren vermist gezocht of gevonden. If you report a found item on one of the Facebook pages, you will still need to report the item at the municipality.
Waste and recycling
In Groningen we try to reuse as much of our waste as possible, to save on natural resources, costs and energy. Learn how to dispose of and sort your waste on the website of the Municipality of Groningen.
FAQ
How do I get a trash card?
You can request one online through the website of the Municipality, or you can call 14 050 and request one (calling costs 2 euros, and you have to come to the municipal office to pay for the card).
Can I get a compost bin?
This depends: if you have to use a trash card to throw out your garbage (most city residents), then you cannot get a compost bin. If you have your own (grey) trash bin (called a “kliko” in Dutch) from the municipality, then you can request a compost (green) bin as well.
Where can I learn more about recycling in Groningen?
You can read more about recycling in Groningen on the waste guide ("afvalwijzer"). If you want to recycle your old paper, there are often old paper bins nearby. Old paper is collected once a month. You can recycle glass by putting it in the glass bins. Make sure to check if it is glass with a deposit ("statiegeld"), which you can get back at supermarkets. Many supermarkets also have bins for batteries and light bulbs if you are looking to recycle those.
How is Groningen adapting to climate change?
Groningen’s goal is to become more resilient to climate change by 2050 (and is curretnly investing 135 million euros to do so). That includes adding as much green space as possible in the city, installing more green roofing, planting more trees, creating small garden plots with plants native to the region, and restoring historic wetlands to their natural state, which will help reduce the risk of flooding.
Climate Adaptation Groningen has tips for ways to make changes at your own home to make the city less vulnerable to climate change, like collecting your own rainwater, replacing garden tiles with greenery, starting a garden and making it attractive to animals and insects, and choosing green roofing.