Frequently Asked Questions

1. What documents should I bring with me to The Netherlands?
2. How do I find a doctor and /or a dentist?
3. Can I bring my pet?
4. I've just moved to the temporary flat and it doesn't have a telephone line, how can I order one?
5. I need a list of internet cafes' in The Hague
6. Could you tell me how to separate the rubbish for recycling?
7. Can I use my driving license in the Netherlands?
8. How to import my car?
9. What is a BSN (ex-SOFI) number and do I need one?
10. I am from a non-EU country. Can I work in the Netherlands?
11. My partner works for Shell on EBAS terms, and I have already received my BUPA card. I started working and I would like to know if I need to have a Dutch Health Insurance?
12. We are a non-married couple. Are the C&D services available for me?
13. PDP: what costs can I claim with Partner Development Programme?
14. PDP: I am an expatriate partner/spouse, how do I make claims with the PDP?
15. Job search: I am an expatriate partner/spouse just arrived in the Netherlands and I am very keen to work. What kind of C&D services are available for me?

1) What documents should I bring with me to The Netherlands?

It is advisable to get the documents required for your residence registration: birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, non-marriage/single status certificates, death certificate and adoption papers. These documents need to be certified by means of an apostille or double legalization (dubbele legalisatie). The following countries do not require apostilles: Aruba, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Macedonia, The Netherlands Antilles, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland and Turkey. Documents issued in the United States must have an apostille, whereas double legalization is required from Canadian citizens. These documents must be written in Dutch, French, English or German. If they are in any other language, you will need a sworn translator to translate them.

2) How do I find a doctor and /or a dentist?

On your arrival,Team Relocation, a professional relocation company contracted to Shell, will find you (and your family) a doctor (General Practitioner (GP)) and a dentist in the area of your temporary accommodation as well as in the area of your permanent residence.

3) Can I bring my pet?

Importing a dog or cat from within Europe you will need to comply with the following:
1. Your pet will need to be microchipped or have a clearly visable tattoo.
2. Your pet will have to vaccinated against rabies
3. Your pet will need an European passport

Importing a dog or cat from a non-European country you will need to comply with:
1. Your pet will need to be microchipped or have a clearly visable tattoo.
2. Your pet will have to vaccinated against rabies
3. Your pet must be accompanied by a standard certificate which identifies the animal, gives the owner's name and address, and certifies that the animals was vaccinated against rabies

4) I've just moved to the temporary flat and the telephone is not connected. How can I get it connected?

Actyss will provide you with information regarding the telephone connection. The provider will be ZIGGO. When moving to your permanent residence you can take the number with you. (Give them 10 days warning).

5) I need a list of internet cafes' in The Hague

Library - Bibliotheek Part of the Stadhuis complex - big white modern building

Spui 68, Tel 070-3534479, Mon-Thu 10AM to 8PM, Fri 12PM to 8PM, Sat 11AM to 5PM, Sun 12PM to 5PM

Telfort (also telephones / mobiles etc)

Grote Marktstraat 51 (on the corner of Wagenstraat) in the Centre, Mon-Sat 9:00-18:30, Thu 9:00-21:00, Sun 12:00-18:00 hrs

NUL 70 Café Restaurant

Denneweg 27, 2514 CC Den Haag, Tel 070 361 67 65

Internet Café Den Haag

Elandstraat 48, 2513 GT. Tel. 070 363 62 86, open daily from 15:00 pm - 24:00 pm, closed on Saturday.

6) How do I recycle?

For all information please check www.denhaag.com.

7) Can I use my driving license in the Netherlands?

Anyone wanting to drive a car or motorcycle in the Netherlands must be in possession of a valid driving licence, and the driver must be at least 18 years old (21 years for drivers of heavy vehicles like buses).

If you come to live in the Netherlands, it depends on the country that issued your driving licence whether you may make use of your foreign driving licence in the Netherlands. In some cases the driving licence that you obtained in a foreign country can be exchanged for a Dutch driving licence. This option is not available to citizens of all countries; sometimes it will be necessary to redo the driving test.

An exception is made for employees of international organisations in The Hague or people holding a diplomatic status and their immediate family. They do not need to exchange their foreign driving licence for a Dutch one.

Would you like to find out which rules apply to your situation? Please visit the website of Rijbewijs.nl or contact the  gemeentelijk ContactCentrum (Municipal Contact Centre) on tel: 14 070.

8) How to import my car?

If you reside in the Netherlands and drive a vehicle with a foreign registration, you may have to pay a Passenger Car and Motorcycle Tax (BPM) assessment. You are most likely better off going through the import procedure. Importing a car from abroad is a bureaucratic, but relatively straightforward procedure involving Customs and the RDW, which also operates a number of inspection and testing stations throughout the country (the closest station to The Hague is in Schiedam).

If you have purchased a car, motorcycle or trailer abroad, you must make a number of arrangements before the vehicle can be used on Dutch roads:

You must have a Dutch registration number for your vehicle and the associated registration certificate and number plate(s);

You must have paid the appropriate road tax; You should have arranged statutory third-party liability insurance for your vehicle.

You can find more information about importing vehicles on the website www.douane.nl/english of the Douane (Dutch Customs) or by downloading www.douane.nl/download the brochure 'Taxation on cars and motorcycles (BPM): When do you have to make your own BPM declaration?' This brochure is available only in Dutch from Dutch Customs. Section 4 tells you what to do to ensure that the vehicle displays the right number plates.

Would you like to know more about your vehicle and registering it in the Netherlands? The RDW offers visitors to its website the opportunity to download brochures in English, French and German. Click here www.rdw.nl/nl/beroepsvervoer/ for the English-language webpage of the RDW. The RDW registers the details of vehicles, their owners and the documents that have been issued, such as vehicle and driving licences. This involves the provision of information on such matters to other parties.

Visit the website www.verkeerenwaterstaat.nl/english/ of the Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management to learn the basic information you need to know as a driver and car-owner, including vehicle testing, tax, insurance and registration.

9) What is a BSN (ex-SOFI) number and do I need one?

As of 26 November 2007, it has been a requirement for all residents to have a Burgerservicenumber (BSN). A BSN is a personal Dutch social security number and is a requirement if you intend to work in The Netherlands, apply for benefits (including child allowance), open a bank account, register for a school etc.

New residents can expect to receive a letter containing their registration details and their BSN within 4 weeks of their registration at the Registration Office (Dienst Burgerzaken) in the City Hall. For more information on the BSN in English see: http://www.denhaag.com/default.asp?id=5422

10) I am from a non-EU country. Can I work in the Netherlands?

You are eligible to work without work permit if your spouse or partner is employed by Shell under the new residence permit category of 'Knowledge Migrant Worker' ( kennismigrant ).

11) My partner works for Shell on EBAS terms, and I have already received my BUPA card. I started working and I would like to know if I need to have a Dutch Health Insurance.

It is necessary to inform ZKA about the preferences (dormant policy, for example). It is also recommended to inform the employer about the Basis policy arrangements, to avoid duplication.

12) We are a non-married couple. Are the C&D services available for me?

Our services are available for all partners of expatriate Shell employees, irrespective to the terms and conditions of the assignment. SVA applies only for employees on Local+ and EBAS terms.

13) PDP: What costs can I claim with Partner Development Programme?

Please click here for more information about PDP.

14) PDP: I am an expatriate partner/spouse, how do I make claims with the PDP?

You can't make the claim. Your husband/partner, as a Shell employee, can make the claim by downloading an electronic PDP claim form from the Shell in the Netherlands HR website http://sww.shell.com/hr/internationalmobility/lta/what/lta_what_claims.html

15) JOB SEARCH: I am an expatriate partner/spouse just arrived in the Netherlands and I am very keen to work. What kind of C&D services are available for me?

The C&D team can give you information and guidance on planning your job search, on developing a clear picture of your career goals. The team can also advise you on improving your CV and cover letter, networking and interview skills.