FAQ
Municipality / Registration
How can I register at the municipality of Tilburg?
What is a BSN?
What do I need to register at the municipality?
You need a valid residence permit and your passport to identify yourself. In addition, you will need an address to register at. In case you do not have an address yet, you can register at a with a friend or family as a RNI.
Where can I find information in English on the website of Gemeente Tilburg?
Here you find the link to the English part of the website: https://www.tilburg.nl/english/
When do I need to register as a resident with the municipality?
If you will be living in the Netherlands for longer than 4 months, you must register as a resident with the Personal Records Database (BRP).
Housing
I need housing. What is the best way to find accomodation? What to avoid? What tips do you have?
The short answer: just keep on trying. At the moment there is a big housing shortage in the Netherlands, especially in Tilburg and even more so for international students.
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Never pay rent up front before seeing a place and having signed a contract, fraud is very common; -
Always translate your contract before signing if it is in Dutch, know your rights and duties; -
Be sure to take pictures of the accomodation to show how you've received it, this can help in later disputes about deposits; -
Always ask whether you can register at the address, it is obligated and otherwise it is illegal housing.
I can't find housing. Are there any temporary solutions?
If you are a student at Tilburg University, the university often has temporary solutions for you. Contact the International Office for more information.
My rental agreement is in Dutch. How do I know it's safe?
By translating it! It sometimes happens that renters provide Dutch contracts that are very beneficial for the renter, but not for the tenant. To know what your rights and duties are, we always recommend translating the contract before signing it.
I got scammed by my landlord. What now?
Always report it to the police. You can make an appointment with the police station at Stationstraat.
Healthcare
Do I need a Dutch health insurance?
This depends on your reason to stay in the Netherlands and the duration. In short, everyone staying for a longer period of time needs to have a healthcare insurance. You will have four months to apply for an insurance. As soon as you apply, the starting date will change to the moment you registered with a municipality. The exception are international students, they are not allowed to take out a public healthcare insurance until they start working in the Netherlands. Until then, a student insurance or European insurance suffices.
How do I apply for a Dutch health insurance?
You can apply for a Dutch healthcare insurance with any insurance company. Alternatively, you can schedule an appointment with us and we will make sure you get the package you want and never pay more than you should. Check it out here.
Can I get an allowance for my Dutch health insurance?
If you pay taxes and have a valid residence permit, you can apply for an allowance called 'Zorgtoeslag'. This allowance is a gift from the government and is based on your income. If you earn less than €21.000 per year, you can get up to €104,- per month. For more information look at the website of the Belastingdienst.
I'm feeling ill and I need a doctor. How do I get help?
The way the Dutch healthcare system works is that, in general, you first visit a GP ('Huisarts') when you are feeling ill and need medical advice or medicines. The GP will assess your situation and refer you to a hospital or specialist when necessary. Be sure to register with a GP in your neighbourhood to avoid paying visitation fees. If you are properly insured, visits to the GP are always free. In weekends, GP's are closed and you will need to visit the 'Huisartsenpost'.
I want to register for a GP. Which practices are open for internationals?
Work in progress. Please check this item at a later time.
I'm looking for a dentist. Where can I find one?
Dentist are available throughout the city. Find one at Google Maps and call them to ask whether they can register new patients. We recommend 'Tandarts013' in Tilburg.
I need medical help and it's an emergency. What should I do?
Where you should go depends on the kind of emergency you are in. If it comes to immediate interventions, you can visit the 'Spoedeisende Hulp' at one of Tilburg's two hospitals.
Transport in the NL
How does public transport work in the Netherlands?
All public transport works with use of an OV Chipcard. You can easily buy an anonymous OV chipcard at NS machines or supermarkets. At machines at train stations and supermarkets you can top up credit to travel with. If you want discount subscriptions for trains, you can apply for a personal OV chipcard with NS (national train company).
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Public transport in general can be expensive, so to travel cheap within a city we recommend getting a bicycle. -
When traveling, always check the number of a bus/metro/tram as well as the directions, as often one number goes in two opposite directions. -
At NS, you can borrow an OV bike for just a few euros per day. -
Taxi's are very expensive in the Netherlands and not often used. -
Plan ahead! Use apps or websites such as 9292OV, NS or Google Maps to plan your trip and check for any delays.
I don't understand the traffic rules. Where can I find an overview?
The Netherlands has one of the best road safety records in Europe as well as the most bikes in Europe.
How do I exchange my foreign driving license?
Student finance
I'm a student. What student finance can I get?
DUO (governmental organ) provides student finance to Dutch students and European students studying in the Netherlands. This student finance is a package from which you can choose what to receive. Do note: as European student you have to work at least 56 hours per month to be able to apply for student finance. This is because by working you pay taxes.
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Student travel product: travel for free during the week or the weekend and with 40% discount during the other period with all public transport. -
Supplementary grant: get up to €403,17 per month if your parents earn less than €30.000 combined per year.
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Student loan: borrow up to €494,39 per month. -
Tuition fee loan: borrow up to €178,58 per month.
How do I apply for student finance?
You can apply for student finance with DUO online via their website. Do you need help? We can help you apply for the student finance. Check www.ictilburg.com/information-support for more information.
Working
Can I work in the Netherlands?
To be entitled to work, you will need a proper permit. If you have a European nationality, it is always possible to work in the Netherlands. Read below what is needed in which situation.
How can I find a job in the Netherlands?
Work is often found via agencies or someones personal network. Examples of agencies are temp agencies and recruiters. Examples for network platforms are LinkedIn and Indeed.
I work in the Netherlands. Do I have to file a tax return?
Filling in an income tax report is obligated when working in the Netherlands. Every working resident of the Netherlands needs to pay income tax over their salary. When working, this is automatically deducted from your gross income. Every year between April and July, the Belastingdienst needs to assess whether everyone paid the correct amount of taxes. Often people with a low income pay too much taxes and will receive money from the government after filling in the form.
Taxes
I need help filing a tax return (person). Who can help me?
Please check the section Working at the FAQ.
I am self-employed and need help with my 'btw' returns. Who can help me?
Any accountant or tax consultant can help you filing the quarterly 'btw' returns.
Dutch language
I need help translating a document or text. Who can help me?
We are happy to help you out! Book an appointment here and we will get back to you.
I want to learn Dutch. Where can I enroll in a Dutch course?
Learning Dutch can be essential in feeling at home in the Netherlands. There are many private teachers or language schools around. However, we found that most of these options are rather expensive and lack the social component of learning a language as an international. Therefore, we started our own affordable Dutch courses (€4,95 per hour) with small groups and a lot of focus on using a language and meeting new people. Check out all the information here.
About International Center Tilburg
What is International Center Tilburg?
International Center Tilburg opened its doors in May 2018 as a response to the internationalization of the region. As anthropologists and entrepreneurs, Thom and Zoë try to listen to the needs of the international community and develop concepts that tie into those needs. As a result, International Center Tilburg has become the place in Tilburg for internationals.
• For any questions about our Dutch courses |
courses@ictilburg.com |
• For any help requests and inquiries |
helpdesk@ictilburg.com |
• For any questions about part-time jobs |
jobs@ictilburg.com |
• For collaboration proposals or other questions |
info@ictilburg.com |
Is International Center Tilburg supported by the municipality?
Nope! We are a fully self-sustaining social enterprise.
Does International Center Tilburg work together with Tilburg University?
We collaborate often with Tilburg University. Every year we are present at their 'Registration Days' and we connect for certain projects regarding international students.
Who founded International Center Tilburg?
In May 2018, International Center Tilburg opened as a pilot project to assess the needs of and relevance for the international community of Tilburg. After a succesful pilot, Thom and Zoë founded International Center Tilburg as a social enterprise in March 2019.
Useful links
What are useful links for my stay here?
This item is work in progress - please check this item at a later time for full information.
Recreation in Tilburg
Which cinemas you should definitely see
Tilburg has multiple cinemas. The 'blockbuster cinemas' are Pathé and Euroscoop. However, they almost never screen films with English subtitles, so check their program before deciding on a film.
Have a nice look at these animal parks
Take a swim in one of these swimming pools
Everything you need to know about Tilburg's nightlife
Tilburg's brilliant nightlife scene includes dimly lit jazz and blues bars, groovy strip clubs, cosy pubs and a vibrant underground music scene. Although closing times are strictly regulated, some bars and pubs stay open until the last group of customers have stumbled out. Most night spots are concentrated around the area by Old Town square, with the Korte Heuvel and the nearby Piusplein being all-time favourites of locals and students. The town is small enough to cover on foot, though as the night gets longer, so does the distance between places. Some places refuse entrance to anyone in scruffy jeans and trainers, so make a bit of an effort before going out to the glitzier venues.
Museums to visit in Tilburg
Cultural relaxation in Tilburg's theatres
Tips and recommendations of other activities
This item is work in progress - please check this item at a later time for full information.
Enjoy the local music scene