Bringing your family: school, daycare and child benefits
Moving with kids adds steps — here's what to arrange for the whole household.
If you're moving with a partner or children, each has their own path to settle in.
Children
- School: education is compulsory from age 5; many schools offer support for non-Dutch speakers, and some areas have international schools.
- Daycare (kinderopvang): in high demand — register early. Costs may be offset by kinderopvangtoeslag.
- Child benefit (kinderbijslag) and kindgebonden budget help with the costs of raising children.
Partner
- Check their right to work or study on their residence status.
- Register the whole household at the gemeente, and arrange health insurance for each person.
Tip: Start daycare and school enquiries before you arrive if you can — waiting lists are the main bottleneck.
Rules change. This post was accurate when written; check the official source it links before you act.