Information for families

Moving to the Netherlands as a family can be both exciting and challenging.

This basic guide provides you with essential information and tips to help smoothen your transition and ensure that you settle in comfortably.

Groningen city provides an excellent support service to assist you in moving to the area. For all administrative needs and for social contact please take a moment to visit the International Welcome Centre North.

Advice and help are offered in English with a range of services guaranteed to make your move an easy one.

Health insurance

Health insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands. You must sign up for Dutch health insurance with a provider of your choosing within four months of receiving your residence permit or moving to the country. Children under the age of 18 are ensured under their parents. General Practitioners (Huisarts) are the first point of contact for any medical issue. They can refer you to specialists if necessary. Registering with a local GP is recommended as soon as possible, and your health insurance provider can help you locate the right match for your family.

Public transportation

The OV-chipkaart is a rechargeable smart card used for all forms of public transport. It's essential for trains, trams, buses, and metro systems. Check for discounts and subscription options if you plan to use public transport frequently. If you have not ordered a personal OV-chipkaart, it’s worth noting that all public transport options can be paid for directly with a credit card, debit card, or pay app on your phone.

Safety at night

The Netherlands is one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates and no gang culture. Walking around at night is usually safe, and it’s normal for teens to cycle or wait for the bus after dark, as they commute to-and-from their friends’ homes, the library, or the city centre.

Cycling

Bicycles are a primary mode of transportation in the Netherlands. Many cyclists in Dutch cities opt for basic, sometimes second-hand non-branded bicycles, as they expect to experience heavy wear. This also makes the bicycles less attractive to thieves. Having said that, it is more common to see branded, heavy-duty bicycles in towns and suburbs. If you would like to invest in a good bike, make sure to invest in an equally sturdy lock. Bicycle paths are paved red and are usually separate from traffic lanes, with the exception of streets in city centres. Bicycles are allowed on trains and on the metro system, but not on trams and buses.

Dutch weather

Dutch weather is notoriously unpredictable, with many days beginning wet and gloomy, and ending in full, radiant sunshine. It’s worth investing in a good winter coat, as well as a good raincoat. In the height of the summer months, the sun can set past 22:00, so make sure to install blackout curtains for a good night’s sleep.

Expat and international groups

If you’re new to the area or feeling homesick, join one of the many Expat groups on social media. This is the place to ask questions, search for familiar products, and find friends from similar backgrounds. Groningen has a large international community, so there are many families with shared experiences who can help ease the transition to life in the Netherlands.

King’s Day 

No introduction to Dutch culture is complete without mentioning the most important day in the Dutch calendar: King’s Day. The annual celebration takes place every April to mark the monarch’s birthday and is a national holiday. Early in the morning hours, tables are set up throughout the city, where families and children offer their used and unused belongings for sale at a fair price (this includes toys, clothes and accessories, pottery, books, and even homemade items). Carnival-style games are set up by locals, and street performers add colour to this already-colourful day. If it’s your first King’s Day in the Netherlands, take the time to walk around the city centre, and enjoy the special atmosphere of this highly anticipated day.