Any tips on moving to Tilburg?

Smyrna Moving

Well good on you that you have done some homework in advance – this is pretty important to make things a success.

If I remember rightly, then you are moving to be with someone, and so I presume the accomodation issue is not a big one, because to be honest, McDonalds does not pay well, and not being entitled to social housing, you may struggle to find accomodation which is cheap – but then I don't know the housing situation in Tilburg though

So what I can offer is advice on a few practicalities:

First thing you need upon arrival (within 5 working days) is to register at the local town hall where you are planning to live (called a gemeentehuis). You need your passport (proof of ID) and just basic details confirmed, name, etc. Then you will receive a BSN number (Burgerservicenummer) which is a must for everyone working in NL (equivilent to NI number in the UK). You can read details in English on the Tilburg municiplaity site here=-9898&displayPage=%2Fep%2Fchannel%2Ftl_channel_default_program.jsp&pageTypeId=10675

You do not need a residents permit (as a Brit) to live in the Netherlands anymore, but actually many employers are still under the assumption that you do, and indeed some formalities are easier with this as well, so you can consider if you want to obtain this or not (you can read more on the official immigration dept site and in this brochure specifically for EU citizens (this is not in English for some reason but you can use Google translate)

Opening a bank account should be easy enough. You will need:
A valid passport/residence permit
The BSN number
Proof of registration at the Town Hall
- They may also ask for proof of income,but I am not sure about this

One tip for a bank – all of them offer Internet banking (which is a lot simpler) but ABN Amro offer this service in English and a lot of documents in both languages. You can read on their site in English here

Then, when you are at the gemeentehuis, ask about Dutch language courses. Apart from it making life easier, you will also then meet other people in the same situation as you, and therefore an instant network of potential friends (also important when you move away from family and friends)

There are two sites which you can use for further reading. – a very practical & easy to read site about how to get things done. Another good site (with a lot more info and forums) for expats by expats who have moved to NL is

So, I wish you 'veel succes' with your forthcoming move :0)