Soft landing

Now that you have moved to Utrecht Region and have sorted out all the formalities, it is time to truly settle in. You need to acquire health insurance and find a GP and might want to look for a house, attend events or take a language course. On this page, we offer information to help you get settled and become familiar with life in Utrecht Region.
Do you require more information but would prefer to talk in person? Our information officers are always available for a one-on-one conversation at the International Welcome Centre. They are here to answer your questions and provide advice about living, working and studying in our beautiful region. Make an appointment, to visit them in the Stadskantoor.

Employment
Are you looking for a job or thinking about starting your own business? Utrecht Region is a committed international business partner, creating a collaborative and welcoming environment that attracts top talent from around the globe.

Finance
Learn all about essential financial matters when living in the Netherlands. Familiarise yourself with different types of taxes, the national DigiD online verification system, filing your income tax and opening a Dutch bank account.

Health & Childcare
When you are moving to a new country, it is important to be aware of healthcare and childcare provision. The Dutch healthcare system is different to that of many other countries, often in beneficial ways, and understanding how everything works is vital for newcomers.

Housing
Whether you are looking for an outdoor lifestyle, a smart place in the heart of a historic city or a family home, you will find it in Utrecht Region. Options include functional flats, spacious townhouses, suburban homes, rural residences and modern apartments.

Photo by Arvin Chingcuangco on Unsplash
Insurance
Health insurance is compulsory for everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands. This also applies when temporarily working or living in the country. With standard health insurance, the costs of, for example, hospital treatment, prescription medication or a consultation with a general practitioner are (partly) covered.

Learning Dutch
Most Dutch people know their way around the English language. But if you want to blend in and make a genuine connection, it might be useful to learn some Dutch.

Schooling
Do you have children that are coming to live here as well? No problem. Utrecht Region is the ideal place. There is an extensive range of educational facilities, from primary and secondary schools to international schools, language institutes and a prestigious university.

UM toolkit
© Jurjen DrenthTransportation
Cycling in the Netherlands is the most popular form of daily transport. Each year, Dutch people cycle in total more than 15 billion kilometres! Of course, they also use cars, buses, trains and other forms of transport. Discover the range of transport options available in the Netherlands.