Leaving NL

When planning your departure from the Netherlands, there are crucial steps to take to ensure a smooth transition and avoid unnecessary costs. Below you’ll find our take-aways.

1. Subscription Cancellations: Cease all subscriptions such as railway cards, insurances, utility services (water, gas, electricity), phone contracts, and internet services. This prevents ongoing expenses for services you won’t be using during your travels.
2. Non-residents Records Database Registration: If your overseas journey extends beyond eight months, register in the Non-residents Records Database (“Register Niet-Ingezetenen”). This official database recognizes you as a Dutch citizen living abroad. Once registered, the obligation to maintain Dutch medical insurance ceases, offering both flexibility and cost savings. Remember to manually cancel your medical insurance after becoming a non-resident.
3. Old-age Pension Considerations: Registration in the Non-residents Records Database also halts the accumulation of your old-age pension (‘AOW’), decreasing by 2% per year. Optionally, you can voluntarily insure yourself for old-age pension by paying a modest fee, a particularly affordable choice if you’re not generating income during your travels. Additional information can be found on the SVB website, and it’s essential to manage these arrangements independently.
4. Provide a Dutch Correspondence Address: Furnish authorities and your bank with a Dutch correspondence address, typically that of a family member. This ensures that important documents, such as tax returns or account information, are routed to a reliable location. This precaution proves invaluable in case you need physical copies of documents or encounter online access issues.
5. Document Validity Check: Confirm the validity of your passport, driver’s license, and bank cards for the forthcoming years. Consider renewing these documents before departure to avoid complications during your travels.

By attending to these essential tasks, you lay the groundwork for a hassle-free and financially prudent transition from The Netherlands to your global explorations.