First, make sure you have everything arranged to start working as a dentist in the Netherlands. Here are 4 things for expat dentists to arrange when coming to live in the Netherlands.
1. Opening a Dutch bank account
In order to receive your salary from a Dutch employer, you will need a Dutch bank account. Take along your ID and RNI letter (which you will receive after registering with your local Dutch municipality as a non-resident) to a Dutch bank. Banks such as ABN AMRO, ASN, ING, Rabobank and Triodos Bank have branches throughout the Netherlands.
2. Getting health insurance
When you are living or working in the Netherlands, basic health insurance is mandatory. Within 4 months of your arrival in the Netherlands, you will have to enroll with a health insurer. The Dutch health insurance consists of a mandatory health insurance and an optional supplementary insurance.
- Basic health insurance covers basic medical care, hospital treatment, maternity care and most medical products.
- Supplementary insurance covers medical care that is not included in the mandatory health insurance, for example dental care for adults and physiotherapy.
The insurance packages may differ greatly depending on which company you choose and how many treatments you wish to get cover for. To find a health insurance scheme that fits your needs, check (commercial!) websites such as Independer or Pricewise.
- Independant information about health care insurance in the Netherlands
- Q&A about health care insurance in the Netherlands
3. Using the 30% tax facility as a dentist
The 30% tax facility for non-Dutch employees allows expats living and working in the Netherlands to receive a tax rebate if their annual income is above a certain amount. You can apply for the 30% tax facility for a period of up to eight years (which was replaced for a maximum of 5 years in 2019). The 30% tax facility also comes with extra benefits, such as being able to replace your driving licence with a Dutch one for free. The 30% tax facility applies to employees recruited outside the Netherlands or seconded from a country other than the Netherlands to work in the Netherlands. If you wish to avail yourself of the 30% tax facility, it must be included in your contract.
4. Finding somewhere to live
One of the last steps in the process is finding yourself a new home. How easy or difficult it is to find a place to live varies greatly depending on the area. A handy place to start is Funda, both for buying and renting flats and houses.
New as a dentist in the Netherlands?
Website with information from the Dutch government for expats
Brochure from the Dutch government for new expats in the Netherlands. It provides a brief description of all the necessary actions that EU citizens that want to work and live in the Netherlands must take after their arrival.
Questions? Get in touch
If you are considering working as a dentist in the Netherlands and you have questions, you can always contact the KNMT Members Service, which can be reached workdays from 8:30 AM to 5 PM (tel: +31 (0)30 607 6380). You can also submit your questions by e-mail.
Disclaimer: The KNMT has taken the utmost care in compiling the information in this overview. Nevertheless, the KNMT cannot accept any liability for the accuracy of the information or any consequences that may result. No part of this publication may be copied, published or made available to third parties without the explicit written permission of the KNMT.