The Winter 2011 Issue contains the following articles:

INTERVIEW

From the Point of View of… Sönke Holtorf

Though Calvinism may influence how far the Dutch will go to spoil and pamper themselves, this does not go at the expense of the effort they put into having a good time. Sönke explains what he means: “If you go to a convention or a seminar, they turn it into a show; they are not afraid to take the microphone and they appear to have a natural talent for entertainment. Also at rock concerts, the atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed…” For a moment, he searches for the words to summarize it – and then brightens up: “There is always a general feeling of we gaan er en feest van maken – we’re going to make this in to a party.” He throws his hands up in the air and looks around him with an inviting smile, as if to say: are you ready to join us?

 
LEGAL

Lessor Must Pick Up the Bill for Most Defects and Deficiencies

By Sabine Boellaard and Lis van Engelen

Expats tend to agree that, after signing that much-desired contract, the issue of accommodation at the new posting ranks highest on their list of priorities. Finding a house or an apartment that will keep everybody happy is a tricky issue anyway; even more so when one needs to view a property, negotiate, and sign the lease in a foreign country, with very limited linguistic and legal knowledge.
For those of our readers who do not benefit from the pampering and professional support of their own in-house relocation desk and/or those who like to be well-prepared and in the know, GMW Advocaten has compiled a brief compendium on the rights and duties of both lessees and lessors.

Sabine Boellaard, s.boellaard@gmw.nl
Lis van Engelen, l.vanengelen@gmw.nl  
www.gmw.nl/en

Renting: A Few Pitfalls

By Willem de Vries and Coen van den End

Tenants of rented residential accommodations are very well protected in the Netherlands. In practice, however, they are all too often unaware of their rights – regarding, for example, the termination of the tenancy agreement. The other side of the coin is that a landlord, particularly a private one, can be faced with major challenges when trying to terminate a rental contract – even for a ‘specified period of time’ – as it does not by any means automatically end following the expiry of the agreed term.
In this article, more on your rights and duties when terminating a rental contract.

Willem de Vries is a lawyer and partner at Krans & van Hilten Advocaten in The Hague. Coen van den End is a lawyer with this firm. www.kransenvanhilten.nl

Buying a House

By Hanneke van Oss-van der Valk and Yolanda Bokhorst

The days are getting shorter, the leaves are falling off the trees… it is time to light the fire. Wonderful weather to be indoors, with the candles lit – at home, warm, on the couch, with a nice glass of wine, and reading The XPat Journal. And wouldn’t it be nice if this could all take place in your dream house in the Netherlands? What do you have to keep in mind when buying a house here?
This article covers the purchase agreement, the role of the civil law notary, transfer tax, protection of the buyer and number of other legal issues.

Hanneke van Oss-van der Valk: jmp.vanoss@pelsrijcken.nl
Yolanda Bokhorst: ym.bokhorst@pelsrijcken.nl  
www.pelsrijcken.nl 
 

TAX

The (Proposed) 30%-Ruling

By Robin Schalekamp and Ronald Streijl

The 30%-ruling is one of the most pleasant Dutch income tax regulations for expatriates and their employers that we know of, as it can result in a substantial increase in the expat’s net salary or a substantial reduction of the employer’s expenses.
As you may know, employees hired from abroad can – subject to certain conditions – benefit from ‘the 30%-ruling’ which allows 30% of their employment income to be paid out tax-free in order to compensate them for specific expatriate costs (referred to as "extraterritorial expenses").
This year, the Dutch government has issued new proposals (starting 2012) with regard to the 30%-ruling that contain stricter conditions for its granting. In this article, after first summarizing summarize the current conditions the authors describe the proposed changes.

Robin Schalekamp: robin.schalekamp@bdo.nl
Ronald Streijl: ronald.streijl@bdo.nl
www.bdo.nl

Valuation of Residential Property As an Investment in Box 3

By Rutger Oosthoek

The treatment of residential property for income tax-purposes depends on the property’s use. Rented out properties are generally seen as an investment and taxed in Box 3. As you may know, the amount of income tax due in Box 3 is effectively 1.2% of the value of your net assets. It is therefore important to use the correct property value to ensure you are not paying too much tax.
When overhauling the system, the government acknowledged that renting out property can considerably lower its market value. The reason for this lies in the fact that tenancy law grants tenants extensive protection. This protection goes at the expense of the property’s market value since the termination of a rental contract becomes more difficult, even when selling the property. Therefore, as of 2010, the Box 3-value of a property that is rented out may be lowered, thereby effectively reducing your tax liability.
This doesn’t apply to all situations, however. In this article, a more in-depth explanation of the new system. 

Rutger Oosthoek: roosthoek@finsens.nl
www.finsens.nl

HOUSING

Mortgage Matters

If you have decided to buy a house, you are faced with the question of what will be the most appropriate type of mortgage. This of course depends on your tax position and whether you are likely to move again (any time soon). In these paragraphs we offer a brief explanation of the relevant types of mortgages available in the Netherlands. We also provide a few recommendations as to which types are best suited to your specific tax status.
Before reaching any decisions regarding this issue, be sure to consult a tax advisor, as there are many factors that could influence what could turn out to be the right choice for you. After all, this is a long-term commitment to a presumably not very cheap piece of property that will be your home for many years… Mortgage matters.

Hotel Residences – Unique Living Concept in The Hague
Short Stay apartments with 5-star Hilton hotel service

Have you just arrived from abroad and don’t you know yet where you want to live? Or have you selected a house, and are now waiting for reconstruction to finish? Then you will find the solution to your temporary housing conundrum in Hotel Residences above the Hilton Hotel in The Hague. 10 luxury apartments, fully furnished, centrally located and with all the amendments of a 5-star hotel. The penthouses are available for immediate occupation – for a long or a short period of time.
These very luxurious apartments are located in the center of The Hague on the corner of Mauritskade and Zeestraat. They can be rented anywhere between three weeks and six months. What makes them unique is the collaboration with the Hilton, allowing the tenants to arrange a variety of extra services such as: a weekly changing of the bed linens and towels, room service, laundry, valet parking, a daily newspaper, and more. All the amenities that come with staying in a 5-star hotel.
www.hotelresidences.nl

Golden Tulip Hotel
The Hague’s Best-Kept Secret!

“Being a commercial director for a large international firm I have been living abroad for the last 20 years. Currently I’m stationed in The Hague. When I first came over here, I stayed in a hotel. But after a couple of weeks, I needed a ‘real’ home, from where I could search for a more permanent place to live. Since my wife has very specific ideas on where she wants to live and on the type of house, I knew this was going to take a long time… And this is when a colleague of mine pointed out that in Zoetermeer, the Golden Tulip Hotel was offering two-room fully-furnished apartments to let.”
If you are in a comparable situation to the author’s, give Tessa Radius a call at 079 – 320 31 62 or mail her at sales@goldentulipzoetermeercentre.nl and mention “XPat Best Kept Secret” in your mail. You will get a one-night free stay in one of the apartments. The offer is only valid until March 1, 2012.

BANKING

ABN AMRO Bank, Going the Extra Mile for International Clients

ABN AMRO Bank counts many expats and international clients in the Netherlands among its clients. If only for the simple reason that it offers tailor-made services such as the possibility to open an account before you have obtained a burgerservicenummer (BSN, or Social Security Number) or helping you get the most out of your mortgage by taking advantage of the 30%-ruling.
ABN AMRO Bank’s aim is to bridge the cultural and language gap; through its people’s ability to communicate in more than 20 different languages and their understanding of your cultural background and what you are accustomed to. This, and their tailor-made services, are a warm welcome for their many international clients upon their arrival and during their stay in this country.

ABN AMRO International Clients Amsterdam
Office address: Evert van de Beekstraat 2,1118 CL SCHIPHOL
expat.clients@nl.abnamro.com

ABN AMRO International Clients The Hague
Office address: Kneuterdijk 8,2414 EN THE HAGUE
International.clients@nl.abnamro.com

EDUCATION

The Language Zone….

We are living in an age of rapid change, where sophisticated communications systems and global travel mean that borders have diminished in importance and our contact with people all across the world is simply a part of everyday life. In this constantly changing environment where we are all now citizens of the globe, adapting the education of our children to this new world is becoming increasingly vital.
With over 80 nationalities enrolled at the school, The British School in the Netherlands (BSN) places great emphasis on language learning within both the junior and the senior schools.
For further details on the Language Information Evening, visit www.britishschool.nl

The Famous Blue Wall – A Hive of Activity

American School of The Hague lies tucked away behind the trees in the beautiful residential area of Wassenaar. Housing more than 1,100 students during the school day, this 11-acre campus is a home away from home for the local and international families whose children go to school here. Students can study for an American High School Diploma, General Diploma, International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, or the most suitable combination thereof. The campus offers wireless Internet, three libraries, two cafeterias, high quality facilities for music, theater and art and three gyms, a double sports hall and work-out gym, not to mention the outdoor sports areas for all age groups.
The school hosts key international events such as the Association for Music in International Schools (AMIS) Solo and Ensemble Festival, the Northwest European Council of International Schools (NECIS) tournaments, the International Schools Sports Tournaments (ISST), the Council of International Schools University Fair, The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN), and the Senior Math Competition run by the International Schools Mathematics Teachers Foundation (ISMTF).
www.ash.nl

HEALTH

Apollonia-Dentistry
Your Dentist by the Sea!

Located on the pristine beach front of Kijkduin, Apollonia-Dentistry is a dental practice with a difference; one that puts a lot of effort into the overall health, well-being and maintenance of your teeth and gums, so that they – and your confidence – can be in top form!
With the beach just a few metres away, the sound of seagulls and the stylish marine interior of the practice, you will soon forget that you have just arrived for a dental appointment. Owner Dr. Peter Thiel, who has 20 years of experience as a dental surgeon, wants his patients to feel at ease and enjoy their experience at Apollonia-Dentistry. 

www.apollonia-dentistry.com

INTERVIEW

You’re Only As Good As Your People
Ultra Ceil Cleaning Services

By Tiffany Jansen

UCC started as a one-man-show with Andy as the headliner. Jobs consisted mainly of cleaning ceilings and walls, which was, at the time, a service not typically offered in the Netherlands.
Three years on, Andy has expanded his company not only in size, but also in services. From luxury mansions to executive lounges, from apartment buildings to offices, UCC has certainly made its mark here in the Netherlands, handling everything from daily office cleans, ceilings, floors, carpets, and walls to post-construction and fire damage cleans.
Though Andy describes starting a business in the Netherlands as a quick and easy process with very few hiccups, he sites the language barrier as being the biggest hurdle. That’s why Andy feels it is so important for successful expat entrepreneurs to share what they know to help those just starting out or thinking about taking the leap into entrepreneurship. In this article, he shares some of his best tips.

www.ucc-services.nl

LEISURE

Your Best Winter Accessory, Antwerp

By Suzanne Schreve

This second biggest city of Belgium, Antwerp, has found her feet again and she’s strutting on high fashion heels. Antwerp has a closet full of tricks – exclusive chocolate, a local brew, diamond shops, antique boutiques, Gothic and Flemish baroque architecture – and this winter is a perfect time to step into Belgium’s capital of understated cool. On our Christmas menu this year is a mixture of cobbled streets, food-forward restaurant De Godevaart, B&B’s best-kept secret, and designer-inspired stores, all within bite-size distance.
After two days of indulging and exploring, says the author, she found that most things in Antwerp – from fashion to food – contain a back-to-basics foundation wrapped in a contemporary attitude. The youthful zeal concealed behind Antwerp’s Old World porticos makes it the most exciting city in Belgium. Here is a short list must-knows & dos for those looking for a fun and cultural weekend in the city.

1 Antwerp by bike, such an easy ride, www.antwerpbybike.be  
2 Rubens House, museum showcasing paintings by Peter Paul Rubens and other painters, as well as Rubens’ former home, www.rubenshuis.be  
3 Fotomuseum (Photography), www.fotomuseum.be  
5 Elisa Pralines, chocolate store, www.elisa-pralines.com  
7 A walk along the Schelde River at sundown
8 Contact Tanguy Ottomer for the BEST tour of Antwerpen, especially if you fancy fashion, www.tanguyottomer.com 
 

ECONOMY

We Are Good For You…
Internationals: Adding Character And Value

By Deborah Valentine

For the third time, the City of The Hague has commissioned Decisio to review the ‘Economic Impact of International Organisations in The Hague’. Building on the findings and reference points of similar studies undertaken in 2004 and 2007, the conclusions are clear: internationals are good for the local economy. The Decision report provides insight and hard facts to show how and why this is the case.
The conclusion that can be drawn from the report is that the effort to expand upon clusters, encourage growth, and strengthen shared interests is putting The Hague on the international map. As a result of the City's concerted efforts towards this, the City and the surrounding region receive not only prestige, but also a significant boost to the local economy. Internationals, organisations and individuals alike contribute to the character and potential of the region in real terms, and have been doing so since the city embarked on its international diplomatic justice mission in the late 1800s.
For copies of the English Summary of the Decisio report, or the full Dutch version contact The Hague International Centre on 070 - 353 50 43 or via internationalcentre@denhaag.nL

RECOMMENDED READING

The Dutch and their Delta – Living Below Sea Level

With all this talk of climate change and rising sea levels, did you ever wonder what would happen to your Dutch home if worst came to worst? Should you worry about living in the ‘low countries’? How do they even exist – it cannot always have been that way, can it? Alright, there are the dikes and continuous pumping, but how does it actually all work? What are these famous polders really, and what are the consequences of all this lowness for the drinking water, city planning, construction, sewage, and agriculture?
If you sometimes ask yourself these questions, or your friends and family back home mention something along these lines to you, then get hold of the book The Dutch and their Delta – Living Below Sea Level, which explains these issues in understandable terminology and which is neither superficial nor too technical. Besides factual information, the book contains many photos of lesser-known but fascinating locations all across the Netherlands where one can see the country’s famous water technology in action, and the techniques used. It offers both old legends and useful websites, including one that explains how to find out how far above (or below) sea level your street is…

To order this book visit: www.hollandbooks.nl

CULTURE

Eat, Shop, Sleep … and Museum Hop!
With Museumtickets.nl

By Shirley Agudo

As the saying goes, “Time is money,” and that’s exactly what Franco-Belgian expat Bruno Servaege was banking on when he launched his museumtickets.nl site at the beginning of 2011.
“Nobody likes to waste time waiting in line to get tickets for a museum or any other attraction,” Bruno reminds us, “and with museumtickets.nl, visitors can order their tickets online and skip the queues. They can also plan their itineraries well ahead of time by searching the listings on our new and attractive platform.”
Whether for a day out or a week-long museum crawl through some of the Netherlands’ 800 museums – the highest museum density in the world – this e-ticket site offers single tickets as well as special packages with many other amenities and sights included.

http://museumtickets.nl

READERS’ OFFER

A Personal Dream Home for Everyone

Expat interior designer Aileen Martinia has had plenty of satisfied clients over the years. Her many recommendations show her expertise in translating a homeowner’s personality into amazing, yet functional space. Recently she compiled 50 of her design secrets: Interior Design Superpowers for Everyone – In 6 Steps Your Dream Home! in an easy-to-access digital format.
Each page contains one message and one message only. It grants the reader interior designer superpowers and empowers them to take action and to enjoy their home more. Suitable for any budget, all the photographs illustrate real homes, for real people. You have no more excuse not to create your own, amazing personal space!
Aileen SPECIAL READERS’ OFFER: 10% OFF any design consultation.
First appointment is non-binding and free of charge. Contact Aileen at info@levenssfeer.nl
Check out more stories behind each make-over on www.levenssfeer.nl
To get her book, go to: www.interiorsuperpowers.com

COLUMN

Utilities Included…

By Monique Brans

Energy is ‘hot’ these days. Providers have gone commercial and are actively pursuing new customers - still, applying for a connection can be very confusing if you don’t speak the language.
I still remember the good old days when there was only one provider in the country: the state-owned enterprise GEB (Gemeentelijk Energie Bedrijf). Meter readings were also done by the GEB; you called in the morning to agree on the exact time the guy who would be doing this would be ringing your doorbell and you were there to let him in. Power and water were never cut off.
Unfortunately, providers have become commercial and those days are over. A power struggle for new customers is going on between the many suppliers. They call you at home or even show up on your doorstep to convince you to switch providers. There is only one thing they seem to have forgotten; their new system is not at all attuned to customer service.

Monique Brans: Monique@qualityrentals.eu

LEISURE

Carnival – Den Bosch Style
Don’t Bother with Rio, Come to ‘s-Hertogenbosch (that’s Den Bosch)

Every year, in February or March, for three days, many towns in the southern part of the Netherlands are packed with people, dressed in all manners of strange costumes, while brass bands perform through the town streets and enough beer is brought in to float the country. The origins of carnival (carnaval in Dutch) are the same as in Rio de Janeiro. 40 days before Easter, the time of Lent in the Christian calendar, people enjoy a period of excess before the self-imposed deprivation of Lent. Each town has its own traditions and these vary greatly.
In this article an expat’s view of carnival in Den Bosch.