By Gerko Visée
The Hague region is the proud host of more than 85 percent of the diplomatic community in the Netherlands. We feel it is important to make you feel at home in our city. Professionally as host city for embassies, consulates and international organisation. But also personally as you work, live and perhaps raise your children in our city. Therefore the municipality invests in making the city attractive for internationals by offering support and advice to newcomers, English language information and services, affordable education for international children and lots of ways to enjoy the Sea and green around the city.
Support for international newcomers
For over 12 years, The Hague International Centre has provided free help for international newcomers who work or live in The Hague region. We take care of formalities upon arrival such as municipal registration and residence documents. The centre provides information and guidance about things like immigration, housing, learning Dutch, finding a job, education and more. You can visit the daily helpdesk with your questions, pick up a copy of our welcome guide for newcomers, get recommendations for trusted service providers or sign up for events. At the centre you will be greeted by volunteers from the not-for-profit ACCESS. To prepare for a move, the centre offers checklists, webinars, welcome guides and a new relocation app.
Municipal registration
The International Centre also arranges the municipal registration for newcomers. Diplomats can opt to be registered with the municipality next to their registration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Many chose to register as public services are easier to arrange once you are registered and have access to the Dutch digital log-in DigiD. To register you need to make an appointment via our website, bring your documents and attend in person. Registration does not affect your fiscal privileges and immunities.
Volunteer
If you are interested in giving back to the community, you may want to volunteer. The Hague offers lots of volunteer opportunities for which Dutch is not required. Via ACCESS you can volunteer at The Hague International Centre. Volunteer The Hague offers a job portal for vacancies and regular Mix-and-Match events to network with organisations.
Events
Throughout the year the International Centre organises events to help international newcomers settle in and make them feel at home. Four times a year a Welcome to The Hague event for newcomers. The event offers insight into the Dutch culture, things to do, a city tour and drinks to connect with other newcomers The ideal opportunity to start life in The Hague. Every month the centre also organises thematic events about key elements of your new life in the Netherlands, such as healthcare, finding a home, education, Dutch language or taxes. On the sixth of November The Hague International Centre organised the annual Feel at Home Fair. More than 500 internationals got information from 50 sport, social and community clubs. A true celebration of the diversity of the local international ecosystem!
If you do not want to miss the next events keep an eye out at the event section on our website for our own events and other international-friendly events in the region.
Denhaag.com offers a complete overview of all things to do in the region. You can find out how to have a Royal Winter in The Hague or what cultural activities are planned for the Escher Year. In 2023 it will be 125 years ago that Escher was born .
Stay updated
If you do not want to miss out on the latest news, events and updates, please sign up for our newsletter or follow our social media channels. You can follow The Hague International Centre on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Visit our website at www.thehagueinternationalcentre.nl, or helpdesk in City Hall from Monday till Friday or send your questions to internationalcentre@denhaag.nl.
About the author:
Gerko Visée works as policy officer for The Hague International Centre. For the last five years he has been in contact with employers, service providers and government agencies to make The Hague region more attractive for international staff and companies.
