Start with the school
International schools in the popular regions have long waiting lists. Make a shortlist in the week you decide to relocate, and apply right away. Plan the rest of the relocation around the start date at the school. Dutch schools with newcomer classes are a good alternative, and many families choose them on purpose. Children usually learn Dutch within a year, and these schools are free of charge. Outside school, daily life in English is easier than most families expect.
Housing and healthcare
Planning to buy a family home? See how buyers from abroad buy Dutch property and which transfer tax applies.
Most families rent a furnished home first and buy later. While you rent, you get to know the regions. You buy a home with a Dutch mortgage once you have residence and income here. Take your time before you buy. Arrange healthcare when you arrive. Health insurance is mandatory for each person and costs around €150 a month per adult. Register with a family doctor in the first week. You need this registration for all other care in the Dutch system.
You can arrange the notary, the KVK registration and the VAT number from abroad. See setting up a BV in the Netherlands.
The paperwork calendar
The family gets its permits through the sponsor, which is the entrepreneur's own company or the employer. See the guide for South African entrepreneurs. When you register at the municipality, you get your citizen service number (BSN), which you need for everything else. Close your affairs in South Africa properly with the emigration tax checklist. For an overview of which adviser does what, and in which order, see the relocation map.