‘Stay home, save lives’ is now our daily mantra. According to public health experts, social distancing and isolation are necessary measures to minimise the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The aim of these actions is ‘to flatten the curve’.  By spreading out the infection rate, the medical services won’t be overwhelmed and lives will be saved. The Netherlands extended these measures until the 28th of April, which will be revised again on the 22nd of April. As we look at how the infection rate and daily deaths are still growing in the Netherlands and around the world, many would probably agree that these emergency measures are crucial.  Only with hindsight would it be clear whether this was the best approach. Unfortunately, these lockdown measures have a dire impact on the economy which directly affects your business, especially as an entrepreneur, a small business owner or a self-employed professional (ZZp’er). Some people have lost their jobs; others are losing clients and income and are struggling to keep their businesses afloat.

The Dutch government announced an emergency financial package of billions of euros to protect jobs and incomes and to support businesses, SME entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals (ZZP’ers) who are suffering as a direct result of COVID-19.

The Financial Aid Measures

1. Temporary Emergency Bridging Measure for Sustained Employment

As of 17 March, the unemployment benefit for werktijdverkorting, WTV (short-time working), has been cancelled.  This is due to an unprecedented amount of applications received.  The Tijdelike Maatregel Overbrugging voor Werkbehoud, NOW (emergency bridging fund for sustained employment) replaced the WTV and currently provides employers with financial help to cover wages for three months.  Applications for this compensation are open from Monday 6 April till 31 May 2020. If you are eligible, your business will receive an advance payment within two to four weeks.

Requirements

• Expect a loss of 20% turnover or more, as from 1 March 2020
• Cannot dismiss employees on economic grounds during this time
• Can retract a dismissal
• Pay employees in full
• This compensation can only be used for wages
• Be transparent and inform both employees and the work council about the grant received
• Keep correct records for five years
• Inform Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) of any changes in your business status or circumstances
• Notify the municipality, if your business already receives a wage subsidy
• If, after three months, you ask for another three months extension, the conditions may be adapted
• Submit a statement from an accountant for claims exceeding a specified amount (not yet determined)

How much can you claim?

• Turnover loss of 100%, pay 90% of wages
• Turnover loss of 50%, pay 45% of wages
• Turnover loss of 25%, pay 22.5% of wages

The Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) will advance 80% of the expected payout within two to four weeks if your application is successful.  A correction can be made if there is a discrepancy between the estimated and the actual compensation. 

How to apply?

• For March, April and May 2020, you can apply from 6 April 2020 at 09:00 to 31 May 2020
• Have the following details handy:
  • Company name, contact person, address, phone number, email address (this has to be a Dutch one)
  • WTV case number if you previously applied for short-time working unemployment benefit
  • Payroll tax number
  • Indicate which three months you expect a minimum of 20% turnover loss
  • Indicate the percentage of turnover loss
  • Dutch bank account details, which is used by the Belastingdienst (tax administration)
• Go to the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) website.
• Click on the application page (all in Dutch).
• Once completed, sign the declaration of intent, which asks whether
• you have entered all the details correctly and truthfully
• you understand and agree to the Algemene wet bestuursrecht, Awb (General Administrative Law Act)
• you can legally represent the company
• bankruptcy has not been filed
• you agree to your data being stored and processed per GDPR

2. Financial Aid for Self-Employed Professionals

Under the Besluit bijstandsverleninging zelfstandige, Bbz (Decree on Assistance to the Self-employed), a temporary financial aid scheme Tozo has been made available to self-employed professionals. These include eenmanzaak (sole proprietors), vennootschap onder firma, VOF( general partnership) and Besloten Vennootschap, BV (private limited companies).

This temporary aid scheme (Tozo) takes two forms: income support and a loan for business capital. Depending on your family situation, for three months, you can apply for an amount of up to €1500 per month, without a partner or capital test to compensate for a loss of income. This subsidy is not a loan and does not need to be paid back.   

You can also apply for a business capital loan of up to € 10 157, which has to be repaid. The interest rates are lower than a standard business loan, and you can apply for an extension of repayment. 

This scheme can be backdated to 1 March 2020 and is in place till the 1 June 2020. Apply online.

Requirements

• Self-employed (zzp, vof, bv, etc.)

• Older than 18 and not receiving state pension (AOW)

• Registered company with Kamer van Koophandel, KvK (Chamber of Commerce) before 17 March 2020 at 18:45

• Legally live and work in the Netherlands

• Work more than 23.5 hours in your business

• You would need to prove that you are experiencing financial difficulties due to COVID-19

• Live in the municipality area where you apply

How to apply? ( in Dutch)

• Have your and your partner’s DigiD and passwords, KvK number, copy of latest bank statement and turnover handy

• Go to your municipality’s website

• Log in with your DigiD

• Fill in your income

• Fill in your KvK number

• Check the details of you and your partner

• Attach a copy of your bank statements

• Complete a declaration

  • I need financial aid

  • I belong to the target group

  • I know I have to repay the loan and that I will be fined if I give false information.

  • I will inform the municipality if my income status changes

• Sign and send (with your partner’s signature)

If you are successful, you will receive payments within two to four weeks.

3. Deferral of payment of tax and reduction of fines

Payments of income tax, corporate income tax, turnover tax and payroll tax can be extended for three months. You need to submit a written request to the Belastingdienst (tax administration), explaining how the COVID-19 outbreak and measures have caused your business financial hardship.  If you expect lower profits due to the corona crisis, you can ask the Dutch Belastingdienst to reduce your provisional assessment.

You can apply for an extension with an online form on the Belastingdienst website.

This form is called  ‘Verzoek bijzonder uitstel van betaling voor 3 maanden’ in Dutch.

How to apply?

• Have your DigiD, RSIN and your BSN number handy
• Go to the Belastingdienst website page
• Click on  ‘verzoek bijzonder uitstel van betaling voor 3 maande.’
• This will take you to a DigiD login page
• You will be asked for your RSIN number and your citizen service number (BSN).

Fines for late payments have wavered.  The collection interest rate for paying after the payment term ended is low;  almost 0% and the tax interest rate is temporarily set at the lowest possible.

Further payment extensions have been given on excise duty, landlord levy, environmental taxes, insurance premium tax and betting and lottery tax. 

The obligation for employers to report permanent employees’ contracts has been extended to 1 July 2020.

Under certain circumstances, your G-account can be unblocked. The form is in the Belastingsdienst website under ‘Deblokkering g-rekening.’

If you are unsure, as all the information on the Belastingdienst website is in Dutch, you can also contact the 

Tax Information Line on 0800 0543 

4. Extension of the Business GO Scheme

Medium to large businesses can temporarily take out bigger loans of up to €150 million under the Garantie Ondernemingsfinanciering, GO (business loan guarantee scheme). 

5. SME Credit Guarantee Scheme (BMKB)

The BMKB scheme has been extended from 16 March 2020 to 1 April 2021 to help SME entrepreneurs secure bank guarantees and bridge financing.  Only those SME’s financially struggling due to the COVID-19 outbreak can apply for the  BMKB-C scheme.  

6. Extension of Loans to Agricultural and Horticultural Businesses

Similar extensions have been granted to businesses in the agriculture sector. They can apply under the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Agriculture (BL-C) for a bridge loan of up to €1.2 million.  

7. Deferment of payments and reduction of interest by Qredits

Entrepreneurs are given a suspension of loan repayments for six months by microcredit provider, Qredits. During these six months, the interest will also be reduced to 2%. The government is putting six million euros to Qredits.

8. Compensation for Entrepreneurs in Affected Sectors (TOGS)

A once-off compensation of €4000 is granted to entrepreneurs in specific sectors, affected by COVID-19. This compensation is called Tegemoetkoming Ondernemers Getroffen Sectoren COVID-19, TOGS in Dutch. 

Eligible Sectors

• Food and beverage

• Hair, nail and beauty care

• Travel agents and tour operators

• Swimming Pools, sports clubs, fitness centres, saunas, and sport events

• Private cultural organisations such as musea, circuses, theatres and music schools

• Event locations and organisers

• Casinos

As of 30 March, this compensation has been extended to retail. You can simply enter your business KvK number into the SBI-code search tool of the RVO website to establish if your business is eligible.

Requirements

• Company must have a physical address in the Netherlands and registered with KvK before 16 March 2020

• No more than 250 employees

• Not a public company

• No bankruptcy or suspension of payment filed.

• Loss of turnover of at least €4000 from 15 March to 15 June 2020 expected

• Expect the cost of at least €4000 from 15 March to 15 June 2020

• Company has not received more than €200 000 in government support across the last three fiscal years (includes the current year)

• Non-hospitality type businesses must have at least one branch, with an address other than the owner’s home address. Transactions in the hospitality sector with SBI codes 56.10.1, 56.10.2 and 56.30 are exempt. These companies must lease, rent or own at least one location. 

How to apply?

• You can only apply from Friday 27 March 16:30 until Friday 26 June 17:00

• Apply online with your Digid or eHerkenning with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO)

9. The Incentive Scheme eHealth at Home (SET)

SET has been extended to support healthcare organisations to invest in apps, software and hardware to be able to offer their clients online health solutions.  At the time of writing, due to an overwhelming amount of applications, this subsidy is temporarily suspended.

10. Further Extensions

The export credit insurance facility will be extended to make it possible for businesses to apply for a short-term guarantee with a shorter run time than two years.  The Dutch Trade and Investment Fund (DTIF) will also be extended to include pre-delivery advances. 

Other Considerations

Domestic Workers

Many  Amsterdam Mamas families may often pay domestic workers, such as cleaners, gardeners and babysitters, in cash.   Many of these employees are vulnerable to this economic crisis and rely on regular work and pay to support their families or pay rent or buy food.  Please consider how to strike a fair balance between reducing unnecessary contact and supporting their employment and security.

Technically all home services employees – whether you have a written contract or not –  are entitled to sick pay, holiday pay and a reasonable notice period.

Supporting Hospitality Industry

Restaurants, bars and cafes have been shut since 15 March. You can still support your local or favourite eatery by ordering online.  

Thuisbezorgd and other delivery companies have contactless options to pay and will leave deliveries at the door to reduce close contact. Remember to tape a tip to your door.  

Small Businesses Targeted to Families

If you have a small business, struggling due to COVID-19, think of how you can offer your services online.  Feel free to advertise your online classes and services in our Corona Crisis Advertising post so we can help keep this community going. And don’t forget to join Amsterdam Business Mamas to work together, network and get more ideas for how to keep your business going.

Quick Reference Links:

Infographic – Government COVID-19 Aid 

An overview of the government aid and tax measures

The coronavirus and your company: government measures to help businesses

https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/coronavirus-covid-19/veelgestelde-vragen-per-onderwerp/financiele-regelingen

https://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/nl/home/content/coronavirus

Photocredit: Canva

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As parents, freelancing often feels like the answer to all our woes. The flexible hours mean you might spend more time with your children, feel more relaxed, and best of all, be the boss. While anything in life is hardly that easy, it just might be worth exploring.

The scary place over the edge of your comfort zone is where the magic happens, but before you take that plunge, make sure you’ve asked yourself these questions, among others:

• Have I thought of a name for my company? You might want to check out the KvK guide for choosing one.
• What about work-space? The Amsterdam Mamas’ guide to cafes with workspaces will surely get you in the mood.
• What will I charge for my services?
• Do I have a marketing strategy in mind to attract clients?
• Do I have an organisational strategy in mind to keep abreast of finances?
• Have I registered with the KvK?

Step 1: Registration 

The first step is to register online at the Kamer van Koophandel/KvK (Dutch Chamber of Commerce), as a freelancer, commonly known, here, as a ZZP’er (zelfstandige zonder personeel). You have a  choice between several legal structures for your business. In most circumstances, freelancers opt for an eenmanzaak (sole proprietorship), but it is wise to evaluate other options as well. Once you’ve made your choice, the website will ask you to fill out some details after which you can make an appointment to finalise the process. You will receive a BTW nummer (VAT number) from the Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Office) once you completed your registration. Registration costs €50.

Step 2 – Filing Taxes

Quarterly Tax

You will be required to add tax (usually 9% or 21% depending on the service or product you are selling) to your chargeable fee. Ensure your invoices comply with the official requirements.

Exemption from BTW (VAT) is possible in some cases.  

Quarterly, you will have to calculate a BTW aangifte (VAT declaration) and transfer the amount to the Belastingdienst. Remember to file the tax return, even if you haven’t earned anything. If you don’t complete this process before the deadline, you will have to pay a fine (cue, ominous music!)

The quarterly tax is easy enough to file on your own, once you get the hang of it. However, taking a few seminars, or consultations with a tax advisor may help keep stress levels down. Your local library may even offer free tax workshops and talks.

Annual Income Tax

The annual income tax need not be as dreadful as you anticipate. Of course, it is much trickier for freelancers. For those who would like to file their taxes themselves, the good news is that the Belastingdienst website is comprehensive, (‘google translate,’ to the rescue). Here is a list of criteria which make you eligible for annual income tax.

Book-keeping software is crucial to your survival when you’re taking on this arduous task. There are many options available; some mamas swear by Moneybird, while Wave seems to be a huge hit with others. Quickbooks is another popular accounting software choice. 

To be regarded as a self-employed freelancer you must have a minimum of three clients, and should not be spending more than 70% of your working hours on any one of them.

The Good News

Tax Breaks

There are many ondernemersaftrek (tax breaks) available to entrepreneurs, especially when they start (yay!). Note that to qualify for any of these you must work for a minimum number of hours on your business, in a financial year. These hours can include unpaid work. So, make sure you keep track of your working hours. Most people keep a spreadsheet detailing the time spent on different activities, such as business development, study/research, travel, etc.

Another tax facility available for newbie freelancers is the kleine ondernemersregeling (small-sized entrepreneurs regulation). A freelancer who pays less than €1,883 VAT a year can qualify for this facility.  

Claiming Expenses 

Business expenses such as work-related travel, marketing, communication, legal, accountancy, equipment costs, and services from a third party can be deducted.

Keep in Mind

Another tax facility available for newbie freelancers is the kleine ondernemersregeling (small-sized entrepreneurs regulation). A freelancer who pays less than €1,883 VAT a year can qualify for this facility. 

To be regarded as a self-employed freelancer you must have a minimum of three clients, and should not be spending more than 70% of your working hours on any one of them. Model contracts are available to prove to the tax authorities that your status is not that of an employee. They are not mandatory to use since you and your client can draw one up yourselves and have it verified by the tax authorities.

With freelancing, comes great responsibility, and you should think about insurance and your pension. While you can opt for a national pension scheme, it is advisable to diversify your portfolio, so that you do not rely solely on one source, which can be risky.

There, you’re all caught up, but know that this is just the tip of the iceberg. Be prepared to be confused a lot of the time, but also take comfort in the fact that there is a vast community of business Ma-Pas out there, who’ve been there and can provide you with the support you might need. Don’t be afraid to reach out. You’ve got this!

The post Setting Up a Freelance Business in the Netherlands appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

Throw the light switch on, and the gloom of short winter days and endless nights is gone. Extreme temperatures outside? No problem, step inside into the air conditioning. Televisions, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, lighting, heating and cooling, wifi etc. – everything seemingly works at the flip of a switch and life without these ‘amenities’ is unthinkable for most of us.

Yet how often do we think about where our utilities—electricity, gas and water—come from? As long as there are 24 hours of running water, power in the electric sockets and a continuous supply of gas for the cooker, most of us don’t think much about the origins and how our utilities… beyond perhaps hunting for a good deal on them.

Electricity and Gas

To begin, let’s look at where electricity comes from. At its most basic, electricity exists in the form of currents. These currents are all around us, for example, in the fantastic displays of lightning during thunderstorms. But most of this ‘natural electricity’ cannot be harnessed to use as a power source in our homes and industry. What we can use is produced in power plants, mostly from burning fossil fuels (coal, natural gas and oil) and converting the thermal energy produced into electricity.

The Netherlands is a land rich in natural gas and this resource has been harvested in the past to produce the majority of electric power. Natural gas is also supplied directly to homes for cooking and heating. However, like coal, natural gas is a non-renewable resource and its usage causes pollution. The Dutch government has decided to close down natural gas extraction from the largest plant in Groningen by 2030 and replace it with a nitrogen plant where imported gas will be converted into fuel in a sustainable way. Furthermore, according to the Energiagenda policy document published in 2016, gas heating and cooking will be phased out by 2050. This means that there will be no new gas connections to private houses and no new gas infrastructure will be developed. Instead, focus will be on providing green power through sustainable sources like windmills, geothermal energy etc.

There are many electricity providers (stroom leveranciers) in the Netherlands from which to choose, including green companies like Nuon/Vattenfall, Essent, Enco, Green Choice, and Easy Energy. While some of these companies, like Nuon/Vattenfall have invested in offshore wind energy, most fall short of their promises in terms of how green their electricity really is. So, while it’s quite uncomplicated to change your utilities supplier in the Netherlands and sites like Easy Switch and energievergelijken give you an overview of providers and costs, it pays to keep tabs on the sustainability factor too. Here is a comprehensive rating of energy suppliers in terms of sustainability as of 2018.

Thanks to strong initiatives and incentives by the Dutch government, solar energy has gained popularity in the Netherlands in the past few years. Homeowners can get tax subsidies and loans for installing solar panels (PV panels short for photovoltaic cell) on the roof of their houses. According to a study by Utrecht University, an estimated 2.5 million households will be on solar power by 2023. More information on existing Net metering and what it means can be found on the links provided.

Water Supply

We are extremely lucky to be living in a country where the tap water is of a very superior quality. Tap water in Amsterdam is of the highest quality in the country and the safest and cleanest in the whole of Europe. The government credits this to proper maintenance of pipelines and the fact that no chlorine or fluoride is added to the water supply. In fact, drinking tap water in the Netherlands is safer than drinking bottled water because tap water goes through much stricter quality checks than bottled water. It is also much better for the environment. The water supplier Waternet recently installed free water fountains all over Amsterdam in an effort to make clean drinking water available to people and reduce use of single-use plastic bottles.

60% of the drinking water in The Netherlands comes from groundwater and 40% from surface water sources. Currently there are 10 drinking water supply companies in the Netherlands. Which company supplies your water depends on where you live. While we take the supply of high quality water for granted, it is our responsibility to minimise polluting the waste water with chemicals.

Amsterdam continues to explore ways in which our household refuse can be recycled sustainably and responsibly. Medicines and household chemicals should never be disposed off in the general waste, drained down the sink or flushed down the toilet. Unused medicines can be taken back to the local pharmacy. All other chemicals such as paint, oil, toner, cleaning agents can be taken to the recycling station. Check out the points in your area here. 

Amsterdam is now even recycling cooking fat and used frying oil for biofuel at specific supermarkets, schools, sports clubs and children’s farms!

Out and About – Green Transport

In a commendable effort to battle climate change and reduce carbon emissions, the Dutch government has been actively supporting the switch to plug-in electric commercial and private vehicles through exemption of registration fees and road taxes since 2015. The Dutch government has made a commitment to phase out all new cars that are run on non-renewable fuel by 2030. While there has been a substantial increase in the number of electric plug-in vehicles in the Netherlands in the past few years, the market share of alternative fuel-based cars is only around 7% as opposed to 75% of petrol cars. It’s also worth considering that while electric vehicles help reduce carbon emissions, unless the electricity used to power these vehicles is green, the problem is far from solved.

Another sustainable transport option for those who do not use cars on a regular basis and for whom owning a car does not make economical sense are the car sharing services now available in Amsterdam. These services are based on a business model similar to Airbnb.

The Netherlands is one of the most well connected countries in terms of public transport in the world. With trains, trams, and buses forming a network of connectivity throughout the cities and provinces, travel by public transport is convenient and time saving. Most of the trams and trains currently run on electricity and there are plans by the government to switch to 100% emission free buses by 2025. While all these changes may seem to be some time away, one has to consider the cost and planning that goes into making these changes. Travelling by public transport as it stands today is one of the most eco-friendly ways to get out and about. Another benefit is that one des not have to look for and pay hefty fees for parking.

Sustainable living is a choice that we can make every day, whether it is choosing our energy supplier, turning down the heat, recycling household waste, using reusable bags/containers, opting for electric/hybrid cars, or travelling by public transport. Every choice makes a difference. We didn’t arrive at the brink of irreversible climate change in a day, or even a year and it’s naive to hope the solution will happen overnight. With that in mind, in the words of Wayne Dyer:

“If you change the way you look at things, the things yoou look at change.”

Photo credit: Bar chart created by Audrey Coggins via imgflip Chart Maker, banner image by Freepik, water image by Freepik

The post Living Sustainably: Utilities, Transport and More appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

With summer fast approaching, it’s time to investigate the guidelines to owning a boat in Amsterdam and further understanding this fun transport option.

What You Need (besides the boat!!)

A special license is only necessary for boats longer than 15 metres or capable of speeds faster than 20 kph. If you are planning to pilot something smaller and slower than that, you are already good to go.

Harbour Fee

Amsterdam’s waterways are managed by Waternet.

If you plan to moor your boat within city waters you are required to pay an annual harbour fee (binnenhavengeld).  This is calculated with two aspects in mind:

• Square meters: the total square meters of your boat (width x length)
• Motor type: The annual fee has two rates, an environmental and a regular one.

After paying the harbour fee you will receive a sticker which you are required to place on the port (left) side of your vessel. This allows Waternet to check if you have paid your fee or not.

If your boat does not have a harbour fee sticker, or it is moored in a prohibited location, you can be fined between €10 and €17.60 per metre, based on the length of your craft. Your boat may also be towed away, in which case you will be required to pay a towing fee of €182 and a storage fee of €0.90 per metre.

Mooring

You may moor your boat anywhere in the city except for certain clearly-marked locations such as under bridges, in narrow waterways, in junctions, or by rescue steps. Starting in 2019 it is no longer permissable to moor boats in the Red Light District.

Parking

It is important to know that docking sites may not be claimed except in the case of houseboats, which have permanent mooring permits. Having said that, there is still a “gentleman’s agreement” in regard to this. If you choose a location to moor, be sure to give clear indications that there is actually a boat to be moored there. If someone takes your spot you should be able to reach an agreement of understanding by letting the person know that you usually have your boat moored there. Remember that for boats above 12 meters length you should be thinking of mooring in a marina.

Marinas / Harbour Clubs

A selection of Marinas in Amsterdam are:

The City Marina 

Port Entrepot  

Peek Watersport 

E Harbour (for Electric Boats only).

But there are also great marinas and harbour clubs right outside of Amsterdam like the Vinkeveense Plassen, also known as the Amsterdam Lake district.

Jachthaven Vinkeveen 

Life Vests vs Swimming Vests

A swimming vest (zwemvest) is an aid for swimming, and they are available for children weighing 30kg and up. A life vest (reddingsvest) is a personal flotation device designed to save lives and are available from the newborn size of 5kg. These life vests are designed to turn the child onto his/her back and to hold the head and face above water to enable breathing.

Life vests are not mandatory but highly recommended! When purchasing a live vest make sure you are well informed about the type of vests that fit your situation best (sea, lake, canal).

Lana Huf-Germain is a born and bred Amsterdammer. She understands the difficulties faced by international families with no grasp of the language or history, and the extra problems this brings raising a family in Amsterdam. She started Amsterdam Family Assistance to help families new to the Netherlands overcome these barriers and make them feel at home.

Photo credit: Jachthaven Vinkeveen

The post So, You Want to Own a Boat in Amsterdam? appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

New Dutch Matrimonial Property Law as of 1 January 2018

A new law on matrimonial property came into force in the Netherlands on 1 January 2018. From that date onwards, unless otherwise stipulated by prenuptial agreement, a limited community of property regime applies to all marriages contracted in the Netherlands. Under this regime, only those assets and debts acquired during the marriage form part of the community of property, while those assets acquired by inheritance or as a gift, pension rights and survivor’s pensions covered by the Dutch Act on Equalisation of Pension Entitlements after a Separation are excluded. The community of property also includes assets owned jointly by the spouses prior to marriage (e.g. while living together).

This change to the law governing Dutch matrimonial property might raise questions for couples who plan to marry here, couples that are already married here, and for couples that have married abroad.

Choice of Law

For couples intending to marry in the Netherlands, it is wise to consult a notary familiar with international family law to draw up a prenuptial agreement. This agreement should include the choice of  law to govern matrimonial property. This will remain applicable in many countries to which the couple might move at a future date, the UK and USA excepted.

Under Dutch Private International law, couples may choose:

• the law of the State of which one of the partners has nationality;
• the law of the State where one of the partners has his or her residence at the time of the choice;
• the law of the State where the couple will have their first habitual residence after marriage.

For real estate the couple may choose the law of the State where the property is located.

The designation of a specific law must be expressly agreed or unambiguously derive from a marital agreement.

So, if one of the partners is a Dutch national, or at least one of the partners is resident in the Netherlands, the couple may elect to have their matrimonial property governed by Dutch law in which case the new law on marital property mentioned above will also apply.

Determination of Applicable Law on Matrimonial Property Law

Couples who are already married, whether here or abroad, may wish to determine which law is applicable to their matrimonial property, if a choice was not previously made by prenuptial agreement.

As we are in the Netherlands, we will approach the matter on the basis of Dutch Private International rules. However, for couples currently living abroad or moving abroad at a future date, the applicable law needs to be determined on the basis of the Private International rules of the other State. The law applicable to their marital property may well be different.

In the Netherlands, the Hague Convention on the Law Applicable to Matrimonial Property Regimes 1978, applies to marriages solemnised after 1 September 1992. (Please consult your notary if you married prior to this date.) If no choice of law was made by prenuptial agreement, then the applicable law is the law of the first common habitual residence of the spouses, if the spouses do not have common nationality. For spouses with a common nationality, their national law applies under certain conditions. If the spouses have neither a first common habitual residence, nor a common nationality, then the law of the State with which the spouses are most closely connected applies. Please be aware that the applicable law can change through naturalization, immigration, and after 10 years of residence in a particular country. These changes can be prevented by making a choice of law or concluding a marital agreement.

Previous Dutch Matrimonial Property Law For Couples Married Before 1 January 2018

If Dutch matrimonial property law turns out to be the law applicable to matrimonial property and the couple was married before 1 January 2018, the previous statutory regime consists of a comprehensive (rather than a limited) community of property. All assets which the spouses owned at the beginning of the marriage and all assets which they acquired after the marriage belong to the community of property for so long as the community is not dissolved. Assets which are acquired by inheritance or gift remain outside the community providing the last will of the deceased or the intention of the donor explicitly states this to be the case (an exclusion clause). Pension rights as intended in the Dutch Act on Equalisation of Pension Rights in the Event of Separation and surviving dependents’ pensions do not belong to the community. Assets (and debts) that are exclusively connected to one of the spouses do not fall within the community either. Debts entered into by the individual spouses also belong to the community and are to be paid out of the community’s assets.

Consequences of Divorce / Separation For The Community of Property

The marital community of property, in both its previous and current versions, is dissolved by divorce. In principle the spouses are each entitled to one half of the assets. After dissolution of the community, each spouse can ask for the return of his / her clothes, jewellery, professional and business equipment, papers and family mementos. The distribution can be established in a divorce agreement or by a judge and can be requested at any time.

Consequences of Death for the Community of Property

If the matrimonial property regime is the Dutch community of property, whether in its old or new versions, then the surviving spouse is entitled to one half of the undivided community property, while the other half goes into the estate of the deceased. The surviving spouse holds a special position in inheritance law: according to the law, if he / she is an heir together with the children, all of the assets from the deceased’s estate are allocated to him / her under the obligation to pay off all debts, while the children retain claims upon the estate that need only be paid out upon the surviving parent’s death. If the surviving spouse is excluded from the deceased’s will or s/he is otherwise in need, s/he can request the right of use and usufruct of the former matrimonial home and a right of usufruct on other assets.

The post The New Dutch Matrimonial Property Law and Applicable Law on Matrimonial Property appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

When I moved to The Netherlands from a rural American town a few years ago, I encountered a huge lifestyle difference that caught me by surprise: the ubiquity of technology in daily life. Before moving here, I was still writing checks, using a landline for my telephone, accessing government offices by mail or in person, and finding online banking slow and cumbersome. Now, I am learning to love electronic transactions: from public transportation, to online banking, to uploading health care reimbursement forms, digital is the way to go!

Thus, it is no surprise that here in the Netherlands, there is an easy way to access all kinds of government documents without personally trudging to a distant office, kids in tow (especially when it’s raining, which is often). May I present to you – the DigID!  

DigiD – Your Digital Identity

The DigiD is a way to prove your identity online. When you visit a government office, you must often present an ID card, passport, or driver’s license to prove your identity. Once you sign up for your DigiD, the government knows it’s you – it’s linked to your BSN number and other information about you. When you login with your DigiD, you get access to hundreds of Dutch government websites. Information you previously had to collect in person is now available on your home computer; you can check on all kinds of personal documents this way. Some agencies now even require you to have a DigiD.

If, like me, you tend toward the back end of the technology-adoption curve, you probably hadn’t heard of DigiD until recently. Or maybe you’d heard of it but have been avoiding another new online process! I can assure you the whole DigiD process is very simple. The main DigiD website is super helpful, available in both Dutch and English, has loads of FAQ’s to answer all your questions, and easy instructions for how to get your DigiD.

How to Say It

I have to give a quick tip on the correct pronunciation of DigiD. As an English-speaker, I assumed it was pronounced “didge-eye-dee”. Wrong! I quickly discovered that particular pronunciation can annoy native Dutch speakers! They will usually correct you when you say it incorrectly. The correct pronunciation is “digh-ee-day,” with the famous Dutch “g”. You may discover when you say it correctly that the people you’re speaking to, whether on the phone or in a government office, will suddenly smile and be more helpful.

You must make sure you keep this information confidential. No one may ask you for your username, password, or activation code – not via e-mail, telephone, or any other way.

Keeping Your DigiD Secure

Your DigiD consists of a username and a password of your choice. You must make sure you keep this information confidential. No one may ask you for your username, password, or activation code – not via e-mail, telephone, or any other way. In fact, I recently witnessed on online scam with a website using an URL similar to the official government URL asking for the DigiD to access. Good thing it looked fake! You must be as vigilant with your DigiD as you are with credit cards, bank card info, etc.  

For additional protection, you can apply for your DigiD with an extra verification step via SMS. Some organizations require the extra SMS verification to use their files. You can still use the SMS function without a mobile phone (in case you still have one of those landlines I mentioned). In this case, you receive a voice message on your fixed phone number.

Important note: If you set up SMS, you have to wait three days for an activation code to be sent by post. So if you need to use your DigiD quickly and don’t need the SMS code for your first task, you can actually skip that step and add it at a later date.

When you log in with your DigiD, a secure, encrypted connection is established between DigiD and your computer. If you are concerned about security, you can check the DigiD website for more details about the many ways they try to keep your data safe.  

Who Accepts DigiD?

The list of organizations for which you can use the DigiD is a mile long. There are banks, healthcare organizations, pension funds, water boards, municipal governments, courts, and many more. You can access student aid, the Tax Authority (Belastingdienst), and the police. You can even use your DigiD with HEMA, although for what I’m not exactly sure! 

Quickly Complete Tasks with Your DigiD

Here are just a few examples of routine duties you can perform easily from home with a DigiD:

• Access the SVB or Sociale Verzekeringsbank (Social Insurance Bank) to check how much kinderbijslag (child allowance) you will get and when it will be paid.
• Receive and file tax bills with the Belastingdienst. Their website also allows you to change the bank account you would like them to use for any tax refunds (always lovely when you get them!).
• Check water bills and tax with Waternet.
• Log-on to the UWV or Uitvoeringsorgaan Werknemers Verzekeringen (Social Insurance Agency) to sign up for unemployment/sick leave benefits.   
• Do a calculation with the rekentool (online calculator) on your Gemeente (local goverment) website to calculate and request an official quotation for the cost of buying your erpfacht (land lease).
• Request an excerpt from the municipal personal records database through your local Gemeente website.
• Empower others to use you DigiD without actually giving it to them, such as lawyers helping you navigate a government process or tax advisors filing your taxes.

So, spare yourself all those trips to government and other offices. Get a DigiD for convenient, at-home, digital access, and enjoy a cup of tea in your pajamas while you take care of life’s tedious but necessary paperwork in the comfort of your own home. 

The post DigiD? What It Is, and Why You Need It appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

Maybe it’s when your aunt in India sends you a box filled with lovely clothes for your new baby. Maybe it’s when you order mascara from an American web shop because you can’t find your favourite brand anywhere in Europe. It happens to nearly every Amsterdam Mama sooner or later: the delivery person asks you to pay a fee just to hand over your parcel.

What’s happening here?

The answer is that if you import goods from a non-EU country to the Netherlands, or if a family member sends you a package from abroad, you usually have to pay import taxes and fees. The courier declares your goods to the Dutch Customs and you will be asked to pay those costs when they deliver your parcel.

This handy guide will help ease the sticker shock that can happen when ordering goods or receiving gifts from outside the EU.

What Are Import Tax, Sales tax, and Processing Fee?

The total calculated taxes and fees are based on the customs value – the actual value of the package, plus shipping and insurance cost.

Import Tax (invoerrechten): How much import duty (tax) you owe on a particular product can be difficult to find. Rates can vary wildly between 0 – 17%! It is 0% on computers, books and beauty products and runs up to 16.9% for sports shoes.  

Sales Tax/VAT (omzetbelasting/BTW): You pay 6% VAT on food, medication, books, art, and antiques and 21% VAT on most other consumer goods.

Declaration & Processing Fee (inklaringskosten): Every postal and courier company can set their own processing fee (costs they make to declare your package to Dutch Customs). The current fees (as of September 2017) are: 

• DHL, FedEx €10
• UPS: €10,50
• USPS, TNT Express, post.nl, China Post, Hongkong Post, Singapore Post: €13
• EMS/TNT: €17,50 

Importing from a business (online order) – outside the EU

If the goods’ value, plus shipping and insurance are:

• < €22 euro: no fees, no VAT
• €22-€150: no import duty, 6%/21% VAT + €13 processing fee
• > €150: 0-17% import duty + 6%/21% VAT over total amount + €13 processing fee

An example:

ITEM: $125 hadbag purchased on Amazon US 

$125 + free shipping + $40 for insurance  = €152 (converted value) 

+

Added duty and tax: 3% import duty = €4,56

+

VAT (152+4,56)*21% = €32,88

+ Post.nl’s €13 euro processing fee

TOTAL: €202,44

Quite a markup on a $125 dollar (€115) bag!

For more information 

Receiving a Package from Family or Friends Outside the EU

Rules are a bit friendlier if you’re receiving goods as a private individual from another private individual (e.g. by a family member or friend).

People sending packages to you should pack the present(s) themselves! They can’t, for example, order at amazon.com.au and have that company ship the item(s) to the Netherlands. The products also cannot have a commercial nature (e.g. no large quantities of the same item).

If goods’ value, plus shipping and insurance are:

• < €45: no import duties, no VAT
• €45-€700 euro: 2,5% fixed customs tax + 6%/21% VAT over total amount + €13 processing fee
• > €700: 0-17% import duty + 6%/21% VAT over total amount + €13 processing fee

An example:

ITEM: ¥20,000 (€156) of Japanese household items and clothes

¥20,000

+

¥7,700 (€60) shipping 

+

 ¥1,700 (€13) for insurance

+  

Added duty and tax: 2,5% customs tax = €5,75 + VAT is (156+60+13+5,75)*21% = €49

+

EMS’ €17,50 processing fee. 

Total: A gift worth €216 may eventually cost you almost €72,50 euro (5,75+49+17,50) to open!

More information

What Are the Restrictions on What Can Be Imported from Outside the EU?

Some goods are restricted or even prohibited from being imported into the Netherlands from a non-EU country. This includes tobacco products, counterfeit items, threatened animal and plant varieties, animal products and foodstuffs, plants, flowers, vegetables, fruit, weapons and munitions, toy weapons, medicines, narcotics, art and antiques. You have to pay excise duty for perfume and alcoholic beverages.

What if My Shipment Consists of Several Items?

For items received from companies: You will always pay import tax over the value of the entire shipment.

For example: if there are two items in the package, worth €20 and €300 respectively, you will need to pay tax on the whole amount (€320). Even if the shipment consists of multiple packages with one invoice, it can be considered as a whole.

For items received from individuals: If the total value of the shipment of two or more items is over €45, you are exempt from import duties on one or more items, the value of which is less than € 45. You pay full tax on the value of other item(s). (The value of the items may not be split.)

Trying to Trick Dutch Customs

Some websites recommend asking the sender to write down “gift” and a value lower than €22 (online orders) or lower than €45 (shipments from friends) on the customs form. As this is fraudulent behaviour, we do not endorse this practice.

Dutch Customs frequently open parcels to check their contents to see if they match the declaration form. If the “€20” box contains brand name outfits, make-up items, or a lens for your camera, they will make an estimate, increase the parcel’s value and tax it accordingly.

What Can I Do If I Don’t Agree with the Fees and Taxes?

If you refuse to pay the fees and/or taxes, you can either return the package to sender, or pay and then contest the customs declaration. 

What Happens If I Order From Within the EU?

If you order from within the European Union, you only pay VAT to the entrepreneur from whom you receive the goods, not to the Dutch Customs. Packages from Amazon in Germany or GAP in the UK, for example, should arrive at your house without added fees or taxes. Please note: there are rules in place for importing tobacco, alcoholic beverages and perfume to the Netherlands.

But My Mother Insists on Sending Me Surprise Packages!

The easiest (and probably cheapest) way for grandma to give her new grandchild some presents is to transfer money into your bank account, or to buy you an online gift card for a European store. Although sensible, it’s probably not what she had in mind.

If family or friends insist on sending an actual package your way, to avoid unpleasant surprises when you open the door, you have three options:

1. Be sure the parcel’s real value (including transport cost and insurance) doesn’t exceed €45 and is clearly labeled as a gift.
2. Some online stores offer hassle free international shopping
3. Give family and friends names of European web shops and brands you like, preferably those that accept non-EU credit cards. For example: amazon.co.uk (English), amazon.de (German, free shipping for orders over €29), bol.com (Dutch, free shipping for orders over €20), wehkamp.nl (Dutch, free shipping for orders over €20), or hema.nl (Dutch, free shipping for orders over €25).

Please note: All prices are based on 2017 information and may be subject to change.

The post Importing Articles and Receiving Gifts from Outside the EU appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

Children

If parents are not able to come to an agreement about the children themselves, the Dutch judge will have jurisdiction to rule over the children when they have their habitual residence in the Netherlands. In general, Dutch law will be applicable. The nationality of the children does not play a role. By default, under Dutch law, both parents retain joint custody of their children. In principle, they will have an equal share in taking care of the children but this does not automatically imply co-parenting (50/50).

Until a child reaches 21 years, generally both parents are financially responsible. If the parents are not able to come to an agreement, the judge will rule using a certain calculation system.

Division or Settlement of Matrimonial Property

It is not possible to give a general answer on how matrimonial property is dealt with in divorce proceedings if you are an expat. The result will depend on a number of factors, such as the year you were married, the country in which you married, the first (joint) habitual residence after the marriage, and the duration of your stay in the Netherlands.

Prenuptial agreements (huwelijkse voorwaarden) are respected, unless the content is contrary to public order or morality. It is in your best interest to get expert advice before filing for divorce or going through mediation because the consequences of a small mistake can be big.

Negotiating Alimony or Child Support

In general, a spouse can apply for spousal support (alimony) during or after divorce proceedings. If Dutch law is applicable, it needs to be investigated if there is need for support and if the other spouse is able to pay. The current maximum duration of spousal support is 12 years after the registration of the divorce verdict, unless the duration of the marriage was shorter than five years and no children were born from the marriage. In such cases, if applicable, spousal support needs to be paid only as long as the marriage existed.

In negotiation or mediation, it is possible to make other arrangements about the duration, amount and other conditions of child alimony. The Dutch government, however, is planning reforms in the upcoming years that will change the conditions for spousal support.

Your Pensions

If Dutch law is applicable to matrimonial property, Dutch law will typically also apply to pension rights. It needs to be determined whether the pension rights were built in or outside the Netherlands and how to deal with them in divorce.

Your Dutch Residency and Citizenship

Dutch citizens, EU citizens and anyone with a residence permit in their own name will retain the right to remain in the Netherlands after a divorce. However, if your residence permit is a spousal permit, typically tied to your spouse’s job, you will have to apply for a Dutch permit in your own name if you wish to stay in the Netherlands. Consult your lawyer as part of the divorce mediation, particularly if you are considering a formal separation, as this may also affect your residency rights.

Which Name

It is possible to return to the name you had before you married. Under Dutch law, it is also possible to keep your married name after the divorce. If your spouse does not accept that, the judge can be asked to rule on this subject. By default, the children keep the name they were given at birth. There can be other possible outcomes if arranged as part of the divorce settlement and authorized by the judge.

The post How to File for Divorce in the Netherlands – Part 2 appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

Contact a Specialized Family Lawyer

If you are legally married and want to divorce, your marriage must be formally dissolved by the District Court. The filing can be done by one spouse or on behalf of both spouses. To be able to file for divorce in the Netherlands you will need a lawyer. It is not possible to contact and file your divorce with the District Court yourself. You may find good family lawyers specialized in international family on the Amsterdam Mamas website.

Court Proceedings

It first needs to be determined whether the Dutch judge has jurisdiction to rule on the divorce. This will be the case when at least one spouse still has habitual residence in the Netherlands. Dutch law does not require the spouses to live physically apart for a certain period before they file for divorce.

On the day the lawyer sends the divorce papers on behalf of one spouse to the District Court, the case is ‘pending’. The lawyer will, as instructed by law, contact a bailiff to serve the divorce papers to the other spouse so this spouse is officially informed and can contact a lawyer.

In general, divorce proceedings will consist of a written petition, a written defense (term to file is six to ten weeks) and a court hearing (couple of months, depending on how busy the District Court is). After that, the judge will rule (six to eight weeks) and the verdict will be sent to your lawyer. After the District Court has ruled, there is a three-month period to appeal.

Legal Grounds for Divorce

In the Netherlands, divorce (echtscheiding) is always on the legal grounds of ‘irretrievable breakdown of the marriage’. There is generally no requirement to define or prove this. It will not be to your (financial) advantage or disadvantage if you are the person filing for divorce.

It is, however, possible for the other spouse to contest the divorce claim in the proceedings before the District Court or the Court of Appeal. Although, in general, the Dutch judge will grant the divorce request since it is typically not accepted to force marriage without possible dissolution.

Parenting Plan

For children born from the marriage, you are obliged to provide the District Court with a parenting plan that is signed by both parties. In this parenting plan, the parents need to at least describe how they will share the care for their children post-divorce, how both parents will stay in contact with the children and each other, and how they will take care of their children financially.

Children aged 12 years and older have the legal right to express their opinion before a decision is made. However, it is up to the parents or the judge to decide what will happen with them after the divorce. The children will never be asked to choose between their parents and are not able to decide themselves.

If it is not possible to send in a parenting plan signed by both parties, perhaps because it is hard to communicate with the other spouse at that moment, you will need to explain to the court what actions you have taken to amend that situation. The judge might ask the Child Protection Board to give advice about the situation. Ultimately, however, the judge will decide.

Secondary Provisions

At the same time you file for divorce, it is possible to ask the District Court to rule on other subjects that are connected to the divorce such as:

• custody over the children and their residence after the divorce;
• visitation rights
• child support
• spousal support (alimony)
• division or settlement of property and assets, including the marital home

When the children and the spouse who needs the spousal support all live in the Netherlands at the time of filing the request, the Dutch judge will have jurisdiction to rule on these subjects.

If the ruling on these subjects is not done during the divorce proceedings, it is possible to ask the judge to rule on these subjects in separate proceedings later on. You will need to investigate whether the Dutch judge(still) has jurisdiction or not.

Registration of Verdict

It’s important to be aware that, after the judge has granted the divorce, the marriage is not yet considered as ended. It is first necessary to register the court’s verdict in the register of deaths, births and marriages within nine months (three months for possible appeal and, if not appealed, another six months after that).

If the divorce is not registered in time, the court’s verdict is no longer valid and the marriage will remain as before. On the day of registration of the verdict, the marriage is officially dissolved. In some cases, it will be necessary to register the divorce in your own country as well.

Preliminary Measures

During divorce proceedings, it is possible to ask the judge to take preliminary measures regarding the children, the marital home and child/spousal support. These measures will, in general, only apply during the divorce proceedings and cannot be appealed.

Applicable Law

In both definitive and preliminary measures, it needs to be determined which law is applicable to each subject (matrimonial property, alimony etc.). The Dutch judge may need to apply the law of your country of origin to a specific subject. Sometimes it is possible for the parties to make a choice of law. Your lawyer can give you information on which law applies. Since most family law lawyers do not specialize in private international law, it is wise to contact a specialist.

Mediation

The primary goal of the divorce process in the Netherlands is to help the couple reach an agreement that they can both live with. Even if the petition for divorce is filed by one spouse, the judge will first investigate whether it is possible to come to an agreement about children, finances etc. through mediation.

If both parties consent to it, will they be sent to a mediator. The main part of the process takes the form of mediation meetings, where a divorce agreement is hammered out in the presence of a mediator, lawyer or notary. This can take anywhere from two to ten sessions of one to three hours each.

If the parties come to a divorce agreement, this agreement will be send to the District Court and the judge will only have to rule on the divorce itself, meaning divorce proceedings can be finalized quickly. After that, court proceedings are over.

You cannot be forced to participate in mediation, but the goal is to let the parties understand they will have to find a way to communicate in the future, especially when children are involved. If mediation is unsuccessful, the proceedings are activated and the parties are thereafter not allowed to inform the judge of the content of any mediation negotiations.

It is also possible to go through mediation before a petition for divorce is filed. In that case, the parties contact a – preferably specialized – divorce mediator themselves. If they reach an agreement, the mediator will (if he or she is also a lawyer) submit a petition for divorce on behalf of both parties, accompanied with a signed parenting plan and divorce agreement. In such cases, there will not be a court hearing and the judge will grant the divorce after a couple of weeks.

The mediator assists the parties with registration of the courts’ verdict. Make sure you are well informed about the mediator and the costs in advance. Mediation through internet without face-to-face contact is not recommended, nor supported by the Dutch Bar Association.

Documentation for a Dutch Divorce

The court may request whatever evidence it deems necessary. This can include documents such as:

• identification;
• residency permit information;
• pre-nuptial agreement (huwelijkse voorwaarden), if one exists;
• income, property, assets and tax information;
• information about any children;
• parenting plan, if there are children involved.

This article continues as a Part 2.

The post How to File for Divorce in the Netherlands – Part 1 appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

So maybe you had dreams of a specific career, studied hard, and had fulfilling roles only to have your career path paused by pregnancy? Or maybe you had your kids young, and followed your partner as his career blossomed and now you feel it’s time to make plans for your working life? But here you are, in a new country, a different culture, and with no extended family around to pick up the childcare duties as you begin your search for work. We know it’s difficult; we know it’s easier to stay in your comfort zone than step into the unknown – but here are some steps which may help you on your way.     

Qualifications

The Netherlands is a bureaucratic country, and they love to see proof of your expertise, so if you qualified outside of the Netherlands you can have your diploma officially recognised. If you are in a regulated profession this is essential in order to develop your career in the Netherlands. Even if this is not the case, it’s a useful step to be able to explain what your qualifications mean in Dutch terms. The organisation which does this is NUFFIC and part of their website is in English.

Childcare 

Next, think about childcare, because if you feel your kids are safe you can spread your wings. No matter how young – or old – your kids are, there is a form of childcare which is appropriate. Paying for childcare is not the same as having family take care of them for you, but on the other hand, you have control over how your children are cared for. It is expensive, but there is a childcare allowance (kinderopvang toeslag) that can be applied for. Many organisations are used to international families, and can provide carers who speak your home language. Check out the Amsterdam Mamas website for articles of what is available and what is the norm in Netherlands. This article is a good place to start.

Career Gaps

Let’s seize the bull by the horns and address your “career gap”. To be honest, this is less of an issue in the Netherlands than in other countries, but sadly, for what feminists may feel are negative reasons. According to government statistics, almost 50% of women in the Netherlands either don’t work or work part time, and 70% of women in the Netherlands are not financially independent. The government is stimulating the return of women to the workforce with several initiatives which could benefit you as a job seeker.

But let’s concentrate on your own career gap. Think about what you have you been doing for the past months or years. Relocating to a new country? Assimilating a new language and culture? Managing a household? Volunteering at school/childcare? These are all new experiences which have brought with them new skills. Think flexibility, adaptability, eager to take on new challenges, project management, leadership, team building. Girl, you are amazing!

Updating your Skills

If you still feel you need to upskill or retrain, then there are opportunities to do so either online or in a classic learning situation. There are online platforms with courses designed by top educational institutions, many of the courses are open access, although you’ll need to pay for the examination and certification. Coursera and Future Learn are both worth checking out. Dutch universities are some of the best in the world and offer many degree programmes in English. For more in-depth studies, begin your research here. 

Update your CV 

When you are ready to start applying for roles, it’s time to update your CV and LinkedIn profile. These are your calling cards to recruiters – the first impression a potential employer gets of you and the value you can add to their organisation. If you need tips on how to create an effective CV and LinkedIn profile, there are some great articles on the topic by LinkedIn influencer Liz Ryan, or get in touch with experts on a local level.

You Don’t Have to Be Superwoman

If the thought of going back into your old profession feels as if you will not be able to perform as well as you did before you had children, try to remember why that job was so demanding. Was it because of the burden of work? Was your boss a slave driver? Or was it because the situation did not allow you to set boundaries? If it was the last reason, then maybe taking coaching sessions will help you to see how you can approach a new job with a new, strong, mind-set.

Let’s get one thing clear, going back to work after you have had your children is not compulsory; being a full-time mom is difficult but immensely rewarding. However, if you enjoyed the work you did in the past, and you feel ready to pick that career up again, we hope these steps will help you begin that journey back to a fulfilling career and personal financial independence.

photo credit: Shutterstock

The post Getting Your Career Back on Track after Having a Baby – Getting Started appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.