Holland Expat Center South (Eindhoven)
Moving to the Netherlands as a highly skilled migrant or expat can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. One of the best resources for a smooth transition in the Eindhoven region is the Holland Expat Center South. This one-stop service centre helps internationals register, settle, and integrate into Dutch life quickly and efficiently.
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At BlueStone, we understand the challenges highly skilled migrants face when relocating for work. We guide highly skilled migrants through essential processes like payroll, permits, and Dutch legal requirements. This blog provides a complete guide to the Holland Expat Center South, how it can assist you, and why it’s a must-visit for newcomers in Eindhoven and surrounding regions.
What Is Holland Expat Center South?
The Holland Expat Center South is a government-supported service that assists highly skilled migrants, international employees, researchers, and their families with official procedures and integration in the Netherlands.
Located in Eindhoven, it serves expats in the Brainport Eindhoven region, as well as parts of Noord-Brabant and Limburg, including cities like Tilburg, Helmond, Veldhoven, and Den Bosch.
Unlike standard municipal offices, the Holland Expat Center South is explicitly tailored to help internationals easily navigate Dutch bureaucracy.
Who Can Use the Holland Expat Center South?
The Expat Center is designed for:
Highly skilled migrants working in the Netherlands
Scientific researchers and PhD students
Entrepreneurs and start-up founders
International employees relocating to the Eindhoven region.
Spouses and family members moving with ex-pats.
If your employer is a recognised sponsor with the IND (Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service), you can often use the Expat Centre's fast-track services.
Why Highly Skilled Migrants Should Visit the Expat Center
For many expats, the first weeks in the Netherlands involve handling registrations, permits, and official paperwork. The Holland Expat Center South simplifies this process by offering:
1. BSN Registration & Residence Permit Collection
One of the first steps after arriving in the Netherlands is obtaining a BSN (Citizen Service Number). Instead of visiting multiple offices, the Expat Center allows you to complete this process in one location.
Services include:
Municipal registration to get your BSN
IND residence permit collection (if applicable)
Official address registration
Many employers work directly with the Expat Center to speed up this process, allowing expats to start working without delays.
2. Information on Dutch Healthcare & Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands, and expats must arrange coverage within four months of arrival. The Expat Center provides guidance on:
How to choose the right health insurance
Finding a General Practitioner (GP)
Understanding Dutch healthcare costs and allowances
3. Taxation & 30% Ruling Application
Highly skilled migrants may qualify for the 30% Ruling, a Dutch tax benefit that allows expats to receive 30% of their salary tax-free. The Expat Center provides guidance on applying for this ruling and understanding local tax obligations.
4. Housing & Municipality Information
The housing market in Eindhoven is competitive, and securing accommodation can be a challenge. The Expat Center offers:
Advice on rental contracts and tenant rights
Information on housing allowances (huurtoeslag)
Guidance on utility registration (electricity, water, internet)
5. Driving License Exchange & Transportation
If you hold a valid foreign driving license, you may be eligible to exchange it for a Dutch license. The Expat Center can:
Guide you through the driving license exchange process.
Provide information on biking, public transport, and OV-chipkaart
6. Social & Professional Networking
Moving to a new country is about more than just paperwork. The Holland Expat Center South offers free events, networking opportunities, and integration programs, including:
Expat meetups and cultural events
Dutch language courses and social activities
Career development workshops
For highly skilled migrants moving with families, the centre also provides schooling information and childcare resources.
Where Is Holland Expat Center South Located?
The main office of the Holland Expat Center Southis located in:
Vestdijk 27A, 5611 CA Eindhoven
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 17:00
Appointments are required for official registrations and residence permit collection. However, expats can also visit for general inquiries without an appointment.
