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Thing to do in Winter in the Netherlands

5 winter activities in the Netherlands you can’t miss! 

The winter season is always filled of joy and that “gezellig” feeling that surrounds the festivities. However, it is still difficult to come up with activities to spend quality time with family and friends at this time of year. The ...

Dutch health insurance

Dutch health insurance 101: a beginner’s guide

Are you planning to come to the Netherlands for work? Everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands is required by law to take out Dutch health insurance. A standard health insurance package is compulsory covering consultation with a GP, hospital treatment, and prescription, while an additional package such as for dental check-ups is optional.  

Person learning the Dutch language

Submission to Octagon: personal reflection on learning Dutch to live in the Netherlands 

We at Octagon Professionals are made up of a team of expats and internationals from all over the world. So many members of our team have first-hand experience about what it’s like to be an expat and live in a ...

Debunking 5 myths about visas in the Netherlands (2.0)

For this edition of debunking Visas myths, we bring you 5 common myths around visas and permits to live and work in the Netherlands. 1. “I can relocate my non-European workers to the Netherlands without extra steps.“ It is not ...

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What makes the Netherlands an attractive destination for expats 

If you are looking for reasons to decide to move to the Netherlands, you are in the right place. Whether you want to start a business, study, or go in search of a new professional direction, the country of windmills ...

What permit do non-EU professionals need to work in the Netherlands?

Are you looking to move and work in the Netherlands?  We understand, there are a multitude of reasons that drive international professionals to come here to find work. The multicultural society, the high level and density of English proficiency, the ...

Paid vs unpaid leave in the Netherlands

While working in the Netherlands, you may encounter three different types of leave: statutory leave, special leave, and unpaid leave. Whether you’re an employer or an employee, it’s important to understand the type of leave you’re dealing with and the rules and considerations that ...

How to apply for STAP budget

STAP is a specific subsidy intended to support working people to learn new skills so they can better perform at their job, or be trained to do something new. A new application period opens every 3 months – meaning your ...