SA in the Netherlands

Resources & Guides

Everything South Africans need to know about living, working and thriving in the Netherlands — all in one place.

6
Resource sections
NL
Verified info
2026
Up to date

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Emergency
Emergency Numbers NL
Save these before you need them
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Police / Fire / Ambulance 112 — Emergency only
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Police (non-emergency) 0900 8844
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Out-of-hours Doctor (Huisartsenpost) Call your GP first — check their website for after-hours number
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Gas / Electricity outage 0800 9009
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Roadside breakdown (ANWB) 088 269 2222
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Coast Guard 0900 0111
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Contact
SA Embassy — The Hague
Passports, visas & consular services
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Address Wassenaarseweg 40
2596 CJ Den Haag
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Office hours Mon–Fri, 09:00–12:00
(closed SA & NL public holidays)
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Email info@zuidafrika.nl
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After hours emergency +31 615 574 596
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Website zuidafrika.nl
Visit Embassy Website →
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Tax 2026
Dutch Tax Deadlines 2026
Filing your 2025 income tax return
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1 March 2026 Filing window opens for 2025 tax year
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1 April 2026 File by this date to receive assessment before 1 July
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1 May 2026 ← Standard deadline Final deadline to file without penalty
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1 September 2026 Extended deadline if you requested uitstel
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30% Ruling — 2026 change Stays at 30% in 2026, drops to 27% from Jan 2027. Partial non-resident status expires Dec 2026.
Go to Belastingdienst →
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Guide
Starting a Business in NL
KVK registration step by step
1️⃣
Get your BSN Register at your municipality (gemeente) to get a Burger Service Number
2️⃣
Apply for DigiD Your digital ID for all Dutch government services — digid.nl
3️⃣
Choose your legal form Eenmanszaak (sole trader) is the simplest. BV (Ltd) for larger ventures.
4️⃣
Register with KVK Fill in online form, book appointment, bring valid ID. One-time fee: €75. Receive KVK number same day.
5️⃣
Get your BTW number Belastingdienst issues your VAT number automatically ~1 week after KVK registration
KVK Registration Guide →
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Tax Guide
30% Ruling for Expats
What SA expats need to know in 2026
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What it is 30% of your salary paid tax-free if you qualify as a highly skilled migrant brought from abroad
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2026 rate Still 30% for 2026. Drops to 27% from 1 January 2027.
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Salary cap Max eligible salary: €262,000 in 2026. Income above this taxed normally.
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Partial non-resident status ending The Box 2 & 3 exemption for 30% ruling holders expires 31 December 2026. Act now.
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Get help SA tax specialists in NL: see our directory →
Official 30% Ruling Info →
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Arrival Guide
New to the Netherlands?
Your first steps after arriving
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Register at gemeente Within 5 days of arrival. Brings your BSN — needed for everything.
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Open a bank account ING, ABN AMRO or Bunq are foreigner-friendly. Bring BSN + passport + proof of address.
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Get health insurance Mandatory within 4 months of arrival. Basic policy from ~€140/month.
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Apply for DigiD Your digital identity for all government services. Apply at digid.nl
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Buy a bike Seriously — it's the fastest way to get around. Check our Markplaats for second-hand bikes.
Find SA Professionals to Help →
Disclaimer

This information is provided as a general guide for the SA community in the Netherlands. Tax rules and deadlines change — always verify with the Belastingdienst or consult a qualified tax adviser. For professional SA-specialist advice, see our Tax & Accounting directory →