View source for Netherlands

The Netherlands is one of the more LGBTQIA+ friendly countries in the world (see [https://www.equaldex.com/equality-index LGBT Equality Index]) offering a high standard of living, robust legal protections, and comprehensive healthcare for transgender individuals. Overall, the Netherlands provides a relatively safe and inclusive environment for trans people. This might be under threat by the rise of fascism though.

This [https://www.expatica.com/nl/moving/about/expat-life-in-the-netherlands-84814/ Expatica article] gives a very general impression of life in the Netherlands; below are more specific considerations.

=== Why the Netherlands? ===
The Netherlands is one of the more progressive countries in the world, famously the first to legalize [[wikipedia:Same-sex_marriage|same-sex marriage]] in 2001. There are several positive factors to life in the Netherlands:

* '''Article 1 of the Constitution centers on equality and prohibition of discrimination''' (see [[wikipedia:Constitution_of_the_Netherlands#Chapter_1:_Basic_rights|Wikipedia]] and [https://www.denederlandsegrondwet.nl/id/vgrnb2er8avw/artikel_1_gelijke_behandeling_en Dutch constitution text]). This explicitly covers discrimination based on religion, belief, political disposition, race, gender, disability and sexual orientation.
* '''The Netherlands ranks #6 on the [https://worldhappiness.report/ World Happiness Report 2024]''' especially in terms of income and social support. Dutch society generally cares for each other, reflected in decent and affordable (gender-affirming) healthcare as well as education, widely usable and reliable public transportation, societal safety nets like unemployment, overall safe living environments. (The downside: high taxes.)
* '''Vacation, pregnancy, sick leave:''' based on employment laws, employees have rights to a minimum number of vacation days (4 times the number of hours worked per week) as well as fully paid pregnancy and sick leave. This can also be used for gender transition, and while not legally required, some companies may even offer special [https://www.transgendernetwerk.nl/thema/politiek-en-beleid/wettelijk-transitieverlof/ gender transition leave] as a separate benefit.
* '''LGBTQIA+ rights and community:''' beyond legal rights like gender recognition and same-sex marriage, there are many strong communities with Pride events and dedicated queer spaces in many Dutch cities. Some queer/trans organizations include:
** [https://coc.nl/en/ COC Nederland] as a generic queer aimed organization, with [https://coc.nl/en/gemeenten-per-coc-vereniging/ regional associations] 
** [https://www.transgendernetwerk.nl/ Transgender Netwerk Nederland] as a trans advocacy organization
** [https://transvisie.nl/ Transvisie] as a trans patient advocacy organization, including an [https://transvisie.nl/onderling-contact/english-group/ English contact group for peer support]

=== Why not the Netherlands? ===
Recent political developments have seen a rise of the far right - unfortunately the Netherlands is not exempt from the global slide towards fascism. There are also other societal factors to weigh:

* '''Political climate drifting further right:''' While the outright fascist party FvD has lost most of its followers, the populist anti-immigrant party PVV has risen in its place and become the largest party in the country in the latest 2023 election. Other government coalition parties include the VVD, the economically conservative liberal party; and the BBB, the conservative climate change denying farmers’ party.
* '''Dutch tolerance and directness:''' while the Netherlands is known for its tolerance, this is mostly based on a sense of societal compliance: “just be normal, then you’re weird enough” is an often used Dutch saying. Dutch communication also leans very direct to the point of bluntness: while usually meant for honesty and efficiency, it can be hurtful when not accustomed to these societal standards.
* '''Bureaucratic hindrance of trans rights:''' while gender-affirming healthcare is available, initial evaluation has on average two years long wait lists. [https://www.transgendernetwerk.nl/thema/informatie-voor-jou/changing-gender-registration-f-and-m/ Legal gender recognition] requires a mandatory “expert statement”: a [https://www.oneworld.nl/identiteit/reconstructie-hoe-de-nieuwe-transgenderwet-er-waarschijnlijk-toch-niet-kwam/ 2019 proposal to remove this expert statement] met a great deal of societal resistance, thus was dropped.
* '''Colonialism and racism:''' with its strong colonial history, Dutch society struggles to come to terms with colonialism and racism. The most obvious is the discourse surrounding “Zwarte Piet” (Black Pete) and the anti-immigrant party PVV’s “fewer Moroccans” speech from 2014, still relevant as they hold governmental power today.

== Political situation for trans people ==
The Netherlands has a law on self determination, meaning you can choose your gender marker and given names, once a year and after a three months waiting period. However the conservative and far right parties are in power and things might change in the future.

More info in this topic here https://www.expatfocus.com/netherlands/articles/living-in-the-netherlands-as-a-transgender-expat-5006

== Access to trans health care ==
In The Netherlands, it is compulsory to take out a private health insurance. Many Dutch insurance providers reimburse a decent amount of gender-affirming care treatments, provided that they have contracts with the institutions performing them.

The official channel to start HRT in the Netherlands is by referral to an endocrinologist, which can be obtained from your GP or your gender clinic, almost always after getting a gender dysphoria diagnosis. You nearly always need an official diagnosis, so if you have paperwork with an ICD-10 diagnosis of F64.0, bring that with you, it will make your life easier.

Undertaking HRT through official channels is not only the safest option, but also the only way to be eligible for at least partial reimbursement by Dutch health insurers. DIY hormone therapy is accessible, sellers exist that ship from within the EU (and thus without any customs interfering).

In the Netherlands, certain gender-affirming surgeries can only be accessed through gender clinics. This means they can only be pursued in consultation with a team of psychologists, endocrinologists, and surgeons.

A lot more information on the topic can be found here https://dutchreview.com/expat/trans-healthcare-in-the-netherlands/

==== Finding a GP ====
The first step to accessing Dutch healthcare, including trans healthcare, is to register with a GP (Huisarts). Due to a doctor shortage, it can take some time to find a practice that is accepting patients. Many practices also have postcode restrictions.

The most thorough approach is to use a map search to locate every huisartspraktijk (GP office) in the general area of your registered address, then check with each one individually. Some will have websites that say whether they are accepting patients, and may even let you register online, but most of the time, you have to call on the phone. Most offices have English speaking staff, if you ask.

Once you register, make an appointment (usually on the phone again.) Some Dutch doctors will be surprised that you are making an appointment when you aren't sick, so you can explain that you have a chronic condition that you would like advice about, or that you need to have your usual medication filled for the first time in the Netherlands.

It is important to note that many GP's will schedule 10-15 minute appointments per patient/medical issue. This is also due to a general shortage of medical staff. If you think you will need longer than that you can ask for a double appointment. You can always ask how long the GP's standard appointments are. 

Note: most healthcare professionals should be fine treating trans/queer patient. But if you want to be extra sure, Roze In Wit (https://www.rozeinwit.nl/en/) is a registry of Dutch healthcare professionals (GP's, specialists, psychologists) that explicitly state that they are queer supportive. However, this list doesn't mention if the GP's have space to take on new patients; and specialists will need a GP referral to be seen. 

== Arriving in the Netherlands ==
When you have just arrived, you may not yet know how to get around, or how to obtain basic resources. Regardless of what visa you choose, you'll need a lot of the same things to start out. Here are some important things that might help.

=== Cell phones ===
Until you have a residence permit, you will only be able to obtain prepaid service with a physical SIM card. To get connectivity quickly, you have a few decent options:

* Lebara offers a tourist prepaid SIM that can be bought with cash. It can be activated any time within about 90 days of purchase. This is a good option for when you have just arrived, and you can get it by going into a cell phone repair shop that advertises Lebara service. In most city centers this will not be hard to find. If you struggle, try going to the shop of a major service provider, like Odido or KPN, and simply asking where you can buy a Lebara SIM. The downside is that Lebara's network coverage is not top tier.
* KPN offers prepaid service, but you need to buy minutes, SMS, and data in discrete packages, and the pricing is not so good. However, if you anticipate getting your residence permit quickly, you might choose this, just because it is then extremely easy to convert to a post-paid "normal" account when you have your residence, and KPN network coverage is the best.

In any case, Dutch cell phone providers must let you take your phone number with you if you change your service. As long as you keep your service paid for, you shouldn't have to change numbers, even if you move between providers or service types. If someone tries to change it anyway, tell them no.

==== Dialing phone numbers ====
You may see Dutch phone numbers written with a 0 in front, a 6 in the front, or +31 in the front.

* Starts with 0: from a Dutch phone, you can dial it exactly as it is written. From any phone, you can dial +31, skip the 0, and dial the rest.
* Starts with a 6: from a Dutch phone, you can dial 0, then the whole number as it is written, starting with the 6. From a foreign phone, dial +31, then the 6 and then the rest of the number.
* Starts with +31: from any phone, you can dial this number exactly as it is written. From a Dutch phone, you can drop off the +31 and start with 0 instead.

=== Getting around ===

===== Bicycles! =====
If you know anything about the Netherlands, it's that we love biking everywhere. There are cycling paths everywhere as well as (covered, with security) bike parking -- just be sure to lock your bike! Cycle paths are often painted red or have a bicycle painted on them. A helmet is not required.

===== Public transit =====
The Netherlands is surprisingly accessible by public transport (openbaar vervoer or OV). Most places, even in remote villages, are walking distance from a bus stop, and trains run often and efficiently. Google Maps keeps up to date with most public transport schedules, and the website/app [https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl] collects timetables for all the providers.

Trains are mainly run by NS and used to get between cities, while transit within a city by bus, tram, or metro is run by local transit companies. They all accept payment via a public transport card (OV-chipkaart), which can be purchased at larger train stations like Schiphol Airport. The card is pre-loaded with a monetary amount at a kiosk. To use it, tap it on the OV-chipkaart sensor every time you get ON or OFF of a bus or tram, or when you enter or leave the train or metro station (called checking in and out).

The trip fare is based on how far you traveled, i.e. where you checked in and out with your OV card; this makes it hard to predict your fare. However, if your balance becomes too low, you won't be able to board transit until you fill it up, as the system enforces certain rules (buses require 4€ on the OV-card, while NS requires 20€!).

A train conductor or bus security may ask to see your OV card and tap it to see that you're checked in. If you get on the train and realize you forgot to check in, you can use the NS app or website to quickly buy a ticket (whoops!). This can be used to show the conductor your ticket digitally, and you can use this ticket to exit the station.

You can also use your OV-card to rent a bicycle. This is called an OV-fiets, a blue-and-yellow bicycle popular in cities.

Your OV-chipkaart can be registered at [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/ OV-chipkaart.nl]; this isn't required but is the only way to get your money back if your card is lost or you forget to check out. You can also order a personalized OV card with your name and photo on it (note this does not have to strictly match a legal ID) to buy discounts and which can automatically have money added to it when its value dips under a certain amount.

====== Driving ======
While an international driver's license isn't required, it is good to have. The EU has different categories of driver's licenses than the US and this can cause trouble depending on the situation. The [https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html AAA offers international driver's licenses] by showing up in-person or by mail.

American driver's licenses are [https://www.rdw.nl/en/driving-licence/foreign-driving-licence/driving-with-a-foreign-driving-licence valid for 185 days] after moving to the Netherlands. If you have the 30% tax ruling, you can easily transfer your driver's license, but make sure you do it within the 185 day limit. If you don't qualify for the 30% ruling, you will have to take driving lessons and do both a written and practical test. These can be done in English for an extra fee. However, the rules for driving in the Netherlands are quite different than the US, so it's best to pick up a practice book.

=== Banking ===
Once you have [https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/personal-records-database-brp/when-register registered at the city hall], you will receive a citizen service number (burgerservicenummer or BSN). A BSN is similar to a social security number. A BSN is necessary to get a Dutch bank account. The largest banks in the Netherlands are [https://www.abnamro.nl/en/personal/index.html ABN AMRO], [https://www.ing.nl/en/personal ING], and [https://www.rabobank.nl/en/personal Rabobank]; there are also eco-friendly banks like [https://www.asnbank.nl/home.html ASN] and [https://www.triodos.nl/ Triodos] (although these communicate solely in Dutch).

A Dutch PIN card is the best way to pay for things. Many places do not accept cash, and some that also don't accept credit cards. In particular, the popular grocery store Albert Heijn does not allow paying with credit cards (which includes Visa or Mastercard debit cards!), so be sure to go to a checkout lane that accepts cash -- or go to a different grocery store!

Be aware that (travelers) checks are not accepted in the Netherlands! The last bank [https://www.dutchnews.nl/2021/02/ing-the-last-dutch-bank-to-cash-cheques-no-longer-offers-the-service/ stopped accepting them in 2021.]

=== Groceries and Supplies ===
You need to watch out for timing around weekends, if you need to buy something. Outside of "tourist areas", it's forbidden for many shops to be open on Sunday. If you're living in a big city, you usually can get around this, but if you find yourself in small towns or the countryside, you should plan ahead for the weekend and make sure you have enough to eat and such.

Many shops also open late or not at all on Mondays. This is a way of making sure shop owners and retail workers can access things like doctors and banking that are not open at the weekend, which is pretty nice!

Also check the section about banking -- it can be hard to pay for things without a PIN card from a Dutch bank, and you should carry some cash if you don't have one.

=== Accidents and Emergencies ===
Our national emergency dialing code is '''112'''. Use this, or ask someone to call for you, if you are in a dangerous situation and need emergency services right away.

If you need medical attention right away but are not in need of an ambulance (things like a painful ear infection or stitches), call your GP and choose the emergency option. Outside of work hours, call the [https://www.vzinfo.nl/acute-zorg/regionaal/hap nearest urgent care clinic] (huisartsenpost). If it's something they can't handle, these places will send you to a hospital's emergency department.

==== Emergency medical costs ====
Not as bad as the USA! You may end up being billed a few hundred euros if you need to be seen right away at the hospital and you don't have any insurance yet.

==== About the police ====
Dutch police (politie) usually show up promptly when they are called, and are trained much better than American police at de-escalation, conflict resolution, and public safety. With that said, there are certainly issues of uneven enforcement sometimes, often based on race or social class. However, in general, if you need to call the police, doing that will not put you or someone else in danger of your lives.

(If you are from the US, it may reassure you to know that ANY use of a firearm by a police officer is automatically investigated by the national police, and it can and does lead to the officer being prosecuted when there is abusive behavior.)

Many municipalities also have a community law enforcement group (handhaving.) These are not police, but they are related to the law enforcement system -- they don't carry weapons, and can issue fines and tickets, but cannot make arrests. They deal with things like public nuisances and civic order (think of parking tickets, trash in the wrong places, etc) but can also give you advice if you're lost or having a problem. A lot of people get irritated with the handhaving, because their main job is to enforce all the little annoying stuff that keeps public life orderly, and sometimes it seems like they are doing it just because they can... but they can actually give you helpful advice if you need it.

There's also the military police (Koninklijke Marechausee) who you'll encounter when you go through a border control, or if there is a matter of national security. They are usually heavily armed and wear berets. They're pretty easy to spot, and the ones at the airport checkpoints at least always seem professional and polite.

== Immigration (work in progress) ==

=== Obtaining a residence visa ===
To stay longer than a tourist visa allows, access banking and health insurance, or start a path to permanent residence or citizenship, you must first get a residence permit. 

The most likely routes are:

* '''Self employment (DAFT)''': https://inls.nl/daft/  [[Netherlands-DAFT]]
**if you think you will make more than 70.000 euros a year you might want to set up a B.V. (Limited) because that can give you several benefits. If you think you will make less than 60.000 euros a year you will probably want an 'eenmanszaak'. [[B.V. or eenmanszaak?]]
**If you use this visa you may '''only''' work in self-employment for the first 5 years. If you work for another company without obtaining a separate work permit to do this, your visa can be cancelled.
**Some people who moved to Netherlands a couple of years ago via DAFT created a detailed webpage about what they now know: https://v.st/daft#
* '''Skilled immigration''': https://ind.nl/en/residence-permits/work/highly-skilled-migrant
** you need a job at a company listed here: https://ind.nl/en/public-register-recognised-sponsors/public-register-regular-labour-and-highly-skilled-migrants
** expat scheme (tax advantage, formerly known as 30% ruling): https://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/en/individuals/content/coming-to-work-in-the-netherlands-30-percent-facility https://business.gov.nl/staff/employing-staff/the-expat-scheme-30-percent-ruling-in-the-netherlands/
* '''Student visa''': https://ind.nl/en/residence-permits/study/student-residence-permit-for-university-or-higher-professional-education
** you will need to study at one of these institutions: https://ind.nl/en/public-register-recognised-sponsors/public-register-educational-institutions
Other routes for working in the Netherlands: https://ind.nl/en/residence-permits/work

Routes that are currently '''not''' available:

* '''Citizenship by birthright:''' Unlike other countries that may extend citizenship based on having a (grand)parent who is/was a citizen, this does not apply to the Netherlands directly. 
* '''Asylum options''': The Netherlands at the moment does not allow asylum process for US citizens. While that might change, so far it has not. NL has not accepted US asylum seekers so far, so this may be relevant only as last resort: https://ind.nl/en/residence-permits/asylum/apply-for-asylum-in-the-netherlands#process-and-costs However, asylum from other countries '''has''' been granted on grounds of sexual orientation putting you at risk in your Country of origin.
=== Apostille ===

==== Overview ====
Apostille is a way for the Dutch government, or another government, to see that an official piece of paperwork you have brought from outside the country is real and valid. It's a form that is filled in by the government who initially created the paperwork, and it contains a standard set of information which helps other governments accept and understand each other's official documents. You will get it by sending your original forms by mail to the state government that issued them, or having a professional do that for you. They will be returned to you with the apostille form attached, and you must not remove it. You have to do this for most pieces of official documentation that you want to use in your immigration process, but not for your passport.

Apostille is based on a treaty among [https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/legalisation/apostille-convention-countries several countries.] If you need to bring documentation from another country that is not on this list, you will probably need to supply an '''official translation''' instead.

==== What do I have to apostille? ====
You'll obtain apostille during your immigration process for your birth certificate. Depending on your life history, you may also need apostilled copies of other life event documents, especially if your legal name or gender marker has changed during your life, or your minor child is immigrating with you. The purpose of these documents is to show that your birth certificate, and all of the documents you may provide, are really referring to the same person or people

Most people do not need all of these documents. In many cases, you will only need your birth certificate. '''Always ask a lawyer's advice''' if you are not sure which documents to provide.

* '''Birth certificate''': you will '''always''' need to supply an apostilled copy of this document for everyone who is going to immigrate to NL. If your name and gender on your passport matches the one on your birth certificate, and you are not married, and are not immigrating with a child, then you may only need your birth certificate.
* '''Marriage''': if you have been married, and your name changed because of this, you should obtain an apostilled official copy of your marriage certificate. You may not need to do this if your current legal name in your passport matches the name on your birth certificate. If you are not married anymore, you should provide your apostilled divorce decree or annulment, or the death certificate of your spouse.
* '''Divorce or annulment of marriage''':  if you are bringing an apostilled marriage certificate, and have legally terminated your marriage since then, you should provide an apostilled copy of the divorce decree or the order of annulment. If you cannot obtain this in time, '''ask a lawyer''' how to provide a signed affidavit of unmarried status instead.
* '''Legal change of name or gender marker''': if your name or gender marker has changed by a court order, and your current legal name or gender on your passport does not match the ones on your birth certificate, '''OR''' your minor child is immigrating with you and your current legal name is not the one listed as a parent on their birth certificate, you should bring an apostilled copy of the court order(s) by which you changed your name or gender.
* '''Adoption of a child''': if your minor child is immigrating with you, and you are not listed as their legal parent on their birth certificate, you will need an apostilled copy of the court order by which you became their legal parent.
* '''Termination of parental rights''': if your minor child is immigrating with you, and a parent listed on their birth certificate is no longer their legal parent, you will need an apostilled copy of the court order by which their parental rights were terminated. This may be part of a court order of an adoption by another parent.
* '''Death certificate''' (for your spouse, or a parent of your minor child): If you are providing a marriage certificate, and your spouse has died, you should provide an apostilled copy of the spouse's death certificate. If your minor child is immigrating with you, and a legal parent or a parent who is on their birth certificate has died, you will need an apostilled copy of that parent's death certificate, '''unless''' you are providing other apostilled documentation showing that that person is no longer the legal parent of the child, such as an adoption order or a termination of parental rights.

==== Do I need all of these documents right away? ====
Sometimes some of these documents can be provided later, in a separate appointment.

You will always need your birth certificate when you register. You will also need any of the documents above that prove that your birth certificate belongs to the same person as your passport (such as a change of name or gender.) The documents may or may not be recorded at this first appointment, depending on how busy your gemeente is! If they are not recorded, then you will need to make a later appointment to provide them again. (See: bureaucracy.)

If your child is registering, then you need enough documentation to establish that they are legally your child, and that all of their living legal parents consent to their immigration. '''TALK TO A LAWYER''' if this is your situation, you really don't want this to go wrong.

You may have other documents, which establish your life history, but are not needed in order to prove the facts of your immigration. You can provide those documents later. For example:

* You have been married, and provided your marriage certificate to show why your name has changed. You have been divorced, but have not been married again, and you are not immigrating via a partner visa. You have brought a signed, notarized affidavit attesting that you are not married anymore, instead of your divorce decree. You can still provide your divorce decree at a later appointment.
* Your name has changed, but the gemeente accepted your birth certificate even though the name did not match your passport (happened to me!) You can provide your name change order later.
* You have been married, and that marriage was ended or your spouse died, but your name did not change because of this. You can provide documentation of the marriage, and of the end of the marriage or the death of your spouse, later.

To provide these documents later, schedule a separate appointment directly with your gemeente.

==== When do I need to order my apostilled documents? ====
You will give your apostilled documents to the staff at your city office (gemeente) when you register yourself as living in the Netherlands. You need to start your apostille process '''6-8 weeks ahead of time''' in order to be sure you will have your documents ready on time. Allow '''another 6-8 weeks''' if you first need to order copies of any of these documents from a court or state office.

You will register with your gemeente and supply these documents

* AFTER you have submitted your visa application to the IND
* AFTER you visit IND for your biometrics appointment and get your IND sticker/visa extension (but you can, and should, request your scheduled appointment at the gemeente as soon as you mail in your application, because the appointment may not be available until a few weeks later.)
* WITHIN 90 DAYS of your arrival in the Schengen area
* If you are electing the 30% ruling, AFTER you accept your offer of employment from abroad. (If you are not electing the 30% ruling, ignore this!)

==== How do I get my apostilled documents? ====
Your US apostille will be done by mail, by the state where your documents were generated, or by the federal state department for some documents. Refer to your state's specific apostille process to see how to do this; it is usually done by the state Secretary of State. [[Emergency Preparedness#Which institution is responsible for getting an Apostille on my documents?|Check the overview of which institutions are responsible for the apostille, depending on document type]]. 

It is a little easier to obtain your apostille while still in the United States, because you can send and receive the mail yourself. However, if you have a lot of documents to apostille, your documents come from several different states, OR you are already living outside the USA, you should look for a reputable '''apostille expeditor'''. This expeditor will handle your sensitive documents, so be sure to read reviews and listen to recommendations before choosing your expeditor.

For apostille from other signatory countries, refer to that country's documented process to obtain your apostille.

==== When does a document not require apostille? ====
If your document originated in the Netherlands or in another EU country, it [https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/legalisation/apostille-convention-countries DOES NOT] require an apostille.

If your document originated in a country that did not sign the Apostille Convention, you cannot obtain an apostille for that document. In this case you may need to provide an official translation, instead.

== Citizenship Pathway ==
There is one main pathway to get Dutch citizenship as an immigrant.

=== Naturalization ===
'''Standard Residency Requirement:''' You have lived in the Kingdom of the Netherlands for at least 5 consecutive years with a valid residence permit. You have always extended your residence permit on time. Applicants must demonstrate A2 proficiency in the Dutch language, pass a citizenship test, declare that you are aware that the laws of the Kingdom of the Netherlands also apply to you, prove financial self-sufficiency without state assistance, and have no serious criminal convictions. You must renounce your current nationality.  https://ind.nl/en/dutch-citizenship/becoming-a-dutch-national-through-naturalisation#requirements

'''Accelerated Naturalization:''' there are some exceptions to the 5 year rule https://ind.nl/en/exceptions-to-the-5-year-term-for-naturalisation-in-the-netherlands

=== Citizenship by Marriage ===
'''Spouses of Dutch Citizens:''' Spouses and registered same-sex partners of Dutch citizens can apply for naturalization if they have been married to or in a registered partnership with a Dutch national for at least 3 years. You can prove that you have lived with your Dutch partner for at least 3 years. In these cases you would also NOT need to renounce your own nationality as being in a registered partnership with a Dutch citizen or married to a Dutch citizen prior to requesting naturalization is one of the exemptions to the rule. 

'''Living together before marriage/registered partnership:''' If you lived together with your Dutch partner '''within the Netherlands''' in the time immediately before your marriage or the registration of your partnership, you can also count this time as part of your 3 years. If there is a gap in your residency in the Netherlands, or a gap in living with your partner, while you are not yet married or in a registered partnership, you will have to start your count over. You must be '''already''' married or in a registered partnership at the time when you apply for naturalization. 

== Community & Social Support ==

=== LGBTQ+ Friendly Cities ===
Although The Netherlands has a worldwide reputation of opennes towards the LGBTQIA+ community, it is not in in the top 10 of most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in Europe, and the situation doesn't seem to change for the better. This is documented by the https://rainbowmap.ilga-europe.org/countries/netherlands/

In the bigger cities (which to American standards are still small) will in general be quite open to trans people but there, too, there will be areas you'd better avoid. 

==== Trans-Friendly Cities (descending in popularity) ====

*'''Amsterdam''' - the obvious choice, it has by far the largest queer community of The Netherlands. Amsterdam also has a high safety index and over 20 queer bars and clubs can be found on Google Maps in the city.
*'''Utrecht''' - main big city in the middle of the Netherlands with a large queer community due to its central location. Queer bars: [https://bodytalk-utrecht.metro.bar/?lang=en Bodytalk] and [http://www.cafekalff.nl/ Cafe Kalff]. Queer bookstore (with community events/flyers): [https://www.savannahbay.nl/ Savannah Bay]. Several popular queer parties like PANN and Cruise Control; annual [https://www.utrechtcanalpride.nl/ Utrecht Pride] with a canal parade and [https://uqcf.nl Utrecht Queer Culture Festival] with a walk of love. 
*'''Rotterdam''' - 

=== Support Groups ===

'''[https://www.transgendernetwerk.nl/nieuws/trans-in-nl-advice-line-nieuwe-whatsapplijn-voor-transgender-migranten/#english Transgendernetwerk]''' (website mostly in Dutch)  They have a WhatsApp line for transgender people who have not been in the Netherlands for that long. Here everyone can inquire easily with questions about health care, discrimination, regulatory matters and meeting. You send an app to +31 20-2446558 and on working days you will receive an answer within 24 hours. You can ask your questions in Dutch, English, Spanish or French.

=== Further resources ===
This is a list of resources and service providers in The Netherlands https://www.transgendermap.com/guidance/resources/netherlands/

Transgender wijzer https://transgenderwegwijzer.nl/

'''Ideas for additional topics:'''

== Legal Rights & Protections (work in progress) ==

=== Anti-Discrimination Laws ===

* '''Legal Protections:''' Overview of protections for transgender individuals in employment, housing, and public life.
* '''Reporting Discrimination:''' How to report instances of discrimination and seek legal recourse.

=== Legal Gender Recognition ===

* '''Process Overview:''' Detailed guide on changing gender markers and names in official documents.
* '''Recent Legal Developments:''' .......................................

=== Workplace Rights ===

* '''Transitioning at Work:''' Guidance on navigating the workplace during transition.
* '''Legal Protections:''' Information on laws protecting transgender employees.

== Housing & Cost of Living (work in progress) ==

=== Trans-Friendly Housing ===

* '''Finding Safe Housing:''' Tips on locating safe and inclusive living spaces.
* '''Housing Rights:''' Information on legal protections against housing discrimination.

=== Cost of Living ===

* '''Expense Comparison:''' Comparison of living costs between major U.S. cities and Dutch cities.
One question often asked is how expensive it is to live in The Netherlands compared to the US, this is a difficult comparison to make overall because things cost "differently".

* Salaries are generally lower in Europe than in the US, but buying power is higher due to differences in the cost of products and services. 
* Healthcare is one of the biggest differences, the average monthly health insurance premiums are €157/month, with a €385/year standard deductible.
* Food is affordable, with access to plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. A budget of €500/month is reasonable for a 2 person household.
* Mobile and internet is affordable, with an unlimited 5G mobile plan costing ~€25/month, and internet between ~€30 and €60/month (€50 will get you 1gb fiber internet in many locations)
* Public transportation is widely available and (contrary to many local complaints) quite reliable. Intercity train tickets can be expensive though, with a standard 2nd class ticket from Den Haag to Amsterdam costing over €14. 
* Eating out has become increasingly expensive since COVID. Dinner at a local restaurant for 2 will easily run you €50.
* Housing is by far the biggest expense, as there is currently a housing shortage in The Netherlands, especially in the Randstad area. The website [https://funda.nl/en Funda] is the de facto website for renting or buying property in The Netherlands. 

* '''Budgeting Tips:''' Advice on managing finances in The Netherlands.

=== Safety Considerations ===

* '''Regional Safety:''' Overview of safety for transgender individuals in different regions.
* '''Legal Protections:''' Information on hate crime laws and reporting mechanisms.

== Culture & Integration (work in progress) ==

=== Cultural Attitudes Toward Trans People ===

* '''Societal Acceptance:''' Discussion on how acceptance varies across The Netherlands.
* '''Historical Context:''' Brief history of transgender rights in The Netherlands.

=== Bureaucracy & Paperwork ===

* '''Navigating Dutch Bureaucracy:''' 
'''The "3 Visit Rule"'''

A rule of thumb to avoid frustration when dealing with Dutch municipalities (gemeente in Dutch), is to approach any task with the assumption that it will take 3 visits to accomplish. This comes primarily due to lack of knowledge of processes, rules, and requirements by local municipality employees. Employees of the municipality will often request documentation or artifacts that are not listed on the government websites, required a follow up visit. Approaching these interactions with this assumption in mind can reduce frustration and help with planning.
* '''Common Challenges:''' Overview of potential hurdles and how to overcome them.

== Animal Policies ==
* For information on how to import your pet to the Netherlands, see: [[Traveling_with_pets|'''Traveling with pets''']]