Netherlands

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Attempt to put info for The Netherlands in the same format as the wiki page for Germany

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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 insurances 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/

Immigration (work in progress)

The most likely routes are:

• Self employment (DAFT): https://inls.nl/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
  • 30% ruling: https://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/en/individuals/content/coming-to-work-in-the-netherlands-30-percent-facility
• 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
• Asylum options (afaik NL did not accept American asylum seekers so far, so only as last resort): https://ind.nl/en/residence-permits/asylum/apply-for-asylum-in-the-netherlands#process-and-costs

Other routes for working in the Netherlands: https://ind.nl/en/residence-permits/work

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.

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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. Amsterdam also has a high safety index and over 20 queer bars and clubs can be found on Google Maps in the city.
• Utrecht -
• Rotterdam -

Support Groups

Bundesverband Trans* e.V.

The Bundesverband Trans* (BVT*) sees itself as an association of individuals, groups, clubs, associations and initiatives at regional, state and national level. The common endeavor is the commitment to gender self-determination and diversity. BVT* is committed to human rights in the sense of respect, recognition, equality, social participation and health of trans* persons and persons not located in the binary gender system.

CSD Deutschland e.V.

CSD Deutschland e.V. sees itself as an umbrella organization of all German Christopher Street Day - organizing associations, initiatives and projects, whose members form a Germany-wide network in which anti-discrimination work for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transsexuals, transgender, intersexuals and queer people (LSBTIQ*) is a top priority.

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Transidentität und Intersexualität e.V.

The dgti (German Association for Transidentity and Intersexuality) is an association representing transgender, intersex and non-binary people. It is well known for issuing an additional ID document for LGBTQ+ persons, the supplemental ID, which has the correct name, gender and pronouns on it. It has been confirmed by the German Federal Ministry of the Interior and is printed at the Federal Printing Agency of Germany. It is a document to prevent discrimination by authorities and can help to avoid uncertainty in security screening procedures with governmental bodies such as police, border patrol, and more.

Trans-Ident e.V.

Trans-Ident e.V. is a non-profit association that has set itself the goal of supporting and caring for transident people and their relatives as well as being the association of affiliated self-help groups. The association is closely associated to the German Association for Transidentity and Intersexuality (dgti).

Lesben- und Schwulenverband in Deutschland

Federation Queer Diversity in Germany (Lesben- und Schwulenverband in Deutschland) is the biggest LGBT-NGO in Germany.

Jugendnetzwerk Lambda

Jugendnetzwerk Lambda (Youth Network Lambda) is a nationwide youth association for lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, trans*, non-binary, inter* and queer youth in Germany. In addition to the generally known offers of youth associations such as national and international youth meetings, camps, youth groups, youth centers and youth education, the offers of the youth network Lambda include in counseling projects.

Trans-Kinder-Netz e.V.

The Trans-Kinder-Netz e.V. or TRAKINE e.V. (Trans Children’s Network) is a non-profit organization that provides support and resources for transgender children and their parents, young people, and their families. The organization aims to raise awareness of the needs and rights of transgender children and young people, and to provide them with a safe and supportive environment. They offer a variety of services, including counseling and legal support, as well as resources and information for parents and other caregivers.

TransMann e.V.

Transmann e.V. is a German non-profit organization that provides support and resources for transgender men. The organization aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for transgender men, and to raise awareness of the needs and rights of this community. They provide a range of services and resources, including counseling, legal support, and information on transitioning-related medical care. They also offer opportunities for socializing, networking, and self-empowerment.

Further resources

This is a list of resources and service providers in Germany: https://trans-resources.info/en/resources/europe/germany

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: In April 2024, Germany passed a law allowing transgender and non-binary people to modify their legal documents through an administrative procedure based on self-identification.

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 German cities.
• Budgeting Tips: Advice on managing finances in Germany.

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 Germany.
• Historical Context: Brief history of transgender rights in Germany.

Bureaucracy & Paperwork

• Navigating German Bureaucracy: Tips on handling paperwork and understanding administrative processes.
• Common Challenges: Overview of potential hurdles and how to overcome them.+

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Help american trans people escape the US and find refugee in europe, specifically the netherlands.

There are 2 ways of emigrating to the Netherlands.

• DAFT - Dutch American Friendship for Trans

• Immigrate with a job visa

what is DAFT

general information over DAFT:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DAFT

https://dutchamericanfriendship.com/

Further second source information: https://www.reddit.com/r/AmerExit/comments/wvskkg/my_experience_with_the_dutchamerican_friendship/ https://www.reddit.com/r/IWantOut/comments/95rzk9/dutch_american_friendship_treaty_guide_to_getting/ https://www.reddit.com/r/AmerExit/comments/thw5jx/update_on_daft_visa_process/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1399449486904859/

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=dutch+american+friendship+treaty

DAFT form https://ind.nl/en/forms/7524.pdf

BV vs Eenmanszaak (link tbd)

30% ruling (link tbd) - not for self employed people, only for people picking up a tech job or people starting a BV. Employer needs to make some important steps.

Transgendernetwerk (mostly Dutch) From April 20, you can contact the Trans in NL advice line of the Transgender Network with these and other questions. You send an app to 020-2446558 and on working days you will receive an answer within 24 hours. You can ask your questions in Dutch, English, Spanish or French.

You can contact the Trans in NL advice line of the Transgender Network with these and other questions. You send an app to 020-2446558 and on working days you will receive an answer within 24 hours. You can ask your questions in Dutch, English, Spanish or French. https://www.transgendernetwerk.nl/nieuws/trans-in-nl-advice-line-nieuwe-whatsapplijn-voor-transgender-migranten/

Living in The Netherlands as a transgender expat https://www.expatfocus.com/netherlands/articles/living-in-the-netherlands-as-a-transgender-expat-5006

Netherlands transgender resources https://www.transgendermap.com/guidance/resources/netherlands/

Transgender wijzer https://transgenderwegwijzer.nl/

Process/steps DAFT (to be reviewed)

- check if you can/will meet the requirements -> list of requirements

- collect documents (like marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc) and have them apostilled (https://www.usa.gov/authenticate-us-document)

- make sure you have a mailing address (this can be a correspondence address, an existing address of a person or institution) https://www.government.nl/topics/municipalities/question-and-answer/correspondence-address

- make an appointment to register at the municipality of your choice to register in the Personal Records Database (https://www.government.nl/topics/personal-data/personal-records-database-brp)

- fly to the NL

- register at the municipality of your choice within 5 days of arrival (https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/personal-records-database-brp/when-register) After you register you will get a citizen service number (BSN) sent to you by mail. You will need this for a lot of things. When using a correspondence address you will need to register this first at the municipality of your choice

- call IND (Immigratie en Naturalisatiedienst) to see if you need to make an appointment and request a permit for your stay until the paperwork is done https://ind.nl/en/service-contact/contact-with-ind/call-the-ind

- after receiving your BSN: apply for a DigiD https://www.digid.nl/en/apply-and-activate/apply-digid/

- after receiving your DigiD: make an appointment with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) to register your eenmanszaak (or B.V.) https://www.kvk.nl/en/registration/registering-a-dutch-eenmanszaak-and-making-an-appointment/ (you will need your DigiD for this) At the end of the appointment, request an official extract of your registration. Cost of registration 65 euro

- set up a bank account for your business (https://dutchreview.com/expat/how-to-set-up-a-dutch-bank-account/)

- put the required amount in the bank account (currently that is 4.500 euro)

- get your opening balance sheet verified and signed off by an “External Expert”. This basically means that you must have someone who is a certified tax professional, accountant, or financial advisor verify that you have the required capital investment of €4500 in a business bank account.

- fill in the DAFT form https://ind.nl/en/forms/7524.pdf and send it with all the required documents to the IND (cost of request 405 euro)

- wait and keep an eye on your snail mail because the IND does everything by post