Q: What Is The Definition Of An Expat And A Young Professional In The Netherlands?

What is a Young Professional? A Young Professional is a term used to describe a recent graduate or someone in the early stages of their career, typically between the ages of 20 and 35. Young professionals are often highly educated (holding a university degree) and have 0 to 5 years of work experience. Key characteristics of a Young Professional: Higher education background (Bachelor’s/Master’s degree) 0–5 years of work experience What is an Expat? An Expat (short for expatriate) is someone who lives and works in a foreign country, often for an extended period but without permanently settling there. Expats are usually employed by international companies, government institutions, or NGOs, and they may be transferred to a foreign office or move abroad for better job opportunities. Expats generally intend to stay for a temporary period, often based on a work contract or assignment. Key characteristics of an Expat: Lives and works in a country other than their country of origin Often employed by international companies or on work assignments Usually stays temporarily (e.g., 1–5 years), but this can vary May receive relocation support, housing, and other benefits from employers What is the difference between a Young Professional and an Expat? A Young Professional is defined by career stage (early in their professional journey), while an Expat is defined by location (working outside their home country).

Question 1

How Can I Rent Accommodation If I Am Under 18 Years Old?

Accepted Answer

You must be at least 18 years old to rent with us. However, if you are under 18, you can rent only if one of your parents provides a signed declaration and acts as the guarantor throughout the rental period.

The process is as follows:

For group rentals (e.g., apartments): All tenants aged 18 or older must sign the tenancy agreement.
For single accommodations (e.g., rooms or studios), this step is not required.
The deposit is paid.
A service fee of €250 (excluding VAT) is paid for preparing and processing the parental declaration.
The parental declaration is manually sent out.
The parent signs the declaration.
The parent signs the tenancy agreement on behalf of the minor.

To process the parental declaration, we need the following details:

Parent:

First name(s)
Last name
Phone number
Email address

Make sure all details are provided to avoid delays in processing your application.

Question 2

What Are The Selection Criteria That Internationals In The Netherlands Applies?

Accepted Answer

At Internationals In The Netherlands, we have established a set of objective and non-discriminatory selection criteria to ensure fair and consistent allocation of our rental accommodations. Our criteria are designed to meet the specific needs and circumstances of both international students and expat because they often have limited or reduced social support networks in the Netherlands. We strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all our tenants.

Selection Criteria:

1. Eligibility:

International Students: Must provide valid proof of enrollment at a recognized educational institution in the Netherlands.

Young Professionals/Expats: Must provide proof of employment, such as an employment contract or an official letter from their employer.

Self-Employed Expats: Must provide proof of business registration, along with recent tax income proof and a preliminary income statement.

Age Requirement: All applicants must be at least 18 years old to legally sign contracts.

2. Residency Requirement: Applicants must be non-Dutch nationals and have a non-Dutch passport, thereby reflecting our focus on providing housing to internationals relocating to the Netherlands.

3. Financial Capacity: As part of the application process, we request proof of financial capability to cover the rental costs. This helps ensure that tenants can fulfill their financial obligations without undue hardship.

4. Guarantor In The EU: As part of our rental agreement, we request that tenants provide a guarantor who is based within the European Union. This measure serves to ensure accountability and mitigate potential risks for both parties involved in the rental arrangement.

5. Contract Type Compliance:

For Students: Some accommodations may require acceptance of a campus contract, which is specifically for students and requires proof of enrollment.

For Expats/Young Professionals: Accommodations for working professionals may have different lease terms. Applicants must agree to the rental conditions outlined in the contract and demonstrate a commitment to complying with them.

6. Fair Allocation Policy: We operate on a first-come, first-served basis, provided that applicants meet all other eligibility criteria. This approach ensures equal opportunities for all internationals and minimizes any bias or discrimination.

It is important to note that our selection criteria are not based on factors such as race, nationality, religion, gender, or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to providing equal opportunities and fair treatment to all applicants, without any form of discrimination.

Please be aware that meeting the selection criteria does not guarantee accommodation, as availability is subject to demand and the availability of suitable units.

If you have found an accommodation with us and would like to proceed with renting it, please ensure that you meet the above selection criteria. If you have any further questions or require clarification, our team is available to assist you throughout the process.

We look forward to helping you find a comfortable and suitable home in the Netherlands, whether you are here to study or work!

Question 3

Is It Required To Be a First-Year Student To Rent A "Welcome To NL" Offer?

Accepted Answer

No, it is not required to be a first-year student to rent a "Welcome To NL" offer.

While this offer is specifically designed in collaboration with Student Housing Hunter to support (first-year) students who often need extra assistance with securing housing and setting up essential services like insurance, bank accounts, and mobile phone subscriptions, it is still available to students who may need additional guidance, regardless of their year of study. If you are already in the Netherlands or not a first-year student but find yourself needing extra support, you can still take advantage of the "Welcome To NL" offer.

Question 4

I Would Like To Book A 'Student Housing Consult'.

Accepted Answer

The housing market is overwhelmed at this moment. The accommodations are booked before you know it, and before you know it, the new schoolyear is already starting.

If you need any help with housing or understanding your rights as a tenant, you can book a 'Student Housing Consult'. The hourly rate for this consult is 150 EUR., and it is possible to bring along up to 3 other people. The starting rate is one hour, even if you stay less than one hour. After this hour, you will be charged per 15 minutes (e.g. 22 min will be charged as 30 min).

Anything regarding finding housing and rental law can be discussed during this 'Student Housing Consult'. Depending on your topics, you will be having your consult with our lawyer, specialised in rental law or with our 'student housing specialist & educator avoiding scams on the rental market and tenancy law'.

Find some examples of the discussable topics here: 'How To Find Student Housing On A Budget' or 'Student Housing Laws And Regulations'. You can choose and mix the topics for the 'Student Housing Consult'.

E-mail to help@shth.nl to book your 'Student Housing Consult'.

Question 5

Can I Visit Your Office So You Can Help Me Find Accommodation Or So You Can Answer Some Of My Questions?

Accepted Answer

We represent landlords, and therefore don't require any agency fees from the (prospective) tenants.

It would be very inefficient if every person who is looking for housing would come to our office, and, not forget to mention, it would increase the workload whilst we do not get paid for this service. We would not be able to do our work properly as we would never have enough capacity to provide this kind of service to every person, free of charge.

Therefore, we always recommend you to take a look at our listings: https://studenthousingthehague.com/listings/ and contact us, preferably by sending as one e-mail because our inbox would be flooded if everyone would send a contactform for 5-10 different accomodations. As we have (ofcourse) many templates with loads of information and have our booking process automated, this works very efficient for us.

If you have any questions, please send them by e-mail to us so we can send you the proper FAQ to answer them or we can schedule a call to discuss them. This works the most efficient for both parties.

For a faster response, you can also reach out to us via WhatsApp at +31705680807.

If you wish to visit us for advise or help with finding housing, you can book a 'Student Housing Consult'. More info regarding that can be found here: 'I Would Like To Book A 'Student Housing Consult'.

Question 6

Can I Contact IITN If I Have Questions After I’ve Checked In?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, we cannot assist with any issues after check-in. As a platform, we only facilitate the booking process and our work is completed once the check-in is done. For any questions or problems that arise after check-in, please reach out directly to your landlord or the management company. They will be responsible for handling any issues related to the accommodation during your stay.

If you need any assistance with your booking or have general inquiries, feel free to contact us before your check-in.

Question 7

What Is The Definition Of An Expat And A Young Professional In The Netherlands?

Accepted Answer

What is a Young Professional?

A Young Professional is a term used to describe a recent graduate or someone in the early stages of their career, typically between the ages of 20 and 35. Young professionals are often highly educated (holding a university degree) and have 0 to 5 years of work experience.

Key characteristics of a Young Professional:

Higher education background (Bachelor’s/Master’s degree)
0–5 years of work experience

What is an Expat?

An Expat (short for expatriate) is someone who lives and works in a foreign country, often for an extended period but without permanently settling there. Expats are usually employed by international companies, government institutions, or NGOs, and they may be transferred to a foreign office or move abroad for better job opportunities.

Expats generally intend to stay for a temporary period, often based on a work contract or assignment.

Key characteristics of an Expat:

Lives and works in a country other than their country of origin
Often employed by international companies or on work assignments
Usually stays temporarily (e.g., 1–5 years), but this can vary
May receive relocation support, housing, and other benefits from employers

What is the difference between a Young Professional and an Expat?

A Young Professional is defined by career stage (early in their professional journey), while an Expat is defined by location (working outside their home country).