International staff
Leiden University offers its international staff several resources to help find their way in the Netherlands. The Service Centre International Staff provides advice and different types of services to all international employees and guest researchers that come to pursue their academic career in Leiden.
Getting Around
Do you often travel by public transport? Or do you prefer travelling by car or bike? Here you'll find more information getting around in the Netherlands; from using an OV-chipkaart in public transportation to rules and regulations on driving a car or bike.
Housing
Leiden University offers housing facilities especially for international PhD's and other visiting academic staff. If you are not eligible for university owned accommodation or if you prefer to buy or rent your own property, there are a few things to take into consideration.
Immigration and formalities
If you wish to come to the Netherlands there are certain immigration procedures you need to follow. The Service Centre International Staff provides you with checklists and an overview of all immigration requirements.
Insurances
As an international researcher working for the university, you are probably legally obliged to take out health insurance. Here you will find if you need a public or a private health insurance, and how to apply for it. Also read about liability insurance here.
Service Centre International Staff
The Service Centre International Staff provides advice and different types of services to all international employees and guest researchers that come to pursue their academic career in Leiden.
Social life and settling in
When you move to the Netherlands and bring along your family there is a great deal that needs to be taken care of. Here you'll find some information on schools, childcare and learning Dutch to help you settle in in the Netherlands.
Taxes and social security
Read about your tax payer status as an international employee, tax support, types of taxes, the expat tax facility, social security, benefits and your pension.
Dutch bank account
Find the quickest and easiest way to arrange your own Dutch bank account in the Netherlands depending on your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Find all the answers to frequently asked questions, for example about immigration, residence health insurance and documents here.
A beginner's guide to Dutch academia
Want to know more about Dutch academia? Download the beginner's guide to Dutch academia. The guide is an introduction to Dutch research and higher education for researchers and instructors who are unfamiliar with the Dutch academic setting. It explains how Dutch academia relates to Dutch politics and society, what the research and teaching culture is like, and how the funding system and academic protocol are structured.