Checklist
In the preparation stage these are some of the most important things you will need to take care of:
- HR officer: Once your starting date has been determined, check the list of HR officers and contact the right person for your department, institute or faculty. Your HR officer or personnel officer will draw up your employment contract, advise you on your employment conditions and assist in your visa application. Especially if you require a visa, be sure to contact them at least 2-3 months before your starting date.
- Immigration: Check whether you need a visa to enter the Netherlands, a residence or work permit, and whether you have a valid passport. Your HR officer / personnel officer will handle your visa and residence permit applications.
- Flight / transport: Book your tickets in time. If you require a visa, book your flight when your visa has been approved.
- Housing: The housing market in the Netherlands in general and Nijmegen in particular is tight, and accommodation is generally not advertised until 1-2 months prior to the date it becomes available. Rent usually starts on the 1st of a calendar month. This means will usually not be able to rent something until 1-2 months prior to arrival. However, we would still advise you to start looking into platforms, websites and agencies well before that time. Read more on finding a property in The Netherlands.
- Temporary housing: If you do not have a permanent place to live before the date you start working at Radboud University, you could try our guesthouse (1-12 months, register well in advance) or a bed & breakfast.
- Moving: When moving your belongings from your residence abroad to the Netherlands, it is advisable to start this procedure as soon as possible. Because of customs procedures, it would be best to start up to three months before arrival.
Documents to bring
When you come to work in the Netherlands, you need to know what documents you need to bring for your employment contract, registration with the City of Nijmegen, immigration, insurance etc. You will generally need to bring the following documents:
- Passport or other identification documents such as a driver’s license or identification card. Read more on the page Immigration, visa and permits.
- Original documents such as birth and marriage certificates, and diplomas and degree certificates. Depending on the procedure you need the document for, it might need to be translated into Dutch or English, and it might need an 'apostille'. Please make sure you know which documents and whether they need a copy or an original.
- Passport photographs to be used for passes like your campus card, public transport pass etc.
- Employment letter/ Letter of acceptance from Radboud University.
- Insurance: a copy of your health and (if applicable) travel insurance policy. Read more on the page on Insurance.