Expatcenter Newsletter: July 2010
The below newsletter was published 8 July 2010 by the Expatcenter Amsterdam. If you would like to subscribe to the Expatcenter's Corporate/HR newsletter.
Expatcenter extends target group: scientific researchers
Starting June 2010, research institutions can make use of the special accelerated procedure through the Expatcenter for their incoming scientific researchers in accordance with Directive 2005/71/EC. Any research institution that wishes to bring researchers to the Netherlands within the context of this Directive must be granted a recognized status in advance. For more information on the content of Directive 2005/71/EC, or on the conditions for research institutions and/or scientific researchers, please read the article on this matter written by the IND.
The application procedure is comparable to the procedure for highly skilled migrants. On our website you can find an overview on how to apply. A few advantages that come with the Expatcenter procedure are, less administrative work, completion in four weeks or less, obtaining a residence permit and municipal registration in just one visit and receiving a BSN number directly at or shortly after the Expatcenter appointment. A new set of Expatcenter application forms has been added to the website of the IND. You can find the application forms for scientific researchers at the bottom.
Please note that in order to take advantage of the Expatcenter's services, the address of the scientific researcher or of the research institution must be based in Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Almere or Haarlemmermeer. For more information please contact the Expatcenter, welcome [at] expatcenter.iamsterdam.com or T +31 20 2547999
EU-vignettes for ID card holders
Since the end of 2008, the Expatcenter also provides vignettes (verklaring van inschrijving voor burgers van de unie) for EU citizens. When all requirements have been met, the vignette can be directly put in a valid passport. In most cases submitting a work contract or a declaration from the employer will be sufficient to prove that all conditions have been met. Before, this service was not available for EU-citizens with an ID card instead of a passport. We are pleased to announce that the IND has agreed to - yet another - extension of the services of the Expatcenter from June 14th 2010. EU citizens can now receive an EU-vignette on a separate sheet (inlegblad) without additional costs at the Expatcenter. Please note that handing out EU-vignettes at the Expatcenter is done by appointment only. In most cases, an appointment can be realized within a few days.
Extension of Pilot Partnership Program
The Expatcenter pilot Partnership Program has been extended until the end of 2010. The partnership pilot aims to set up a network of useful addresses and information about a full range of directly relevant services for incoming expatriates. We expect to continue the program in a more permanent form from January 2011. A booklet with an overview of all the Expatcenter partners and the services they provide is available at the Expatcenter. You can also find a list of partners on our website.
Address registration form
In the newsletter of December 2009 we informed you that it was no longer necessary to include a copy of legitimate ID of the employer's contact person with the address registration form. A company stamp and employer’s signature is sufficient. However, if a company stamp is not available, inclusion of a copy of legitimate ID of the employer’s contact person becomes necessary again. We adjusted the registration form. This adjusted form has been added to the letter confirming the appointment of a highly skilled migrant for his/her residence permit and registration.
Please note that the option of registering employees at the employer's address is only a temporary measure, valid for a maximum of three months. After this time, the highly skilled migrant is obliged to register his/her real address with the municipality. Information on registering an address. We kindly request you to inform your employees about this necessity.
Details of Expatcenter applicants
In order to provide the best possible service for our clients, it is essential we know whom to contact in your organisation. We realise there is no room on the application form to mention contact details of the person to contact, so we would like to ask you to send these details separately (just a business card will do).
Upcoming events for the Expatcenter
The Expatcenter will be present at the following two fairs in Amsterdam:
Expatcenter Informational meeting, November 18 2010
On November 18th 2010 we will organise an informational meeting in co-operation with the Expat Information Services Center (EISC) in Almere. The event will be held in the WTC in Almere and is intended for both HR managers of international companies and expatriate employees. The programme will contain a keynote speaker on a topic of interest and break-out sessions with serious topics, such as the 30% ruling, combined with more fun and entertaining topics. Invitations for this meeting will be sent after the summer.
Recent expat related events
On May 10th over 350 members of the Amsterdam international community enjoyed an Italian pranzo at the Gustav Mahler square, just after the third stage of the Giro d’Italia took off in the Zuidas. The Amsterdam alderman Carolien Gehrels (see photo) was amongst the guests at the pranzo and in her opening speech she surprised our director, Pauline Genee, with an official pink shirt of the Italian cycle race.
At their Spring Summit on June 1st, the Amsterdam Region Business Association (ORAM) hosted the premiere of Great Expatations, a film based on expat experience in Amsterdam. The short film will be used by Amsterdam companies and organisations for hospitality trainings. The Expatcenter is one of the sponsors of the film. Furthermore, that afternoon Amsterdam International Crossings was launched, a foundation with the aim of better integrating and connecting the international community in Amsterdam. Our director is an advisor to the board of this foundation. More information
The second edition of the Expat Welcome Event was held on June 8th in the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. Some 200 senior management expats and their partners enjoyed a welcoming programme, which included a performance of an ensemble of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra (see photo). The event was hosted by acting Mayor Lodewijk Asscher and organised by a number of business players in the Amsterdam area, including the Expatcenter. More information
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You can also reach us by phone:
+31 (0)20 254 79 99