November Relocation Updates from the Netherlands and Germany
Planning to travel between Rotterdam and The Hague in the coming weeks? Brace for some possible bumps on the way. Working parents in the Netherlands can expect rise in child allowances in 2024 and Germany’s got a new plan to tackle the housing crisis. Find out more below! 🚆🏠✨
- 24 October 2023
- Posted by: Expat Management Group
- Category: Insights
🇳🇱 The Netherlands
Six-week disruption for Rotterdam – The Hague train users
NS has issued a warning regarding potential inconveniences for commuters traveling between Rotterdam and The Hague by train. This could include delays, fewer & fuller trains, or even canceled travels. The disruptions are linked to ProRail’s construction activities, aimed to ensure the accommodation of the expected growing number of passengers in the following years. The construction work is planned to take place from October 23rd until December 3rd.
It’s important to note that these disruptions may also impact travelers heading to and from Rotterdam and other cities such as Dordrecht and Delft, as well as those traveling between Amsterdam and Vlissingen. So whenever you’re traveling through these routes, make sure to have some extra time and patience!
Working parents can expect child allowance increase in 2024
Exciting News for Dutch Working Parents! The Dutch government has given the green light to a childcare allowance boost, offering financial relief for 2024. This draft measure allocates an additional 250 million euros, enhancing support for working parents. Currently, parents with children in childcare centers receive up to 9.12 euros per hour. The proposal aims to raise this allowance by 0.60 euros for daycare, 0.82 euros for after-school care, and 0.29 euros for childminder care, depending on income. These changes are expected to take effect from March 1, 2024, bringing relief while we await free childcare, now slated for 2027.
🇩🇪 Germany
Housing regulations for single individuals in Germany
A recent study has revealed that Berlin is currently facing a shortage of approximately 100,000 flats. In response to this housing deficit, the Berlin Senate has taken action by passing a new regulation to “make the best possible use of the existing housing stock”. According to the new cooperation agreement between the Senate and the state-owned housing associations, single individuals will be more restricted in their search for housing in the foreseeable future. This will at least be the case for state-owned housing units. According to the agreement, single individuals will only be allowed to move into ‘smaller apartments’. The ‘larger flats’, on the other hand, will be reserved for families. This forthcoming regulation, set to take effect in 2024, is designed to maintain a balance between the household and flat size in new and re-rented flats.