The community for expats and highly skilled migrants in the Netherlands
Do you have questions about your visa, the 30% ruling, changing employers or daily life in the Netherlands?
In the Joinwise Community, you can ask your questions in one central place and get clear answers from experts and other internationals.
✅ Registered within 1 minute — completely without obligation
Many internationals encounter the same questions
Moving to the Netherlands brings opportunities, but also uncertainties.
Think about questions like:
- Do I meet the salary criteria for the 30% ruling?
- As a highly skilled migrant, am I allowed to change employer?
- What exactly does “recognised sponsor” mean?
- What does my employer need to report to the IND?
- How does the orientation year work?
- What health insurance should I take out?
- Which bank is suitable for expats?
Much of the information online is fragmented or outdated.
Important decisions require reliable answers.
That is why the Joinwise Community exists.
What is the Joinwise community?
The Joinwise Community is an online platform for expats, highly skilled migrants and other internationals in the Netherlands.
Here you can ask questions about topics such as:
🇳🇱 Visas & immigration (IND, residence permit, changing employer)
💼 Work & career (highly skilled migrant and salary criteria)
💰 30% ruling & taxes
🏠 Housing & Accomodation
🏥 Health insurance & other insurances
🌍 Language & Integration
🚲 Daily life in the Netherlands
The community is organised into clear ‘spaces’ so that you can quickly find the right topic.
The platform is actively moderated and supported by our expertise in HR, immigration and compliance.
Why become a member?
✔ Ask unlimited questions
✔ Receive clear and practical answers
✔ Learn from the experiences of other internationals
✔ Stay informed about changes in regulations
✔ Build a network in the Netherlands
✔ Everything clearly organised by topic (‘spaces’)
New internationals join every week.
You are not alone.
How does the Joinwise Community work?
The Joinwise Community is simple and accessible.
Step 1: Register via the website
After registering, you will receive a personal invitation by e-mail.
Step 2: Create your profile
You can create an account via the invitation.
You can add a short biography, upload a profile photo and indicate your background.
Step 3: Discover the different spaces
After logging in, you will have access to clearly organised categories such as:
- Visas & Immigration
- Work, Job Search & Career
- Housing & Accommodation
- Finance & Benefits
- Insurance, Banking & Healthcare
- Language & Integration
- Family & Children
- Daily Life & Local Advice
Step 4: Ask your question or read existing discussions
You can post a new question immediately or view existing discussions first.
Step 5: Receive feedback from experts and other members
Other members and the Joinwise team can respond to your question.
Who is the community intended for?
The Joinwise Community is for:
- Highly skilled migrants
- EU Blue Card holders
- Graduates in their orientation year
- International employees
- Partners of expats
- International students
Whether you have just arrived or have been living in the Netherlands for some time, you will find relevant information here.
Why the Joinwise Community is different from other expat groups
There are many expat groups online. But often:
- Information is incorrect or outdated.
- There is a lack of structure.
- There is no professional moderation.
- Complex rules are misinterpreted.
Joinwise is regularly cited online for topics such as:
- 30% ruling
- IND costs
- Recognised sponsor
- Employer obligations
That same knowledge comes together in our community.
That makes all the difference.
Free access to the community
Signing up for the Joinwise Community is free.
You will gain access to multiple open spaces where you can ask questions and follow discussions.
In the future, we will expand with specialised premium spaces for those seeking more in-depth information on specific topics.
New to the Netherlands?
There is a lot to take in.
Living, working, visas, regulations and practical matters.
You don’t have to figure it out on your own.
Join the Joinwise Community today and ask questions to people who understand your situation.
Together, we will make your start in the Netherlands clearer and easier.
Frequently asked questions about the Joinwise Community
We understand that working in the Netherlands as an expat or highly skilled migrant raises many questions. Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions. Is your question not listed? Please feel free to contact us, we are happy to help.
1. Is the Joinwise community free of charge?
Yes. Registering and participating in the open spaces is free of charge.
You can ask questions, follow discussions and respond at no cost.
2. Can I ask questions about the 30% ruling?
Yes. Questions about the 30% ruling for highly skilled migrants are regularly asked in the community, such as:
- What are the salary criteria in 2026?
- Am I eligible if I change employer?
- Does the ruling also apply to renewals?
You can share your situation and read about other people’s experiences.
3. What are the salary criteria for the 30% ruling in 2026?
The salary criteria for the 30% ruling are set annually by the national government.
In the community, members discuss topics such as:
- The current threshold
- Differences between those younger than 30 and those older than 30
- Consequences of changing employers
4. As a highly skilled migrant, am I permitted to change employers?
Yes, you may, provided that your new employer is a recognised sponsor with the IND.
Important points to consider when changing employer:
- The new employer must be a recognised sponsor.
- You must continue to meet the salary criteria.
- The IND must be informed in a timely manner.
- Many practical examples on this subject are shared in the community.
5. What does recognised sponsor mean?
A recognised sponsor is an employer that has been officially recognised by the IND to sponsor highly skilled migrants and other international employees.
In the community, we discuss topics such as:
- How to check whether an employer is a recognised sponsor
- What the obligations of a recognised sponsor are
- What happens if a recognised sponsor loses its recognition
6. What must an employer report to the IND?
Employers who are recognised sponsors are required to report to the IND.
Examples of situations that must be reported:
- End of employment
- Change of address
- Long-term stay abroad
These topics regularly come up in discussions within the community.
7. How does the orientation year (search year) work in the Netherlands?
The orientation year is intended for international graduates who want to find work in the Netherlands.
Frequently asked questions in the community are:
- Who is eligible?
- How long is it valid?
- What happens if you find work?
- Can you switch to a highly skilled migrant permit?
8. Is the Joinwise Community legal advice?
The community offers practical information and experience sharing.
It is not formal legal advice.
For specific or complex situations, please contact Joinwise for professional advice.
9. Is the community only for highly skilled migrants?
No.
The community is intended for:
- Highly skilled migrants
- EU Blue Card holders
- Graduates in their orientation year
- International employees
- Partners of expats
Anyone who has questions about working and living in the Netherlands as an international is welcome.
10. Can I read through the questions first before asking my own?
Yes. After registering, you can view existing discussions and read through previous questions.
You can find questions like:
- 30% ruling calculation
- IND costs
- List of recognised sponsors
- Changing employer
- Extending a residence permit
11. How quickly will I receive a response to my question?
Many questions receive responses from other members or the Joinwise team within a short period of time.
The speed depends on the subject and the complexity of the question.
12. What makes the Joinwise Community different from Facebook groups for expats?
In many Facebook groups:
- There is a lack of structure.
- Information is not verified.
- Rules are misinterpreted.
- There is a lot of confusion due to the different answers.
The Joinwise Community is: structured by topic (‘spaces’). Focused on practical and reliable information.
Supported by HR and immigration experts.