Expat Centre Maastricht Region

24/09/2025

𝚆𝚑𝚊𝚝'𝚜 𝚐𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚘𝚗 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙼𝚊𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚒𝚌𝚑𝚝 𝚁𝚎𝚐𝚒𝚘𝚗?

𝓜𝓪𝓪𝓼𝓽𝓻𝓲𝓬𝓱𝓽
13 Sep - 16 Nov: PROTEST – 24 media artworks on demonstrations and political actions in public space 👉 https://www.viewmaster-projects.com/
26 Sep: Maastrichter connect event at Crown Plaza 👉 https://maastrichter.com/event/maastrichter-september-connect-event-3/
3 Oct - 9 Oct: Nederlandse Dansdagen - Dutch Dance Festival 👉 https://www.nederlandsedansdagen.nl/en/festival

𝓗𝓮𝓮𝓻𝓵𝓮𝓷
25 Sep: Popronde Heerlen - Free concerts in the city centre 👉 https://popronde.nl/steden/heerlen
28 Sep: Springplank concert Parkstad - classical concert at Tempsplein 👉 https://klassiekezomer.nl/tagged/homepage
4 Oct: Booch poppodium at Nieuwe Nor Heerlen 👉 https://www.booch.nl/?
10 Oct. - 15 Oct: Najaarskermis Heerlen - autumn fair at city centre.

𝓖𝓮𝓵𝓮𝓮𝓷
2 Oct - 4 Oct: BRIGHT festival - Discover in an entertaining way what your city might look like in the future 👉 https://brightfestival.nl/

𝓢𝓲𝓽𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓭
10 Oct - 15 Oct: Oktoberfeest - October festival 👉 https://oktoberfeestsittard.nl/

𝓗𝓸𝓮𝓷𝓼𝓫𝓻𝓸𝓮𝓴
18 Oct - 21 Oct: Najaarskermis Hoensbroek - autumn fair at Markt.

𝓥𝓪𝓵𝓴𝓮𝓷𝓫𝓾𝓻𝓰
12 Oct: Bokkenmarkt - Bokkemert at city centre 👉 https://www.visitzuidlimburg.nl/agenda/detail/valkenburgse-jaarmarkt-de-bokkemert/423355/

23/09/2025

𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗵𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻

It is possible to bring a pet from another country to the Netherlands, if all the conditions are met. The conditions depend on the kind of animal and the country it is coming from.

Make sure your dog, cat, or ferret has a microchip, EU pet passport, and rabies vaccination. Register your dog with the municipality within 2 weeks and don’t forget about the dog tax.

Find all the details at the Personal & Social section of our website expatcentremaastrichtregion.nl! 🐾

👉 https://www.expatcentremaastrichtregion.nl/expats/personal-social/pets

17/09/2025

𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗔𝗦 (𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺)
ETIAS is the new travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers to enter 30 Member States of the European Union.

ETIAS travel authorisation is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 30 𝘌𝘶𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯 (𝘌𝘜) 𝘔𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴 👉 https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/about-etias/who-should-apply.

It is linked to your passport and 𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘰 3 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation.

With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you can enter the territory of these EU Member States as often as you want for short-term stays – normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, it does not guarantee entry. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and verify that you meet the entry conditions.

Points to note:
➡️ ETIAS will start operations in 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 2026.
➡️ No action is required from travellers at this point.
➡️ The EU will inform about the specific date for the start of ETIAS several months prior to its launch.

16/09/2025

𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗵𝘁’𝘀 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗲 – 𝟭𝟳 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿

he municipality of Maastricht invites you to an evening dedicated to exploring the city’s cultural fringe. On Wednesday 17 September 2025, you’ll have the chance to discuss the future of these vibrant spaces and initiatives.

Maastricht’s cultural fringe is bold, a little notorious, ever-changing and full of energy. These are the places and projects that bring the city to life. But how do we keep it that way? And how can we ensure there’s space and freedom for all kinds of culture in the future?

Have your say 👉 https://www.thuisinmaastricht.nl/en/recent/nieuws/join-conversation-maastrichts-cultural-fringe-17-september

The municipality of Maastricht invites you to an evening dedicated to exploring the city’s cultural fringe. On Wednesday 17 September 2025, you’ll have the chance to discuss the future of these vibrant spaces and initiatives.

16/09/2025

𝗥𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀
Thursday 9 October
19:00 - 20:30

Free online session in which we go more into detail on the following topics:
☑️ How to find a rental property in the Maastricht Region.
☑️ What should be included in a rental contract?
☑️ More information on rental law in the Netherlands.
☑️ Maintenance and repairs, who is responsible?
☑️ Services for help and information.
☑️ How to protect yourself against rental scams?
☑️ Information about obligatory city taxes (BSGW).

With presentations by 123Wonen Limburg, La Fontaine Makelaardij, United World College Maastricht UWC Maastricht and Expat Centre Maastricht Region.

This is a free session, to register 👉 https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/renting-a-house-in-the-netherlands-tickets-1606663035389?aff=ECMR

12/09/2025

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗯𝘂𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗵𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻?
Not sure where to start with mortgages, notaries, or energy upgrades?

Last week, we hosted an info session for international newcomers with expert insights from a local real estate agent, notary, and Municipal Services of Maastricht. From financing tips to making your home more sustainable — we covered it all!

A few tips for first-time buyers:
✔️ Work with a trusted real estate agent.
✔️ Add budget for renovation and hidden costs.
✔️ Check the Dutch rules and regulations on purchasing a property.
✔️ Be aware that arrangements such as usufruct and registered partnership exist.
✔️ Make sure the property is registered in your name.

Missed it? The Expat Centre Maastricht Region regularly organizes sessions on renting and buying homes. Keep an eye on our website calendar for upcoming events and information sessions! 👉 https://www.expatcentremaastrichtregion.nl/events

11/09/2025

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗮𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱: 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗠𝗮𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗵𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀

Imagine 72 hours without electricity, water or internet. Would you know what to do? Do you have an emergency kit? Do you use the Zuid-Limburg Veilig app?

The Municipality of Maastricht is conducting a short survey to understand how prepared residents are for emergencies. Your answers will help us improve communication and support – tailored to the Maastricht region.

Fill in the survey here 👉 https://surveys.enalyzer.com/survey/linkindex?pid=t2h2f2sa&langIdent=gb&Kanaal=EC

The results will be published in November on maastrichtincijfers.nl. Talk to your neighbours, make a plan and prepare an emergency kit. Being prepared gives peace of mind – for you and your loved ones. More info: denkvooruit.nl or 👉 https://www.gemeentemaastricht.nl/en/city/recent/news/think-ahead-help-maastricht-prepare-emergencies

09/09/2025

𝙇𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙃𝙚𝙚𝙧𝙡𝙚𝙣

Heerlen is a city that keeps reinventing itself. Once a flourishing Roman settlement, then a booming coal mining town, and now a creative and cultural pioneer in the heart of the Maastricht Region. Heerlen is a place of contrasts – and that’s exactly where its strength lies. Raw yet refined, compact yet full of space.

You’ll find it nestled between the rolling hills of Zuid-Limburg, the Brunssummerheide nature reserve, and the green valleys of the Caumerbeek and Geleenbeek. From here, you’re just minutes away from Belgium and Germany – and at the centre of a dynamic European border region where ideas, people and ambitions flow freely.

𝗔 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁
Heerlen is not your average Dutch city. It’s a place for people who like to colour outside the lines. Known as the underdog of the Netherlands, the city has transformed its industrial past into a vibrant breeding ground for culture, innovation and new ways of living.

The city invests heavily in culture — second in the Netherlands in spending per capita — and it shows. From international festivals like Cultura Nova, Dutch Mountain Film Festival, Schrit_tmacher and The Notorious IBE, to its buzzing street art scene and landmark architecture by Frits Peutz, creativity is everywhere. Heerlen is also home to Parkstad Limburg Theatres, crowned Theatre of the Year 2024, attracting audiences from Aachen to Maastricht.

𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲, 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲
Heerlen offers exceptional value for housing: more space, more green, more quality for your budget — with a strong focus on future-proof urban renewal. Whether you’re looking for a place to raise your family, start a company, or simply breathe, Heerlen gives you room to grow.

It’s a city with a hands-on mentality and a strong foundation in education and research. From high-quality childcare and bilingual secondary education to vocational (MBO), applied sciences (HBO) and academic (WO) options. Institutions like Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, Vista College, Yuverta, the Open University, and partnerships with Maastricht University and RWTH Aachen make Heerlen a real knowledge hub within the region.

The city also plays a leading role in the Brightlands Smart Services Campus, where AI, care innovation and data science come together to solve global wicked challenges.

The Maastricht Region is made up of 17 municipalities, each with their own character and all uniquely Limburgs 👉 https://www.expatcentremaastrichtregion.nl/living-and-working-maastricht-region

04/09/2025

📢 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 - 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀
𝖳𝗁𝗎𝗋𝗌𝖽𝖺𝗒 𝟫 𝖮𝖼𝗍𝗈𝖻𝖾𝗋, 𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗋𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖺𝗍 𝟣𝟫:𝟢𝟢

Free online session by Expat Centre Maastricht Region and partners in which we go more into detail on the following topics:

✅ How to find a rental property in the Maastricht Region.
✅ What should be included in a rental contract?
✅ More information on rental law in the Netherlands.
✅ Maintenance and repairs, who is responsible?
✅ Services for help and information.
✅ How to protect yourself against rental scams?
✅ Information about obligatory city taxes (BSGW).

Presentations by 123Wonen Limburg, La Fontaine Makelaardij, United World College Maastricht UWC Maastricht and Expat Centre Maastricht Region.

Free registration 👉 https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/renting-a-house-in-the-netherlands-tickets-1606663035389?aff=ECMR

03/09/2025

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗵𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻?

6 Sept. 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗮𝗴: Outlet shopping day with extra music and entertainment in the city centre of Sittard.
5-7 Sept. 𝗭𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗮𝗻 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁: free vegan food festival Heerlen 👉 https://www.zomermaanfest.com/
6 Sept. 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗱𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗲: 2 parades starting at both sides of the new 35km long walking/cycling route between Simpelveld and Schinnen. 👉 https://www.ditisparkstad.nl/parkstadroute/
7 Sept. 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 by Buddy System Sittard-Geleen 👉 https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/family-picknick-sittard-geleen-welcome-activity-tickets-1610472569809?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
9 Sept. Community Dinner: shared table by Serve the City at The Social Hub Maastricht 👉 https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/community-dinner-shared-table-tickets-1608321455769?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1

13 Sept. 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗵𝘁'𝘀 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀: lecture, Maastricht University 👉 https://omdmaastricht.nl/activiteiten/telling-maastrichts-history-through-its-buildings
13 Sept. 𝗢𝗹𝗱𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗷 𝗦𝘁.𝗝𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗵: with tractors, cars, motorcycles and mopeds manufactured before 1990, Stein 👉 https://www.schutterijstein.nl/oldtimertreffen.html
13 - 14 Sept. 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝘁 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗿: over 100 artist - experience the art and meet the creators, MECC Maastricht 👉 https://europartfair.eu/about-us/

21 Sept. 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗱 👉https://geheimetuinen.nl/agenda/
19-21 Sept. 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗦𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗮: multiple locations in Maastricht 👉 https://www.musicasacramaastricht.nl/programma-tickets
27-28 Sept. 𝗪𝗶𝗷𝗻 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗱: Wine Festival in Sittard 👉 https://wijnfestijnsittard.nl/

till 30 Nov. 𝗟𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲: 40 years of pop music photography by Harry Heuts, Museum Valkenburg 👉 https://www.museumvalkenburg.nl/agenda/veertig-jaar-popfotografie-lust-for-live/

02/09/2025

𝗔 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗳𝗳 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲

On a bright and sunny day the Expat Centre Maastricht Region organised a welcoming and informative event for the new staff members of United World College UWC Maastricht at the Centre Céramique in Maastricht.

The guests were treated to an interactive afternoon full of fun and useful activities to get to know this vibrant region. From a tasty lunch provided by Coffeelovers to a fun quiz and an interesting information session, there was a nice variety of entertainment for everyone.

During the welcome event, we welcomed new employees not only living in Maastricht, but also in other parts of the region such as Heerlen, Eijsden and surrounding municipalities. It was wonderful to see how diverse and international our community is, and how the Expat Centre Maastricht Region plays a connecting role for expats throughout the region.

We look forward to organising more sessions like this and, of course, continuing to build an inspiring international community in the Maastricht region together!

28/08/2025

𝗨𝗽𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 & 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

Together with our expert partners and service providers in the region we organise specialised one-off and regular events that educate, inform and entertain our international residents and give them a chance to relax into the 𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘨𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘦 atmosphere of the Maastricht Region.

𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗹𝘆 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗴𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗵-𝗡𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗱𝗮𝗴 (𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻) 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀-𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 (𝗕𝗘/𝗡𝗟) by Grensinfopunt Maastricht (GIP) Are you crossing the border Belgium - Netherlands, to live, work, do business or study? Than you probably have many questions concerning topics like taxes, social security, pensions, benefits, labour law and more. 👉 https://grenzinfo.eu/emrm/nl/spreekdagen/

𝗕𝘂𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 During this information session, you will receive important information about how to purchase a house in the Netherlands. 👉 https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/tickets-buying-a-house-in-the-netherlands-1333955449659?aff=webs

𝗥𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 Free online session about renting a property in the Maastricht Region. Also including topics like maintenance, the rental contract and rental law in the Netherlands. 👉 https://www.expatcentremaastrichtregion.nl/events/renting-house-netherlands

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 Is there a burgeoning entrepreneur in you, but do you not know where to start? Find you way around as an entrepreneur in the vibrant and inventive atmosphere of the Maastricht Region. 👉 https://www.expatcentremaastrichtregion.nl/events/starting-business-netherlands

Check the 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲 on a regular basis for the latest news on our planned sessions and events 👉 https://www.expatcentremaastrichtregion.nl/events

Or sign up for our Newsletter Events 👉 https://forms.sendtex.com/profile/dlqeee?lng=en