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Managing Employee Relocations in Summer: How to Stay Ahead of Delays
(Updated in June 2026)
Planning to relocate new hires or move employees to the Netherlands in the summer? You're not alone—July through September is a popular time for international moves, thanks to school holidays, project launches, and seasonal job transitions. But while summer may seem ideal, it also brings unique challenges.
Two things to plan around in summer 2026:
A first permit application might now take longer. Since 22 May 2026, the IND can extend the decision period on a first residence application by up to 30 days in complex cases, as long as the IND provides reasons for needing an extension. For a fixed start date, that's worth building into the timeline.
Rental housing is hardest to find in late summer. The Dutch rental market peaks in August and September, when student and corporate moves coincide, and in cities like Amsterdam listings often go within days.
What HR and Mobility Teams Can Do: Practical Tips
Relocating international talent during the summer doesn't have to be stressful—if you plan ahead. These practical steps can help HR and mobility teams manage expectations, avoid common pitfalls, and deliver a smooth experience despite seasonal delays.
Start Early—Plan in Advance
To avoid bottlenecks in visa processing and municipal scheduling, aim to kick off relocation planning at least a few months ahead of the target move date. For example, begin visa and residence permit applications well ahead of the move date — ideally in spring rather than early summer. Because a first application can now run up to 30 days longer in complex cases, give the timeline that extra room so a fixed start date isn't put at risk.
Pro tip: Collaborate with experienced immigration providers who track seasonal trends and can proactively flag risks or alternatives—especially helpful when onboarding employees in summer who need to start without delay.
Pre-book Housing and Appointments
Reserve temporary housing as soon as the relocation is confirmed—especially in competitive markets like Amsterdam. Pre-book municipality appointments for city hall registration and residence permit collection.
Pro tip: Consider working with relocation providers that offer fast-track or local support to help employees secure key appointments on time.
Support Families Proactively
For employees moving with children, school places are one of the first things to sort. The government-subsidised Dutch International Schools admit children under national eligibility rules and places are managed school by school, some on rolling admission. So it's worth checking eligibility and contacting schools directly early in the move. A place lined up in spring is far easier than one chased in August.
Communicate Clearly with Relocating Employees
Managing expectations is just as important as managing logistics. Clear, proactive communication will reduce uncertainty and build employee confidence. Be transparent about potential delays in residence permit decisions and appointment scheduling during the summer period. A shared timeline and checklist keeps everyone aligned and avoids last-minute surprises.
Pro tip: Agree the timeline with the hiring manager early.
Onboarding employees in summer requires smart planning, timely communication, and the right partners. Relocating people to the Netherlands for an August or September start? It's worth checking now where your timelines are tightest, while there's still room to adjust. If it would help to talk it through, you can reach us at info@expatmanagementgroup.com. We’re here to help you keep your employees and their families supported throughout the relocation process.
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