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Expats in Lelystad

Centrally located, perfectly connected

vestigen LelystadExpats in Lelystad

Are you in search of a place to start a new business, but worried about providing housing for your staff? Or maybe you’re an expat yourself, and looking for a place to stay? Lelystad provides a perfect location: central in the Netherlands, and impeccably connected to the rest of the country by train, highway, and even water and sky.

No one can live without space. Space to live and to grow. Residential and working space. Space for action. But also space to relax, space to slow down and enjoy nature. Where better to find this space than in Lelystad, a city that exudes freedom, nature, and water? In Lelystad, there is space for everyone. Lelystad provides space!

    Lelystad is the future

    Lelystad is a green and adventuresome region. It boasts a breath-taking, unique coastline and offers aesthetically pleasing residential areas and facilities. Here, in the heart of the Netherlands, work and relaxation meet so the dreams of inhabitants, visitors, and entrepreneurs alike can be realised. We are proud of the extensive variety Lelystad has to offer, and cordially invite you to come and experience every aspect of it for yourself.
    Aside from space and nature, Lelystad possesses all the amenities of a modern city. Culture lovers and eager shoppers alike will find a wealth of options. Take, for instance, the Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet which attracts more than two million visitors each year!
    An other popular attraction for visitors of all ages is Batavialand; a fascinating museum where history comes to life! Looking to have lunch or dinner? You’ve come to the right place. Partake of a glass of wine or a delectable meal at the harbour while enjoying the view across the water, or head for one of the cosy terraces in the heart of Lelystad.

    Remarkable architecture

    Countless exciting discoveries await within Lelystad. At the coast, you will find the landscape art Exposure, created by Antony Gormley. A must-see. Similarly, the impressive Agora theatre designed by Ben van Berkel, the Zilverparkkade plan created by Adriaan Geuze, and the Bataviahaven by Bob Krier are all architectural treasures for you to enjoy. Within the modern heart of the city you will find a dynamic night life, featuring beautiful shop galleries, a theatre and cinema, a cultural centre and a pop concert stage. In addition, Lelystad organises a bigger number of special events, such as the Batavia haven days and LelystART, to initiate the cultural season, each year. Lelystad provides space for entertainment and fun.

    Special wildlife

    Ever considered going on safari in Lelystad? The internationally acclaimed nature reserve ‘De Oostvaardersplassen’ is open every day for adventurous hikers with a love for animals. This natural marshland is home to thousands of bird species; from the sea eagle and marsh harrier, to the buzzard, cormorant, and more. You may even come face to face with impressive grazing animals such as Heck cattle, Konik horses, or red deer. Aside from the Oostervaardersplassen, Natuurpark Lelystad offers a additional variety of animal species. Visit the park, and you may spot wild pigs, beavers, wisents, and Przewalski horses.

    Wonderous forests

    Aside from the Oostvaardersplassen and the Natuurpark, Lelystad is also surrounded by forests like the Overijselse Hout and the Houtribbos. There is also the Zuigerplasbos, designed and maintained as an urban forest, with lake Zuigerplas at its centre. These forests provide a wide, green area where you can enjoy hiking, cycling, or even fishing. Adventurous hikers may wish to follow the Flevospoor: A hiking trail of 46 mi (75 km), that will lead walkers across rough terrain. In other words: There is a woodland to suit every preference. Finally, a sprawling network of cycling, hiking, skating and horseback riding routes will lead you to the most stunning and unusual places of Lelystad, where nature is still allowed to follow its very own course undisturbed. Lelystad provides space for nature.

    City’s history

    geschiedenis_LelystadLelystad was created to become the main city of the Ijsselmeer polders. It was therefore named after the founder of the Zuiderzee project, Cornelis Lely. Cornelis Lely was a Dutch engineer, and expert of hydraulic engineering. He was also a minister, governor, and politician.
    In 1891, Lely developed a plan for the closure of lake in the centre of the Netherlands: the Zuiderzee. This would create the Ijsselmeer.
    The construction of Lelystad began even before the Eastern part of Flevoland was drained, with construction of the remainder of the city beginning in 1965. The city’s first inhabitants arrived in 1967. Continued development of Lelystad proceeded slowly due to poor connections to the mainland, which persisted for years.
    It wasn’t until the mid-nineties when a major revival took place at Lelystad. From that point onward, renowned architects were drawn to Lelystad, and involved in providing the city with its own unique identity. Old residential areas were reconstructed, and the city centre was completely renewed. Moreover, the coastal parts of Lelystad were brought to life due to the construction of high quality residences, and new recreational facilities.

    Would you like to know more? Visit the Nieuw Land Erfgoed (new land heritage) museum.

    Public Transport / Accessibility

    Lelystad is conveniently situated; easily accessible by public transport, such as train or buses. The city centre and city hall are both are adjacent to the railway station.
    A charging station for the public transport ticket (OV chipkaart) can be found at the kiosk at the station plaza (‘Stationsplein’).
    At the kiosk ‘Spoorzicht’ near the NS-stationstraat, you will find a charging and retrieval machine for the public transport ticket (OV chipkaart). The kiosk is open every day and is situated close to the station. It offers the option to load public transport chipcards and to retrieve public transport products previously bought via the Internet.

    Travelling by train

    Train station Lelystad provides are various direct train connections to Almere, Amsterdam Centraal, Schiphol and Amsterdam-Zuid (Amsterdam South). These stations provide additional connections to other cities. As of December 2012 there is a train connection between Lelystad and Zwolle, the Hanzelijn.

    Regiotaxi Flevoland

    Public transport, from door to door, for everyone, seven days a week. With the Regiotaxi Flevoland you travel comfortably to your destination.
    Travellers using public transport at Lelystad also have the option to participate in car sharing. Users will pay solely for the actual use of the car, not for the costs of owning it.
    This service is offered by Green Wheels or Connectcar.

    Travelling by bus

    Arriva operates city bus network in Lelystad.

    Education

    There are two international schools located within easy reach from Lelystad, both located in Almere.

    Letterland International Primary School operates in conjunction with Letterland Dutch Primary School. Letterland offers a dynamic environment in which all children and teachers are encouraged to develop to their full potential within a multicultural, international setting.
    Letterland offers the British curriculum for Numeracy and Literacy, Dutch as a second language and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). The school is housed in modern facilities, including computers/laptops in every classroom, an English and a Dutch library, two playgrounds and sports facilities for the younger children. After-school care is also available.

    The International School Almere is an English-language secondary school. The school has a global outlook and follows an international curriculum. Small classes, with usually less than 18 students, enable the teachers to know each student well and address their individual needs. The International School Almere is located in Almere Poort.
    Visit www.dutchinternationalschools.nl for more information on international schools in the Netherlands aimed at specific international target groups.
    There are also excellent Dutch schools in the Almere-Lelystad area. Some families prefer this option, as it is a good way for their kids to get more involved in the Dutch culture. For more information about the Dutch education system visit this page.

    Healthcare System

    Medical care in the Netherlands is not free of charge. Depending on income, a citizen is compulsorily insured in the National Health Service. In your case, you or your company will usually take out a health insurance policy. You will often be asked to prove that you hold such an insurance when healthcare is being provided.

    Medication prescribed by a general practitioner or specialist which has to be collected from a pharmacy, must be paid for directly to the pharmacy. You will then be provided with an invoice which you can subsequently charge on to your insurance company.

    For more information about the Dutch healthcare system, refer to the dedicated page.

    MC Zuiderzee

    In October 2018 the MC IJsselmeerziekenhuizen B.V. was declared bankrupt. The hospital in Lelystad has now been taken over by St Jansdal. St Jansdal will be making changes to the hospital. For now it seems like all outpatient facilities will remain available but the hospital will lose its accident and emergency department.

    As a result people who need emergency care will have to go to other hospitals in the region, such as Almere and Harderwijk. For more information, contact the hospital.

    St. Jansdal
    Hospital road 100
    8233 AA Lelystad
    Postal address: PO Box 5000
    8200 GA Lelystad
    General telephone number (0320) 271 911
    Appointments: (0320) 271 888

    Always take your ID and medication overview with you to your appointment at the hospital. This also applies to children.

    Business / Job Opportunities

    Thanks to its great connections by public transport and motorway, Lelystad is easily accessible. That, added to its pioneering spirit, is what makes entrepreneurs feel at home. Lelystad boasts several attractive business parks and development locations, all in a green and blue environment. With Oostvaardersplassen as its backyard, and the Markermeer as its neighbour, Lelystad is surrounded by nature and space.
    Lelystad is one of the youngest and fastest developing locations in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area. Since the city is so young, there are plenty of opportunities for development, as well as a large variety of job opportunities.
    Lelystad is known as a refreshing city, where hospitality and space are of great importance. Lelystad is one of the largest municipalities in the Netherlands, providing endless possibilities for growing companies. Lelystad is always open to ambitious and innovative plans.
    Innovation comes in various forms in Lelystad. From Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet to an international airport, from one of the fastest cars in the world (Donkervoort) to the creation of new land (Marker Wadden). A lot is happening in this fast growing city, and those who get involved in the early stages will benefit from it.

    Housing

    Lelystad provides breath-taking housing opportunities. Homes are affordably priced, and considered large by Dutch standards. All housing is in a green and blue environment, embracing Lelystad’s unique selling point.
    Living with a view of the Markermeer, living in a dune landscape, on the edge of the woods or living with a jetty outside the house: everything is possible.

    Type-Duinheide-1600-pxBuying

    If you’re considering buying a house or apartment, it is advised to first meet with a mortgage advisor at your bank or an agency. This will give you a realistic picture of what you can afford. The choice of property is either freehold (eigen grond) or leasehold (erfpacht). Make sure to read up on housing rights. As a buyer/occupier you will not require a housing permit for an existing property, nor for a new build.

    For houses on offer in Lelystad you can refer to Funda.

    Renting

    If you’re planning a short-term stay (under five years), renting is your best bet. The Amsterdam area is a popular market for housing, so finding a place to live can be a challenge. Fortunately, Lelystad’s privileged location is able to offer more spacious and more reasonable priced housing than other areas. The safest, most efficient way to find a rental property in the private market is to commission a real estate agent (makelaar) with experience in helping expats. For more information about renting in the Amsterdam area, you can refer to this page.

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    Story of an Expat

    Sozeri family
    Semiha is an expat who has lived in Lelystad with her family for two years now. Semiha: ‘I am employed at the University of Amsterdam and my husband is a freelance journalist working from home. We chose Lelystad because of the attractive combination of recreational green areas surrounded by water and the affordable housing prices. Also, we look at the location of Lelystad in a more global perspective: it is just 35 minutes away from Amsterdam. People in metropolitan cities such as London, Paris, New York, Istanbul commute every day to work around 1 hour in one direction. So 35 minutes would be considered very acceptable in many metropolitan areas around the world.’
    Semiha create the Facebook page “Expats in Lelystad“. The page’s aim is to facilitate a means of meeting expats in the Lelystad area, and the exchange of useful information between the Dutch and foreign newcomers. “I plan to organize meetups and networking events for fellow internationals in the coming months.”

    Facebook Expats in Lelystad