Privacy Policy

Welcome to NLCompass!

We believe your privacy matters. This policy explains in simple terms how we handle your information when you use our website. We've written this in plain language because we want you to understand exactly what we do (and don't do) with your data.

Who We Are

NLCompass is a comprehensive online platform designed to assist expatriates in navigating relocation to and life in the Netherlands. We help people like you find the information and services you need to make your move to the Netherlands as smooth as possible.

Quick Summary

Key Information in a nutshell:

• We don't collect your personal information when you browse our website
• No account required - you can use everything for free
• We only see your email if you choose to contact us
• We use Google Analytics to understand how people use our site
• We don't sell your data to anyone

What Information We Collect

When You Browse Our Website

We do not collect personal data from users browsing the website. You can read our guides, check our service directory, and use our interactive checklist completely anonymously.

When You Contact Us

The only personal data we may receive is email addresses when users voluntarily contact us via email. Users may contact us via email with suggestions or feedback, and any communications sent to us may be used to improve our Service.

What we collect when you email us:

• Your email address
• Any information you choose to include in your message
• The date and time you contacted us

Website Analytics

We use Google Analytics cookies to analyze website usage and improve our Service. This helps us understand:

• How many people visit our website
• Which pages are most helpful
• How people navigate through our site
• General location data (country/city level)

We do NOT track:

• Your personal identity
• Your specific browsing habits across other websites
• Any sensitive personal information

Why We Use Your Information

We use the limited information we collect to:

• Respond to your emails - When you contact us, we use your email to reply to your questions or suggestions
• Improve our website - Google Analytics helps us make our site more useful for expats
• Create better content - Your feedback helps us understand what information is most valuable

Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

• Email communications: Legitimate interest (responding to your inquiries and improving our service)
• Website analytics: Legitimate interest (improving website functionality and user experience)

How We Protect Your Information

• We don't store personal information on our servers (except emails you send us)
• We use secure email systems
• Google Analytics data is processed according to Google's security standards
• We never sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes

Your Rights

Under European data protection law (GDPR), you have these rights:

If You've Emailed Us:

• Access: Ask us what information we have about you
• Correction: Ask us to fix any wrong information
• Deletion: Ask us to delete your emails from our records
• Objection: Ask us to stop processing your information

For Website Analytics:

• Opt-out: You can disable Google Analytics tracking using browser settings or opt-out tools
• Cookie control: You can delete or block cookies in your browser settings

To exercise your rights: Simply email us at nlcompassexpat@gmail.com with your request.

Cookies and Tracking

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small files stored on your device that help websites function better.

What Cookies We Use:

• Google Analytics cookies - These help us understand how our website is used
• Essential cookies - These make our website work properly

Managing Cookies:

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies might affect how our website works for you.

Google Analytics Opt-out: Visit Google's opt-out page to stop Google Analytics tracking.

Third-Party Services

Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics cookies to analyze website usage and improve our Service. Google may process your data in the United States. Google is certified under the EU-US Data Privacy Framework.

Service Providers in Our Directory

We maintain a curated directory of Dutch service providers specifically selected for expatriate needs. Our Service provides a directory of third-party service providers. We verify that listed providers offer the services described by checking their websites, but we do not take responsibility for the services provided by third parties or handle disputes between users and service providers.

Important: When you contact service providers from our directory, you'll be subject to their privacy policies, not ours.

International Data Transfers

Since we use Google Analytics, some of your data may be transferred to the United States where Google processes it. Google provides appropriate safeguards for these transfers under the EU-US Data Privacy Framework.

How Long We Keep Your Information

• Emails you send us: We keep these for up to 1 year from the date of receipt, unless you ask us to delete them sooner. This helps us improve our service and respond to follow-up inquiries.
• Google Analytics data: This is automatically deleted after 26 months
• Website browsing: We don't store any personal information from your browsing

Children's Privacy

There are no age restrictions for using this Service. However, minors should use the Service under appropriate adult supervision. We don't knowingly collect personal information from children under 16 without parental consent.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. When we do:

• We'll post the new version on this page
• We'll update the "Last Updated" date
• If there are significant changes, we'll make this clear on our website

Questions or Concerns?

We're here to help! If you have any questions about this privacy policy or how we handle your information:

• Email us: nlcompassexpat@gmail.com
• Complaints: If you're not satisfied with our response, you can contact the Dutch Data Protection Authority (Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens) at www.autoriteitpersoonsgegevens.nl