Moving to the Netherlands | This is everything you should know

Moving to the Netherlands can be exciting, but moving there might also be a big step. With its rich history, high quality of life, and welcoming atmosphere, the Netherlands has become a popular destination for individuals and families looking to relocate. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about moving to the Netherlands, from the best places to live to important considerations and unique aspects of Dutch culture.

Best places to live when moving to the Netherlands

Which are expat-friendly cities?

The Netherlands offers a variety of cities that are particularly welcoming to expats. Here are some of the best places to consider:

1. Amsterdam: by far the most expats live here

   • Known for its vibrant culture and international community
   • Numerous job opportunities, particularly in tech and finance
   • Extensive public transportation network
   • Abundant cultural activities, including museums, music venues, and festivals

2. Rotterdam

   • Modern architecture and a bustling port
   • Fast growing expat community
   • Strong economy with opportunities in logistics, trade, and technology
   • Excellent public transportation

3. The Hague: second biggest home to expats in The Netherlands

   • Home to many international organizations, including the International Court of Justice
   • Beautiful coastal areas
   • High quality of life with good schools and healthcare
   • Multicultural environment

4. Utrecht

   • Central location with easy access to other parts of the country
   • Historic city with a charming old town
   • Thriving student population and a young, dynamic atmosphere
   • Strong job market in education, healthcare, and IT

5. Eindhoven

   • Known as the technology and innovation hub of the Netherlands
   • Presence of major tech companies and startups
   • Good quality of life with green spaces and cultural activities
   • Affordable housing compared to larger cities

More quiet yet expat friendly places to live

These are all bigger cities. Looking for a more quite place? Consider these places to live as an Expat:

• Amstelveen: a lot more quiet, but still super close to Amsterdam
• Delft: still a city, but very expat-friendly and internationally oriented mainly because of their technical university
• Leiden: A historic city with a prestigious university, rich cultural activities, and a growing expat community. It is very central and relatively close to The Hague, Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

What do you need to pay attention to when you move to the Netherlands?

Legal and administrative steps

Moving to the Netherlands involves several important legal and administrative steps:

• Visa and residency permit: Ensure you have the appropriate visa or residency permit based on your nationality and purpose of stay.
• BSN Number: Obtain a Burgerservicenummer (BSN) upon arrival, which is essential for accessing healthcare, opening a bank account, and other administrative tasks.
• Register with the municipality: Register your address with the local municipality within five days of arrival.
• Health insurance: Dutch law requires all residents to have health insurance. Choose a suitable plan that meets your needs.

Housing

Finding suitable housing can be a challenge, especially in popular cities. Consider the following:

• Rent or buy: Decide whether to rent or buy a property based on your length of stay and financial situation. In some cases if you rent, but you do not have a high income, you can get an allowance. But always make sure that the allowance is justified otherwise you may have to pay back a lot of money later.
• Housing market: The housing market can be competitive, so start your search early and consider using a rental agent. The prices of houses are very high and so are interest rates. Especially in the bigger cities.
• Location: Choose a location that suits your lifestyle, considering factors such as proximity to work, schools, and public transportation. Make sure to check what type of companies reside in the city you want to live.

Financial considerations

Understanding the financial aspects of living in the Netherlands is crucial:

• Cost of living: The cost of living can be high, particularly in cities like Amsterdam and The Hague. For example, rent can be expensive.
• Bank Account: Open a Dutch bank account to facilitate transactions and bill payments.
• Taxes: Familiarize yourself with the Dutch tax system, including income tax, value-added tax (VAT), and municipal taxes.

Can you bring your beloved pet to the Netherlands?

When moving to the Netherlands with a pet, it's essential to understand the regulations and requirements. Pets need to be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies.

Depending on your country of origin, you may also need to obtain an EU pet passport. The Netherlands is very pet-friendly, with numerous parks, pet services, and even pet-friendly accommodations. Make sure to register your pet with a local vet upon arrival to ensure their health and well-being.

Is childcare good in Holland?

Childcare in the Netherlands is of high quality, with various options available for working parents. You can choose from daycare centers (kinderdagverblijven), childminders (gastouders), and after-school care (buitenschoolse opvang).

Many employers offer childcare subsidies, and you may also be eligible for government subsidies. It's advisable to register for childcare as soon as possible, as waiting lists can be long, especially in larger cities such as Amsterdam.

Schools for your children

The Dutch education system is well-regarded and offers both public and private school options. Public schools are free, and many offer bilingual education programs. International schools are available in larger cities, providing curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) and British or American systems. It's important to research and visit schools to find the best fit for your child's needs. Early registration is recommended due to high demand.

Registering at your municipality is very important

Upon arrival in the Netherlands, you must register at the local municipality (gemeente) as mentioned earlier: within five days. This process is crucial for obtaining your Burgerservicenummer (BSN), a citizen service number needed for various administrative tasks. You'll need to provide a valid ID, proof of residence, and other relevant documents. Registering is essential for accessing healthcare, opening a bank account, and enrolling in school or childcare.

Your future: what about pension?

The Dutch pension system consists of three pillars: state pension (AOW), occupational pension, and private pension. The state pension is available to all residents who have lived or worked in the Netherlands, with the amount based on the number of years you have contributed. Many employers offer occupational pensions, which are supplementary to the state pension. It's advisable to explore private pension plans to ensure financial security in retirement. Understanding the Dutch pension system will help you plan effectively for your future.

What makes the netherlands a good place to move to?

High quality of life

The Netherlands consistently ranks high in quality of life indices due to:

• Excellent Healthcare: Access to high-quality healthcare services with mandatory health insurance.
• Education System: Strong education system with numerous international schools and universities.
• Safety: Low crime rates and a safe environment for families.

Work-Life balance

The Dutch prioritize work-life balance, making it an attractive destination for professionals:

• Flexible working hours: Many companies offer flexible working hours and remote work options.
• Vacation time: Generous vacation policies allow for a healthy work-life balance.
• Parental leave: Comprehensive parental leave policies support families.

Progressive society

The Netherlands is known for its progressive values and inclusive society:

• LGBTQ+ rights: Strong legal protections and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Gender equality: High levels of gender equality in the workplace and society.
• Environmental consciousness: Commitment to sustainability and green initiatives.

Challenges when living in the Netherlands

Language barrier

While many Dutch people speak English, learning Dutch can be beneficial:

• Language classes: Consider enrolling in language classes to improve your Dutch skills. As we speak to a lot of expats trying their luck and making the move to the Netherlands, but then they find that it can be challenging to get a job if you do not speak Dutch as well. In some sectors you do not necessarily have to speak Dutch, for example in finance and often in tech.
• Social groups: sometimes it can be tough to get into Dutch friend groups. Our tip? Try joining a sports club, or other social activities to get to know Dutchies and become friends. And even a few Dutch words will make them love you, even though they might be shy at first. But once you throw in a 'gezellig', they know you're the real deal!

Housing market

Navigating the housing market can be challenging:

• Rental scams: Be cautious of rental scams and always verify the legitimacy of listings. Watch out with going on socials such as Facebook when searching for an apartment.
• Utility Direct can help: Utility Direct offers services to help you find reliable housing websites and avoid potential pitfalls. We can also assist with moving services, finding the right internet provider and other things.

Bureaucracy

Dealing with bureaucracy can be time-consuming:

• Administrative processes: Understanding and completing administrative processes can be complex. Sometimes, limited information in English is available. For example, the government works with 'DigiD' which is an online environment where you log in and access everything you need online. Sometimes it can be difficult to access, or you receive letters in Dutch.
• Utility Direct knows all about Dutch bureaucracy and the different markets: Utility Direct can guide you through the necessary paperwork and ensure you meet all legal requirements.

Tax advantages for Expats moving to Netherlands

30% Ruling

One of the significant tax advantages for expats in the Netherlands is the 30% ruling:

• Tax benefit: Eligible expats can receive up to 30% of their gross salary tax-free (for a maximum of 5 years).
• Eligibility criteria: Requirements include specific skills, a valid job offer, and moving from a country more than 150 km away from the Dutch border.

Tax deductions

Expats can also benefit from various tax deductions:

• Mortgage interest deduction: Homeowners can deduct mortgage interest from their taxable income.
• Work-related expenses: Certain work-related expenses may be deductible, such as travel and relocation costs.

Advantages of working and getting housing as an expat

Employment opportunities

The Netherlands offers numerous employment opportunities for expats:

• High demand sectors: Sectors such as technology, finance, healthcare, and logistics have a high demand for skilled workers.
• Multinational companies: Many multinational companies have headquarters or offices in the Netherlands, offering diverse job opportunities.

Housing support

Expats can benefit from various housing support options:

• Expat housing agencies: Specialized agencies can assist expats in finding suitable housing.
• Relocation services: Some employers offer relocation services to help new employees settle in.

Your adventure in the Netherlands

Moving to the Netherlands offers a wealth of opportunities and a high quality of life for expats. But it can still be overwhelming. Why would you figure out and put yourself through a lot of stress, when you can just have it handled by experts?

At Utility Direct we have thorough knowledge on all utilities, from internet to television, water, gas and electricity: we can get you the best deals. Request your advice, free of cost.