How to Move to the Netherlands

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Interested in moving to The Netherlands (Holland)? Here’s what you need to know:

🇳🇱 Netherlands at a Glance

• Known internationally as Holland; the only European part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (the other three parts—Aruba, Curacao, and Saint Maarten—are in the Caribbean)
• Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba are Caribbean islands that are special municipalities of the Netherlands
• 17.4 million people live in an area about twice the size of New Jersey—making it one of the most densely populated countries (400 people/sq km)
• Divided into 12 provinces; South Holland, North Holland, and Utrecht house nearly half the population
• Flevoland? Totally reclaimed from the sea using polders—impressive!
• 20% of land below sea level, and 50% is less than one meter above; highest point is Vaalserberg (322 m)
• Very wealthy: GDP per capita is over $52,000. Big players: financial services, transport, and trade
• Port of Rotterdam: largest in Europe and one of the world’s busiest!
• World’s flower supplier—most imported flowers come from the Netherlands

🏠 Living Essentials

• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Languages: Dutch (national); Frisian (in Friesland)
  • 70% speak English well
  • 60% fluent in German, 20% in French, and Spanish is gaining ground
• Major religions: 50% no affiliation, 23.7% Catholic, 15.5% Protestant, 4.9% Muslim
• Largest racial groups: Dutch (81%), Indonesian (2.4%), German (2.4%), Turkish (2.2%), Surinamese (2.0%), Moroccan (1.9%), Antillean & Aruban (0.8%), Other (7.4%)
• Major cities: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague—together plus nearby cities, they form the Randstad (7 million people)

🤔 Why Choose Netherlands

• Career opportunities: Grow your career in diverse sectors
• 30% ruling: Skilled migrants in select jobs get first 30% of gross income tax-free (note: changes planned, but valid till 2027)
• Ranked among world’s happiest countries—enjoy a laid-back, tolerant atmosphere
• Low crime rate—feel safe!
• Entrepreneur-friendly: Dutch are pragmatic, love trading, and encourage startups
• Absolutely gorgeous: Canals, historic buildings, windmills, and tulip fields galore
• Welcoming to expats: Major businesses, international schools, and services tailor-made for newcomers
• Friendly vibe: Enjoy outdoor markets, music festivals, buzzing nightlife, and happy locals
• Family-friendly: Quality housing, top-notch universities, and international schools are easy to find
• Strong democracy: Consensus-based politics, robust civil liberties, and an open society
• Global tolerance: Pioneers in LGBTQ+ rights, liberal social policies, and acceptance
• Fantastic public transport: Trains, trams, buses—travel easily within and beyond cities
• Culture buffs rejoice: Home to Van Gogh, Rembrandt & more—plus world-class museums
• Flat as a pancake: Go anywhere by bike—cycling lanes everywhere!
• Great healthcare: Reliable, efficient, and fairly priced
• Perfect location: Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and Denmark within 5 hours; ferries to the UK; Schiphol Airport connects worldwide

⚠️ Netherlands: Challenges

Note: these are common expat complaints, and may not apply to you.

• High taxes: Rates start at 33.1% on earnings over €18,218; up to 52% if over €54,764
• Dutch language needed to truly integrate; similar to German but trickier than English
• Rental market is tough: Competition is fierce, and most units are unfurnished—sometimes even without appliances!
• Everything’s scheduled: No spontaneous plans—social life runs by the calendar
• Cyclists everywhere: Get ready to share the road!
• Cloudy, rainy weather: Pack your raincoat—sunny days are rare
• Very direct culture: Dutch people say what they mean—don’t mistake it for rudeness!
• Car ownership pricey: Maintenance, taxes, insurance aren’t cheap
• Early shop closures: Most close by 6–7 PM, Saturdays even earlier; Sundays are hit or miss
• Service can be underwhelming: Tipping is rare, and cheerful customer service isn’t guaranteed
• Integrating socially is tough: It’s friendly, but building deep local friendships can be challenging for newcomers

🛂 Netherlands Visa Guide

• EEA/Swiss Nationals: No work permit needed to work in the Netherlands.
• Tewerkstellingsvergunning (Work Permit):
  • Required for non-EEA/Swiss nationals.
  • Need both a work permit and residence permit (valid as long as your employment contract).
  • Employer applies for the work permit, only if no suitable EEA candidate can be found.
• Highly Skilled Migrant:
  • No work permit required—but must have an employer who is a recognized sponsor.
  • Salary thresholds: Over €4,171/month (under 30), €5,688/month (30+), excluding holiday allowance.
• EU Blue Card:
  • No employer sponsorship needed.
  • Salary requirement: Above €5,688/month.
• Partner Sponsorship:
  • If your partner works in the Netherlands, they can sponsor you.
  • Proof of partnership required.
  • Work permit is invalid if the relationship ends.
• Working Holiday Scheme:
  • For citizens from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Argentina, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Uruguay.
  • Ages 18–30 can work and stay for up to 1 year.
  • Apply in your home country (or sometimes directly in NL).
• Graduate Permit:
  • Dutch university grads can get a 1-year work permit if offered a job meeting Highly Skilled Migrant salary or other set thresholds.
• Student Visa:
  • Need a Provisional Residence Permit (MVV) and/or residence permit.
  • University applies on your behalf as a recognized sponsor.
• IND Fees:
  • €405 for work/residence permits (non-EU).

🛬 Residency & Citizenship

• Permanent Residence (PR):
  • Apply after 5 years living in NL with a valid, non-temporary residence permit.
• Citizenship:
  • Apply after 5 years (NL or Dutch Caribbean territories).
  • Must pass Dutch language and Civic Integration exam.
  • Married to a Dutch citizen? Apply after 3 years living together.

💼 Netherlands Business

• Starting a Business:
  • Apply for a residence permit as an entrepreneur via IND (unless EEA/Swiss, who only need to register at the municipality).
  • Approval from Ministry of Economic Affairs (MEA).
  • Points system: Evaluates experience, business plan, added value to NL.
• Entrepreneur Criteria:
  • Director or majority shareholder (own at least 25%).
  • Liable for company risks.
  • Control your own income.
• Freelancers:
  • Must show active assignments in NL.
  • Warning: Stricter checks on worker misclassification (be clear about your status!).
• US/Japan Nationals:
  • Can work self-employed if your business connects the US/Netherlands or Japan/Netherlands.
• How to Apply:
  • Submit a business plan and meet MEA criteria.

📚 Helpful Resources

• Immigration and Naturalization Service – official source for everything residency/visa-related (in Dutch & English).
• Adzuna Netherlands – Dutch search engine aggregating vacancies across job boards and employer sites

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