Relocation
Moving to the Netherlands: 7 things you need to know
So, you’re considering a move to the Netherlands? Whether you’ve seen the beautiful countryside, heard about the lovely weather, or read about us in the UN’s world happiness report it might be wise to do some preparation. Here are 7 key steps in moving to the Netherlands.
1. Do some research first
Before you decide to move to the Netherlands and earn a living here, you need to ask yourself the question: why the Netherlands? Moving to the Netherlands can give your career boost but it will have a huge impact not only on your professional life but on your personal life too. Potential new employers are also curious about your motivation to move abroad so find out for yourself what moving the Netherlands will do for you!
The Netherlands is a relatively small country. The Randstad area is where you will have the most chance of finding a job. The four main cities Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht are part of this area. Despite high housing costs, working and living in the Randstad area is an attractive option for people from all around the world. When you live and work in the Randstad area it is relatively easy to commute because the public transport system is also well developed. Of course, you can also focus on other areas, at least your chance of finding an affordable rental property is much bigger.
Costs of living
The costs of living in the Netherlands are relatively high. especially in the capital city Amsterdam. Using this tool you can find out exactly what you will pay on average for different products, including rent, electricity, groceries, etc. This makes comparing it with your home country very easy.
Average costs of livingper month |
Single household |
Two-person household |
Family household |
Rent (+30-50% in Amsterdam) |
€ 750- 1.000 |
€ 900- 1.200 |
€ 1.200- 1.500 |
Electricity/Gas |
€ 160,00 |
€ 160,00 |
€ 250,00 |
Water |
€ 13,50 |
€ 16,50 |
€ 24,00 |
Local Taxes |
€ 20,00 |
€ 40,00 |
€ 40,00 |
Basic health insurance |
€ 140,00 |
€ 230,00 |
€ 230,00 |
Additional insurances |
€ 20,00 |
€ 40,00 |
€ 40,00 |
Groceries |
€ 300,00 |
€ 400,00 |
€ 660,00 |
Internet and TV |
€ 55,00 |
€ 55,00 |
€ 77,00 |
Primary & secondary education |
Free |
Before you start working in the Netherlands it’s good to know how your salary is calculated, and what your net income will be. This tool will help you to calculate your monthly net income.
2. Find a job
So, you are sure that the Netherlands will be your next destination? Then now comes the challenge to find a job you like. As with relocating to anywhere in the world, it’s much easier moving to the Netherlands with a job than without one. There are many big international corporations that have headquarters or offices here and guess what, some of them like Heineken, Schiphol, and Accenture are clients of us. Our advice, upload your resume and maybe we can help you find your new job
3. Apply for a work permit
If you’re an EU/EEA citizen you can freely work in the Netherlands. You are required to register with your local municipality within 5 days of arriving at your destination if you intend to stay for more than 4 months. There you will receive a citizen service number (BSN).
If you’re not an EU/EEA citizen you have to obtain a work permit. You can find more information here.
Highly Skilled Migrants (Knowledge workers)
Highly skilled migrants’ are foreign professionals with skills and experience that are relatively scarce in the Netherlands. If you are a highly-skilled migrant your future employer has to do the application for a work permit. This work permit is valid only for the employer who makes the request. Dutch employers can only bring a highly skilled migrant to the Netherlands if they are a recognized sponsor. To be classed as a highly-skilled migrant, you have to earn a certain level of income. If you’re looking for a deeper level of detail, all the information can be found on the immigration website.
| Older than 30 years | € 5 008 a month |
| Younger than 30 years | € 3 672 a month |
30%-ruling
If you come to work in the Netherlands, you are possibly confronted with extra costs (extraterritorial costs). Your new employer may provide you with 30% of your salary, completely tax-free. This makes working in the Netherlands significantly more appealing. However, this is only possible under strict conditions. This facility is known as the 30%-ruling.
4. Find a place to live
The demand for available and affordable rental residences in the Netherlands is high. The housing shortage has been growing for several years and will probably continue for the next coming years. Because of the shortage of houses, the rental prices are relatively high in cities like Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague, especially in the capital city of Amsterdam. In the surrounding cities, rental prices are much lower.
Of course, it would be great to find a permanent place before you enter the Netherlands. In theory, it is possible, depending on the city you would like to relocate, but in most cases, it is easier to find a place once you are already here. Most landlords want to see you in person as well as rental agents.
If you have relatives or friends living in the Netherlands it is best to stay with them for the first few weeks. If not, find an affordable place through Airbnb, book a hostel or hotel close by your new office. On this website, you can easily find out what your travel time from door to door will be.
Website to find free housing sector apartments:
– Funda
– Pararius
– Kamernet
– Huurwoningen
The rental prices in the large cities are quite high compared to their surrounded cities. To find a more affordable house you can also look in the following cities:
Amsterdam: Hoofddorp, Amstelveen, Haarlem, Zaandam, Almere, Weesp, Hilversum, Purmerend, Aalsmeer, Badhoevedorp, Hilversum, Bussum, Naarden
Utrecht: Hilversum, Bussum, Naarden, Zeist, Amersfoort, Veenendaal, Nieuwegein, Woerden, Maarssen
The Hague: Leiden, Delft, Zoetermeer, Nootdorp, Scheveningen, Rijswijk
Rotterdam: Capelle aan den IJssel, Delft, Barendrecht, Dordrecht, Maassluis, Vlaardingen
Agency Fees
Administrative fees or rental commission can be involved in renting a place. Agency fees can range from no fee up to months of rent. According to Dutch Law, an agency is not allowed to charge a fee to a tenant when he is already representing the landlord. This is because of conflicting interests. Still, you have agencies that charge both landlord and tenant a fee. This is because most people do not know this and they are in the position to refuse tenants who don’t want to pay, the next person will pay the fee. If you find out that the agency charged both parties, pay the fee, get the contract as well as the keys, and then make your case!
Income criteria
To qualify for rental property agencies differ from income criteria. To be sure you can pay the monthly rent you must earn enough. With most agencies, your gross monthly income must be at least three times the monthly net rental sum. Besides that, they can also ask you to have a guaranteed employment contract for several six months, to continue thereafter.
5. If you have kids, arrange a school or daycare
You can bring your kids to a public daycare (kinderdagverblijf) from age six weeks to four years. Once they at four they have to start primary school. Some daycare centers, as well as schools, have long waiting lists. Partou is a daycare focussed on bilingual children.
Primary and secondary education in the Netherlands is funded by the government and therefore mostly free. Some schools may ask for a voluntary contribution. Private schools charge fees.
6. Arrange your relocation
Relocating to a faraway country can be stressful and costly. Getting your things from one place to another can be a logistic challenge. Don’t wait until the last minute to arrange your move. If necessary make use of a relocation company that will support and assist in coordinating your relocation.
7. Once you are here…
- Register with your local embassy or consulate
- Register with the local municipality (gemeente) and get your BSN
You need a BSN number for all kinds of registrations: opening a bank account, receiving your salary, visiting a doctor, getting health insurance and apply for benefits - Collect your residence permit and/or work permit
- Open a local bank account (ING Bank, ABN Amro, Rabobank)
- Get a health insurance
- Register with a local doctor and dentist
- Get an OV-card or buy a bicycle
- Ask your employer to apply for the 30% facility (30% ruling)
- Learn Dutch
Right now it may seem like a lot but trust us, it’s easier than it looks. We know because we’ve been helping people make the move for almost a decade and we’ve enjoyed every minute of it. Considering making the move yourself? Give us a shout and we’ll happily guide you to your new opportunity in the Netherlands!
Get in touch!