The Netherlands is constantly ranked as one of the most liveable places on earth. It is no wonder why many international companies choose to do business here and why thousands of expats choose to live in this country. Here are some reasons why.
- Political stability
- Strong economy
- Large and diversified labour market
- Great education system
- Great health care system
- Large number of expat polulation
- English as an established second language
- Approximate to all major cities in Europe
Relocation
The Dutch government has worked hard for the last few years to make it easier for highly skilled professionals to relocate to the Netherlands. Many procedures have been shortened and central locations have been established for expats to arrange their paperwork. Everyone relocating to the Netherlands will at some point get in contact with the municipality (GBA) and immigration services (IND). In most major cities both institutions have been centralized and are called the ExpatCenter. Everyone who is planning to stay in the Netherlands for more than three months have to visit the local municipality or the ExpatCenter (in major cities) in order to get registered. After the registration, you will get a social security number (BSN) which is required for opening a bank account and receiving wages.Immigration rules for EU nationals
The citizens of these countries do not require a work permit in order to be able to work in the Netherlands. However, they do need to register at the IND as EU citizens. This procedure requires you to have proof of GBA registration, a valid passport and a health Insurance.
For Romanian and Bulgaria different rules apply. The citizens of these countries are not free to work and have to be sponsored by a local employer in order to be able to work. However, they are free to enter the country as often as they want.
Entry visa (MVV)
Most nationals need an entry visa before being able to travel to the Netherlands. The application for an entry visa has to be sponsored by a company based in the Netherlands. Once your entry visa is ready, you will be able to pick it up at the Dutch embassy in your home country. The nationals of the following countries are exempt from the entry visa requirement:
• Member states of EU/EEA
• Australia
• Canada
• Japan
• New Zealand
• South Korea
• Switserland
• USA
Residency- and work permit
All non-EU nationals, including Romanian and Bulgarian residents, have to obtain a valid work permit in order to be able to work in the Netherlands.
• Residency- and work permit has to be filed by the employer
• Duration procedure: 2-5 weeks
• Family members can be included in the application
• Documents required for immigration: passport, birth certificate and marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Birth- and marriage certificates have to be legalized or Apostilled (countries that are member to the Apostille treaty)
Housing
The Netherlands has a free rent sector were there is a large offer of accommodations for various budgets. However, there is a great difference in price per location. The rent in Amsterdam centre might for example be the double as compared to Amsterdam suburbs. Since the distances in the Netherlands are not that large, many choose to stay in the suburbs or the cities surrounding major cities.
Price ranges for a typical 1 living room and 2 bedroom furnished apartment in Amsterdam and surroundings:
- Amsterdam centre: 1200 – 1600 euro a month
- Amsterdam suburbs: 800 – 1200 euro a month
- Cities surrounding Amsterdam: 700 – 1200 euro a month
Home basics
Gas water and Electricity
These utilities are usually ready to use once you move to your new house. The utilities are in some cases included in the monthly rent. If this is not the case, you only have to transfer them to your name.
Communication
The Netherlands is one of the most connected countries in the world. There are many telecom, internet, mobile and TV providers to choose from. Most providers offer a Total package which includes telephone line, Internet and digital TV. The prices are somewhere between 30 to 45 euros a month.
Healthcare
The Netherlands has one of the worlds’ best healthcare systems. It is mandatory for everybody that lives and works in the Netherlands to have at least a base health insurance. The average price of the base health insurance is 90 to 110 euros a month. Additional packages are not compulsory and can vary in price and composition. Finance
Taxes
The Netherlands has a higher than average tax system. However, in order to attract more skilled professionals from abroad, the Dutch government has introduces the so-called 30% ruling for all professionals recruited from abroad. This tax incentive makes sure that 30% of your gross income is exempted from wage taxes. The remaining 70% of your income will be taxed according to local rules.
Illustration:
This simplified example illustrates the net amount that someone will get based on a gross salary of 3500 euros a month. This example is only for illustration purpose and does not include extra benefits like holiday allowance, free holidays, pension and any other benefits that companies have to offer.
| Monthly gross salary | 3500 |
| Taxable amount | 2450 |
| Taxes | - 650 |
| Amount exempted from tax based on 30% ruling | +1050 |
| Net salary | 2850 |
Families
Education
Employment
Transport
As a relatively small country, the Netherlands is very well connected by roads, rails and other public transportation. The rail network connects the entire country to the big cities. There are also good bus services available in all major cities and surrounding. Cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht also have a well connected tram system. The Dutch love to bicycle on short trips and they usually combine the biking trip with the public transport to get to their destination. Home – work distances are usually not that long. For example, if you live in Amstelveen and your work is in Amsterdam city centre, it only takes you about 30 to 40 minutes to get there. Driving is also an option. There are a number of nationalities that can exchange their licence to a Dutch drivers licence without any need for examination. Also people who have a so-called 30% ruling can exchange their licence. Other nationalities and people without the 30% ruling can use their drivers licence for a limited time.
