Moving to Netherlands in 2025

Step by step guide on migrating and relocating to Netherlands in 2025?

Use our Guide to find all the moving information you may need if you are thinking of moving or working in Netherlands.

People relocate and move to Netherlands for many different reasons, mainly due its high standard of living, stable economy, robust infrastructure, and open and tolerant society. Firstly, The Netherlands is one of the best places to live in Europe due to its high standard of living. It has the sixth-highest per capita income in the world and many of its cities were ranked among the top 10 most livable cities in Europe in a 2014 survey by Mercer, a global consulting firm. It also has a reliable healthcare system, exceptional education system and a relatively low crime rate compared to other countries. Secondly, the economy of Netherlands is very stable and open, which attracts many people from other countries to move there, in search of better opportunities. The Dutch government is committed to making the country an attractive investment destination, having recently attracted a range of technology companies such as Netflix, Microsoft and IBM. Being the second largest trading partner after Germany and the EUs largest agricultural exporter, it is no surprise the Netherlands is the 3rd largest economy in the European Union. Thirdly, the Netherlands is renowned for its robust infrastructure, supporting digital innovation and high-speed internet access. This makes it particularly attractive to entrepreneurs and tech companies as they can benefit from the Netherlands’ innovative environment and proactive entrepreneurial initiatives. Finally, the Netherlands is known to be an open and tolerant society, making it very attractive to migrants and visitors. It guarantees religious freedom, freedom of speech and press, and other basic civil liberties, allowing visa applicants to participate in all kinds of work & educational projects. In addition, the Netherlands is renown for its cultural diversity and has a long-standing appreciation of different cultures and nationalities, making it a highly sought after destination for many.

Cost of Moving to Netherlands

1. Cost of Living: The cost of living in the Netherlands is generally higher than in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia. Housing, food, transportation, and basic necessities like electricity and heating can be expensive. Housing prices range from €650 for a single room to €800 for a single apartment. 2. Healthcare: Healthcare in the Netherlands is covered by the Dutch public health insurance system. For an individual, healthcare costs depend on income but typically range from around €100-€180 per month. Health insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands,so you will have to take out a policy before you can obtain a residence permit. 3. Food: Food can be fairly expensive in the Netherlands, with a typical meal costing €7-€15 per person. Groceries can also be more expensive than some other countries due to the fact that taxes are added to certain items. 4. Transportation: Public transportation in the Netherlands is generally reliable and inexpensive. A single ticket on most services costs around €2-€4 and a discounted monthly travel card is about €36-€50. 5. Taxes: Taxes are one of the largest costs associated with living in the Netherlands. Both Dutch citizens and expats are required to pay income tax, which is generally higher than in many other countries. The tax rate will vary depending on income level and category, but the average rate is around 36%.

Best Jobs in Netherlands

The most popular jobs among migrants moving to the Netherlands are in the technology, finance and engineering sectors. This is because these sectors offer higher wages and better career opportunities than other occupations. Software Engineer: Software engineering is a popular job among migrants moving to the Netherlands, as the demand for software engineers is high. Salaries for software engineers in the Netherlands range from €40,000 to €60,000 per year. Data Scientist: Data scientists are in high demand in the Netherlands, as businesses increasingly rely on data analysis to make decisions. The average salary for data scientists in the Netherlands is €50,000 - €70,000 per year. Finance Consultant: Financial consultants help businesses manage their finances and reduce risk. Salaries for financial consultants in the Netherlands range from €50,000 to €90,000 per year. IT Consultant: IT consultants help businesses maintain and update their technology infrastructure. Salaries for IT consultants in the Netherlands range from €40,000 to €70,000 per year. Civil Engineer: Civil engineers use mathematics and scientific principles to design and build roads, bridges and other structures. The average salary for civil engineers in the Netherlands is €50,000 - €65,000 per year. Marketing Manager: Marketing managers develop marketing strategies and create campaigns to promote products or services. The average salary for a marketing manager in the Netherlands is €55,000 - €80,000 per year.

Weather in Netherlands

The Netherlands is located in the Western part of Europe, in the moderate marine climate zone, which means that weather is generally mild and rainy. Temperatures drop below 0°C (32°F) in winter and rarely exceed 25°C (77°F) in the summer. The average temperature in the summer is around 15°C (59°F). The Netherlands experiences four distinct seasons; spring (March-May), summer (June-August), autumn (September-November) and winter (December-February). The spring season is typically mild and slightly wet with temperatures ranging from 8°C (46°F) to 14°C (57°F). Daylight hours are relatively short, and rainfall is regular at about 500mm (19.5 inches). Summers in the Netherlands are mild too and quite pleasant. Average daytime temperatures range from 17°C (63°F) to 22°C (72°F). There is more sunlight than in spring, but rainfall can also be quite heavy at times. Autumn in the Netherlands is generally cool with temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 12°C (54°F). Generally speaking, the weather is mild and dry with plenty of sunshine and brief downpours. In the winter, temperatures in the Netherlands can drop as low as -5°C (23°F) and snowfall is not unusual. However, the average temperature is around 5°C (41°F) and rainfall is minimal during this season. Generally speaking, the winter weather is cold but more tolerable than other countries in Europe.

Tax & Welfare System in Netherlands

The tax system in The Netherlands relies heavily on a personal income tax system, where each individual filing a return pays taxes based on their own income, taxation brackets, and deductions. The progressive tax rate ranges from 8.9% to 52%, which allows higher-income earners to be taxed at a higher rate. This system includes income tax, payroll tax, corporation tax and wealth tax. The Social Welfare System in The Netherlands is based on social insurance and provided by both the government and employers. The national government provides financial assistance to low-income individuals and families, especially through the national Social Security Act (AWBZ). This system provides long-term care, disability benefits, and unemployment benefits. Additionally, the government also provides tax credits to companies which offer child care and payroll incentives to low-wage earners. Finally, employers are also obligated to follow certain legislation for health insurance, disability, and pensions. The government also provides a housing benefit to help individuals with rent as well as student loans. Additionally, the government provides universal access to healthcare that is free of charge to all Dutch citizens.

Holidays in Netherlands

The Netherlands celebrate several national holidays throughout the year. Most holidays are based on Christian or Dutch heraldic traditions. 1. New Year’s Day (January 1): Celebrated on the first day of the new year, New Year’s Day is a public holiday in the Netherlands. Many people celebrate the day by visiting family and friends to exchange gifts and good wishes for the new year. 2. King’s Day (April 27): The day is also known as King Willem-Alexander’s Birthday and is typically celebrated with street parties, music and a national party. It is celebrated in honor of King Willem-Alexander’s birthday. 3. Liberation Day (May 5): Also known as Netherlands Remembrance Day, Liberation Day honors the day when the Netherlands was freed from Nazi occupation in 1945. 4. Christmas Day (December 25): Christmas Day is celebrated each year on December 25th. On this day Dutch people experience a festive Christmas season, decorated trees and electric lights, feasting and gift-giving. 5. Boxing Day (December 26): Boxing Day is celebrated as a national holiday of the Netherlands. It is a day for people to relax and enjoy themselves after the festivities on Christmas Day. 6. Queen’s Day (April 30): Celebrated on April 30th, Queen’s Day is the birthday of Queen Beatrix and is celebrated in her honor. Many people take part in street parties and festivities, such as a large flea market in Amsterdam.

Where to Live in Netherlands

The most densely populated areas of the Netherlands are located in the western corridor of the country. This includes the provinces of North and South Holland, Flevoland and Utrecht. The cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht, together with their surrounding areas, are the centers of economic activity and the most densely populated areas of the Dutch population. The majority of jobs can be found in the four largest cities of the Netherlands: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht. These cities have a significant number of high-skilled jobs in a wide range of industries such as finance, banking, information technology and the media. Most of the jobs offered in these cities can be found in the services sector such as sales, marketing and customer service, but many positions in the manufacturing industry can also be found in these cities. Outside of the four major cities, there are many smaller cities and rural areas in which a variety of jobs can be found, primarily in the services sector. Jobs in the agricultural industry, retail, hospitality and tourism are some of the most popular options for those living in rural areas of the Netherlands.

Sports & Recreation in Netherlands

The Netherlands is a nation full of active and motivated sports enthusiasts. The popularity of each sport often varies by region and city. Across the country, some of the most popular recreational activities include cycling, football (soccer), hockey, tennis, volleyball and field hockey. Cycling: Cycling is a popular pastime and form of transport in the Netherlands, with more cyclists than any other country in the world. Many cities have dedicated cycling lanes, and there are plenty of cycling clubs to join. The country is ideal for cyclists, with flat terrain and weather conditions perfect for long rides. The annual Amstel Gold Race is one of the most iconic bike races in the world. Football (Soccer): Football, or soccer, is the most popular sport in the Netherlands. The national team qualified for the World Cup in 2014. The country is home to a variety of professional and amateur teams, including Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, Feyenoord, and Utrecht. There are also a number of indoor and outdoor football fields where people can play. Field Hockey: Field hockey is another popular sport in the Netherlands. It is played at the international level by men and women alike. The national team is one of the most successful countries in the sport, having won gold medals at the Olympic Games in 2008 and 2012. The Dutch Hockey Association has a number of clubs located across the country, and regular tournaments are held. Tennis: Tennis is also a popular pastime in the Netherlands. There are many tennis clubs across the country, with both indoor and outdoor courts, and frequent tournaments and other competitions. The country is home to several Grand Slam champions, including Richard Krajicek, Tom Okker, and Martin Verkerk. Volleyball: Volleyball is another popular sport in the Netherlands. It is played at both the amateur and professional level. The country is home to several successful national teams, both men and women. The national team has won several European championships, as well as the World League in 2018. Other sports popular in the Netherlands include badminton, swimming, sailing, basketball, handball, and golf. There are many leisure activities available for people of all ages, such as boat trips, skiing, ice skating, and rock climbing. There are also a number of parks and outdoor recreation areas throughout the country, perfect for walking, running, and cycling.

Cost of Living & Housing in Netherlands

The cost of living in the Netherlands is comparatively high with other countries in Europe. However, salaries in the country are higher too, mainly due to the country’s efficient and high-end quality of life offered. Housing The cost of housing varies drastically depending on the type of property and location in the Netherlands. Accommodation in cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht is especially expensive, with rent exceeding Euro 3000 per month for a relatively modest place. In more rural and smaller cities, rental prices can range anywhere between Euro 800 and Euro 1800 depending on the property. Accommodation in university districts and student housing often comes at lower prices. Food Food costs in the Netherlands range between Euro 6 and Euro 16 per meal in restaurants, with a very decent meal ranging between Euro 10 and Euro 12 in most city centres. Prices for groceries also vary, depending on the type and quality of items for purchase. Utilities Utility bills in the Netherlands can range from Euro 90 to Euro 150 per month, depending on how much electricity is used by the household and other factors like the number of people in the home. Transportation Public transportation within the Netherlands is quite convenient and reliable. The cost of public transport tickets is often flat, with a single ticket costing Euro 3 and a 24-hour ticket costing Euro 8. In addition, many housing developments and student housing facilities have benefitted from the highly subsidized public transport rates. The cost of petrol/diesel is also fairly high compared to other EU countries. Overall, the cost of living in the Netherlands is relatively high compared to other countries in Europe but still considered affordable. Primary needs like housing, transportation, food, and basic utilities are covered by international standards—and furthermore, the quality of these services is often top-notch.

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Study and Higher Education in Netherlands

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