The Netherlands is one of the best countries to live in the world. It offers job opportunities, safety, culture, and beautiful scenery.
Below are the 8 biggest reasons why moving to the Netherlands is an excellent idea, plus some tips and information that will help you embrace the pros and cons of living in the Netherlands.
You will find a “moving to the Netherlands” checklist to help you organise and track your relocation progress easily.
1. You Will Love These Facts About Living In Netherlands
The Netherlands is a lovely country. It offers beautiful scenery all year round, so you won’t have a dull time here.
In addition, you can also expect to find great healthcare services and a vibrant social life, making this country a perfect place to work and live in.
Excellent Healthcare Services
The Netherlands has an efficient healthcare service. The waiting times are short, and the doctors generally speak English fluently.
However, the healthcare service is relatively expensive. That’s why it is important to know the coverage provided by your health insurance. This way, you can determine if you need additional health insurance or not.
Great Social Life
This country has a great cafe culture where people can meet up and socialise. You will also find festivals and local events throughout the year, making it easier to meet new friends.
In addition, it is wise to keep in mind that Dutch people are known to be blunt, but they do not mean to be rude. It may take time to feel comfortable, but you will get used to it.
Different Season Brings Different Charm
The best thing about the Netherlands is that it offers different charms for each season.
Winter is the moment when the skaters fill the frozen canals. Spring will bring you colourful flowers, especially the iconic tulips. You can join many other people who enjoy summer by the beach or visit other islands. Lastly, you will enjoy forests and parks turning into golden colour in autumn.
2. Netherlands’ Best Cities That Are Perfect For Anyone
If you are wondering where to live in the Netherlands, we will recommend the top three cities according to the 2019 Residential Ranking.
The ranking is based on 37 different indicators, including house prices, work opportunities, accessibility, and safety.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ capital and the most populated city in the country. It is known for its artistic heritage, canal system, and well-preserved historical sites.
Most expats live in Amsterdam since it offers more job and education opportunities than other major cities.
Utrecht (pictured above)
It is understandable why Utrecht is one of the best cities to live in the Netherlands. It is located at the heart of the Netherlands and is well-connected to the rest of the country.
Utrecht is also a student city, and it offers excellent amenities. The proximity from Utrecht to the Dutch countryside is also one beneficial point, especially during vacation time.
Delft
Delft is a popular destination for people who want to live in tranquillity and yet still have easy access to big cities.
This city is famous for its blue pottery and medieval architecture. In addition, Delft also has positive economic developments and forecasts, which attract more people to relocate to this city.
3. The Cost Of Living In The Netherlands Is Manageable
Living in the Netherlands is indeed expensive. However, it does not mean you cannot manage your budget. You will be able to start your budget planning after knowing the estimated cost of living here and we will share below.
Generally, a single person usually spends around €2,591 (2,715.3 USD) on monthly expenses. This number includes the monthly rent in a non-expensive area outside the city centre.
If you are moving with family members, you will need around €4,718 (4,944.5 USD) for your monthly expenses, excluding school tuition.
Here are some tips to help you save more money in the Netherlands:
- Shop at the street markets.
- Buy second-hand goods.
- Buy your groceries in bulk.
- Find free activities like going to the library or park.
You need to be careful when finding cheap goods and ensure you don’t buy stolen goods. Therefore, you may want to be careful when shopping at the street shops or online.
4. The Netherlands Offers Job Opportunities In Its Diverse Industries
Securing a job in the Netherlands should be your priority if you plan to relocate to this country as it will help you obtain a visa to live in the Netherlands.
To give you an insight into the job market in the Netherlands, check out the following major industries that you can consider when searching for a job:
- agriculture and food industry,
- energy,
- machinery,
- electronics,
- tourism, and
- professional services.
If you are unable to speak Dutch well, you can apply for a position in a multinational company. These companies usually use English as their primary language to communicate since they hire people from other countries.
Some of the multinational companies in the Netherlands that you’ll want to check out are as follows:
- Shell,
- Phillips,
- Heineken,
- KLM,
- Tom Tom, and
- Baan Corporation.
5. It Is Fun To Go Around The Netherlands By Taking Public Transport
The Netherlands is a small country with an excellent public transportation system. You can get around by train, bus, tram, or ferry.
Additionally, the Netherlands also has five airports, with Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam being its biggest international airport. This means you will be able to travel to other parts of the world easily.
6. You Will Have Many Exciting Places To Visit In The Netherlands
Of course, you will get beautiful scenery in the Netherlands. Therefore, you need to explore this country to get the full experience of living in the Netherlands.
Below are some places around the Netherlands that offer displays of Dutch culture, history, and best sights:
- Rijksmuseum (in Amsterdam),
- Binnenhof (in Den Haag) (pictured above),
- Oude Haven (in Rotterdam),
- De Hoge Veluwe National Park (in Otterlo), and
- St. Martin’s Cathedral (in Utrecht).
The best time to explore the Netherlands is around April and May, the spring season. During springs, the iconic Dutch flowers, tulips, are in full bloom and the temperatures are also moderate. Summers will be the peak holiday season due to the school break.
7. Netherlands Has A Wide Variety Of Local Dishes
Living in the Netherlands will be an opportunity to taste new good foods. Getting yourself familiar with the foods will also help you settle in faster.
To start your culinary journey in the Netherlands, here is a list of local dishes that you cannot miss:
- Oliebollen,
- Speculoos,
- Hagelslag (sprinkles) on toast,
- Pepernoten,
- Pannenkoeken, and
- Erwtensoep.
The Netherlands also has an iconic alcoholic beverage, Jenever. This drink was an iconic liquor for soldiers during the war in the 1630s. You should give it a try when you live in the Netherlands.
8. A “Moving To The Netherlands” Checklist Will Make Your Relocation Process Less Stressful
Moving abroad can be a hassle if you do not organise the preparation. Therefore, you need to create a checklist of everything you need to do and know.
Below are the some of points you can include in the checklist:
- important documents,
- things to do,
- budget,
- things to pack,
- things to donate or sell,
- important contacts, and
- travel precautions.
To make your relocation process less stressful, you can engage Sanelo. Our team has had years of experience in handling local and international relocation and will be more than happy to make your relocation experience a great one.
Conclusion On Moving To The Netherlands
There are many reasons why people are moving to the Netherlands. This country is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty.
It also offers job opportunities in various industries, high safety rates, excellent public transportation, and vibrant cities to live in.
You will have a less stressful relocation to the Netherlands if you are well prepared. Make your own checklist to track your relocation progress, and engage Sanelo.
Sanelo has years of experience in handling relocations. Our team will help you through the process, so your relocation will run smoothly.
For more information and tips about moving to other European cities, please check out our articles about moving to Marseille, Glasgow, Liverpool, and Geneva.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving To The Netherlands
Is It Hard To Immigrate To The Netherlands?
It is not that difficult to move to the Netherlands if you have an employer or a school to attend. You also need to obtain a residence permit to live and work legally in the Netherlands.
Can I Move To The Netherlands Without A Job?
It will be tough to move to the Netherlands without a job. You need a secured income source and an employer to obtain a work visa, which you will need if you want to live in the Netherlands.
Is It Safe To Live In The Netherlands?
The Netherlands is generally a safe country. It is also safe for anyone to walk at night.
However, it is still important to pay attention to the basic safety measures to avoid being a crime victim.
How Far Ahead Should I Contact Sanelo Before Moving To The Netherlands?
The ideal time to contact Sanelo is three to two months before your moving trip. It is also best to contact us and consult with our team about your relocation needs before getting a quote. This way, our team will be able to adjust the process for you.