moving to the Netherlands

TIME PLANNING

Transfer times to Amsterdam

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

All information about entering Holland, Friesland or Brabant

If you want to move to the Netherlands and live and work there, you do not need a residence permit or visa as an EU citizen. A valid passport or identity card is sufficient for you as a citizen of the European Union when you move.

MOVING WITH PETS

Dare to move together with your pet

EMIGRATING BY CAR

Car importation

There are no customs charges for importing a passenger car when you move. The following aspects need to be considered when you move:

• Your car must be inspected by the RDW. This is the vehicle registration authority in the Netherlands. You can find an overview of locations for this service here.
• You will need to take out third party car insurance and pay tax contributions.

In all regions and provinces, there are usually costs for registering a car or motorbike (BPM). How high the costs are depends on the Co2 emissions.  In the Netherlands, there are two types of car tax. Firstly, the initial registration of a vehicle is taxed, and secondly, the keeping of the vehicle.

IMPORT REGULATIONS

Import regulations for an international move

The following quantities are permitted for the import of goods from another EU Member State into the Netherlands:

You can also find useful information for importing moving goods into the Netherlands on the IAM website: Country Guide Netherlands

HEALTH SYSTEM & HEALTH INSURANCE

Everything about your health

The Netherlands has an excellent health care system. The standard of medical facilities is high and the staff is well trained. This applies to both the private and the public sector. In contrast to Germany, the majority of medical specialists practise in hospitals.

Health insurance is compulsory in all regions, from Holland to Groningen. It is important to note that you have to choose a provider yourself and take out insurance there. You have 4 months to do this. After this period, you will have to pay a fine.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about moving house

Below we have summarised some of the questions you may have about moving to a neighbouring country, from Holland to Groningen. If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail or phone.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE CULTURE OF THE NETHERLANDS

Modesty is very important here

The Dutch are a positive-thinking people who are open to new things and seek long-term, creative solutions to problems. Dutch modesty is just as typical. Someone who tries to impose his personal views by any means is not welcome. Teamwork, on the other hand, in which everyone can use their skills, is an important part of the culture. In contrast to Germany, the Dutch are less insistent on performance. Thus, grades are rather unimportant in the application process. Many companies are characterised by flat hierarchies. This also gives employees in lower positions the opportunity to contribute.

ECONOMY

The economic situation in the new place of residence

The service sector is the largest economic sector in the regions and provinces, from Holland to Groningen. About four-fifths of all employed people work in this sector. The largest service providers include the financial services companies ING, Fortis and AEGON, the ports of Rotterdam and Amsterdam and Schiphol Airport.

Agriculture is also very productive in the Netherlands, with the keeping of dairy cattle and the cultivation of cereals, vegetables and cut flowers, as well as being strong in exports.

In the manufacturing sector, food and electronics production, the chemical industry and petroleum refining are predominant.

As the Netherlands is one of the most visited countries in the world, the tourism sector is also an important part of the Dutch economy.

WORKING MARKET

Working in another country

In the Netherlands there is a statutory minimum wage. This depends on the age of the employee and amounts to 13.27 euros per hour from the age of 21. The unemployment rate is very low at 3,9%. An average working week is 36 to 40 hours in most cases.

COST OF LIVING

Renting a flat in the Netherlands 

Looking for a flat in the Netherlands is not always easy. This is especially true in the regions around Amsterdam, The Hague and Utrecht. These are places where about 40 percent of the entire Dutch population lives. Consequently, rental prices are also more expensive compared to other places. We therefore recommend that you start looking for a suitable property for a move early on.

Tip for the search: Your municipality of residence can provide you with helpful information for your flat search. In addition, it is possible to contact housing associations when you move. In case you want to buy a house or flat, it is worthwhile to research in newspapers or to consult an estate agent.

(Status: 2024)

Average food prices

Food prices in the Netherlands are comparable to those in Germany. However, the cost of living is about 10% higher in comparison. However, it should be noted that these are also related to the respective place of residence and lifestyle. For example, visits to restaurants are more expensive than in Germany.