Find a place to live!
Relocation preparations: Finding a room or apartment in the Netherlands can be quite tricky and expensive (depending on the city). Therefore it is recommended you start looking for a place before you arrive in the Netherlands. Shared houses are typical not only for students but also for starters. Be aware you’re competing with many others when looking for a place to live. If possible, arrive weeks in advance so that you will be able to have a look at houses in person. Don’t give up quickly. Manage your expectations and consider temporary solutions as well.
Check if you are entitled to the 30% ruling!
If you come to the Netherlands to work, you might be entitled to the 30% ruling. To get 30% facility, you need to be recruited or seconded from a country other than the Netherlands. Furthermore, you need to have specific expertise that is not or is only barely available on the Dutch employment market. This also includes a certain income and degree level (Master’s degree) and your age. Click here for more info about the specific requirements you need to meet. Please check here for more detailed information about the conditions.
Some attractive financial benefits: your employer may provide you with 30% of your wage, including reimbursement, tax-free. Considering the tax rate in the Netherlands, which is around 40%, the 30% facility can bring you a couple of 100 Euros a month extra. If you meet the requirements, you need to submit an application together with your employer. Please be aware that it costs money to send the application.
Unsubscribe from services and cancel subscriptions!
Relocation preparations: Make a list of all memberships, contracts and services you need to unsubscribe from or cancel before you move to the Netherlands. Think about memberships at sports clubs, societies, subscriptions for newspapers and magazines but also contracts for internet, telephone and supply companies like water, gas and electrical supply. Make sure you don’t pay too much and choose the correct cancellation date.
Work and resident permit!
In most cases, a citizen of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland doesn’t need a residence or work permit to stay and work in the Netherlands. A valid passport or national travel ID of your country of origin is evidence enough that you are permitted to stay and work in the Netherlands. You don’t have to report to the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service, and your employer doesn’t need to apply for a work permit for you. However, make sure you register at your municipality if you plan on living in the Netherlands for more than 90 days.
Cost of living and budget!
As a young professional or starter working in the Netherlands, you will earn around €1800 net (based on full-time employment) with a yearly extra of approximately one monthly salary paid in May when you get your “holiday money” (vakantiegeld). (Please be aware that this is a reference value and salary might differ per industry). Depending on whether you live your rent will most likely be somewhere between €700 and €1000. Be aware; in the big cities it’s difficult to get a rental apartment/studio for that price or it will take time to get a nice place. If you have experience as an employee and therefore earn more, your income can rise considerably. This also makes it easier for you to rent something for a higher rental price. For health and house insurances you will spend around €150 (or €200 if you own a car). Calculate around €250 monthly for groceries and keep in mind travel costs if you commute to work. In the Netherlands, some employers reimburse (part of) the travel costs. Need help with your relocation preparations?
Move your stuff!
A lot of internationals choose to travel light and sell their furniture or store it somewhere in their country of origin. Consider moving with just one suitcase since you might also not know yet where you will be staying and therefore what you need. As international moving services can be quite expensive, but if you do it by the partner of Expats on the Move, you will get a discount. Also there aren’t a lot of furnished rental houses available for rent. So keep that in mind! Need help with a moving company?
If you don’t bring your furniture to the Netherlands and you might want to furnish your new house. There more options; you can rent or buy furniture in the Netherlands as well. It can be as cheap or expensive as you like.