{"id":103,"date":"2020-05-31T08:34:50","date_gmt":"2020-05-31T08:34:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.imovingto.com\/?page_id=103"},"modified":"2022-09-15T15:39:54","modified_gmt":"2022-09-15T15:39:54","slug":"moving-to-netherlands","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.imovingto.com\/moving-to-netherlands\/","title":{"rendered":"Moving to Netherlands"},"content":{"rendered":"

Did you know that the Netherlands is known for its safety and tolerance toward expats?<\/span><\/p>\n

If so, chances are that this is one of the reasons why you\u2019re thinking about moving to the Netherlands. Some of the reasons why expats enjoy this country are that the <\/span>work-life balance <\/b>here allows them to enjoy both excellent <\/span>career opportunities<\/b> and an engaging<\/span> environment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u2019s more, the Netherlands offers a sophisticated organization and infrastructure. And the fact that you can speak <\/span>English <\/b>everywhere in the country makes it simple to integrate with the culture more easily.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, if moving to the Netherlands is an attractive idea, and you desire to initiate a new phase of life in a steadily perfect environment, we\u2019re here to help! <\/span>IMovingTo<\/span><\/a> will streamline your international moving experience and ensure it\u2019s entirely delightful.<\/span><\/p>\n

Brief Overview of Dutch Culture & Social Life<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Netherlands is a liberal nation with a progressive attitude. The Dutch are generally known for being direct, pragmatic, and <\/span>tolerant<\/b>.\u00a0 They are usually highly friendly, polite, and <\/span>hospitable <\/b>as well.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They follow the rules, maintain conservatism, and pay particular attention to small details. The Dutch pride themselves on being sensible, diligent, and well-organized. They appreciate that foreigners also try to respect their social and cultural characteristics.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, it should be noted that it may take some time for your new colleagues and neighbors to warm up to you, as the Dutch are quite <\/span>introverted regarding<\/b> communication. Meanwhile, you can connect with people going through a comparable change in the vibrant ex-pat community the Netherlands is known for.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Dutch take considerable pride in their cultural heritage, and the government is constantly involved in supporting all forms of art. It can be said that cultural diversity is clearly expressed in Dutch characters.<\/span><\/p>\n

Do I Need to Learn the Dutch Language?<\/span><\/h3>\n

The majority of people in the Netherlands are able to communicate in <\/span>English<\/b>, with estimates of their ability varying from <\/span>90% to 93%<\/b> of the overall population.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

Technically speaking, the Dutch language requirement is not necessary since many businesses and organizations in the Netherlands provide opportunities for <\/span>English-speaking expats.<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, learning Dutch will not only make it easier for you to acquire a job and enable you to interact with colleagues and neighbors, read signs, and get help if you ever get lost. Furthermore, due to its position between German and English, Dutch is perhaps the easiest language<\/span> for English speakers to learn.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Apply for a Dutch Visa?<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you decide to relocate to the Netherlands, you should apply for a <\/span>long-stay visa<\/b>, also known as a <\/span>provisional residence permit (MVV). <\/b>On the other hand, you do not need a Dutch visa or residence permit to move to the Netherlands if you are a citizen of an <\/span>EU\/EEA <\/b>country or a <\/span>Swiss national<\/b>, but you will still need to register with the <\/span>local authorities.<\/b><\/p>\n

The Dutch Embassy <\/b>or <\/span>Consulate<\/b> in your country is where you can apply for a visa. The processing of a visa application, whether it’s for the Netherlands or another country, takes a little while. For this reason, you need to apply for the visa process in advance of your intended departure. The suggested time frame is at least <\/span>3 weeks<\/b> before your trip.<\/span><\/p>\n

Online application forms <\/b>can often be requested and printed from the websites of Dutch embassies and consulates. Before submitting the application, you should fill it out and sign it. When applying for a Dutch visa, you must also provide a number of documents in addition to the application form.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sorting Out Health Insurance in the Netherlands<\/span><\/h2>\n

Health insurance for you and your family should be one of the top priorities when moving to the Netherlands. The <\/span>Dutch healthcare system<\/b> is one of the most advanced in the world, and all citizens, including most expats, are required by law to get health insurance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The majority of treatments should be covered by insurance. Still, for expatriates, the variety of health insurance alternatives in the Netherlands can be overwhelming because so many companies seem to provide almost identical options.<\/span><\/p>\n

After your insurance is sorted, consider finding a <\/span>family doctor<\/b> in the Netherlands as a priority. Why? Because family doctors conduct regular medical examinations and tests, and refer patients to specialists.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Even in an <\/span>emergency<\/b>, you might need to call your family doctor and get a referral to avoid problems obtaining insurance to cover the medical procedure cost.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Manage Finances in the Netherlands?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Managing <\/span>long-term earnings<\/b> and meeting immediate <\/span>financial requirements<\/b> are crucial when moving to the Netherlands. Before relocating, exploring your economic alternatives, including <\/span>retail banks<\/b> and <\/span>mobile banking services, is essential<\/b>. Setting up a <\/span>mobile banking account <\/b>before your departure is also relevant.<\/span><\/p>\n

You might also need to rapidly and simply transfer money abroad. As a result, the following <\/span>payment options<\/b> can be beneficial.<\/span><\/p>\n

With money transfers available to over <\/span>150 countries<\/b> and currency rates up to <\/span>8 times<\/b> lower than those offered by banks, <\/span>CurrencyFair<\/b> enables you to avoid excessive bank fees. <\/span>Wise <\/b>is another provider of international money transfers available in <\/span>59 countries<\/b> and offers transfers between international bank accounts up to <\/span>8 times<\/b> less expensive<\/b> than traditional banks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Regarding taxes, it is essential to highlight that the Dutch system is straightforward, especially for expats. The Netherlands is a socially aware nation. Therefore, higher earners should consider paying <\/span>higher taxes<\/b> on their income.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Keep in mind that your personal circumstances, a field of employment, residency status, and other assets and earnings directly affect your status as an expat in the Netherlands.<\/span><\/p>\n

Customs Regulations and Allowances for the Netherlands<\/span><\/h2>\n

Customs in the Netherlands does not impose a tax on personal luggage. When traveling with medicine, make sure you keep it in its original packaging as you might be asked to provide a prescription and prove it is for only personal use.<\/span><\/p>\n

You should also keep in mind that some medications, like strong painkillers and sleep-inducing drugs, may be classified as narcotics in the EU. When it comes to <\/span>alcohol, <\/b>don\u2019t forget <\/span>Duty-Free Customs customs allowances:<\/b><\/p>\n