The Netherlands: The Pros and Cons of Permanent Residence
Amsterdam is a dream destination for many, with its unique architecture and style that attracts people from all over the world.
It's worth noting that living permanently in the country can differ significantly from expectations and tourist experiences. Today, we'll look at the pros and cons of living in the Netherlands and explain how to move there in 2023.
Advantages of Living in the Netherlands
Let's start with the positives, as there are many of them, making the country attractive to tourists and relocators.
Mild Climate. Unlike Northern European countries, the climate in the Netherlands is quite mild – summer temperatures reach around 18 degrees Celsius, and in winter, they rarely drop below 2 degrees Celsius.
High Standard of Living. Wages in this country are high – the average salary is approximately 2,155 euros after taxes.
Ability to speak English. In the Netherlands, foreigners can find employment with a local company and use English at work, as the majority of the country's population speaks it. While learning Dutch is essential for permanent residence, knowing English will help you feel comfortable in the country.
Developed infrastructure. Dutch traffic is a dream come true – traffic jams are virtually non-existent, drivers are polite to each other and pedestrians, and public transportation is comfortable and easy to use. The country's rail network is also well-developed.
Disadvantages of living in the Netherlands
Along with the advantages, there are also several disadvantages worth mentioning.
Very high taxes. Tax deductions in the country often reach half of a specialist's salary, which undoubtedly has a negative impact on relocators' desire to find employment in the Netherlands.
Shop opening hours. All large stores close around 6:00 PM and are closed on Sundays.
High utility bills. Like high taxes, utility bills can be a deterrent for immigrants, ranging from €140 to €200 per month. It's worth noting that even after taxes and utilities, wages remain high, but immigrants typically try to choose a country where they will earn a higher net income for the same salary.
How to move to the Netherlands in 2023
To obtain a residence permit in the Netherlands, a foreign citizen must have a good reason for doing so, such as employment, study, or business. While the immigrant is applying for a long-term residence permit, they are issued a short-term visa for three months.
After five years of legal residence in the country, the relocated immigrant is eligible to apply for permanent status.
The Netherlands offers a variety of visa types: for highly qualified specialists, for self-employed entrepreneurs, for scientists, and for starting startups.
If you are planning to obtain a residence permit, invest in a country's economy, or purchase real estate abroad, we invite you to a consultation with our company. During a personal online meeting, we will thoroughly discuss your questions and create a step-by-step action plan for you.