The Netherlands
Coastal BeachesThe Netherlands, also known informally as Holland, is a country located in Northwestern Europe with some overseas territories in the Caribbean. It is known for a flat landscape of canals, tulip fields, windmills, and cycling routes. Amsterdam, the capital, is home to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, the house where Jewish diarist Anne Frank hid during WWII, and a red-light district. The Netherlands has a maritime climate with cool summers and mild winters. The country has a rich history and is known for its historic cities, its art from the Dutch Golden Age, and its innovative water-management projects. The Dutch are also known for their liberal policies on issues such as drugs, prostitution, and euthanasia. The country is densely populated and is one of the world's top exporters of goods, thanks to its highly developed economy. The Port of Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe and one of the busiest in the world. The Netherlands is a founding member of the EU, NATO, the WTO, and the OECD, and it hosts several international courts, making it a central player in international affairs. The Dutch society is egalitarian and organized, with a strong emphasis on social welfare and consensus-based decision-making. Dutch and Frisian are the official languages, with English widely spoken as a second language by most of the population. The country's flat terrain is punctuated by numerous rivers and canals, which have been historically important for trade and transportation.
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SJB GlobalSJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
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Episode 6: Jake Barber - Expat Finance Expert and Lifelong Expat
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Living in Netherlands
Best Places to Live in Netherlands
Visa & Residency
The process of obtaining a residency in the Netherlands varies depending on the type of visa and the applicant's circumstances. For expats, the Highly Skilled Migrant Visa is a common choice. This requires an employment contract with a Dutch employer who is recognized by the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) as a sponsor. The employer must also meet the salary criteria set by the IND. The Self-employed Visa is another option, which involves a point-based system assessing the viability of the business and its value to the Dutch economy. The Startup Visa is for entrepreneurs with an innovative business idea, and it requires mentorship from a recognized Dutch facilitator. For digital nomads, the Orientation Year Visa for Highly Educated Persons is popular. It is designed for those who have completed higher education and wish to look for work or start a business within the Netherlands. This visa is valid for one year and does not require a sponsor, but applicants must have graduated from a top 200 university in the last three years or have completed a research project in the Netherlands. The application process generally involves gathering the necessary documents, such as a valid passport, birth certificate, and proof of health insurance, and submitting them to the IND. Depending on the visa type, additional documents like a business plan or an employment contract may be required. The IND then assesses the application, which can take from a few weeks to several months. Some visas, like the Highly Skilled Migrant Visa, can be expedited through the fast-track Orange Carpet Programme if the employer is a recognized sponsor. Overall, while the process can be bureaucratic and requires careful attention to detail, the Netherlands offers a variety of visas to suit different needs, and the process is generally considered average in terms of difficulty compared to other countries. Applicants are advised to start the process well in advance of their intended move date and to ensure they meet all the specific criteria for their chosen visa type.
Healthcare in Netherlands
The healthcare system in the Netherlands is known for its high quality and is a combination of mandatory basic insurance and optional private insurance. All residents are required to purchase basic health insurance, which covers standard medical care, including visits to a general practitioner, hospital stays, and essential medical treatments. Private insurance is available for additional coverage or for services not included in the basic package. The quality of both public and private healthcare is generally considered to be excellent, with modern facilities and well-trained medical staff. The cost of public healthcare is managed through regulated insurance premiums and income-related contributions. Expats and digital nomads can gain access to public healthcare once they become residents and purchase the mandatory health insurance. It is advisable for them to arrange for health insurance as soon as they receive their residence permit.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in the Netherlands is considered high, especially in major cities such as Amsterdam and Utrecht. Housing, in particular, can be quite expensive, and the overall expenses for daily life including transportation, food, and healthcare are significant when compared to other countries.
Weather
The Netherlands has a maritime climate with cool summers and mild winters. The country experiences a fair amount of precipitation throughout the year, with no extreme periods of cold or heat. Due to its flat geography and proximity to the sea, the weather can be quite windy, and there is often high humidity.
Educational System in Netherlands
The educational system in the Netherlands is known for its high quality and is divided into primary and secondary education, followed by vocational or higher education. Children start primary school at the age of 4 and continue until they are 12. This stage is called 'basisonderwijs' and it focuses on basic skills such as reading, writing, and arithmetic, along with the beginnings of subjects like history, geography, and foreign languages. After primary school, students move on to secondary education, which is divided into different levels based on the student's academic ability and interests: VMBO (pre-vocational education), HAVO (senior general secondary education), and VWO (pre-university education). VMBO lasts for 4 years, HAVO for 5 years, and VWO for 6 years. At the end of secondary education, students take a national exam to obtain their diploma, which is necessary to progress to higher education. The Dutch educational system emphasizes student independence and critical thinking, with a focus on preparing students for their future careers and participation in society.
Universities in Netherlands
The university system in the Netherlands offers a wide range of undergraduate (Bachelor's) and postgraduate (Master's and PhD) programs. Bachelor's degrees typically take three years to complete, while Master's programs can take one to two years, depending on the field of study. Dutch universities are known for their research and innovation, and they often collaborate with international institutions. The academic year runs from September to June, with a few universities offering a February start for certain programs. The language of instruction is primarily Dutch, but there is a growing number of programs taught in English, especially at the Master's level. This makes the Netherlands an attractive option for international students. Universities in the Netherlands are divided into research universities and universities of applied sciences. Research universities focus on the theoretical aspects of education, while universities of applied sciences are more practical and career-oriented. The cost of attending university in the Netherlands is relatively affordable compared to other countries, with tuition fees set by the government for EU/EEA students. Non-EU/EEA students face higher fees but still find Dutch universities to be a cost-effective option compared to other popular study destinations. Financial aid and scholarships are available for both Dutch and international students.
Living in Netherlands
