How to Move to the Netherlands

Netherlands rural lanscape with windmills at famous tourist site Kinderdijk - Shutterstock

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Have you ever imagined a different kind of life—cycling along canals, living in historic towns lined with brick houses, or embracing a culture that thrives on innovation, tolerance, and community? For many, the Netherlands is not just a dream holiday—it’s a place to start fresh.

Whether you’re considering relocating for work, study, family, or simply a change in lifestyle, this guide gives you everything you need to make it happen. From visas and finding a job to housing, healthcare, schools, and settling in—we’ve got it all covered with official links, practical advice, and insider tips.

The Netherlands is called the “low country” because much of its land lies at or below sea level, with the name Nederlandliterally meaning “low land.” Around 26–33% of the country is below sea level, with its lowest point, Zuidplaspolder near Rotterdam, at −6.76 metres, while the highest point, the Vaalserberg, is just 322 metres. In total, about two-thirds of the country is at risk of flooding without human-made defences. This geography led to the creation of an advanced system of dikes, canals, and polders—reclaimed land protected from the sea. Historically, the term “Low Countries” also referred to the whole region of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, lying on the lower Rhine, Meuse, and Scheldt rivers.

Would you move to the Netherlands if you could? This guide could help you plan your future.

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In today’s guide:

• Why Move to the Netherlands?

• Visa Options and Residency Rules

• Before You Move: Planning Essentials

• Finding a Job in the Netherlands

• Housing: Renting or Buying a Home

• Healthcare and Health Insurance

• Money, Banking, and Taxes

• Education and Childcare

• Cost of Living

• Getting Around the Netherlands

• Culture, Weather, and Daily Life

• Settling in After You Arrive

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A Complete Guide to Starting a New Life in the Low Countries, the Netherlands:-