Are you looking to relocate to the Netherlands? Here we explore some excellent reasons to make the move. 

Whilst there are lots of reasons to stay living in the UK and calling it your home, it has to be said that there is a wealth of amazing places that you can relocate to in other parts of the world such as the Netherlands.

Numerous expatriates from the Netherlands remark on the active lifestyle prevalent among the Dutch. Arnold noted in a Quora post, “You will see many of them jogging their way through parks, roller skating, playing hockey or football, and of course riding their bikes”. It’s a nation with a unique culture, with many great benefits for relocating permanently.

If you are looking to move your belongings to the Netherlands, contact us today to start the process of moving your household belongings or boxes.

So, what makes the Netherlands a great choice for relocating to? Read below for 16 of the main reasons why we think you should make the move.

1. There is a great work-life balance

Achieving a work-life balance is something that Dutch people seem to have mastered over the years. Compared to others in Europe, Dutch people tend to work fewer hours on average. Almost 75% of women do not work full time – averaging just 26 hours a week. Men on average work an average of 35 hours a week.

Working fewer hours means that those people have more time to spend with their friends and their family, exploring tulips and all the amazing things that the country has to offer. This culture is ideal if you are new to the Netherlands and you want to see and experience as much as you can whilst you are living there.

2. English is commonly spoken

Whilst many people are more than happy to learn the native language when they move to a new country (or are likely to already know some before they move) it is always helpful if English is also spoken routinely.

Whilst you will hear Dutch being spoken, if you need someone to speak to you in English, then in the Netherlands you are likely to find plenty of people who can do just that.

As well as this, Dutch is taught in universities as a separate language class, and many people say that it is relatively easy to learn as it has many similarities to English.

3. It’s great if you love cycling

Cycling is incredibly popular in the Netherlands, so much so that many people see it as a key part of Dutch life. People will cycle around no matter the weather and will often have their children either on seats on their cycle or perhaps pedalling behind them.

Cycling is not only a fantastic way to stay fit and active, but if you are concerned about cost when it comes to getting around in the country, then you will be able to reduce this by utilising your pedal power.

Not only this but cyclists are widely respected whilst they are moving around, which means that you may feel more comfortable than you would in the UK.

4. Dutch people are known to be incredibly friendly

If you are moving to a new country alone then you are going to want to feel that you are welcomed and that you are going to be able to make new friends. The good news for those who move within the Netherlands is that those who already live there are known to be some of the friendliest people in the whole of Europe.

Dutch people are often found striking up conversations with those around them, whether they are strangers, friends or anyone in between. Great news if you are nervous about making new friends.

5. Organisation is key

When you think of organised countries, you will probably think of Germany, but the Netherlands is also up there. The infrastructure in the country is one to be respected. The public transportation system is not only fast, but it is also incredibly reliable. Ideal if you want to get between the different cities with ease.

Another thing that the Dutch pay attention to is waste and recycling. There are designated spots where your waste should be placed at certain times, you must know this information as placing your waste in the wrong place can result in a fine being issued to you.

6. Great events and festivals

We have already shared the point that Dutch people are known to be amongst the friendliest in the world, therefore it probably doesn’t come as much of a surprise that they are social.

Dutch people value time with those that they care about most, whether that is eating out at a restaurant, chatting in a bar or attending local events and festivals. Amsterdam in particular hosts over 300 festivals every year, so if you love your music, you will find plenty of events to attend.

Not only this, but they also enjoy, for the most part, making new friends and welcoming a fresh face into the group of friends.

7. It is easy enough to find a job

If you are moving without a job, then you may be concerned about whether or not you are going to find work, particularly as a non-native person in the Netherlands. However, this hasn’t proven to be the case for many people.

Many internationals who move to the Netherlands have found that they can get a job with relative ease. This is not only down to the fact that employment is strong in this country, but also because many companies speak English too.

This is great news if you are concerned about whether or not you will find it easy enough to find work and to bring money in.

8. It’s both safe and tolerant

Not only can it be overwhelming moving to a new city, but consider just how overwhelming it can be if you are moving to an entirely new country. The good news is that there are lots of things that you can do to try and put your mind at rest, and in the Netherlands knowing about the low crime rates is going to help with this possible anxiety.

The Netherlands has one of the lowest crime rates in the whole world. There are lots of possible reasons that this may be the case, however, it is more than likely a combination of the approach of rehabilitation over incarceration as well as the fact that many Dutch people are known to take rules very seriously.

More often than not you will find that the Dutch people you meet have a “live and let live” approach to life and they will want to make sure that everyone, no matter their background or social status, is treated equally.

9. Moving to the Netherlands from the UK is easy

If you are looking to move anywhere in the Netherlands, including Amsterdam or Holland, you will be pleased to know that PSS International Removals will be able to help you.

With over 40 years in moving household belongings to the Netherlands from the UK, you will receive all the help you need to have a seamless and stress-free relocation experience. Our service includes a dedicated move manager who will assist you with documentation and customs clearance.

10. It is an amazing place to explore in its own right

Following on from the previous point, as well as being a great base to explore the wider continent, the country itself has plenty to offer for someone looking to explore. You might find mountainous regions, but despite the flat nature of the country, you will find a wealth of spots to discover when you move to the Netherlands.

These include Rotterdam and Witte De Withstrat, a trendy street in South Holland, filled with numerous bars, restaurants and cultural events to explore.

If you are in Amsterdam, then you can try out the Rijksmuseum for a spot of culture and those in Otterlo will be able to spot some natural wonders in the De Hoge Veluwe National Park.

It is also good to know that the country is great no matter the time of year.

Sure, there is a difference in the type of weather that you are going to see, depending on the season, but truth be told, come rain or shine, you are going to find someplace to spend some time and fall in love with the country even more.

11. It makes a great base to travel further afield

Whilst there are lots of amazing things to keep you in the Netherlands,  if you do want to carry on your European adventures, then you are going to be happy to know that it makes for a great base to explore the rest of the continent.

Being located between Germany and Belgium means that you can easily move between them and sample all of the best things that these countries have to offer. You can also drive even further afield to both Luxembourg and France too.

12. High-rated universities to study in

If you are thinking about studying in the Holland, then you will be pleased to know that there are plenty of incredibly highly-rated universities that you can choose to study at. These include Erasmus University Rotterdam, or Codarts University for Arts. The even better news is that many of the universities in the Netherlands teach in English, meaning that you are going to find it much easier to access the learning and to be able to obtain a degree.

The best example of this has to be Maastricht University, which is labelled as the 11th most international Dutch city (and therefore is a great spot to move to if you are not Dutch).

13. It offers amazing healthcare – at a price

Living in the UK means that you have access to the NHS, which is of course free. That said, many people feel frustrated by the wait times that they face when they do need medical help. If you live in the Netherlands, then you will find that the healthcare in the country is amazing.

Not only are most doctors able to speak to you in English (which is helpful if you are feeling unwell or in pain and are struggling to remember the Dutch that you have learnt), but the waiting times for many medical treatments are relatively short.

That said, you do need to remember that this high-quality level of healthcare can come at a cost, which means that you need to make sure that you read your medical insurance documentation and policies thoroughly.

14. The food is delicious

 

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If you do want to find something to do with your new Dutch friends (or your family if you have moved with them) then you are going to be glad to know that there are lots of great places to eat spread throughout the country.

Whilst the cities do offer cuisines from around the world, if you want to sample a real taste of your new home then you are going to need to have a more local dish.

Some of the things that you can enjoy include speculoos, oliebollen and even hagelslag on toast. Let’s just hope you have a sweet tooth, as many of these are on the sweeter side.

15. It can be as affordable as you can make it

It has to be said that there are cheaper places to move to in Europe than the Netherlands, but, if you do want to try and keep to a budget, then this is a place that you can achieve this.

Rental properties are not going to be at a huge cost to you and, if you want to reduce your outgoings then you could always opt for moving around the cities, or more urban areas either by public transport or, on a cycle to make it as free as possible.

Of course, if you choose to move to a city such as Amsterdam or Rotterdam in Holland, then this may be more expensive than some other areas, but, again, if you know what you can do to reduce your spending, then it is possible to live here relatively cheaply.

16. It is luscious and green

Whilst some people love the idea of being in the hustle and bustle of the city, there are plenty of us who would prefer to be surrounded by nothing more than a sea of green as far as the eye can see.

Not only is it green, but it is also “green” too. It is one of the most environmentally friendly countries in the whole of the world. There are lots of efforts across the country to make sure that they have as low a carbon footprint as possible and this is also matched by the innovation of many of the companies across the country too.

Think that a land of friendly faces, lush green fields and plenty of things to see and do is going to be the perfect choice for you? If you do, then you are going to want to consider a big move to the Netherlands!

Are you looking to move to the Netherlands?

There you have it, here are 16 great reasons to move to the Netherlands. It is a country with a great work-life balance, allowing you to spend more time with your friends and family. You will soon be riding your bicycle and explore tulips as you immerse yourself to the culture of the Netherlands.

If you require assistance for moving to the Netherlands, PSS International Removals are experts in moving furniture and shipping boxes and will ensure that you have a stress-free relocation abroad.

Contact us today to start the process of moving, and to avoid any last-minute headaches.