Moving from Germany to Netherlands

The Netherlands and Germany share historical ties, a love for beer, and loads of blond hair between their inhabitants. However, there are many differences between these two countries. Here are some of the differences:

• Cash usage: Germans prefer to use cash while Dutchies prefer to use digital payments.
• Working hours: Dutchies work shorter hours than Germans.
• Bread: German bread is considered better than Dutch bread.
• English proficiency: Dutchies speak better English than Germans.

Dutch and German are Germanic languages but have distinct vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar differences. Dutch uses more loanwords from English and has a simpler grammar structure than German. German has more regional dialects and is spoken by a larger population than Dutch.

You might wonder, “what’s the buzz about moving to the Netherlands?” the answer is the country’s cost of living. When you move to the Netherlands, you begin living a high standard-life with some of the things you have dreamt about.

However, this comes at a price; the cost of living is slightly higher than in Germany; this is the only difference with living in Germany. What compensates for this high cost of living is not only the high living standard but the fact that it is easy for you – an immigrant – to get a good job that pays the bills.

For instance, you could get a cup of cappuccino for €2.75 in Amsterdam, whereas, in Rotterdam, you would get the same size for €2.63. That's like a 12-cent difference. And this is the same difference that appears in almost all other food products; it is mostly between 12 to 15 cent difference or less. 

Most people want to live in the best parts of the country. Not that other parts of the country are not good, but there’s something about these cities the Dutch call “Randstad.” these cities are what you would link to Berlin, New York, and Los Angeles, etc.

Cities that seem always to have a lot of activity. In Holland, they call these cities “Randstad.” The Randstad cities include Utrecht, Amsterdam, the Hague, and Rotterdam. These cities contain close to 40% of Holland’s population. Because many of its citizens live here, getting an apartment can be pretty competitive, and the rent is higher than in other cities. As an immigrant, if your work or school is not in these cities, get an apartment in other cities. When you are settled, you can try to move to Randstad. You would enjoy it wherever you get it because Dutchs are friendly people.  

Holland has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world. They make it easy for anyone to get a job. We recommend you start looking for jobs before moving to Holland. Why? Some companies can help you settle down faster than you think. Your employers could help you find a good apartment in the parts you want and could help you get it lesser, and it also makes it easy for you to settle down in the country faster. To search for jobs in the Netherlands, you can use the following websites: StepStone, Back Job, and Monster Board.

Interestingly, in Holland, the minimum monthly wage differs among age groups. Starting from 18 years who get close to €900. A 19 years individual would get a little over €1000 while 20 years take home around €1350 every month. The adults above 21 years of age take home €1700 every month. These values are for people working full-time; part-time jobs would have a lesser value. The salaries in the Netherlands are almost the same or even higher as German ones, that compensates the higher cost of living.

Private health insurance is not practiced in Holland anymore. You must obtain health insurance for yourself and your family from an accredited health insurance provider because it is an important legal document, and you are required to have it. 

Health insurance in the Netherlands is compulsory and the country has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. It is financed through a combination of compulsory health insurance, social security contributions, and voluntary payments. The healthcare sector in the Netherlands provides the necessary medical care to all residents of the country, regardless of their income. 

Standard health insurance covers the costs of a general practitioner's consultation, hospital treatment, and prescription drugs. If you do not have health insurance, you may be charged a fine.

There are two types of health insurance in the Netherlands: basic and secondary.

• Basic insurance is compulsory for all residents of the country and covers basic medical care.
• Additional insurance can be purchased separately and covers additional services such as dental care, laser vision correction, and physical therapy.

The cost of basic health insurance in 2023 will be around €1,500 per year. The cost of additional insurance depends on the chosen package of services and the insurance company.

If you want to register for health insurance in the Netherlands, you need to contact one of the health insurance companies. They offer a number of different packages that you can take advantage of.

Moving to the Netherlands is easy because of the European Union's freedom of movement. There are 3 ways of getting from Germany to Netherlands: by road, by rail, or by air. Here is how long it takes: 

1. By air is still the fastest way of getting into Holland. It takes just about 1 hour from take off until you land.
2. By Road:

• Driving takes about 5 hours and 20 minutes 
• Public Transport would take about 8 hours for the bus; this duration also depends on where you are moving from Germany assuming you are stopping in Amsterdam. 

1. By Rail: The train takes about 8 hours as well and you can join any train going to Amsterdam at the S+U Alexanderplatz Bhf to Amsterdam Centraal in Berlin. The train schedule is one of the things to know before moving to Netherlands; it starts at 14:20 and you can always get another train every hour until 17:20 when the night travels start. The night train takes approximately 14 hours so you get to the Netherlands the next day. 

For you to live and work in the Netherlands, you need to first be registered, and here’s how to do that:

• Entry Requirements: you don’t necessarily need a visa to enter the Netherlands from Germany. What you need is a valid passport or ID card. However, if you stay more than three months in the country, you must register your Holland residence. Germany shares a boundary with the Netherlands, so it's makes moving from Germany to Netherlands easy, and this makes it one of the most famous destinations for many Germans.
• Registration: the “freedom of movement act” of the European Union allows you to move, settle and work freely in the Netherlands freely without a visa. But since you are moving to the Netherlands permanently to live and work, you would be triggering the 3 months’ registration rule, because you are there to stay for a long time. You must do this within the first five days of entering the country. You need the following documents to complete your registration.
• • Valid Identity Card or Passport
  • Proof that you have accommodation; this could be the agreement you signed when renting the house.
  • Birth certificate (a copy).
  • A marriage certificate if you are going with your spouse. 

When you are done with registration, you are given something called Citizen Service Number (CSN). This number is critical for everything you would do in the country, from opening a bank account to working legally. It is also used as a tax number and social security.

• Provision for pets: the Netherlands allows you to bring your pets over with you, so you don’t need to postpone relocating to Holland because of your pet. However, they must have a name tag which a vet must have issued, and they need to have a microchip. They must be vaccinated for rabies and should also be registered with the municipality within 14 days.

Moving from Germany to Netherlands is relatively easy because you don’t have to worry about applying for a visa if you come from Germany. And if you want to move from the Netherlands to Germany no problems will arise. At Moovick, we take away the other stress of booking and packing. We would help you move from where you are to your destination as quick and smooth as possible.

Pros:

• Culture: The Netherlands has a rich and fascinating culture, and is renowned for its art, architecture, and innovative approach to life.
• Climate and nature: The Netherlands has a temperate climate with mild winters and cool, fresh springs and autumns. There are also beautiful beaches, parks, and green spaces to enjoy in your free time.
• Economy and business: The Netherlands has a very strong and developed economy, which offers many opportunities for business and career development. There are also many international companies based in the Netherlands, which are always looking for talented employees.
• Quality of life: The Netherlands has a very high quality of life, with a large number of services and opportunities for leisure, development, and cultural life.

Cons:

• Language: The official language in the Netherlands is Dutch, and not all citizens speak English. If you don't speak Dutch, finding a job or understanding local culture can be difficult.
• Cost of living: The cost of living in the Netherlands can be relatively high, and the cost of housing, food, and other expenses might be higher than in some other countries.
• Weather conditions: Although the climate in the Netherlands is temperate, it can be wet and rainy, especially during the winter period.
• Cultural shock: Moving to another country can be challenging, especially when the culture is as different as in the Netherlands. Learning a new language, getting to know local traditions and customs might take a while.

The quality of life in the Netherlands is generally considered to be high. The country offers a variety of benefits and advantages for its residents, including:

• Healthcare: The Netherlands has an excellent healthcare system, which is affordable and accessible to all residents. The country also has well-trained doctors and healthcare professionals who provide high-quality care.
• Education: The education system in the Netherlands is considered to be one of the best in the world, with a wide range of high-quality universities, colleges, and vocational schools. The country is also very welcoming to international students and offers several courses in English.
• Work-life balance: The Dutch are known for their prioritization of work-life balance. The culture emphasizes the importance of leisure time, and the workweek is typically between 36-40 hours per week. Many companies in the Netherlands offer flexible working arrangements, such as remote work or part-time hours.
• Transportation: The Netherlands has a well-developed and extensive transportation system that makes it easy for residents to move around the country. The country is also very bike-friendly, and many Dutch people use bicycles as their main mode of transportation.
• Safety: The Netherlands is considered to be a safe country, with low levels of crime and violence. The country has a stable political environment and a high level of social cohesion, which contributes to a peaceful way of life for its residents.

Overall, the quality of life in the Netherlands is very high, making it a popular destination for expats and visitors. The country offers a wide range of benefits and advantages, including excellent healthcare and education systems, a focus on work-life balance, an extensive transportation system, and a safe living environment.

Here are some tips and advice for moving to the Netherlands:

• Research: Before moving, research as much as possible about the Netherlands, including its culture, people, and history. Consider factors such as climate, language, and cost of living.
• Visa requirements: Depending on where you are moving from, you may need a visa to stay in the Netherlands. Check with the Dutch embassy or consulate in your home country for information about visa requirements.
• Housing: Finding suitable housing in the Netherlands can be challenging, especially in popular cities like Amsterdam or Utrecht. Consider using a real estate agent or searching for accommodation online to find the right place to live.
• Healthcare: The Dutch healthcare system is highly regarded, and all residents are required to have health insurance. Research the different insurance options available and choose one that meets your needs and budget.
• Transportation: The Netherlands has an extensive public transportation system. Consider using public transportation as your primary means of getting around the country.
• Language: While many Dutch people speak English, it's important to learn some basic Dutch phrases to help you communicate with locals and integrate into Dutch society.
• Banking: Setting up a bank account is essential when moving to the Netherlands. Check with local banks to determine the process for opening a bank account.
• Socialization: Joining clubs or organizations is a great way to meet new people and connect with the local community. Consider joining groups related to your interests or hobbies to make friends.
• Bureaucracy: Dealing with administrative tasks in the Netherlands can be complicated, so be patient and expect delays. Allow yourself plenty of time to complete all necessary paperwork.

The Netherlands is an attractive destination for retirees due to its high standard of living, quality healthcare system, and good standing. If you are planning to move to the Netherlands, you will need to register for health insurance and the pension system.

The Dutch pension system consists of three pillars: state, corporate, and private pensions. The state pension (AOW) is compulsory for all residents of the country who have reached retirement age. The corporate pension is provided through the employer, and the private pension can be purchased separately.

If you want to move to the Netherlands as a retiree, you will need to register for health insurance and obtain residence permits. If you are a citizen of an EU country or Switzerland, you do not need to obtain residence permits.

A new pension system will be introduced in the Netherlands from 1 July 2023. The changes apply to every employer with a pension scheme. In practice, all pension agreements with employees and contracts with pension funds will need to be updated 45.