Pros and cons of moving to the Netherlands in 2025: detailed analysis

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The pros and cons of moving to the Netherlands in 2025 are becoming an increasingly relevant topic for those considering Europe as a platform for a stable life, work, or study. A country with a high standard of living, modern society, and open migration policy attracts both professionals and students.

However, like in any other country, there are a number of objective difficulties that newcomers face. Full immigration to the Netherlands requires an assessment of the advantages and risks associated with adaptation, the labor market, tax levels, and cultural environment.

Socio-economic portrait of the country

The Kingdom of the Netherlands is one of the most developed countries in the European Union. It is renowned for its high labor productivity, stable economy, efficient social support system, and balanced tax policy. The salary level and quality of healthcare remain consistently high, making the country attractive to migrants from Eastern Europe and the CIS. According to recent studies, immigration continues to grow due to professionals in IT, medicine, and engineering fields.

Against this backdrop, discussing the pros and cons of moving to the Netherlands requires an analysis of both institutional and everyday aspects of life. Special attention is paid to the language environment, cost of living, housing availability, and cultural specifics.

Pros of moving to the Netherlands: key advantages

When assessing the attractiveness of the destination, it is necessary to consider that many aspects will depend on social status, the purpose of the move, and readiness for integration. Below are the main pros most commonly mentioned in analytics and reviews of those who have moved to the Netherlands:

high safety, quality justice system, and institutional transparency;
stable economy and resilient job market in technology, education, logistics sectors;
high level of education, including access to world-class universities;
advanced healthcare and social insurance covering most needs;
friendliness towards foreigners and high level of societal tolerance;
English language proficiency at all levels of business and everyday communication;
strong environmental policies, clean cities, and high air quality.

These factors make living in the Netherlands convenient, especially for professionals with sought-after skills. This is why the pros and cons of moving to the Netherlands are considered by many in favor of the former group.

Drawbacks and integration challenges in Dutch society

Despite numerous advantages, adaptation comes with difficulties. The pros and cons of moving to the Netherlands will not be objectively assessed without analyzing the constraints faced by migrants, especially in the first year after arrival. Key challenges requiring attention before moving:

high cost of living, especially in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht;
acute housing shortage, rental difficulties due to competition and landlord requirements;
complex tax system requiring assistance from consultants;
lengthy bureaucratic process for obtaining permits, residency permits for investment or work;
partial isolation without knowledge of the Dutch language during long-term stay;
limited access to dental and ophthalmological services without insurance;
cold and humid climate, not suitable for everyone for permanent residence.

Thus, the pros and cons of moving to the Netherlands require a balanced approach, including an analysis of costs at the initial stage, adaptation specifics, and long-term integration into the local community.

Work and education: accessibility and conditions

From a professional perspective, the country offers a wide range of job opportunities in finance, IT, engineering, logistics. Immigration to the Netherlands through employment remains one of the most stable channels. However, despite the large number of positions, having a local diploma, language proficiency, and work experience in the EU often become decisive factors in hiring.

In the field of education, there are numerous programs available for Europeans as well as students from CIS countries. Dutch universities are open to international interaction, with many master’s programs taught in English. Financially, education costs range from 10,000 to 20,000 euros per year. Students can work part-time officially, making the educational path a realistic way of immigration with the prospect of staying after graduation.

Renting and buying property: current realities

One of the most acute problems remains housing. In major cities, a shortage of real estate and fierce competition among tenants lead to price increases. Rental rates for a one-bedroom apartment range from 1200 to 1800 euros per month. Even with a stable income, obtaining a rental contract is difficult without the help of agencies and deposits for 2-3 months.

Buying property is complicated by bank requirements and high initial payments — starting from 20% of the property value. In the context of weighing the pros and cons of moving to the Netherlands, property ownership becomes one of the arguments in favor of stable long-term residence.

Healthcare and taxes — a system requiring study

Healthcare in the country operates on a private model, meaning medical insurance is mandatory. Contributions for basic insurance range from 120 to 150 euros per month. Without a policy, access to doctors is impossible. At the same time, the system provides quality services and a wide choice of clinics.

The tax burden remains high. Reviews from those who moved to the Netherlands confirm that the actual income tax rate can reach 30-45% depending on income. However, in return, government subsidies, support programs for families, students, and business owners are provided.

Culture, society, and everyday life

Understanding the mentality and behavior of local residents is considered an important part of adaptation. The pros and cons of living in the Netherlands include a strong emphasis on personal responsibility, punctuality, and openness. Local residents are not inclined to superficial acquaintances but value honesty and initiative.

The Netherlands is a country of bicycles, sustainable urban environment, and equality. Everyday processes — from municipal communication to shopping — are organized transparently and technologically.

Pros and cons of moving to the Netherlands: the main points

When weighing the pros and cons of moving, it is necessary to consider numerous factors — from taxes, climate, and rent to career opportunities and social policies in the Netherlands. In 2025, the country remains attractive to expatriates, students, investors, and professionals seeking stability, order, and a high quality of life.

Immigration is a project that requires financial preparation and emotional resilience. However, with proper strategic planning, it becomes a promising model for integration into the European space.

Buying a property in the Netherlands in 2025: a guide to terms, deal and taxes

Buying a property in the Netherlands in 2025 requires accurate calculations and an understanding of the law. Superficial schemes and “willy-nilly” do not work here. Holland sets high standards for both properties and buyers. Most mistakes are made before the contract is signed – that’s when money, time and chances are lost.

Prices: figures that do not deceive

Buying property in the Netherlands starts with a sober look at prices. In 2025, the average cost of housing in Amsterdam reached €6,550 per m². In Utrecht it is €5,100 and in Rotterdam it is around €4,700. Houses in the countryside are cheaper, but they are also less liquid.

New objects are offered at fixed prices – without bidding, but with mandatory participation in lotteries and tenders. On the secondary market the situation is more tense. Here, owners raise the price by 5-10% of the market price, focusing on the demand from foreigners. This is especially strong in areas with tourist infrastructure.

Buying property in the Netherlands: conditions

Foreigners can buy any type of property – a house, a flat or a plot of land. But mortgages are granted only if you have a residence permit or EU income. The bank will ask for proof of employment, tax history, credit rating and a deposit of 20-30%.

The transaction is formalised by a notary – not a broker. He checks the documents, formalises the transfer of ownership and registers the transaction in the Kadaster register.

Transaction order: steps, no margin for error

Buying a property in the Netherlands follows a strict procedure. It includes:

Finding and verifying an object. A professional broker analyses the market offers, checks legal cleanliness, communications, status of land and building permits.
Signing a preliminary contract. The document fixes the price, terms and obligations of the parties. A deposit – 10% of the value.
Final signing at the notary’s office. The notary checks all documents, transfers the funds to the seller, formalises the transfer of ownership and sends the data to the registration chamber.
Property registration. Kadaster enters the new owner into the register. From this moment on, the status of owner is acquired.

All stages are strictly regulated and legally protected. This approach minimises risks and guarantees the transparency of the transaction at every step.

Taxes and expenses: count to the last euro

Buying a property in the Netherlands comes with several mandatory costs. One of the main ones is the transfer tax (Overdrachtsbelasting). In 2025, the rate is 2% for residential properties and 10.4% for non-residential properties.

Additionally:

Notary services: €1,000-€2,000;
registration and legal support: €800-€1,500;
brokerage commission: 1-2% of the value.

Total costs can be as high as 5-8% of the value of the property.

What not to ignore when buying a property in the Netherlands

Buying a property in the Netherlands entails a number of responsibilities. The owner pays an annual property tax (Onroerendezaakbelasting – OZB) as well as utility and municipal fees.

The maintenance of the dwelling requires compliance with building and technical regulations. In case of redevelopment, it must be approved by the municipality. Fines of up to €25,000 are provided for violations.

Investments: calculation, not emotion

Property in the Netherlands brings a stable yield – on average 3.5-5% per annum, especially when renting in Amsterdam, Utrecht and Haarlem. Studios and “two-bedrooms” are in demand – they are quickly rented by students and young professionals.

Demand is consistently higher than supply, especially in areas with good transport and educational infrastructure. It is important to take into account: rent is strictly regulated, the contract is for at least one year, indexation is limited, and penalties for violations are possible.

Immigration and residence permit

Buying a property in the Netherlands does not entitle you to a residence permit. The law does not provide for benefits in the presence of property. Ownership status can be a plus when applying for a visa on other grounds: business, startup, work.

Immigration requires legal income, contract, health insurance and integration. Only after several years of legal residence does one become eligible for permanent residence.

How to buy property in the Netherlands

Buying a home is not a spontaneous process. It requires analysis, preparation, and consideration of dozens of factors. A simple list helps keep you focused:

Step-by-step instructions:

Determine budget and region.
Evaluate goals: living, renting, investing.
Contact a licensed broker.
Check the object: technical condition, documents.
Sign the preliminary contract.
To post bail.
To be notarised.
Complete your registration with Kadaster.
Calculate all taxes and fees.
To record the rights and obligations of the owner.

Buying property in the Netherlands: restrictions

Purchasing a home is open to non-EU citizens, but with a number of nuances. Many cities have an opkoopbescherming rule – a ban on renting for the first 4 years after purchase. This helps protect the market from speculation. In Amsterdam and Rotterdam new projects can include quotas for sale only to residents – without local registration the transaction cannot be carried out.

Foreigners are not eligible for subsidies and pay all taxes and services in full. At the same time, there are no restrictions on land acquisition: both building plots and fully owned agricultural land are available.

Object types

Buying property in the Netherlands covers a wide range of properties. The market includes:

Flats in apartment blocks are a common format in cities. The layout is standard, often without balconies. The average size is 65-85 m².
Tanhouses are two- and three-storey houses with a common wall, popular in suburbs. The price starts from €320,000.
Villas and detached houses are premium segment properties, often located outside of cities. Costs start from €650,000.
Building plots are a scarce commodity, especially near agglomerations. Municipalities sell such plots by agreement, with strict conditions for development.

The key to making the right choice is to match the purpose of the purchase with the location. A compact flat in the centre is suitable for renting. For living – a house in a quiet neighbourhood. For investment – a liquid object in a development zone.

Regional differences

The property market in the Netherlands differs significantly by region. Amsterdam is the most expensive and overheated: the price per m² exceeds €6,500, objects leave in 12 days. Utrecht and Haarlem are stable, but with less competition – €4,900-5,100/m². In Rotterdam and The Hague housing is more affordable, but there are rental restrictions and neighbourhoods with a high migration background.

Maastricht and Groningen offer stability and prices of up to €3,800/m², maintaining growth potential – both for living and investment for 5-7 years.

Leases and alternatives

Buying a property in the Netherlands is not always justified. Renting a flat costs €1,200-1,800/month, and the tenant does not have to pay for taxes, repairs, insurance and registration.

If the plan of residence – up to 3 years, renting is more favourable. If the term is 5 years or more, buying becomes reasonable, especially in view of rising prices and difficulties with mortgages.

Conclusion

Buying a property in the Netherlands in 2025 is an informed decision, not an emotion. The property must be fit for purpose: investment, residence or migration. With a clear strategy and proper design, the property becomes a stable asset rather than a burden.

May 26, 2025

How to obtain Dutch citizenship in 2025: current ways to do so

Many people are concerned about how to obtain Dutch citizenship in 2025. The answer lies not in the glamour of Amsterdam, but in following the legal requirements and providing facts from your immigration history. Every path to citizenship is not a formality, but a calibrated sequence of actions where there is no room for chance. The conditions may have changed, but the system’s approach remains the same: strict but clear. If you have the necessary data, have taken the necessary steps and have serious intentions – the goal is achievable. We will go through each method in detail, focusing on the key requirements and steps.

Legal start: through naturalisation

Naturalisation is the classic way of obtaining Dutch citizenship. It is suitable for most migrants who have undergone long-term adaptation.
Prerequisites:

continuous residence for at least 5 years under a Dutch residence permit, including residence in the Kingdom for at least 80% of the time;
Successful completion of a language, culture and constitutional exam;
no criminal record;
renunciation of previous civil status, with few exceptions.

As of 1 January 2025, the integration exam has been modernised. It is fully digitalised. It includes listening, a written part and an interview. The average level of requirements is B1, according to the CEFR. The result is Dutch citizenship, with all the rights of an EU citizen.

Option: shortcuts for “their own”

The optatisation procedure is not an indulgence, but a recognition of the rights of persons historically linked to the Netherlands. It is one of the least known but realistic ways of obtaining Dutch citizenship.
Those who can take advantage of it are:

persons who were born in the country and have lived there for at least 3 years;
children whose parents are Dutch;
former subjects of the kingdom who have lost their passport for technical reasons.

The opt-in process is a pure formality: registration in the municipality, submission of an application, confirmation of facts. The passport is issued after 3-6 months. The principle of confirmation, not proof, applies here.

By birth and by blood: transfer by law

It is possible to acquire Dutch citizenship by birthright if one of the parents is a Dutch citizen. Act No. 305 (ed. 2022) preserves this right regardless of the territory of birth. When you are born in the country from foreign parents, you are not granted a passport of the country. But after 3 years of residence it is possible to apply for an option. Adoption by a Dutch citizen gives the right to formalisation, subject to international norms.

How to obtain Dutch citizenship through marriage

Marriage to a Dutch citizen does not automatically entitle you to Dutch citizenship, but it does open the way to citizenship through naturalisation. One of the key conditions is a minimum of 3 years of living together in the Netherlands or 5 years outside the Netherlands. The marriage must be intact at the time of application. The IND immigration office carefully checks the authenticity of the relationship. It looks at the presence of common children, shared household, photographs, correspondence and financial ties. In 2024, 12 per cent of applications were rejected because of suspected sham marriages. Preparation for filing should be as thorough as possible, focusing on the real facts of living together.

Dual nationality: strictly but with reservations

If you are thinking about obtaining a Dutch passport, it is important to consider the prohibition on dual Dutch citizenship. The law requires you to relinquish your former passport upon naturalisation.

Exceptions apply if:

the country does not allow refusal (e.g. Iran);
the applicant is married to a Dutchman;
civilian status obtained by option;
the loss of the first passport will result in damages;
the person was born with two citizenships.

In 2024, the IND approved 23 per cent of applications with retention of previous citizenship. The decision depends on the circumstances and the level of integration.

Immigration and residence permit: transition to citizenship status

Any path to Dutch citizenship starts with legal status. Immigration to the Netherlands is by labour, study, family or humanitarian status. A permanent or long-term residence permit for the Netherlands is needed to go through the naturalisation procedure. Temporary residence permit is not taken into account. The steps include selecting a category, applying to the IND, possible MVV, registration, annual renewal. Since 2025, migrants follow the process through the DigiD online office.

Examination, language and culture: compulsory stage

The main filter on the way to how to get Dutch citizenship is the Inburgering exam. It includes:

understanding, speaking and writing in Dutch;
Knowledge of laws and social norms.

Until 2021 – A2 level, from 2022 – B1 level. In 2025 it is planned to strengthen to B1+ with the addition of digital skills. The integration course is compulsory. The municipality sends it to an accredited centre. The duration is up to 18 months. Without the course, refusal is inevitable, even if all other conditions are fulfilled. For children under 16 years of age, a simplified scheme is in place: the written part is adapted and the oral part is removed altogether.

How to build a path to legalisation and naturalisation

Emigration to the Netherlands is not just a change of country, but a strategic decision that opens the way to permanent residence. The initial step is to choose a solid migration base. One of the most attractive options is participation in the EU Blue Card programme. It provides a residence permit with the prospect of obtaining a permanent residence permit after three years, rather than the standard five. There is a special type of visa for innovative entrepreneurs. Called startup visa, issued with the support of one of the 36 recognised facilitators relevant for 2025.

Determining the basis for migration

The most common legal avenues are:

employment under contract with a Dutch employer;
training at accredited universities or research institutes;
Family reunification or partnership with a national/resident of the country.

Financial planning

Living in the Netherlands requires a stable income and a clear budget:

rent starts from 950 € per month (depending on the city and type of property);
food costs – minimum 300 € per person per month;
additional expenses: transport, mobile communications, utilities, leisure activities.

Analysing key areas

Before moving, it’s important to research:

the labour market for your profession or business niche;
health care system: compulsory insurance, choice of family doctor, registration with GGD;
education: entry conditions, types of schools, language support for children and students.

Drawing up of mandatory documents

Legal residency requires:

conclude a health insurance contract (basic policy is compulsory for all residents);
open a bank account in a Dutch bank to receive your salary, pay your rent and other daily expenses;
get a BSN (personal taxpayer number) – the key to accessing all state services.

Each of these steps is a brick in the foundation of your new life. The more thoroughly you work through the preparatory phase, the more confident you will feel as a new resident of the Netherlands. Start with the right strategy and it will only be a matter of time before you are on the road to citizenship.

How to obtain Dutch citizenship: conclusions

Obtaining Dutch citizenship is a process that requires careful planning and strict adherence to regulations. Each path available consists of sequential steps that go far beyond mere formality. Citizenship status cannot be achieved without proven integration into society, proficiency in the national language and demonstration of strong ties to the country.

Although the immigration system is transparent, it requires the active participation of the applicant at every stage. Only by completing all the necessary procedures legally can you gain access to a Dutch passport, the full range of rights of an EU citizen and a wide range of opportunities that are not limited by national borders.

May 26, 2025