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

The beautiful picture of canals, tulips and windmills is only part of the reality. Life in the Netherlands is full of both pleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties. The country offers unique conditions, but requires careful preparation and adaptation. Let’s look at the key features of this kingdom, advantages and disadvantages for those who are thinking of moving.

Moving to the Netherlands: what you need to know about living abroad

Moving to this country requires preparing documents, choosing a city and adapting to a new culture. The Netherlands is known for its high level of bureaucracy, so it is important to know every step of the process in advance.

Documents and residence permits in the Netherlands

For long-term residence in the country it is necessary to apply for a residence permit (Permit to Stay). There are different categories of permits suitable for specific relocation purposes:

1. The working residence permit is suitable for highly qualified professionals. To obtain it, you need an invitation from a Dutch employer and a salary that meets the minimum requirements (from 3000 € per month for professionals over 30 years of age).
2. A student visa is issued when you enrol in a university or college. A letter of enrolment, proof of financial solvency (about 10,000 € per year) and health insurance are required.
3. Residence permits for investors are granted for investments of 1.25 million euros or more in the country’s economy. The money must be invested in local companies or start-ups.

It takes from 3 to 6 months to obtain a residence permit. The process requires a full package of documents: passport, medical insurance, income certificates and other papers. An incomplete package or errors in the documents will result in refusal or delay of the process.

How to choose a city to live in the Netherlands

Each region has its own characteristics, climate, cost of living and professional opportunities:

1. Amsterdam is the capital, where museums, international companies and start-ups are centred. High salaries are compensated by expensive rent (a one-room flat in the centre costs from 1500 €).
2. Rotterdam is a city of modern skyscrapers and Europe’s largest port. The industrial centre of the Netherlands with a developed economy and moderate cost of living.
3. The Hague is the political capital, home to embassies, international courts and major government offices. An excellent choice for lawyers, diplomats and civil servants.
4. Utrecht is a student centre with thousands of years of history. The city is characterised by a well-developed infrastructure and moderate housing prices.

Smaller cities such as Leiden, Haarlem or Eindhoven offer a quieter atmosphere and less competition on the labour market.

The pros of living in the Netherlands

What makes life in the Netherlands attractive for Russian emigrants? A high standard of living, a stable economy and an advanced social system attract thousands of immigrants every year.

Social support and standard of living

The Dutch social system provides residents with stability and protection at all stages of life. The state supports not only working citizens, but also those who are temporarily in a difficult situation:

1. Health insurance is compulsory for all residents of the country. The basic package costs about 120 € per month and covers visits to general practitioners, check-ups and emergency care. Additional insurance allows you to get dental and physiotherapy services.
2. Unemployment benefit is 70 per cent of the last salary and is paid for up to 24 months. You must have worked for at least 26 weeks in the last year in order to receive the benefit.
3. The pension system in the country is based on three levels: state pension, corporate pension funds and personal savings. The average pension is about 1100 € per month.

Social programmes include support for families, students and people with disabilities. The Dutch state actively cares for the well-being of its citizens, creating conditions for a stable and comfortable life.

Economy and job opportunities

The country’s economy is among the top 20 most developed economies in the world. Major industries include logistics, information technology, finance and agriculture. Major companies such as Shell, Philips and Unilever offer high-paying jobs for professionals from different countries.

The average salary is 2800 € after tax. In the IT sector, specialists earn between 3500 and 6000 € per month, engineers around 4000 € and doctors up to 7000 €. The working week lasts 36-40 hours, but many companies offer flexible schedules and the possibility of remote work.

High cost of living in the Netherlands

Life in the Netherlands requires considerable financial investment, especially for emigrants who are used to Russian realities. The daily costs of housing, transport, groceries and services can surprise even those who have prepared themselves for the move.

Housing is one of the biggest expense items. Renting a one-room flat in the centre of Amsterdam costs from 1500 to 1800 euros per month. On the outskirts, the cost drops to €1000 to €1200, but accessibility to public transport becomes critical. In other major cities such as Rotterdam and The Hague, renting a one-bedroom apartment costs 1200-1400 euros in the centre and 900-1000 euros on the periphery. Utility bills range from €150 to €250 per month, including heating, electricity, water and internet.

Food prices are also higher than the European average. For example:

1. Bread – 1,5 € per loaf.
2. Milk – €1.2 per litre.
3. Chicken fillet – 8 € per kilo.
4. Fruits and vegetables cost between €2 and €4 per kilo depending on the season.

A visit to a café or restaurant will cost 15-20 € per person. A cup of coffee costs around €3, and lunch at a mid-range establishment costs between €20 and €30. Transport costs are also high. A monthly pass for public transport in Amsterdam costs about 90 €, and a single trip costs 3 €. Petrol costs around €2 per litre. Parking in the city centre can cost up to 7 € per hour. Despite the high costs, the country offers quality services and a high level of comfort.

Property in the Netherlands for Russians

Buying or renting a home is one of the main issues when moving. Living in the Netherlands requires an understanding of the local property market, which is highly expensive and has strict rules.

How to find and arrange accommodation

The process of finding a facility can take several months due to high competition. In large cities, demand for flats exceeds supply, which makes the rental process challenging.

The main stages of the housing search:

1. Choice of region and city. Amsterdam and The Hague are suitable for those looking to work for international companies. Rotterdam is suitable for engineers and logistics specialists.
2. Use of online platforms. Funda.nl, Pararius.com, Kamernet.nl. These sites offer up-to-date adverts from owners and agencies.
3. Document preparation. Passport, proof of income, employment contract, certificate of trustworthiness from the previous landlord.
4. Formalisation of the lease agreement. The deposit is usually the amount of two months’ rent.

The average cost of a flat in Amsterdam is around €500,000. Mortgages are granted at 2-3% per annum, but require a down payment of 10-20% of the property value.

Additional Costs:

1. Purchase tax – 2% of the property value.
2. Notary services – from 1000 to 2000 €.
3. The realtor’s commission is about 1% of the home’s value.

Conclusion

Life in the Netherlands combines a high level of comfort with the difficulties of adaptation. High prices, bureaucracy and climatic peculiarities can be a challenge for new emigrants. However, social security, stable economy, quality education and developed infrastructure compensate for these difficulties.

Taxation remains a key aspect of financial planning for homeowners in Europe. Property tax in the Netherlands is a mandatory payment, the amount of which depends on the cadastral value of the property and a number of other factors. Ignorance of the nuances leads to unexpected costs and penalties. To understand the calculation mechanism, you need to take into account municipal fees, possible exemptions and methods of determining the value of the object.

Unlike some countries, the Dutch tax system is transparent, but it has specific features that you should be aware of in advance. The Onroerendezaakbelasting (OZB) system is based on an annual revaluation of residential properties, and the WOZ fee affects not only the amount of payments, but also the incentives available. By understanding the details, it is possible to optimise the tax burden by reducing costs.

How property tax is calculated in the Netherlands

Every property owner in the Netherlands is obliged to pay an annual property tax. The tax is based on the cadastral value (WOZ) determined by the municipality. The WOZ is reviewed annually and its amount is reflected in the notices sent to the owners.

The municipality calculates the Onroerendezaakbelasting (OZB) based on the interest rate set for the specific region. In Amsterdam the coefficient for residential properties is – 0.0436 per cent and in Utrecht it is 0.0485 per cent. The rates are higher for commercial properties.

Additional charges include water management fees and sewerage charges, which are payable regardless of the type of property.

WOZ and its impact on tax

The amount of WOZ in the Netherlands is determined by valuers based on market data from the previous year. The municipality sends a notice stating the value, which can be challenged within six weeks. The appeal is made by filing an appeal and you must provide evidence of the overvaluation, such as independent expert reports or statistics on similar properties.

Municipal taxes in the Netherlands

In addition to property tax in the Netherlands, every owner of a property is required to pay a number of municipal fees each year, the amount of which varies from locality to locality. Onroerendezaakbelasting (OZB) is a part of the fiscal burden that includes, among other things, mandatory fees. These fees are used to support the city’s infrastructure as well as to finance public utilities.

Utility charges are a financial instrument that ensures the maintenance of water systems, sewerage networks and waste management. Major expense items include:

1. Waterschapsbelasting – water management fees. Costs for the maintenance of dams, sewage treatment plants and canals to prevent flooding. The amount of the fee is determined by the regional water authorities and depends on the location of the property.
2. Rioolheffing is a fee related to the use of sewerage systems. It is levied not only on residential property owners, but also on commercial property owners. Its amount is calculated depending on the number of users in the house or the amount of water consumed.
3. Afvalstoffenheffing – fee for household waste disposal. Includes the costs of transporting and recycling waste. The amount of the fee varies depending on the recycling policy of the particular municipality and may depend on the number of residents.

The calculation of council tax in the Netherlands is not fixed, so it is important to check the amount set by the authorities every year. In order to reduce the fiscal burden, it is recommended to analyse the published tariffs and apply for a review in case of unjustified increases.

Property tax incentives in the Netherlands: when you can pay less taxes

There are tax incentives for certain categories of property owners in the Netherlands. Pensioners, people with disabilities, large families and socially disadvantaged groups can apply for a reduction.

To apply, you must apply to the local authorities with supporting documents. Examples of successful challenges are found in court practice, which makes the process accessible to owners.

Buying a property in the Netherlands: peculiarities of paying taxes on the primary and secondary markets

The process of purchasing a home is accompanied by mandatory fees and charges that can affect the final value of the transaction. Property purchase tax in the Netherlands includes several payments depending on the type of property and its market value. It is important to take into account the differences:

1. On the primary market, new buildings are subject to a value added tax (VAT) of 21%. This tax is included in the price of the property and the price quoted by the developer already contains all mandatory payments. At the same time, buyers are exempt from paying transfer tax.
2. On the secondary market, a transfer tax (Overdrachtsbelasting) of 2 per cent applies, which is payable by the buyer separately. The rate applies to residential properties purchased for personal use. If the property is purchased for investment purposes, the tax rate increases to 10.4%.

Additionally, buyers pay a registration fee, the amount of which depends on the value of the object and notary fees. The cost of registration ranges from €1,000 to €3,000, including legal fees and changes to the cadastral register.

Proper cost allocation will avoid unexpected costs and reduce the financial burden of buying a property in the Netherlands.

Is it worth the investment?

Investors take property tax in the Netherlands into account when calculating profitability. High duties are compensated by market stability and price growth. The average annual increase in the cost of housing in the Netherlands is 5-7%, which attracts foreign investors.

Rental yields depend on location. In Amsterdam the average yield is 3-5%, in The Hague – 4-6%. Comparison with markets in other EU countries shows that the Netherlands remains an attractive jurisdiction for investment.

Conclusion

Property tax in the Netherlands requires careful calculation and planning. It is possible to reduce costs by challenging the WOZ, utilising exemptions and choosing the right property. Timely payment of fees and understanding of the taxation system can minimise risks and avoid penalties.