Is it worth moving to the Netherlands in 2025?

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Is it worth moving to the Netherlands? This is a question that is heard more and more often not out of curiosity, but out of an inner search for a stable alternative. Not because it’s beautiful there, but because it works: transport, labour market, institutions, even the rubbish recycling system seems better organised than one’s life. This article is not about the mythical Holland from Instagram, but about the real pluses, the pitfalls. What actually awaits those who dare to go beyond the boundaries of the usual.

How the market works

The phrase “working in Holland” has long ceased to sound exotic. In 2025, the country holds the position of one of the most stable economies in Europe. The unemployment rate is 3.4%, and vacancies are steadily growing in IT, medicine, logistics, and engineering. Employers are actively seeking English-speaking professionals, especially in Rotterdam, Utrecht and Eindhoven.

Minimum wage after taxes is €1,995 per month, average wage is €3,200-3,600. White wages, union protection, flexible hours. Contracts are strictly regulated and overtime is paid. The economy decides whether it is worth moving to the Netherlands, and it says yes to professionals with skills and ambition.

Living in Holland: comfort without pomposity

Dutch minimalism is about everything: design, everyday life, socialising. To live in Holland means to live rationally. Transport – bicycles, trams and intercity transport at the expense of the state (if you are a student or a trainee). Tap water is the purest, electricity comes from the wind.

Holland is not about show-offs, it’s about equality. No one will appreciate watches, but they will appreciate politeness and punctuality. A society with a strong core of tolerance and structural security.

Whether it is worth moving to the Netherlands depends on your attitude to simplicity and order.

Housing: square metre in the crosshairs

Rent is the main stress for newcomers. The average cost is €1,200 for a studio flat in Amsterdam. In less touristy cities like Groningen it’s €800-900. Competition is high, the contract is strictly legal. The deposit – up to two months rent.

The purchase of housing is available if you have a residence permit and a stable income. Mortgage – from 3.7% per annum. Investments in Dutch property show stable growth: +5.1% for 2024.

Education and learning: a stake in practice

The universities of Wageningen, Delft and Leiden are world-ranked. English programmes are plentiful. A year of study costs €2,530 for EU citizens, €9,000-15,000 for others. Internships, exchanges and research are encouraged.

Study is one of the main reasons why immigration to the Netherlands is often considered. Strong applied knowledge, internships and quick access to the labour market make degrees in demand.

Medicine and taxes: how they treat and how much they charge

Health care in the country is insured. The basic package costs about €135 per month. It includes a visit to a general practitioner, diagnostics, emergency care. Without insurance – a fine.

Taxes range from 36.93% to 49.50%. But there are free schools, subsidies, housing and transport subsidies. The average tax deduction per child is €3,654 per year. Whether it is worth moving to the Netherlands depends on your willingness to invest in stability.

Culture, language, mentality

The Dutch are straightforward. They tell it like it is and expect the same. The culture is a mix of Protestant modesty and experimental openness. Discuss any topic without taboos.

Dutch is not an easy language. But English is spoken by 91 per cent of the population. In everyday life – barrier-free communication, especially in large cities. For integration it is desirable to learn the language – it speeds up adaptation.

The mentality is based on trust and individualism. They work for life, not live for work.

Adaptation and integration: a test of integrity

Immigration to the Netherlands is a test of patience. Without knowledge of the language and local nuances, it takes 6-18 months to adapt. The Dutch are friendly, but do not intrude into personal areas. Initiative and consistency are required.

Integration starts with participation in the life of the neighbourhood, attending language courses, volunteering. The state provides support programmes, but success depends on activity.

Feedback from those who have moved to the Netherlands often emphasises not the complexity but the length of the process – you have to get used to it, grow in, learn to think differently.

Expats and society

Foreigners living in the country create a dense and active network. Platforms like Internations, Meetup and local Telegram chats speed up the process of getting to know the system. Societies are open to cultural dialogue, but initiative is valued above expectations.

Feedback from expats emphasises: the system doesn’t adapt to everyone, you have to adapt yourself. Whether it’s worth it to move to the Netherlands depends on your ability to fit into an already working mechanism.

Society accepts, but does not adapt. Rules work, not exceptions.

Cost of living

Food is more expensive than in Eastern Europe, but cheaper than in Scandinavia. Milk – €1, bread – €2.5, lunch outside the house – from €13. Average monthly expenses without rent – €950-1,200.

Clothes, appliances, transport – within the average European price tag. A student spends about €900 per month, a family – from €2,800. Whether it is worth moving to the Netherlands depends on your readiness for the high but predictable price level.

The pros and cons of living in the Netherlands: whether it’s worth moving to the Netherlands

Life in the Netherlands is like a smart home: everything works, but first you have to figure out the buttons. This list is not a tourist brochure, but an honest look at a system that needs to be fitted in, not conquered.

Pros:

High standard of living and security.
A robust economy and stable wages.
Developed system of education and medicine.
Great opportunities for expats and students.
Green transport and a clean environment.
A tolerant, orderly society.
High level of digitalisation and transparency of public services.

Minuses:

Housing shortage, high rents.
High taxes and insurance premiums.
Difficulties in integration without language skills.
Strong competition in the labour market.
Climate with rain and wind 8 months of the year.

Whether it is worth moving to the Netherlands is a question of priorities: if stability, professional growth and a safe environment are the goal, the arguments are obvious.

Immigration to the Netherlands

Immigration is clearly regulated. Highly skilled migrant status is awarded in 2-6 weeks with a salary of €3,672 for professionals under 30 and €5,331 for those over 30. The process is digital, transparent, logical.

Residence permits are issued through the IND – Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst. A contract, insurance, residential address are required. Headache-free immigration is possible if the conditions are met. For some it is a door to stability, for others it is a test of the system.

Investments

Holland is not offshore, but it is not a bureaucratic storm either. It takes 3-5 days to open a business. Investments from €1,250,000 in a fund recognised by the Dutch state entitle you to a residence permit.

Taxation of investments is transparent. Capital is protected by EU legislation.

Whether it is worth moving to the Netherlands: conclusions

A country for those who are ready to work, to change, to invest. Life here is not soft, but it is honest. Moving is not a solution to problems, but a step into an environment where activity is valued over complaining.

Is it worth moving to the Netherlands? Depends on the scale of the goal. For professionals, students, investors, families with a long planning horizon – the answer is obvious.

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

What is luxury real estate and is it worth investing in it?

The world has changed its attitude towards luxury. In the 21st century, luxury no longer screams, but rather exquisitely silences itself. This is how luxury housing operates: it does not require attention, but rather attracts it. Spaces where status, engineering, and absolute privacy converge have long ceased to be mere square meters and have become investment assets. The question of what constitutes luxury real estate is no longer abstract, as it encompasses a complex system of specific parameters, economic forecasts, and architectural solutions.

What is luxury real estate?

Luxury housing is not just an expensive apartment. The definition is formed by a set of characteristics that include:

Location in premium locations with limited access.
Low-rise club houses or small apartment towers.
A limited number of owners per building.
Exclusive architecture, individual facade solutions, and a premium entrance group block.
Designer finishes and non-standard layouts, from 150 sq.m and above.
Security, video surveillance, underground Parking, and luxury engineering equipment.
Infrastructure — indoor fitness clubs, spas, lounge areas, restaurants without public access.

Such parameters are not a formality, but an economically justified core of the segment. What is luxury real estate, if not the intersection of demand for security, rarity, and capitalization?

Classification: Types of Luxury Real Estate by Functionality and Architecture

The variety of formats determines the market. The types of luxury real estate are distributed as follows:

Luxury apartments. Penthouses with terraces, panoramic glazing, and ceilings of 3.5 meters or more. They are often located on the upper floors of buildings up to 10 stories high. They have smart home systems, climate control, and acoustic noise insulation.
Luxury houses. Cottages from 400 sq.m in a secure area within 10 km of the business center. Features include individual landscape design, multi-car garages, guest houses, wine rooms, and SPA areas.
Luxury apartment-style housing. The format of private residences in hotel complexes managed by international operators. Includes concierge services, room service, full furnishings, and premium design.

The question of what constitutes elite real estate requires further elaboration, as the structure of the types determines the investment approach.

Space as an Asset: Key Parameters for Evaluation

Profitability indicators in the premium segment directly depend on several factors. Everyone influences the investment attractiveness:

Location: historic districts, waterfront, and view apartments.
The layout features free zoning, skylights, and panoramic windows.
Parking: the number of parking spaces should be at least 2:1 to the number of apartments.
Infrastructure — the presence of a fitness club, a SPA area, a restaurant block.
Security includes a closed area, security personnel, access control, and video surveillance.
Engineering equipment — supply and exhaust ventilation, anti-flood system, noise protection.
Design — original concepts from international bureaus.

From concrete to profit: investing in luxury real estate

The market has shown steady growth in the segment since 2017. The average rental yield varies from 5 to 9% per annum, while the average annual cost increase in the capital cities reaches 12% with the right choice of location. One example: an object in the historical center with a view of the embankment, bought for 2.4 million euros in 2020, resold in 2024 for 3.1 million euros. The return, including taxes and operating expenses, was 7.3% per annum. Investments demonstrate resilience to inflation, resilience to market fluctuations, and a high level of capital safety.

What is luxury real estate and why include premium housing in the portfolio? The segment provides:

Capital diversification.
Protection against currency volatility.
The opportunity to earn income from premium-level rentals.
High liquidity in closed investment circles.
Upgrade the status of the owner.

Difference of principles: the difference between luxury housing and business class

The segments are divided not only by price. The difference between luxury housing includes:

Architectural individuality instead of a typical facade.
Locations in quiet centers, not near busy highways.
Unique soundproofing and engineering technologies.
Personalized landscape by a landscape designer.
Individual layouts, where each apartment is unique.

Local focus: luxury real estate in the Netherlands

Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam form a triad of premium destinations. The basis consists of:

Canal houses with historical finishes, completely renovated to luxury standards.
New residences with ventilation systems, geothermal heating, and a secure area.
Private villas near water channels with a mooring facility and a smart home system.

Properties from 2 million euros and above show growth of up to 15% over 3 years with stable rentals of about 6% per year. The high reputation of the Dutch registration system and legislation enhances investment confidence.

What is luxury real estate and how to choose it correctly

The following criteria must be met for effective capitalization:

Location in locations of limited supply.
A complex with resort-level infrastructure: fitness, restaurants, SPA.
The minimum number of apartments in a building is 30.
Author’s architecture and non-standard design.
Secure comfortable territory, landscape, Parking.
A steady increase in value over the past 3 years.
Professional management and service.
Legal transparency of the transaction.

It is these parameters that determine what luxury real estate is from the perspective of an investor’s strategy.

Is it worth investing in luxury real estate

The market confirms that luxury housing retains liquidity in any economic environment. The segment is resistant to inflation and offers a high level of privacy, comfort and quality. What is investment in luxury real estate: investments bring not only income, but also inclusion in a narrow circle of owners of unique assets that preserve and increase capital in the long term.

June 21, 2025