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Living in the Netherlands: peculiarities, pros and cons

Home » Blog » Living in the Netherlands: peculiarities, pros and cons

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.

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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:

  1. Location in premium locations with limited access.

  2. Low-rise club houses or small apartment towers.

  3. A limited number of owners per building.

  4. Exclusive architecture, individual facade solutions, and a premium entrance group block.

  5. Designer finishes and non-standard layouts, from 150 sq.m and above.

  6. Security, video surveillance, underground Parking, and luxury engineering equipment.

  7. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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:

  1. Location: historic districts, waterfront, and view apartments.

  2. The layout features free zoning, skylights, and panoramic windows.

  3. Parking: the number of parking spaces should be at least 2:1 to the number of apartments.

  4. Infrastructure — the presence of a fitness club, a SPA area, a restaurant block.

  5. Security includes a closed area, security personnel, access control, and video surveillance.

  6. Engineering equipment — supply and exhaust ventilation, anti-flood system, noise protection.

  7. 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:

  1. Capital diversification.

  2. Protection against currency volatility.

  3. The opportunity to earn income from premium-level rentals.

  4. High liquidity in closed investment circles.

  5. 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:

  1. Architectural individuality instead of a typical facade.

  2. Locations in quiet centers, not near busy highways.

  3. Unique soundproofing and engineering technologies.

  4. Personalized landscape by a landscape designer.

  5. 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:

  1. Canal houses with historical finishes, completely renovated to luxury standards.

  2. New residences with ventilation systems, geothermal heating, and a secure area.

  3. 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:

  1. Location in locations of limited supply.

  2. A complex with resort-level infrastructure: fitness, restaurants, SPA.

  3. The minimum number of apartments in a building is 30.

  4. Author’s architecture and non-standard design.

  5. Secure comfortable territory, landscape, Parking.

  6. A steady increase in value over the past 3 years.

  7. Professional management and service.

  8. 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.

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

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.

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