Relocating to the Netherlands
Congratulations! You decided to join WAES, which means you will relocate to the Netherlands in the upcoming weeks. Moving abroad is a big step, so we are here to help! Let’s have a look at what will happen in the coming weeks.
Immigration & Visa 🛂
The first step in your relocation journey is the immigration process. WAES will guide you through the application for your highly skilled migrant visa and residence permit... so you can focus on getting excited for your new adventure.
We take care of the official application for your provisional residence permit (MVV) and your work authorization with the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND). This process usually takes around two weeks. Once approved, you’ll have up to three months to collect your visa at the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country, or the nearest location if one isn’t available locally.
With your MVV visa in hand, you can travel to the Netherlands and begin working right away. From the moment you land, you’ll be fully authorized to work in the Netherlands as a highly skilled migrant.
Housing 🏡
Moving to a new country is exciting, and finding the right place to live is a big part of settling in. At WAES, we help make your transition smooth by guiding you through the housing process step by step.
Short stay
When you first arrive in the Netherlands, it’s common to start with short-term accommodation or short stay. This gives you time to get familiar with your new surroundings, understand the local neighborhoods, and explore what works best for your lifestyle and commute
We’ll assist you in finding your short stay solution, often fully furnished, so you can focus on settling into your new job and daily life without stress. Oh… and we will pay for your first month of rent as well.
Long stay
Once you're more familiar with the area, you’ll begin the search for a long-term home or long stay. Here are a few things to keep in mind as an expat in the Netherlands:
Rental market: The Dutch housing market can be competitive, especially in cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Eindhoven. It’s helpful to start your search early and be flexible with your preferences.
Furnished vs. Unfurnished: Dutch rentals can be fully furnished, semi-furnished, or completely empty (even without flooring or light fixtures). Be sure to check what’s included.
Neighborhoods: Each city has its own vibe. Some areas are lively and central, while others are more family-friendly and residential. We can help you get a feel for the best fit.
Budget: Rent prices vary widely by location. As a general guide, expect to spend between €1,200–€1,800/month for a one- or two-bedroom apartment in or around major cities.
At WAES, we’ve already supported many people through this process. Whether it’s your first short stay or your long-term housing search, we’ll connect you with trusted resources and local knowledge so you can feel at home… fast.
The 30% ruling 💰
As a highly skilled migrant relocating to the Netherlands with WAES, you may benefit from the 30% ruling. The 30% ruling is a tax advantage offered by the Dutch government to help cover the extra costs of living abroad. This ruling allows up to 30% of your gross salary to be paid tax-free, reducing your tax burden and increasing your take-home pay.
You may qualify if you were recruited from outside the Netherlands for a specialized role, lived more than 150 km away for at least 16 of the 24 months before your start date, and meet the required salary thresholds.
Once you arrive in the Netherlands, WAES will handle the application for you. If approved, the benefit will be applied directly to your monthly payslip.
The 30% ruling is a great way to ease the financial transition of moving to a new country… and we’ll make sure you don’t miss out.
Arriving in the Netherlands 🇳🇱
Touch down! You have officially relocated to the Netherlands. Great! To make your arrival as smooth as possible, we’ll arrange a taxi to pick you up at the airport. The taxi will take you to your accommodation.
Your first working day at WAES will kick off with your onboarding day. During this session, we’ll take care of some important administrative steps… but don’t worry, it won’t be all paperwork! You’ll also get to know WAES in a fun and engaging way, so you can feel right at home from day one.
Settling in the Netherlands
Starting your new chapter with WAES means more than just starting a new job... it also means building your life in a new country. From health insurance to biking to work, here’s everything you need to know to hit the ground running in the Netherlands.
Since day one, I felt welcomed. It was like a dream come true.
Learn more about
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Dutch health insurance
One of the first things to arrange after your arrival is Dutch health insurance. In the Netherlands, it’s mandatory for anyone living or working here to have basic health coverage. The system is well-organized and gives you the freedom to choose among many competitive providers. You have up to four months to choose a plan after registering at your address.
The government defines the basic package, but you can also add extra coverage depending on your needs. Don’t worry — we’ll help guide you through your options so you and your family are well-covered from the start.
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Finding a GP or dentist
In the Dutch system, your general practitioner (huisarts) is your main point of contact for medical care. They manage your overall health and refer you to specialists when needed.
You’ll also want to find a local dentist (tandarts). Helpful tools like ZorgkaartNederland or your city’s municipal website can guide you to practices in your area.
It is essential to start this search early, ideally as soon as you have a confirmed Dutch address, due to the high demand for healthcare services in certain areas. -
BSN & DigiD
Once you’ve arranged your housing, you’ll register with your local municipality to get your BSN (Burger Service Nummer), your Citizen Service Number. This number is essential for opening a bank account, getting health insurance, and more. You’ll also want to set up a DigiD, your personal digital ID for accessing Dutch government services online… including healthcare, taxes, and more.
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Opening your Dutch bank account
Opening a bank account in the Netherlands is simple… and necessary. Most employers, including WAES, will only transfer your salary to a Dutch bank account. You’ll need your BSN and a valid ID to get started. Thankfully, most banks have English-speaking staff and user-friendly apps to make your life easier.
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Driver's license conversion
Thinking about driving in the Netherlands? Depending on your country of origin, you may be able to convert your foreign license without taking a test. EU licenses are generally valid for a limited time, while non-EU licenses may have different requirements. Be sure to check the official Dutch government website for the latest rules based on your situation.
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Get a bike
Yes, it’s a cliché — but it’s also completely true: you’ll need a bike in the Netherlands. With the country’s amazing cycling infrastructure, biking is often the fastest and most efficient way to get around.
You can buy a secondhand bike, visit a local shop, or opt for a subscription service like Swapfiets… where repairs and maintenance are included. It’s perfect for your first few weeks while you get everything else sorted.
Read this article to find out everything you need to know when buying a bike.
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Sign up for a Dutch mobile number
Getting a Dutch phone number makes everyday life easier. From signing up for services to calling your new colleagues. Whether you choose a prepaid SIM or a mobile plan, the market is competitive and offers plenty of affordable options. You’ll find signing up easy, and having a local number will save you both time and money.
We’re with you every step of the way
We know relocating to a new country is a big step… and it’s completely normal to feel a little overwhelmed. But take a deep breath… you’re not doing this alone.
At WAES, we’ve helped many talented people like you make the move to the Netherlands smoothly and successfully. Whether it’s paperwork, housing, health insurance, or just finding the best place for coffee near the office, we’re here to help, guide, and support you.
Let's shape our future
Relocation
Do you have any questions about the relocation process? Our relocation expert is happy to assist.
Contact
Denice Snijders
Back Office Coordinator
