Moving to the Netherlands. Ups and downs along the way, as well as 7 years of life in the country of tulips and windmills

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Hi all! My name is Deyan, in 2022 I moved to France on a startup visa and am now developing my startup here, recording a podcast about capitalism, and also building my startup relocation agency  Movly.me.

In the comments under the previous article, I had the opportunity to get to know Yuriy Kornev, who has been living and working in the Netherlands since 2016. Yuriy kindly agreed to share his story and observations about life in the Netherlands for this blog. This article is an interview and an intriguing account of Yuriy’s experiences with his move, daily challenges, job search in Europe, and the peculiarities of the Netherlands.

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I’ll add a little something from myself: this article is simply a treasure trove of information about life in the Netherlands, and it’s not just from newcomers but from someone who has lived in the country for over 7 years.

Preface and request from the author (Yuri).

Everything written in the article has been processed through the meat grinder of my subjective opinion and sieved through the sieve of personal doubts and experiences. I don’t claim it as an absolute truth. I’m not trying to persuade anyone about anything. I simply enjoy sharing information (it’s my guilty pleasure). And please, don’t base your judgments and conclusions solely on my personal experiences described in this article.

Part 1. How did I end up in the Netherlands? Heaps of interviews, hopes and disappointments on the way to the goal.

I’m not a pure IT specialist. I’m a telecommunications engineer, although I do have some software development background.

The idea of living in another country first came to me in 2005. The reason was a burning curiosity and the itch to know “what’s it like over there” (you won’t believe it, but YouTube had just appeared at that time). I was looking for a job and even went for a couple of interviews a few times. However, those were merely amateur attempts back then. In 2009, I moved to Moscow and left the idea aside for a while because Moscow felt almost like a foreign country, just that everyone spoke Russian. I had a dynamic life there, working with new people and engaging in interesting projects. That’s how it was until 2013-2014.

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In 2014, I began searching for jobs in Europe, with the Netherlands not even on my radar. I was looking for work in Finland, Germany, Ireland, Hungary, and Poland. Interestingly, the last two countries had some cool tech hubs and offices of major companies that offered salaries three times higher than the national average. I had a lot of interviews but, in the end, nothing materialised.

The Netherlands came into view in 2015. I was invited for an interview by Booking.com. What’s more, they reached out to me first. I had phone interviews with HR and Skype interviews with technical staff, which I passed without any issues, and they invited me for an interview at their office in Amsterdam. I already had a visa, so I just chose flights that suited me, and Booking.com bought my tickets and booked a hotel for me (not an advertisement =).

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Invitation from booking.com

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My in-person interview didn’t go well. One of the issues was my insufficient level of English (and I was even interviewed by an Englishwoman). Furthermore, I made a mistake by flying in for just one day. I should have planned for at least two. I arrived in Amsterdam late in the evening, and the interview was scheduled for 11:00. I had to fly back to Moscow around 5 in the evening. Consequently, all the interview rounds with me went by very quickly, were somewhat rushed, and some of the interviewers had just arrived off their flights. As a result, I didn’t leave a good impression. Also, my English wasn’t up to par.

However, after that experience, I studied the Dutch job market and found it quite attractive. I started to consider the Netherlands as a priority for relocation. Naturally, I worked on improving my English. After that, I had several more Skype interviews with various companies, but I still didn’t receive any job offers.

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Before the new year of 2016, I received another email expressing interest in interviewing me. The job opportunity was with a major international company, albeit in tech support, but I wasn’t bothered by that. On the contrary, I saw it as a new challenge (prior to that, I had typically contacted tech support myself). The phone interview went well, and they invited me for an in-person interview at their office. But there was one catch…

The company’s policy was no reimbursement for flights and hotels – all candidates had to be on equal footing. I said that I was willing to pay for my own flight but requested a few more Skype interviews to start. They agreed. The interviews went successfully, and I was once again invited to the office. They even asked me to set aside a whole 2 days for the interviews.

So, in February 2016, I found myself in the Netherlands once more. To my great surprise, the interview felt less like an interview and more like getting to know each other. They gave me a tour of the office, introduced me to people, showed me the equipment, told me about the company, its history, projects, and achievements. In return, I shared my experiences, interesting projects, and amusing anecdotes from my work in Russia.

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By the end of the first day, I was a bit bewildered and couldn’t quite grasp what had just happened. But it was amazing. On the second day, I was scheduled to meet with HR and a Russian-speaking employee of the company. They thought it would be good if someone could tell me about the company and life in the country in Russian. So, that’s how my second day went.

In the evening, while I was at Terminal G of Schiphol Airport, they called me and said that if everything suited me, they were ready to hire me. The initial contract was for a year with the possibility of extension (I’ll jump ahead and mention that after a year, they simply offered me a permanent contract). Naturally, I accepted. I celebrated this with a beer at the airport and flew back to my homeland.

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In the photo: (1) my long-awaited offer, (2,3) my “then future” office

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In the following months, I had several phone calls and email exchanges, clarifying details, coordinating dates, and, ultimately, in June, I received an MVV visa (a category D visa for entry and subsequent residence permit issuance).

I moved to the Netherlands under the Kennismigrant program, which is for highly skilled migrants. In July, I was already in the Netherlands, embarking on my journey to settle in a new country.

Regarding the Kennismigrant program, I wrote an article on this topic, and I highly recommend you to read it:

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Moving to the Netherlands under the highly qualified specialist program.
This is not an advertising post, but rather an informational one. I am writing this with one single thought – to provide information to potential relocants.

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Before telling the story about my life in the Netherlands, I’ll leave here some important advice about preparing for moving to the Netherlands.

The most important thing to do before relocating is to obtain an apostille on birth certificates (your own, your spouse’s, and your children’s) and your marriage certificate. After obtaining the apostilled certificates, I found a sworn translator in the Netherlands (a translator authorized to translate official documents) who translated them into the national language. I want to emphasize that a birth certificate is a crucial document when moving to the Netherlands. You will definitely be asked for it at the municipal office when registering for the first time and obtaining your Citizen Service Number (BSN). According to Dutch regulations, the apostille must be on the original document, not a notarized copy. While sometimes a notarized copy might work, it’s better not to take the risk and get all the documents properly authenticated in Russia while you still have the opportunity.

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One of the stages of moving from Russia to the Netherlands. I’m moving a car full of stuff. This photo was taken in Turku (Finland) before loading onto the ferry. November 2016.

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Part 2. Work in the Netherlands and cultural features

My personal experience is limited to one company (I arrived to work there, and I’ve been working there for 7 years now). So, I’ll share a bit about my wife’s experience, as well as that of friends and acquaintances. While companies and teams can vary, there are several key differences and characteristics:

1. Lack of Hierarchy: In Dutch companies, there often isn’t a strict hierarchical structure, and even when it exists, the relationship between a boss and a subordinate is quite democratic. For example, a boss might easily bring coffee or sandwiches for everyone in a meeting, engage in casual conversation, and the like. This doesn’t mean there’s no respect for authority, but I haven’t seen relationships of the “I’m the boss – you’re a fool” type.
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2. Transparency: Local companies tend to share information about their business. Key performance indicators, results, achievements, and development plans are usually made available to all employees.
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3. Care and Attention: If colleagues notice that something isn’t right with someone, they might ask if everything’s okay. HR or the immediate manager might inquire as well. They won’t pry into your personal life, but they are always willing to listen.
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4. Openness to Critique: It’s common to discuss issues or express dissatisfaction (with work, colleagues, or salary) with HR or your immediate supervisor. It’s believed that if you remain silent, it means you are satisfied with everything.
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5. Bureaucracy (Sometimes): In particularly large or old companies, decision-making can take a very long time (literally years). So, often (to my great regret), the process becomes more important than the result. However, this is not the case everywhere. There are very dynamic companies, and their number is growing every year.
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6. Overtime Is Not Favoured: Everyone tries to maintain a work-life balance. My wife had a colleague who worked only 4 days a week. When asked why, he replied, “Well, I need time to spend my high salary.”

These characteristics offer a unique perspective on work culture in the Netherlands, emphasising collaboration, openness, and a focus on life outside of work.

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Contracts and business ethics

By the way, employment contracts in the Netherlands are quite different from those commonly used in Russia. They are typically very concise, containing only the essential information such as job title, salary, and the contract duration. They may also reference a collective labor agreement. My contract has a few additional clauses specifying what I’m not allowed to do concurrently with this job and the associated responsibilities.

What’s unique is that these contracts primarily consist of signatures, specifically the individual’s name, signature, date, and place of signing. No passport data or company details are included, and there are no seals. This applies to almost all contracts, including lease agreements, opening bank accounts, and more. I understand that this might shock many people from Russia, but that’s how it works.

In essence, these contracts can resemble something like a “pledge of honor,” and it works. Many things here don’t require “paper” contracts at all. For instance, contracts with service providers. You could probably request them separately, but why bother? By default, people tend to trust you. You said something, and they believe you. However, if you’re caught lying, it’s very challenging to rebuild that trust. I believe this is rooted in the Dutch trading heritage. In trade, honesty and contract fidelity are highly valued.

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Unions

In the Netherlands, labor unions are quite strong, and occasional strikes happen. As far as I can recall, bus drivers, railway workers, teachers, and even garbage collectors have gone on strike at different times.

In companies, there is an entity known as the “working council.” Its members are employees of the company, and it represents the interests of all workers. This council is quite influential. For instance, in our company, they wanted to implement significant layoffs, citing low profits as the reason. However, the council said no, the reason was unsatisfactory, and the company’s affairs weren’t as dire as portrayed.

In principle, a company can disregard the council’s decision, but in such cases, the council can take the matter to court. So our company decided not to quarrel and offered an alternative solution. By the way, it’s not easy to dismiss an employee with a permanent contract (unless there are real, serious issues, such as physical harm). It’s easier to reach an agreement for the employee to leave voluntarily. That’s why companies often hire employees on temporary contracts for around six months or less. However, according to the law, three consecutive temporary contracts are considered a permanent contract.

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A bit about self-employed individuals: the Netherlands discourages “false” self-employment, which is when a self-employed person works for a single company. It’s considered unfavourable for the worker, as they aren’t entitled to social benefits and other protections. They are less protected from the discretion of the actual employer. Penalties are imposed for such practices if they are discovered.

Salaries and taxes

The minimum wage for a 40-hour workweek in the Netherlands is approximately 1,900 euros gross. At the current exchange rate, that’s about 190,000 rubles. It’s worth noting that there are plans to increase the minimum wage, which has sparked a lot of discussions and disagreements in the parliament. Taxes and other deductions are paid by the employer. However, individuals are still required to file an annual tax return, which can be done quickly and easily from a computer.

By law, employees are entitled to a vacation bonus, which amounts to 8% of their annual earnings. Essentially, it’s an additional form of income. The downside is that this bonus, like all other forms of income, is subject to the maximum tax rate of 50%.

Employers can choose to pay this bonus either once a year (for example, in May, as in my case) or proportionally every month (as with my wife). If an employee takes paid leave, they still receive the same salary for those days. There’s no concept of an “average over six months,” as often used in Russia. I remember that in Russia, I always felt like I was losing money when I took leave, but it’s different here.

Furthermore, employers are required to compensate employees for commuting to the office. This compensation can be provided in the form of money, based on the distance from the employee’s official address to the office, or by offering a transportation card. Some employers even provide company cars.

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My workplace =)

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, when most people were working from home, and many continued to do so, there was compensation for remote work, albeit a modest one. In theory, it’s meant to cover the additional energy costs associated with working from home.

Job descriptions often specify additional conditions, such as a company car, an extended pension plan, and other bonuses.

In our company, we have a “bicycle bonus.” Every three years, employees can purchase a bicycle, and the company reimburses up to 750 euros of its cost. I bought a bike for 750 euros, and they reimbursed me, but the compensation is considered a bonus, so I had to pay a 50% tax on it. Nonetheless, getting a new bike at half price is still quite a nice deal. One of the conditions is that the bike should be used for commuting to work at least 2 or 3 times a week. But, of course, nobody checks that. So it’s essentially based on the “honour system.”

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Vacations

By law, employees in the Netherlands are entitled to 20 working days of vacation (with a 40-hour workweek), which is equivalent to 4 weeks. In our company, there’s an additional bonus of 5 days of vacation (thanks to the unions). There are also what are called “verletdagen,” which I must admit I don’t fully understand myself, but the fact is that they add 7 extra days of vacation.

However, the company can determine these “verletdagen” itself. For example, if Christmas falls on a Thursday, the company might schedule them for Friday, resulting in long weekends. In our company, the company typically schedules 5 days itself and leaves 2 for the employees to choose. So in our company, employees have 27 paid working days of vacation to choose for themselves, or 32 days if you include the ones scheduled by the company. That’s over 6 weeks of paid vacation in total.

Part 3. Is it safe to live in the Netherlands?

In general, the Netherlands is a safe country. My wife can return home late at night without any worries, and my eldest child, who is 10 years old, can play with friends outside.

Of course, there are less ideal neighbourhoods and some problematic areas, like Kanaleneiland and Overvecht in Utrecht. There is even a list of problematic areas that you can refer to when choosing accommodation in the Netherlands.

Overall, it’s quite safe. There are occasional thefts, car break-ins where valuable items are stolen, and even incidents where cars are set on fire. I don’t have the details, but there was a case on our street where a car was set on fire by some sort of arsonist. There have been similar incidents in neighbouring cities as well.

Most of the crimes tend to occur in Rotterdam, which is considered the criminal capital of the Netherlands. I wouldn’t recommend living there, although it’s an interesting city. It’s a hub for criminal activity, including fights, disputes, stabbings, smuggling, human trafficking, and the drug trade. In fact, there are staggering amounts of drugs passing through the port, including the white powder snorted in Moscow nightclubs, which likely transited through Rotterdam.

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https://www.bbc.com/news/stories-59379474

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Part 4. Renting and purchasing real estate

In general, if we were to describe the real estate situation in one word, it would be “rough.” Not entirely dire, but it’s heading in that direction. But let’s go through it step by step. Just like everywhere else, you can either buy or rent property. We’ll discuss buying later and start with renting.

Rental Housing

There are three types of rental housing: social housing, commercial housing from private individuals, and commercial housing from housing corporations.

1. Social Housing: This is the cheapest option, often located in less desirable areas, and you may have to wait for it for quite some time (years). However, it is genuinely more affordable.
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2. From Private Individuals: This is straightforward. Typically, these rentals come with furniture, appliances, and household items. However, it’s the most expensive option, and it might be challenging for newcomers to secure one. Most likely, a property owner won’t risk renting to a foreigner with an unclear income. Alternatively, they might ask for several months’ rent upfront, plus a security deposit. However, it’s theoretically possible to rent from a private individual for a shorter period—several months or half a year.
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3. From Housing Corporations: Renting from housing corporations is somewhat easier. These are companies that own various properties and are willing to rent to newcomers. It’s a bit cheaper than renting from private individuals. But there are some caveats:

• They will still take a security deposit.
• The minimum contract length is usually a year, and breaking it earlier would incur a penalty.
• They will require a lot of paperwork, including bank statements and employment contracts.
• The rental property comes in a ‘shell’ condition, with a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, toilet, interior doors, sockets, and light switches. However, there is no flooring (unless you manage to negotiate with the previous tenant). So, you will need to make arrangements for the floors, and you won’t find any furniture, light fixtures, or utensils. You can make modifications to the property, almost anything except removing load-bearing walls, but when you move out, it all needs to be restored to its initial condition.

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The best resource for finding housing is funda.nl. There is also marktplaats.nl, but there is less choice there. You can also search through friends and colleagues, as well as through all sorts of chats and groups, this also sometimes works.

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My personal experience with finding housing isn’t much of an indicator. I found a place in less than a week. It was even faster than that. I just had to wait for the contract signing and key handover days. It was unbelievably quick. Everyone was surprised, both expats and locals. I found an excellent option. It was hard to move out from there, and there’s not much to tell about it. It was all just incredible luck.

However, there is one detail I can share. The housing corporation agreed to rent me the house if I made a deposit equivalent to three months’ rent, plus payment for one and a half months in advance. So, I had to pay about 5000 euros upfront. It seemed reasonable, but here’s the twist. I had to transfer the money in advance BEFORE signing the contract. There were no documents like an invoice. They just said, “Transfer the money to this account, and specify the code in the description.”

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It’s another “honour system,” but this time I wasn’t swearing; they were. And it actually works. I transferred the money and then went to the company’s office to sign the lease agreement. That’s the story.

In reality, people nowadays search for housing for months, are willing to pay in advance, but there’s often simply not enough housing available.

Buying a home

Buying a house in the Netherlands is both complex and straightforward at the same time. It’s straightforward because banks provide mortgage loans to foreigners. The terms typically include up to a 30-year tenure, a minimum down payment starting from 0%, and interest rates around 5%. Normally, with a permanent or long-term contract, a bank offers around 4.5-5 times your annual income. For instance, if your gross annual income is 60,000 euros, the bank would grant a maximum of 300,000 euros.

The challenge lies in finding something decent with this amount. You’d be hard-pressed to get more than a small apartment for these funds. Housing prices have been increasing for the past three years. At the moment, they seem to have stabilised, but there’s no sign of them decreasing.

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The housing market is overheated, but it’s not cooling off anytime soon. The problem is that there’s simply not enough housing. Not many new homes are being built, yet the number of people looking for housing keeps growing. Brexit has played a role in this, as many companies moved their offices from the UK to the Netherlands. In addition to migrants of all kinds, there are refugees as well. In short, housing is a real issue.

When buying a property, it’s not just about finding a place, but also about obtaining the right to purchase it. Usually, the owner sets a minimum price. If there are many potential buyers, a closed auction may be held. Each bidder offers an amount on top of the minimum price. Here’s a story from my acquaintances: In 2020, they were looking for a house. They found one. The starting price was 350,000 euros, and they offered an additional 50,000 euros, but they lost. Someone else offered more.

Although banks don’t require an initial down payment, you’ll still need money for various expenses (based on 2018 prices):

1. Expert fees, including a technical inspection and property appraisal, costing around 600-1,000 euros.
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2. Bank service fees, around 1,000 euros.
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3. Notary fees, approximately 1,500 euros.
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4. Transfer tax, which is 2% of the property’s value.
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5. If you choose to hire advisors, this could cost an additional 3,000-5,000 euros.
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Part 5. Household life and expenses

Many people often ask me how much we spend. Here’s an approximate breakdown of monthly expenses for my family (2 adults, 2 children, 2 pets):

• Mortgage: 970 euros
• Food, dining out, and restaurants: 1,000-1,200 euros
• Car expenses (insurance, tax, parking): 180-250 euros
• Gasoline: 100-120 euros
• After-school programs for the children: 1,000 euros
• Electricity and gas: 220 euros
• Water: 25 euros
• Health insurance: 310 euros
• Internet: 40 euros
• Mobile phones: 12 euros

In total, this amounts to 3,907 euros per month, roughly speaking. Regarding after-school programs, we later receive a subsidy (since both of us work) of around 500 euros back, so the final total can be adjusted to around 3,500 euros.

Considering that both of us are working, it is generally sufficient for our needs, and we are even able to save some money, although not as much as we would like. Many expats, especially those who come through high-skilled migrant programs, earn on average more than the locals. Additionally, during the first 5 years, they may enjoy some tax benefits, making it financially favorable. However, my tax benefit has already ended, and my wife has never had one.

In general, living in the Netherlands, financially speaking, can sometimes be more challenging for individuals compared to those with a partner.

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Housing

There are apartments, semi-detached houses, two-family houses, and detached houses in the Netherlands. I live in a semi-detached house, which is perhaps one of the most common types of housing for families with children in the Netherlands. The quality of housing varies.

In general, it feels like Dutch builders aren’t top-notch. They excel in design and architecture, but at a practical level, they often don’t go the extra mile. This is evident in various details. For instance, interior doors are typically made of plastic, door frames are standardized and metallic, locks are very basic, and walls are often roughly plastered with what seems like droplets of plaster rather than being perfectly smooth. Sometimes, this is done directly on the concrete.

They don’t bother to hide wires; they might just hang from the ceiling from where they exit the ceiling panel to the light fixture. When buying or renting, it’s important to examine the year of construction and the quality of renovation, if any, and when it was last done. Some houses have had no renovation work since their construction in the 1960s or ’70s.

Here’s an important tip when choosing housing: Look at the energy efficiency rating (A, B, C, etc.). Houses rated below class D may feel cold during the winter or might require higher heating costs. Additionally, be cautious about the desire to live in an “historic house.” Make sure, at the very least, that the house has double glazing. Some older houses have single glazing, which is traditional, and changing the windows may not be possible without municipal permission (and sometimes it’s not allowed at all if it’s a protected monument).

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How much does it cost to maintain a house?

There is no fixed amount; it varies, but there’s a minimum threshold of expenses that people in the Netherlands need to budget for. In addition to rent or mortgage payments, the Dutch typically pay for:

1. Water: Billed according to usage, and the water quality is excellent, safe for drinking from the tap in most places (warnings are posted where tap water is not suitable).
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2. Electricity: Billed according to usage, and it can be relatively expensive. Prices fluctuate, but you mentioned around 37 cents per kilowatt-hour.
   
3. Gas: Also billed according to usage. Gas is relatively expensive, but many households don’t use it much, mainly for hot water (e.g., using a boiler).
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4. Annual Property Tax: For homeowners, this tax is calculated based on the estimated property value, which is usually slightly lower than the market value.
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5. Annual Sewage and Water Management Tax: This tax supports the maintenance of dams, canals, and other vital infrastructure for water management in the Netherlands.
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6. Annual Waste Collection Tax: A municipal tax for the collection and disposal of household waste.
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7. Service Costs: Apartment residents might pay fees for the maintenance of common areas and facilities in their building or complex.

The actual amounts can vary based on location, family size, and individual consumption.

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Issues with garbage

By the way, we sort our waste: general waste, organic waste (food leftovers, grass, leaves, branches), paper, glass, and what’s called PMD – which includes plastic, metal (like tin cans), and Tetra Paks (milk, yogurt, juice, etc). Plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and some glass beer bottles can be returned to the store.

If you need to dispose of something larger, like construction waste, soil, sand, or anything else, you have to take it to the waste collection station yourself. I recently took leftover tiles from a renovation there.

During a renovation, you can rent a container to throw everything in, and then it will be taken away. The cost of this service is around 200-300 euros, and you might need to pay the municipality if the container is on city land (in any case, you need a permit for temporary container placement).

If you want to get rid of old furniture or appliances, there are two options (besides disposing of them yourself): you can either arrange for waste removal through a service provider (you can leave a request on their website and specify the location, like an old couch and refrigerator), and they’ll come on a set date to pick it up. Or, you can arrange for the removal of used items from a store; they will also come to pick them up if they are considered reusable.

By the way, the Dutch like to visit thrift shops and buy second-hand items on “marktplaats.nl” (similar to Avito). In general, they are quite frugal and aim to use things for a long time or give items a second chance.

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Internet and communications

Speaking of daily life, another important aspect is internet and communication. Unlimited home internet will cost you around 40-50 euros per month. It’s usually a fiber optic connection, although in some small towns or villages, DSL might still be used, but this is increasingly rare.

Mobile communication is provided by several carriers. The largest one is KPN, similar to a major telecom provider in other countries. There’s also VodafoneZiggo and Odido (a merger of T-Mobile and Tele2), as well as several virtual carriers like Budget, Lebara, Simyo, and others. They offer various mobile plans to suit different tastes and needs. You don’t need to show your passport to buy a SIM card. The quality of mobile networks and coverage is generally excellent, with 5G available in most cities.

Leisure

As they say, there’s something for everyone, and you can find activities to suit your taste. When it comes to sports, there are options for almost anything, except perhaps ice hockey, as the country doesn’t have a strong tradition for that. The flat landscape makes it less suitable for winter sports, but you can travel to the Alps or other mountainous regions for that.

Water-related activities are quite popular here, including sailing, kitesurfing, surfing, rowing, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and swimming. In terms of team sports, football, volleyball, and field hockey are widely enjoyed. Of course, cycling is a big thing in the Netherlands, with a vast network of bike paths and enthusiasts of all levels.

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Dutch people love spending time in nature. You can simply step out and go for a walk in the woods, through meadows, across dunes, along dykes, or on the beach. In the Netherlands, this is commonly referred to as a “wandeling.” I once walked 40 kilometers in a single day.

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People in the Netherlands also enjoy going to bars and spending time socializing over a beer or a glass of wine. Often, colleagues gather after work and head to a bar for a drink. People generally know their limits, so it’s not uncommon to do this even during the workweek. Young people and others also frequent clubs and discos.

Hobbies can be incredibly diverse, ranging from traditional collecting to various extreme sports. My wife and I love going for walks, exploring the Netherlands and neighboring countries, kayaking and paddleboarding, cycling, going to the movies, hosting or visiting friends, and sometimes heading out with friends for an outing. My wife is pursuing her dream, and I’m considering starting to pursue mine soon. In short, life is what it is.

Additionally, the Dutch often engage in volunteer work. Some help out in animal shelters, some participate in clean-up efforts, and others contribute in various ways.

In general, life in the Netherlands, especially if you live in a smaller town like we do, is relatively laid-back. If you’re looking for more excitement, you can find it in cities like Amsterdam, The Hague, or at least Utrecht (I wouldn’t particularly recommend Rotterdam).

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Part 6. Education system

The education system in the Netherlands differs significantly not only from the Russian system but also from that of neighboring European countries. It may be most similar to the British system.

From the age of 5, all children are obligated to attend school. As soon as a child turns 5, they must go to school, regardless of the month – whether it’s September, February, or June. There are very few exceptions, and even if a child has disabilities, the system is designed to provide accommodations within the school rather than allowing them to stay home. Parents can face fines and intervention by social services for failing to ensure their child attends school regularly.

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True Dutch people tend to send their children to school right when they turn 4 years old, although it’s not obligatory. This is because daycares in the Netherlands can be quite expensive (for one child, four days a week, it used to cost around 1600 euros per month four years ago). Additionally, there are often long waiting lists for daycare centers, and these centers only cater to children up to the age of 4, which means children are essentially in school by the age of 4. However, the first two years in school are more like preschool.

All schools in the Netherlands are public and do not require uniforms. Schools provide all necessary educational materials, including textbooks, notebooks, and stationery, so there is no need to purchase school supplies. Parents may need to buy sports clothing and shoes for physical education classes, though.

Local schools do not provide meals; students bring their own lunches and snacks from home. What children eat for lunch usually consists of fruits, sandwiches, bread rolls, and occasionally some bring warm food in a thermos, although the latter is relatively uncommon.

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Some schools may request financial contributions from parents once a year, but these are typically not for general school expenses like building maintenance or curtains. Instead, these contributions go toward organizing additional activities, trips, or special events for the children. The amount varies and can range from 20 to 300-500 euros per year depending on the school.

The schools in the Netherlands can be categorized as Catholic, Protestant, or neutral. Attending a Catholic or Protestant school doesn’t mean that only children of those denominations are accepted. These schools may include some religious elements, more “talks about God,” and more preparation for church holidays. Additionally, there are Islamic schools available.

After completing eight years in the “basisschool” (elementary school, typically from ages 4 to 12), children move on to “middelbare school” (middle school). Before entering middle school, children around 11-12 years old take an exam. Based on the results, the school provides an “advies” (advice) about which level of middle school the child should attend. These schools prepare students for different post-school pathways, whether it’s vocational school, college, or university. The advice given depends on the child’s performance and abilities.

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An advice to attend a vocational school doesn’t mean that a child cannot enter a college or university later on. They might just do it at a slightly later age than their peers. The key issue in the Netherlands is that many young people opt to enter the workforce directly after vocational training because there’s a high demand for labor, and they can earn a good wage even at a young age. This can deter some from pursuing higher education because they are already financially independent and earning enough for their needs.

Part 7. Bureaucracy and social services

A bit about bureaucracy and interactions with government agencies. Spoiler: it’s minimal here; most issues are resolved online or through email correspondence.

Right at the beginning, as soon as you arrive, you need to visit the “Immigratie-en-Naturalisatiedienst”, or simply IND (equivalent to the Russian Federal Migration Service, or FMS), to collect your residence permit card. It’s advisable to do this in the first few days after your arrival.

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As soon as you have your housing rental contract in hand, you should go to the gemeente, which is the municipality, to register. Upon your first registration, you will be issued a BSN (Burger Service Nummer) – a social security number. In the Netherlands, the BSN serves as the equivalent of the Russian INN (Taxpayer Identification Number) and SNILS (Individual Insurance Account Number). Your stay in the Netherlands officially begins from the moment you obtain a BSN, so it’s important not to delay this registration.

By the way, from the very beginning, you should learn the word “afspraak,” which means an appointment. Most of the time, you’ll need to schedule appointments through the website of a particular service, occasionally over the phone, and sometimes it’s possible to walk in without an appointment.

ATTENTION! Make appointments in advance! If, for example, something is not ready yet (for instance, if you don't have your housing contract), it's better to reschedule your appointment. In some cases, they might accept all the other documents, and request you to submit any missing documents later, but without an appointment. By scheduling appointments in advance, you make your life easier and minimise potential issues.

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Once you have your BSN, you can and should request a DigiD (https://www.digid.nl/). There isn’t a unified portal like Russian government services, but each agency allows you to access your personal cabinet using DigiD. It’s essentially your digital signature, which you can and should use.

It’s also useful to install the “berichtenbox” application. Electronic messages from the tax authority (IND), and other agencies will arrive there. With DigiD, communication with bureaucrats is minimized. Mostly, everything can be done online.

Bureaucrats here are not scary. In general, they try to help. There were situations, especially at the beginning when we did something wrong or missed something due to our lack of knowledge. But every time we went to the municipality or elsewhere, they said, “Okay, no problem, let’s see what we can do,” and they found a solution.

My wife was surprised that civil servants here are oriented towards finding solutions.

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A little about residence permit, permanent residence and citizenship

After 5 years of continuous legal residence and assuming you pass integration exams – 4 language exams (reading, writing, listening, speaking) and exams on knowledge of Dutch society, history, and culture, plus, for those who don’t work, an orientation to the labor market exam, you can apply for permanent residency (PMV) and citizenship. You can apply for both simultaneously. You can request PMV online through the IND website, and the decision is made within 3 months.

Citizenship is requested in person through the municipality. The processing time is about a year. Usually, after around 8 months, you’ll receive a letter of approval (or disapproval). In case of approval, you’ll need to wait for an invitation from the municipality for the citizenship ceremony and oath. During the ceremony, a responsible person reads the oath, and new Dutch citizens must say “Dat verklaar en beloof ik” for non-religious people, or “Zo waarlijk helpe mij God almachtig” for religious individuals. The oath version is chosen when you submit your citizenship application. A week later, you can go to collect your ID card (equivalent to the Russian internal passport) and your travel passport.

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You are required to renounce your Russian (or any other) citizenship, as the Netherlands does not approve of dual citizenship. However, due to the current situation, IND has officially suspended this requirement for Russians until January 1, 2024, but it’s likely to be extended. For Ukrainian citizens, the exit requirement is also temporarily suspended, but there is no official decision for citizens of the Republic of Belarus.

And yes, I have Dutch citizenship (obtained last year).

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Part 8. Transport

Public Transportation:

In the country, there are trains, metros, trams in major cities, buses, and even trolleybuses in places like Arnhem. When it comes to public transportation, there are both excellent and less favourable aspects.

The excellent part is that public transport typically runs on schedule (for the most part). It’s comfortable, clean, and safe, with the caveat that you might want to avoid taking a tram from the center of Utrecht to Kanaleneiland late at night.

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Using public transport is also very convenient. There’s an OV card, similar to the Oyster card in London, but it works nationwide. It’s valid for all types of transport, including trains, and on all carriers, without any fare zones (thanks to Dionysus). To use it, you check-in when you board and check-out when you disembark, and transfers are taken into account.

You can top up the card at a terminal or a ticket counter (if you can find a working one), or set up automatic top-ups from a Dutch bank account. The terminals are available at train stations and in supermarkets, but please note they only accept bank cards, which might be an issue if you’ve just arrived and haven’t registered a Dutch bank account yet.

Seems all good, right?

But it’s expensive. A local bus ride starts at 1.40 euros, and children from the age of 4 have to pay.

Sometimes it can simply stop running. Yes, completely stop. The reasons can range from strikes, maintenance work, weather conditions, accidents, and incidents. The first two can usually be anticipated, and the weather can be considered (e.g., it’s better to stay home during a storm). However, the latter two are unpredictable. You can triple-check that everything’s fine, arrive at the station, board your train, and then get off 5 minutes later because of an accident or a disruption in service. This happened to me, as always, when I was in a hurry.

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Despite having numerous routes and seemingly good coverage, there are problems, even in not-so-remote Dutch villages. For instance, some buses run only once an hour, and solely on weekdays, with the last service departing at 7 PM. If you miss it, you’re left to figure out how to get home.

Buses can also get so crowded that you’ll even recall the rush-hour commutes at Vykhino with warmth.

Bicycles and scooters

Bicycles are widely available, and the infrastructure for cycling is excellent. There are various types of bikes for sale, including regular, electric, those designed for transporting children, cargo bikes, and more. At our home, with a family of four, we have a total of six bicycles.

I’m aware that electric scooters have become very popular in Russia recently. However, in the Netherlands, they are not exactly illegal, but they operate in a legal gray area. Here’s what the police say about this:

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In short, electric scooters in the Netherlands are regulated similarly to mopeds. They are limited to a maximum speed of 25 km/h, and the scooter must be approved by RDW (Netherlands Vehicle Authority). Currently, there are no approved electric scooters available for regular use (only specialized ones). The police have the authority to stop an electric scooter rider, issue fines, and confiscate the scooter, regardless of the rider’s passport or nationality.

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In practice, some people use electric scooters, mainly expatriates, but it’s at their own risk and only until the first serious incident occurs. I wouldn’t recommend using them, and personally, they annoy me as they can be very unpredictable. Whether I’m driving or riding a bicycle, I find them bothersome. Officially, electric scooters are not allowed.

Cars

I thought about writing about the import of cars from Russia, but in light of recent events it is irrelevant. If only someone will bring it from Turkey-Georgia-Serbia. But it seems easier to me to buy here.

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I’ll start by saying that despite the excellent public transportation and cycling infrastructure, having a car is necessary, especially for families. There’s a wide variety of cars available, and you can find a decent option to suit your taste and budget. For example, you can explore options on Autoscout24.nl.

You can buy a car, purchase it on credit, or opt for leasing, including private leasing. It’s also possible to lease a used car, although the selection might be more limited.

If you’ve purchased a car, you’ll be responsible for insurance and road tax. Insurance typically starts at around €20 per month and can go higher, while road tax can range from €15-20 per month or more. Electric cars are currently exempt from road tax, but their insurance premiums are higher. You can find and compare insurance options (not just for cars) on independer.nl.

It’s generally advisable not to buy a car with a powerful engine (unless you have specific needs like towing). First, there’s the tax aspect. Second, insurance costs will be higher. Third, there’s not much opportunity to speed in the Netherlands. Daytime highway speed limits are 100 km/h, increasing to 130 km/h in the evening and at night. There are no hills to quickly climb, and excess speed is rarely necessary. A standard car with 100 horsepower should be sufficient for most needs.

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However, if you really want to own a more powerful car, it’s your choice, just be prepared to pay for it.

Traffic fines are substantial. Speeding by 3-4 km/h over the limit can result in a fine of €50-60, and parking violations typically incur a €95 fine. Larger fines are possible, but Dutch law considers a fine of over €100 equivalent to a criminal conviction, which may pose future problems (e.g., when applying for permanent residency or citizenship).

Car sharing is available, but it’s not as widespread as in Moscow. There are electric scooter sharing programs. However, in areas where there are train stations, you can rent a bike anywhere using the same OV card used for public transportation.

Roads

On the topic of transport, I’ll mention roads. Back in 2018, my friend was traveling around Europe by car and got to me. Over a glass of beer, he said, “You’re driving through Germany and you think that the roads couldn’t be better. And then you enter the Netherlands and you understand – no, maybe.” This year I came across an article according to which the Netherlands is second in the world for the quality of roads. On the first Singapore

Part 9. Banks, finance and cryptocurrencies

The first thing you need to do upon arrival, after obtaining your residence permit card (or even without it, if you have an MVV visa stamped in your passport), is to open a bank account. Most banks typically require a BSN, which creates a bit of a catch-22 situation. Without a local bank account, it can be challenging to rent housing, register with the municipality, or obtain a BSN. However, many banks are willing to work with newcomers and will open an account with the provision that you provide your BSN within three months.

In terms of banks in the Netherlands, the largest one is ING, but it is relatively conservative. Interestingly, ING is the only bank, as far as I know, that has required proof of a valid residence permit from Russians and Belarusians after February 24, 2022. The second-largest bank is Rabobank, which is affiliated with Raiffeisen, to the best of my knowledge.

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In the photo, you can see the old and new ING offices in Amsterdam. I personally use ABN AMRO, and they opened an account for me without any issues seven years ago, even without a BSN. There are a few other banks, but I don’t have much information about them. I’ll only mention “bunq,” which is an online bank where everything is managed through a mobile app. It’s a kind of Dutch alternative to Revolut. Speaking of Revolut, it also works quite well, but note that your account with them will be Lithuanian, which is generally not a problem for most purposes in the Netherlands.

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By default, traditional banks in the Netherlands issue Maestro debit cards. Visa and Mastercard are not commonly used in the Netherlands. Until recently, not all businesses accepted Visa and Mastercard. This is because the Netherlands has its own payment system called iDeal. It was created to reduce dependence on global payment systems, and it’s cheaper for businesses to use iDeal than Visa.

As a result, don’t be surprised to see Dutch people using less fancy cards. Cashback rewards are not particularly common. There are some companies that offer cashback, but you typically need to register separately with them, and it’s not as widespread as in some other countries.

Why is this the case? It’s hard to say, but it could be because Dutch people don’t need incentives to use cards. The country is moving toward a cashless society, and many places, both businesses and individuals, no longer accept cash. Payments with cards, especially debit cards, are common. However, Visa and Mastercard acceptance may vary.

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A key point to note about iDeal is that it’s widely used for online purchases. Payment for most Dutch online shopping sites goes through iDeal. Although you can make payments using Visa or Mastercard (possibly with an additional fee), many Dutch online retailers and services are geared toward iDeal. As of 2023, iDeal became a European standard.

In the Netherlands, people use “Tikkies” for person-to-person money transfers. So, Dutch financial technology (fintech) is quite advanced.

About crypto

Cryptocurrency is legal in the Netherlands. However, it’s worth noting that Binance left the Netherlands in the summer of 2023 due to regulatory issues. They couldn’t reach an agreement with local regulators. As a result, Binance offered its customers the option to transition to a local platform called Coinmerce. This means that while cryptocurrency is allowed, the specific services and platforms available to users may change due to regulatory decisions and company actions.

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Part 10. About language

I want to address all expats (not only in the Netherlands). Don’t make the same mistake I did—learn the language and use it. After 7 years, it’s extremely challenging and difficult for me to force myself to speak Dutch. Especially when I know that switching to English would make things simple and clear, and the conversation would flow more naturally. But no, you have to push yourself.

For me, language is not just about finding better job opportunities, improving communication, or understanding my bilingual children. Recently, I’ve started to see myself differently, and I’ve come to understand that I need the language. In short, learning Dutch (or any other language, such as French, Spanish, or Turkish) is cool!

Part 11. Flying in the ointment

To be objective, I’ll note that there are issues in the country:

1. Expensive energy and fuel (fuel prices are expected to rise from the new year due to increased excise taxes).
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2. High inflation rates (the Netherlands had one of the highest inflation rates in the eurozone last year).
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3. As a result of this, the average grocery bill has increased by about one and a half times.
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4. As previously mentioned, housing problems persist.
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5. Despite excellent roads and good vehicles, traffic jams are still a common issue and are being resolved slowly.
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6. Migrant-related problems (you can look up “ter apel vluchtelingen nieuws” for more information). Due to these issues, we currently don’t have a government – the cabinet of ministers resigned. In November, we are facing parliamentary elections, followed by the inevitable process of forming a coalition and allocating portfolios.
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7. A slowly growing unemployment rate despite a real labor shortage.
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8. Issues in the healthcare system (the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted these problems).
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9. Problems in the education system, including teacher strikes.
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10. Issues and protests among farmers.
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11. Increasing poverty, among other concerns.

These issues were recently addressed by the king in his annual throne speech. For those interested, you can find the text online and translate it to read more about the current state of affairs (spoiler: it also touches upon the Russia-Ukraine conflict).

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Part 12. Summary. Do I regret accepting the offer in 2016?

I have never regretted moving to the Netherlands. I do regret, however, that I made the move rather late in life. If I were younger, it would have been easier and more exciting. But as it turns out, everything happens for a reason.

Like any migrant, I went through all the stages from euphoria to a challenging period and eventually to an active phase.

The Netherlands is a wonderful country. Yes, it has its own peculiarities and issues, but it’s a very interesting and diverse place (even with its flat landscape outside the train window). It’s a country of open and friendly people. They are genuinely interested in all newcomers. While Dutch people don’t forget about the benefits that migrants bring to the country, they are also ready to help newcomers adapt to their new surroundings.

So, if for any reason, you feel the urge to move and explore, take a good look at the Netherlands.

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One piece of advice when moving is to try not to “move away from” but to “move towards.” I hope my story helps you understand where you’re going or where you might go.

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Subscribe to the Telegram channel Movly, where I (Dejan) write about startups in Europe and relocation. If you have any questions or if my experience can be helpful, don’t hesitate to reach out on Telegram. I’ll be happy to assist.

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