For years, I dreamed of relocating to Amsterdam. In 2024, I found an opportunity to work for a Dutch company with an HSM visa. The journey wasn’t easy, but the insights and experiences were unforgettable.
Your relocation dream is achievable, there are several things you must consider to make the transition smooth and free of challenges.
Never move to a new country without securing a job first — the fact that I relocated with a Dutch company made the transition easier and allowed me to enjoy various benefits like the 30% tax ruling.
If you don’t have a job, I suggest seeking professional advice that will help you find a position relevant to your skills. It’s very important to pay attention to the fine print in your employment contract.
In the Netherlands, it is very hard to fire employees and there are different types of employment contracts, temporary and permanent. I found out after my move, only retrospectively, that my contract was valid for one year, which can be very problematic. Luckily, the company I work for values me highly and I requested to change to a permanent contract. If your contract doesn’t have a long-term clause, ask to add one stating that if the employer is satisfied with your performance after six months, they will switch to a permanent contract. You definitely don’t want to find yourself job searching a year after the move. If you don’t find work three months after being fired or quitting your job, and you don’t have a European passport, you will need to leave the Netherlands.
Be aware of a highly competitive housing market — I started my life in Amsterdam at a small hotel while searching for an apartment to rent. The search for a home was more complicated than I imagined, mainly because of the competition and high prices. Finding an apartment in Amsterdam is hardly a walk in the park.
Dutch bureaucracy is a (tricky) thing — I had to deal with Dutch bureaucracy on my own once I moved here, and understand the complexities of the taxation system. In retrospect, I learned to value the local advisory services that proved to be highly convenient and even beneficial. Someone who is closely familiar with dealing with immigration processes will understand how such a service would have spared me from a lot of stress and emotional turmoil.
Finding your people abroad — Moving to a new country with a different culture can be tough, but meeting new people doesn’t have to be! Try connecting through Facebook groups, Instagram, or join a local sports club like a gym, a running group, or yoga classes. Making friends through shared hobbies makes the whole experience more fun and natural. Volunteering or doing community work is also a fantastic way to meet like-minded folks who care about the same causes and help make your new community even better. After all, kindness is contagious!
Despite the challenges, life in Amsterdam offers much more than working at leading technology companies. The city offers rich culture, stunning natural scenery, and a high quality of life that prioritizes social life, family, and leisure over work, so you won’t feel like you’re living just to work.
For anyone interested in the relocation process, I highly recommend using professional advisory services regarding the following equation during the transition: employment, housing search, and Dutch bureaucracy.
Anything that can help you adapt to the new country will make your life much easier.