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Guide to Working in the Netherlands

  • by: Conor McKeon
  • On: 10, Jul 2019
4 min read

Want to work in a European country that’s famous for its beautiful landscapes and rich history?

Read our free Guide to Working in the Netherlands below and discover:

· Culture – Explore rich Dutch history, variety of cultures and beautiful landscapes

· Working Culture, Pensions and Tax – Everything you need to know about money matters

· Language – How to say ‘hello’, ‘thank you’ and useful phrases in Dutch.


Accommodation – How Much Does It Cost to Live in Holland?

The cost of living will vary across areas of the country and between cities, suburbs and villages. However, here are the average rents and bills to help you plan your budget:

  • Single/Couple Rent in Amsterdam – One month’s rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre would cost around 1,538€
  • Single/Couple Rent in the Suburbs – One month's rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Amsterdam’s suburbs would be 1,171€
  • Monthly Utility Bill for Amsterdam – Utilities for one month for 2 people in an 85m2 flat in the city centre or suburbs would cost around 157€.

Dutch Transport – How to Get Around in Holland?

Excellent Dutch public transport links include a swipe card payment system: the OV-chipkaart is the country’s official transport payment system for the metro, bus and tram.

Short plane journeys also offer easy travel to other countries such as:

· Belgium – Enjoy Bruges canals, Antwerp fashion, decadent chocolate, mussels and chips, belfries and castles, crazy carnivals, the fame of Tintin and Trappist beers.

· Germany – Experience Germany's stunning scenery, intriguing culture, romantic palaces and half-timbered towns.

· UK – Visit Great Britain and Northern Ireland for an historic state packed with pulsing cities, sprawling countryside and a wealth of recent and ancient history.

Dutch Education System


Children in the Netherlands receive 8 years of primary education, 4, 5 or 6 years of secondary education (depending on the type of school). After secondary school they can go on to vocational education or higher education.

There are both public and private institutions at all levels of the education system; the private institutions are mostly based on religious or ideological principles.
If you are relocating to Holland from abroad and are looking for schools, keep this in mind: at bilingual primary and secondary schools the children still speak Dutch about 50% of the day. Also, the school-leaving exams at the end of secondary school are in Dutch.

Pensions

  • Public Pensions - The first pillar is a compulsory insurance plan financed on a pay-as-you-go basis. The system covers employees in the private sector, civil servants and the self-employed. Contributions are paid on income at a rate of 17.9%, which is employee-financed and until 2028 the state pension will be guaranteed to rise in line with inflation.
  • Occupational Pensions - The Dutch second pillar is one of the best developed occupational pension systems in Europe. Although occupational pension provision is generally not mandatory, sector-wide pension schemes often stipulate compulsory membership that can be approved by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment upon request.

Culture


The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch, and it is spoken by a vast majority of the country’s population. It closely resembles German and borrows terms from both French and English. The Netherlands is one of the most secularized countries in Western Europe. Only about 39% of citizens claim to be religious, and of those 39% only 6% attend church on a regular basis.

Traditional Dutch cuisine is not very diverse. It’s very simple and straightforward. The traditional Dutch meal consists of a lot of vegetables with a little meat.

Language


Hi = Hoi
Yes = Ja
No = Nee
Thank You = Dank je
Bye-Bye = Tot ziens
Sorry = Sorry
I'm = Im
You're welcome = Graag gedaan
How are you ? = Hoe gaat het met je?
Well = Goed

Useful Links


https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/planyour-holiday/practical-information/touristinformation-offices.htm
https://www.government.nl/
https://www.dutchnews.nl/
https://www.accuweather.com/en/nl/netherlands-weather

Why You Should Live in the Netherlands – Things to Do in Holland

· Mauritshuis – Wonder at Dutch and Flemish art housed in a 17th Century mansion museum

· The Anne Frank Huis – Read Anne’s actual diary at the globally famous site that draws more than one million visitors annually

· Van Gogh Museum – Trace renowned artist Vincent Van Gogh's life and development through the world's largest collection of his work, including both familiar paintings and little-known pieces. 

· Vondelpark – Explore a magical landscape that includes a busy social scene, pristine lawns, ponds with swans, quaint cafes and footbridges.

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