A Guide to Moving to The Netherlands From Australia

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A Guide to Moving to The Netherlands From Australia

The Netherlands is among the most sought-after destinations for Australians. With its prominent position on the European stage and strong financial industry, many talented people around the world are interested to live and work in this country.

If you are considering moving to The Netherlands from Australia, gathering significant information about this gorgeous country must be on your to-do list. Here is a guide to help you.

A Few Facts About the Netherlands

The Netherlands is in the north-west of Europe. It shares borders with Belgium and Germany. It is relatively small in size but it is one of the world’s most densely populated countries – with 488 people in every square kilometer.

The locals in this country are called “Dutch.” You may have heard other people referring to The Netherlands as “Holland” because this is the country’s most prominent part. It has all the major ports and cities. For centuries, Holland traded with the rest of the world and has been a huge maritime power. Thus, Holland became a synonym for the whole country. (armodexperiment.com)

The Netherlands’ official language is also referred to as “Dutch.” It is quite similar to the German language when it comes to spelling and syntax, but it also borrows some technical terms and words from English and French.

Immigration Facts

Because The Netherlands is a member of the European Union, it is subjected to the EU visa rules instead of just national laws. The Netherlands has been a signatory to the Schengen treaty since 1995, allowing free travel between member states. Thus, if you are granted a visa to live in this country, you can enjoy unlimited travel to European countries.

As an Australian, you can enter the Netherlands and all the other Schengen states for a maximum of 90 days without a visa, whether you’re visiting the country for business purposes or as a tourist. But if you want to stay longer, you must apply for a work visa. And this can be done within the country – all you need to provide is a copy of your employment contract. You can also apply for a long-term visa and residence permit if you want to permanently live and work in the country. It is the Dutch Immigration Naturalization Service or IND that approves or declines your application.

Be sure to research the latest visa requirements at the time of your intended relocation.

Accommodation Options

In urban areas, the rental market is too competitive. But rental properties and prices in this country are subject to government rules. This means that rents are controlled and assessed for low-value properties. Also, there are restrictions about who can live in certain areas.

Low-earners can live in a rent-controlled house while those with families can live in houses with two or three stories. You can avoid these strict regulations and legal issues if you hire a reputable estate agent, but this involves an added fee that is equivalent to your one-month rental fee. You can also check reputable online resources for properties for sale and rent.

Healthcare

The Netherlands is known for its top-notch healthcare services. The country spends around 11.9% of its GDP on health, which is why this country is ranked as the world’s second-highest spender.  Also, most doctors can speak English, which makes things a lot easier for expats like you.

In fact, you can get access to some of the healthcare services in the Netherlands for up to a year because Australia holds a reciprocal healthcare agreement with this country. But for you to use it, you must obtain a certificate before leaving Australia.

Banking

Though you can withdraw cash from ATMs provided by your Australian bank account, it is highly recommended that you get a local bank card as soon as you can. This will help prevent problems, such as when paying for train tickets. Setting up a Dutch bank account is easy because most ATMs have English language options. Also, a wide range of credit and debit cards are accepted.

To successfully open a Dutch bank account, you must have a residency permit number, valid ID, proof of address, and BSN number. You can get your BSN or social services number by registering with your local municipality.

Taxes

Australia and the Netherlands have a double taxation agreement, which prevents expats like you from being taxed twice on your income. This agreement sets out the rules to decide if you are a Dutch resident or an Australian resident for tax purposes. Also, it defines the taxing rights over the different income sources you might have, such as your salary, dividends, and rental income.

Transportation

The best way to get around this country is through public transportation. Thus, it’s important to familiarize yourself with local routes and schedules. Another good option is to use bicycles, especially when roaming around the village you live in.

The Netherlands offers lots of benefits for Australians. With the existing agreements between Australia and Netherlands, moving to this country won’t be as stressful as it seems. And since there is no language barrier for you to be concerned with, it is quite easy to move to this country. Make your move easier and hassle-free by hiring a trustworthy international removal company.

AUTHOR BIO

Robert Wise, Sales Administration Manager at Nuss Removals, has been a respected figure in the removals industry for over 20 years. His attention to detail and the ability to truly understand the needs of the customer have ensured the successful relocation of thousands of satisfied individuals and families. For moving and storage across Australia and around the world, Robert’s wealth of experience ensures his customers are in safe hands.

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