🇳🇱 Moving to the Netherlands – FAQs You’ll Thank Me For Later

Hi there,
Thanks for stopping by! 👋

I’ve compiled a list of real questions that I had—and many others have asked—while planning my move to the Netherlands. These range from job hunting to visa changes, housing, and weekend travel.

I’ve broken the blog down into sections, and I’ll keep updating it as more insights come in.

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⚠️ Disclaimer

I am not an immigration, legal, or financial consultant. The content in this blog is based purely on my personal experiences and research. For your specific case, always consult the IND, a licensed advisor, or your legal representative. This blog is written in the context of a non-EU (Indian) national.

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💼 JOBS & CAREER

❓What do you need to start applying for jobs in the Netherlands?

• A clear, well-written CV (preferably 1 page; 2 if experienced)
• A customized cover letter aligned with the role
• Basic understanding of how the Dutch market hires

❓How do you apply for jobs?

• LinkedIn is by far the most used platform here.
• Best results come from directly approaching recruiters or hiring managers with your CV + a brief message.
• Networking is key: connect with people authentically and with purpose.

❓What are the top skills in demand?

• The IT/software sector is booming and currently facing a talent shortage.
• Roles like software engineers, data scientists, DevOps, cloud engineers, etc. are widely open.
• Dutch language is not mandatory in tech roles, but a plus if you’re in consulting or client-facing functions.

❓How long does hiring take?

• It’s not a fast process.
• Expect up to 3 months (sometimes more) from first interaction to offer.

❓What’s the hiring process like?

Typical steps include:

1. Recruiter screening
2. Technical Round 1
3. Assignment or Technical Round 2
4. Hiring Manager Round
5. Bar Raiser or Culture Fit Round

💡 Each round is elimination-based, so give your best at every stage.

❓Can I negotiate my offer?

Yes, absolutely.
It’s common and even expected. You can read my detailed salary negotiation blog here → Salary & Benefits in NL

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🔁 CAREER OR JOB CHANGE

(To be updated soon with practical steps, documentation needed, and timelines.)

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💰 SALARY

(Coming up: insights on net vs. gross salary, 13th month, tax tips, and how to estimate take-home pay.)
In the meantime, check this → Salary Guide for IT in NL

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🛂 VISA CHANGE

(Planned section: ICT to HSM switch, 30% ruling transfer, dependent visa tips, and more.)

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✈️ WEEKEND TRAVEL FROM NL

Explore easy getaways from the Netherlands:
Check my guide to Paris, Brussels, and Bruges

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🏠 HOUSING

From finding your first apartment to handling scams, I’ve written a detailed blog here →
How to Rent a Home in NL

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🩺 INSURANCE

Health insurance is mandatory. Read all about choosing your first plan and things to know in my insurance blog (coming soon).

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✅ Final Thoughts

Whether you’re moving alone or with your family, preparation is everything. I hope this FAQ guide saves you hours of googling and gives you peace of mind.

Still have a question? Drop it in the comments, and I’ll try to answer it—or add it to this blog for others to benefit.

If you like this content, consider subscribing to my blog at ankittomar.com and get an update every time I post something new.

Thanks for reading! 🙌