🇳🇱 Moving to the Netherlands from India – Everything You Need to Know Before You Fly

When I was planning my move from India to the Netherlands, I spent countless hours online searching for information about life here—cost of living, housing, salaries, job changes, long-term settlement, and more. But despite all the content out there, I struggled to find clear, first-hand insights.

If you’re in the same boat, I get it. That’s why I’ve compiled everything I’ve learned from my own experience into this blog series—so you don’t have to go through the same confusion.

I’m confident that if you have questions, I’ve probably answered them somewhere on this blog. If not, feel free to leave a comment—and I’ll do my best to respond.

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⚠️ Disclaimer

The information shared here is a mix of personal experience, research, and conversations with others who’ve been through the process. I don’t claim sole credit for the knowledge—so thank you to all the people, blogs, and forums that helped me along the way.

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✈️ Who Is This Blog For?

If you’re:

• Planning to move to the Netherlands for work or study
• Expecting to stay for the long term
• Looking for practical, no-fluff information

…then this blog is for you.
(If you’re here for travel content, check out my travel blog collection).

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🧭 Phase 1: Preparing for Your Move

📚 Understand the Country

Before moving anywhere, it’s good to read a bit about the history, geography, and culture of your new home.

👉 Here’s a quick guide to get started:
[Insert your curated link here]

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🛂 Know Your Visa Type

Most people move to the Netherlands under one of the following:

• ICT Visa (Intra-Company Transfer) – You stay on an Indian contract while working in the Netherlands.
• HSM Visa (Highly Skilled Migrant) – You are hired on a local Dutch contract.

🧠 Want to learn more about visa types?
Read my visa blog here.

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📦 What to Pack Before Moving

Here’s my go-to checklist based on what I actually used (and regretted not bringing):

👔 Clothes

• Carry a few good-quality formal & casual outfits (don’t overpack—you’ll shop here)
• Bring 1 good winter jacket and high-ankle waterproof shoes
• Pack an extra pair of formal shoes
• If you wear specs, carry an extra pair and sunglasses

💊 Medicines

• Must-pack! You won’t get most medicines without a prescription here
• Include a basic first aid kit

🔌 Electronics

• Bring at least two EU plug adapters
• Carry chargers, power banks, and extra data cables

🏠 Kitchen Essentials

• 1 pressure cooker
• 1 tea filter
• Pack a few packets of Maggi or ready-to-eat meals
• Don’t bring all the spices—you’ll find Indian stores everywhere in cities like Amsterdam, Amstelveen, and Eindhoven

🛒 You can check Dutch grocery prices at AH.nl to decide what’s worth bringing.

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📄 Documentation Checklist

• Carry original documents (education, work experience, passport, etc.)
• Apostille your documents in India (especially marriage certificates, birth certificates, etc.)
• Store soft copies on Google Drive or a secure cloud for quick access

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🏦 Banking & Money Matters

• Convert your Indian savings account to an NRO account
• Open an NRE account if possible (some banks let you start the process from abroad)
• Carry some cash and the rest in a forex card
• Bring a credit card from India as a backup—it can be a lifesaver
• Once you get your Dutch residence permit, open a local bank account (ING, ABN AMRO, Bunq, etc.)

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🎒 Luggage & Baggage Tips

• Most airlines allow 23–30 kg check-in + 1 cabin bag (includes laptop)
• Check baggage rules in advance—I once paid ₹14,000 extra for excess baggage
• Use a digital luggage scale if needed

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📱 Mobile & SIM Cards

• Convert your Indian SIM to prepaid (I recommend Airtel)
• Don’t buy international SIMs—you’ll get free WiFi at airports
• You can buy a Dutch SIM (like Lebara or KPN) at the airport or city stores

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🏠 House-Hunting Before You Land

Housing is very competitive in the Netherlands. Start looking while you’re still in India.

Where to search:

• Facebook groups like:
  • “Indians in Netherlands”
  • “Indians in [Your City]”
  • “Renting in Netherlands”
• Agencies like MVGM (https://ikwilhuren.nu)
• Websites like Pararius, Funda, and HousingAnywhere

Read my full Housing Guide Blog for detailed tips on renting.

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📌 Bonus Tips

• Don’t go overboard with Indian groceries—you’ll get everything here
• If you like Indian-style bedsheets, bring a couple—they’re rare here
• Avoid laminated certificates (Dutch authorities often reject them)
• You can register a friend at your address, but subletting depends on your contract

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🎉 That’s a Wrap!

If you made it to the end, you’re now way more prepared than I was before I moved!