I’m Dutch-born and bred and it took 8 years for me to find a house in social housing. If you have a high income it is easier to find a rental but expect to pay a high rent. And you need a steady job and a good income to get a mortgage. So you can’t just come here and expect to find a house easily unless you already have a good paying job over here and or a lot of money.
This is indeed a harsh reality. I also think it depends on where in the country you’re looking for a home, areas in the Randstad are definitely more expensive and very difficult to find without a high paying income. But outside the Randstad, lower income earners can buy a decent house.
hello Ozymandias1, Could you please help me find an old Dutch friend I have not seen in 20+ years. You have crazy privacy rules there and even trying to locate him on the voters roll or phone book is nearly impossible. I am a poor person in the Philippines otherwise I would pay for a service. I used to love to play chess with him online. thank you steven
Despite all the complaining, I really think we are blessed with the weather. Not too cold, not too hot. No 38’ Celsius for weeks like in southern Europe. Rain keeps nature green and avoids big nature fires. Sunny days are really appreciated and people go out to enjoy. My parents went to Spain to “overwinter”, but I think that many people from Spain will go to Northern Europe to “oversummer” in the future.
@@josphineogugua Hi Josephine. I am a Zimbabwean trying to see how I can move to Netherlands. Would you recommend it to construction professionals?Thank you for your videos .I am trying to find the best visa route
Hi Josephine. Thanks for a great, well-thought-out video supported by not just anecdotal evidence. You've definitely highlighted some of the challenges that everyone has to deal with here in The Netherlands, not just expats. I'm in a rather unique situation that I'm an actual Dutch "expat". I was born here, but moved overseas at age 13, and returned after having lived overseas for 38 years.. I love my native country, but there are definitely challenges for us all, and housing is by far the most troubling one. It is definitely NOT new, however. I recall that even when I was younger back in the 1970's, housing was a problem, and here we are, 50 years later, and it's STILL a problem. So yeah, if I can offer any advice for people wanting to move here, get your housing sorted out BEFORE you come here, and make sure you can get registered with whatever municipality you choose to reside in. Not all housing options allow you to register with the municipality, so when you're searching for a home, apartment, room share or house share, make sure you ask if you can register at that address with your municipality. If you cannot register with your municipality, you cannot get a BSN (social insurance number), a bank account, or a DigID, which will make your life here extremely difficult!
Not still an issue, but again an issue. Like in the 70's economy is booming when economy elsewhere is struggling (or stable at best). City planning is something that is prepared decades in advance. It cannot cope with a sudden influx of foreign workers, over half a million that need half a million homes on a housing total of 8 million.
@@vogel2280 I understand this but the foreign workers are not employing themselves. If they are getting employment which sponsor their stay in the Netherlands, it means that there is a demand for them. And from the data from cbs, most influx to the Netherlands are from other EU countries so it’s not necessary foreign workers from outside of the EU.
@@josphineogugua For sure! In my statement I do not mean to blame, just to point out cause and effect. As I said, economy is booming and this causes shortage in workers which causes the influx. If the influx would be limited it would damage the economy which would lead to other problems. Circumstances in the world vs. the circumstances the Netherlands create this situation, not individuals that flow with the laws of supply and demand.
Very insightful and to the point! It's rare that somebody talks about these harsh realities and one must be very much prepared to deal with all this. Thank you!
As a South African who has no electricity for 12 hours a day been two 2 funerals because of people I know that where shot, been unemployed for 5 years because I am the wrong skin colour, even at the worst point Netherlands can throw me with I am still coming, at least I will still be alive.
****Chase Nigerians out of South Africa, allow the Euros and Asians to stay, and now you gonna pack up and move to the Netherlands. Wrong skin color in your homeland(Are you kidding me?).
Try moving to a former 'homeland'/'bantustan' in Limpopo... low costs, kind people, super safe and you could start a small business to uplift the community. They'll love you if you respect them and eventually get used to your racial or cultural difference... You can get 100 solar panels and an electric fence around them (and not get taxed or policed on how you use "your land"). However, you will earn rands, not euros...
As a Dutchie, born and raised, I found the part about the weather hilarious. Yes it rains a lot. But theres no tornados, tsunamis or real earthquakes (except for man made ones in Groningen). There's no minus 20 or plus 35 (usually) degree's. There's no monsoons. Also. There is a 0% chance of dying from a dangerous animals. No sharks, no bears, no crocodiles, no malaria etc. Also I dont know how you got the info about homelessness. You can get money from the government if you are eligible and where I live, you can spend the night indoors if you are on time.
Dutchie here. Again a sharp and fair analyses. Thank you for that. It is as you say: Moving to another country is hard. You live in a place, with a culture. While some cultures can be more open than others, and some places in NL give you more leeway socially, you must keep in mind that you are new, and that the rest of the people already have a life without you. In short: they don't need you. Especially coming from the new worlds, it might be difficult to feel what it means that roots run more than 2000 years deep here. But I can not imagine that if you play an active role in the local society, you will not be accepted for who you are and what you do. Whatever your color. Values. Yes, that's an interesting topic. Again, as far as I am concerned anyone can keep his/her own cultural values. And yes that might clash with mine. Respect goes both ways! Language: I can not stress that enough. LEARN DUTCH. While you might communicate fine professionally, to get in touch with people, you NEED Dutch. Period. To me this also goes back to respect for roots. Moving and welcoming: In NL it is customary to leave the reaching out to the people moving. They might be busy doing their things, they might not wish to be overwhelmed. If you want to get to know your neighbors', it is your task to reach out. Giving money: There is this youtube vid of a lady who was very disappointed that she was not supported when she got into trouble for doing a number of stupid things. You probably found it. I am not sure how to react to that and still be polite. So maybe I better don't.
I'd say that having 2 or 3 months of expenses in a savings account should always be the aim. And because moving is expensive and can come with unexpected costs, especially when moving to a new country, I'd very much recommend to save up more than that when doing so.
een par weken regen? en wanneer ik naar Amerika verhuis, moet ik ook kiezen tussen verschillende staten. uitkijken waar er geen tornado's voorkomen. Of extreme hitte of kou. Normaal is in deze periode dat het regent, heb je dat in amerika niet? Chicago is ook erg koud in de winter, en in Californie heb je kans op aardbevingen. Kan je in Florida overal zwemmen zonder een krokododil of kaaiman tegen te komen? a few weeks of rain? and when I move to America, I also have to choose between different states. watch where there are no tornadoes. Or extreme heat or cold. It is normal during this period that it rains, don't you have that in America? Chicago is also very cold in the winter, and California is prone to earthquakes. Can you swim anywhere in Florida without encountering a crocodile or caiman?
You'll be welcome here in The Netherlands! Josephine is right in a lot of things. Energy prices are lowering a bit, but not much. Just today (april 3th 2023) the OPEC announced producing less oil, so prices are going up again. But living here is possible, and I hope yo'll find housing soon. Maybe outside the cities,, costs are mostly lower there. And The Netherlands public transport is good, although when you live in an area with bigger cities and places in the neighboorhood.
Please do not be an expat. Be an immigrant that want to be a citizen. The difference is that an expat has his house there and am immigrant has his home there.
Don't forget the Dutch "BOX 3 TAX" it taxes your foreign investments in stocks and bonds with more than 5.5% capital gains tax whether you realized this or not. You are taxed annually over owning these investments. Also you will be paying income tax over foreign income etc etc. If you are a "knowledge worker" you can apply for the 30% ruling that not only allows you to reduce your taxable income by 30% but also exempts your foreign assets for the first 5 years..
Very good video. Thank you for the information. I wanna go to the Netherlands because here in Greece where i live, salaries are small... And i want a better quality of life.
I moved to Netherlands for 6 months back in 2017 to do an internship in Haarlem. I almost couldnt go because of the difficulties trying to find accommodation especially being a single male. Found something 10 days before I was due to fly there. Another thing which wasnt touched on in the video about accommodation, is have extra funds to buy furniture (e.g. bed & desk) even if you're renting a room in someone's house. This piggybacks on subject of Duchies being frugal. I didn't struggle at all with loneliness or making friends (in Haarlem at least) as people were generally friendly and approached me to socialise.
Lovely dear Josephine, You simplified it. Pls do help us make videos on the province in Netherlands and cost of living there if you can dear. Regards to Jesse and hubby.
Hi Jesse, Thanks for suggesting this. I do intend to make a video on cost of living and I’ll try to include a few provinces. I’m not sure I have enough info for all provinces but let’s see what I can find. 🤗
Im planning go to the Netherlands to live there I've found love ,and I went for 2 months (december and January 2022 -2023 )and definitely loved the culture
I love how u touched on religion and beliefs! Im researching european countries and im curious about how Christians are recieved, but most ppl dont touch in this! Thanks!
I love the netherlands ,people are very friendly and i love the culture and the way people live.. in sweden everyone is very depressed. And its always cold and grey, even more than NL..
It is true that it rains alot but its so much better than sweden.. sweden it cold grey rainy and snowy.. it sucks. Nl has much better weather, people and quality of life
Thanks for sharing your experience. I was in Gothenburg last year Summer, I didn’t experience the gray Weather in Sweden but I did enjoy my short stay there.
@@josphineogugua nice that you enjoyed your stay, it gets like that i guess since im born here and lived here for 23 years. But ive been to holland and seen most of sweden, holland is so much better IMO, but everyone likes something 😊
Hey Josephine, you're mostly right here. Housing is very tough even if you're born and raised here like me. If you wanna buy a house in 2023 tho, prices are absolutely crashing, our bubble has crashed. But that doesn't mean rents will go down anytime soon. All of the 4 big Dutch cities are expensive to live but they each have their own vibe, find the one that suits you. Dutch ppl are happy to volunteer and stuff and you will find many organizations helping poor ppl out, but not readily out there on the streets, and ironically many ppl who need them don't find them.
I wont classify the housing market as crashing, or 'the bubble has burst'. Housing prices have gone down, but more like a house previously on the market for €300.000,- is now €280.000,- / €285.000,- A crash would be more like a decrease from €300.000 to €175.000,- That is not the case.
@@alcidesforever In Utrecht some houses in certain neighbourhoods have gone down from almost 400k to 250k. But I agree, overall it's not a crash (yet).
Interesting video. Very informative. You look great 👍 glowing with that smile and pleasantness ❤❤ The situation is similar in the UK. I enjoyed my visit to the Netherlands 🇳🇱
Having been an expat for a very long time and having lived as a dutch person in four countries, I am sure that most of your remarks are valid for a lot of countries besides The Netherlands. What you are describing is generally what is considered to be the challenge for anyone going to live anywhere outside their home country. If one is not successful in adapting to the new environment, is generally due to the own inability te adapt. Some people who come to the Netherlands and other Western countries do have the wrong motives and find themselves in a bit of a pickle. People who come in search for a better life only succeed if they contribute to their new society. And yes, housing is a problem these days, but that is because of the reliance of the government in the past two or three decades on market mechanisms, a bit like in the USA. In the period of forty years immediately after WW2 there was a better housing policy in place, especially in the less expensive segments, the so-called social housing and finding a home was less of a problem. But admittedly the current tsunami of immigrants is adding the already existing problem. And loneliness is easily solved, if you are open to it yourself. Dutch people are generally welcoming foreigners.
I've lived in many countries and find that you need to fall in love with the people of the country you move to. You need to open your own heart if you want to be welcomed. It can't be purely one-sided profiteering. If you can't love the country you're moving to, then don't complain that they dont love you in return. Go somewhere else.
I get where you’re coming from and I really think it’s important to love the country and it’s people but I must say no matter how much you try, there may still be people who won’t love you back or treat you well regardless. I think having in mind that not everyone would love us will help manage expectations.
The Dutch are usually very generous with their money. They spend the most on the EU per person in the country and whenever a disaster strikes we spend a lot on charity work and aid. Wherever in the world it may be. I invited Ukrainians to my household since april 2022, I still live with them... Dutch charity and refugee help is billions of Euros per year...Money really is the least of your concern when you live in the Netherlands.
Didn't got that part either. Just expecting that random people give you money or help you out??? Please tell me in what country they do that! I want to live there😊
I'm born and raised in The Netherlands and I can confirm, it is hard to find accommodation. I've been looking for quite some time now and still haven't been able to find anything reasonable
Okay, as a Dutch woman who has lived in the UK and the US, I expect that I am going to agree with most of this and maybe I can even add. 1. Finding a place to live? Nightmare. Also because of all the regulations. In the central part of the Netherlands, housing has been very hard to get for decades already, also for Dutch people, but it's really been getting out of hand recently. (I'm currently living in an actual nursing home just because I was number 1 out of 2600 candidates who were looking for a place to live. I'd been abroad for a long time.) Rents can be relatively low, though; it depends. Also, asking a deposit is no longer allowed for many homes. 2. Agreed. I was stunned to discover that many things are actually cheaper in England at the moment. Talk about an eye-opening experience, England always having been much more expensive. 3. Yes, if you are used to for example two-weekly wage payments, know that there's no such thing in the Netherlands. 4.Yes, lots of days with depressing gloomy grey skies, and also lots of rain, in spite of climate change. (The weather on the English central south coast is much better, for example.) Always take a foldable umbrella with you. 5. Loneliness. Yes, plan how you will make new connections and have low expectations. Find environments that have people from various nationalities. They are more vibrant communities, more easygoing and open. 6. Reasons for coming to the Netherlands. Agreed. Also, the Netherlands is overly regulated. You will run into lots of rules all the time and if money is tight, you may even be confronted with Orwellian mechanisms that kick in without you being aware of it until it's too late. 7. Values. Wow that's a great point! Hold on to who you are. That's a harsh lesson that I learned in England, as a migrant from Amsterdam. 8. Agreed. Dutch people are highly individualistic. Americans for example tend to be much more supportive and uplifting, in all sorts of ways. I've heard (on TH-cam) that Dutch people now even do things like invite you over for a meal and then send you a money request later (though I've never experienced this myself). The attitude can come across as cold. I suspect that this is because the country used to be highly egalitarian and highly prosperous which means that everyone used to be well able to support themselves. That's changing. It is more polarized now. (In the past decade, bubbles have started to form in which the rich people are living.)
@@-_YouMayFind_- In places like Minnesota, yes, or so I have been told. 😎 Generally, they are often more open and welcoming, I've found, but then, I was living in Florida. I probably wrote that comment at a low point. I'm struggling, frankly. The Netherlands is where I was born but it's not where I am at home.
It's always wise to prepair and find as much information before making the jump. Religion isn't really a big thing here either way. We don't mind if you are, we don't mind if you're not. As long as you keep it to yourself. No preaching please 😁 (Coming from a descendant of a 5 centuries old family of preachers 🤫 )
I see a lot of videos where they say it is constant raining, I suggest to do some research because it is not so much raining. I am from the Netherlands and have seen not so much rain in my life. Greetings Roelof.
I would like weather I live in warm/sunny country and have had skin cancers and have to wear sun hat and sun block all the time - very boring also drought always a worry. Lovely rain can't get enough of it. Hurray Netherlands 😊
mooi stukje mevrouw Ogugua. at all the people who want to move to Holland: I do not mind almost all of y'all but do not come here, even in the smaller city's it's hard for everyone to get a place to live. please do not come, we are full. Have a nice day
Very true about houses when you have a very small country that is already highly populated that put already a strain on the available land to build new ones. Add an natural crisis with too much particulate matter on top of this, because it makes the soil too poor for some natural plants to survive. And you can understand why the housing prices skyrocket that now even the children of the middle class can't afford to buy or rent a house without waiting for 10+ years.
Housing yes…. Nrg and inflation crisis is global… You always need to save up money for unexpected situations…. There is no such thing as bad weather only bad clothing… Big city = big costs Learn the language meet the locals be interested in the country = less lonely Expats pay less taxes for 5 years We are generous….we help the ppl in need we have all kinds of institutions for ppl in trouble….especially when you take other countries into account…. I got a few expat friends and they settled here because of opportunities/benefits that they didn’t have in their native country….
I personally don't think its enough. If you earned about 5,200 -5,500 euros gross, it would be enough. Rent is expensive here, a good place might set you back 1,200. - 1,700 euros per month( always,ALWAYS, get a place with a storage room for your bicycles and other belongings, never leave bicycles outside and make sure you have enough storage space inside of your apartment or house). Utilities and gas will be around 250 - 350 euros per month and health care is obligated for you and your partner, so that's another 300 euros per month. Water usage is also billed separately, roughly 40 euros per month and once a year you will gef your 800 euro rates and taxes bill, which you can pay off monthly over 10 months. Clothing and food is also expensive here ( wehkamp sells good quality clothing at affordable prices and Jumbo is the cheapest supermarket for groceries, always buy in bulk when there are specials). You will need warm clothing, which is expensive unless you bring your own. Furniture and kitchen equipment are darn expensive, unless you are willing to buy 2nd hand items on marktplaas. The public transport infrastructure is amazing, you get to anywhere in the Netherlands using the train but it's also expensive, a round trip from Eindhoven to Amsterdam will probably cost you 25 euros. Entrance fees at venues are also expensive and forget dining out and ordering takeaways with that salary. And forget about a domestic or any garden services, or professional cleaning services. If your partner can find a job that will bring in a minimum of 2,000 gross euros a month then you'll be able to survive and still have a good quality lifestyle. Lastly, when you sign up for medical insurance you have to usually pay a month upfront, so your first deduction will be 600 euros, deposit for a place will be around 3000 euros and to swap your drivers license for a Dutch rijbewijs will set you back 120 euros. You'll also have to pay for TB tests for you and your partner, which is another 200 euros in total. Those are once off costs, but they hurt the wallet. If you have kids, or planning to have kids , rather do it after your partner finds a job else you won't qualify for daycare allowance, and the daycare rates are already 11 euros per hour ( billed at 10 hours a day). The government will subsidise about 50-60% of the rate, if both you and your partner have jobs. Settling in costs are high, and getting use to the high prices of good and groceries are also something else. The key is letting go of familiar products that you're use to but are damn expensive here, rather go for the cheaper alternatives ( for eg. Don't purchase coca cola 1LT for 2.20 euros but the supermarket 1.5LT brand cola from Jumbo that costs 0.98 euros.)
Moved here in 2016 because I saw the Brexit shit was going to be a problem. I did everything correctly however finding a home here is a huge problem. i work as a software engineer so I'm remote. I'm going to hide out in some warmer climates or go back to London for a bit until it gets better.
Hi Josephine, thank you for many good information. I have one question, if you can answer me please. Is it legal to not rent an apartment in NL at all and to sleep in car?
Things have changed in the last 25 years regarding housing. 25 years ago it was not uncommon for a person living single to rent out a room (in the attic) in their own (rental) house (I rented such a room; I had my own bedroom, toilet and kitchenette; no shower). Nowadays it is very uncommon. And that is partially because there are new rules against renting out rooms. Often the housing association won't allow it. And when you're living of a welfare check they'll cut that. That adds quite a bit to the housing problems for students.
@@boudewijnkerkwijk4695 Hi im a designer i appreciate to much Leiden city and also utrecht ! But i prefer Leiden its very calm and small with the great history of DUTCH people ! Thank so much for all be bless
No, don't take it personal but I don't think 2023 or the rest of the decade is a good time to move to the Netherlands. The Netherlands is overstretched by foreigners, more than a million fresh ones in the past 10 years. The housing shortage is huge, the infrastructure is overloaded and there's only so much the Dutch people can handle. The question many people forget lately is "am I welcome?" Given the situation above probably not. Certainly not if you come to seek asylum and you think about doing that in the Netherlands. Asylum is for refugees, people in need, not for people who can weigh their options. The Dutch government has been extremely generous to those people but is running out of housing for Dutch people to give to them, and the Dutch people waiting for a house are running out of patience. It simply can't go on, it's an impossibility.
I can understand your concerns and the challenges listed here. I don’t think the answer is to completely shut down immigration but some strategic decisions can still be made to deal with the housing challenges while having controlled immigration. I’m looking forward to see how all these play out in the coming years…
@@josphineogugua Dont take Lynott serious, Most of his/her arguments are clearly based on emotions (or hear-say) and not based on facts. Selfish people, who feel sorry for themselves, live in all countries. Ignore.
We live in one of the most densely populated countries in the world. It's always a bit funny when people are so surprised that accomodation is hard to find. Especially in the bigger cities in the West. There's a too high demand for our whole supply chain. Our welfare state cannot handle the demand anymore. Not only in housing but also healthcare and education for instance.
Thank you for your videos. My partner and I are considering moving to th NL for work purpose. Hiring firm is in Eindhoven. Which city would you suggest we live in with good quality of life and low cost of living at least, housing?
'Hiring firm is in Eindhoven. Which city would you suggest we live in... ' uuuhhhhh, 🤔 ????, 💡💡💡 Eindhoven ?????, maybe....???? lol. All kidding aside, Eindhoven is a good city.
She probably isn't able to really help you. Housing, especially in Amsterdam is very, VERY tough. This is not an exaggeration, plz believe me. Use ALL possible resources available, in the most creative ways you can think of. Really consider the NEED to have place BEFORE you come here. If not, there is a high chance you will be paying a lot (€ 2000 a month is not a high estimate) for a small, 1 (maybe 2) bedroom apartment, if you can even find (and get) that. You might get overbid by other, desperately searching, people. If you cannot afford that, it is possible you might just have to give up finding a place, which would be a shame, offcourse.
@@alcidesforever thanks Paul. I hear what you're saying. I just want more information on the areas outside the Amsterdam ring so I can be better informed in my search.
@@nonso366 Not trying to discourage you, but just a heads up of how finding a house can be difficult in the Netherlands. See my comment here as dutch directness. th-cam.com/video/6jffy86QhRQ/w-d-xo.html
Recently I applied for the Wageningen university, and I hope to win the scholarship that waives the tuition fees. But after this video, I'm so nervous about finding accommodation. You know, as a water resources engineer, I have no fear about finding the right job with a good salary, because all over the world facing climate change challenges so there is a high demand for seeking water resources engineers.
I think in Wageningen you should be fine. The biggest problems you find in Amsterdam and Utrecht. In Amsterdam it truly is quite difficult to find something affordable, think New York or London. Most other places you can find something, especially with an average budget or just above. Also starting in a smaller town close to the bigger city of your choice is a good option. Public transport is pretty good here and since the country is small the commute would usually be between 15 and 45 minutes.
@@HaniOveissy I forgot to mention most universities provide some sort of housing for their international students. Only in places like Amsterdam and Utrecht that program doesnt have enough space for everybody. Good luck with your application!
Good job my Sister, but I want to know more about their immigration policy. Do they allow students to come in with their dependants to study, I am considering studying in Hague, thanks
Hi Victoria, I don’t know much about the study route but I think students can come with their dependents, I think there are a few restrictions though including the number of hours your spouse can work and all. Please email the school you will be attending and ask them for more details regarding this👌🏾
The harsh reality is that the Netherlands is getting crushed under its own popularity. The country is getting stretched beyond its limits. For years it was bad manners to say that the country was full or crowded. But now it has become reality. Not everybody realizes it but the “farmers vs government” battle is a very good example. The Netherlands does not have enough farm land to feed it’s own people. Yes, the Netherland exports an enormous amount of agricultural products and services. What people don’t realize is that it also imports a huge amount. And a lot of the export consists of knowledge and technology. Now there is not enough space to build new houses. So when someone comes to live in the Netherlands they are competing for housing, which is already stretched to its limits. The same goes for energy. There are certain places in The Netherlands where new buildings won’t be connected to the power grid, because the power companies simply can’t handle new connections. On top of that the green energy transition has made energy a lot more expensive. The Dutch government is asking Dutch universities to lower the acceptance of foreign students, because it hinders people who already live in the country for study places and housing. Amsterdam wants to lower its tourism because it is taking a toll on the city. On top of that we might see a huge political shift in March with the elections. An immigration stop might become a reality in the next two years. Now it’s not all bad. People are pretty safe in the Netherlands in general. Even as foreigners. I don’t think people should be scared of getting attacked when moving to the country. But people do have to realize that they won’t be welcomed with open arms.
@@znatureviews4976 Housing is definitely less a problem in the east (Enschede) than it is in the west (Randstad). As it is quite close to the border you might even find a place in Germany. As both countries are part of the Schengen area, there are no borders between them.
Josephine my sister, I am planning to relocate to The netherland, but what i need to Know from you my sister, how to obtain My B.S.N, please inform me about the few steps to take ?
Hey Josphine, I think candidates that consider to move to the Netherlands are served by your comments! Yes you are right: The decision to move to the Netherlands or Belgium or any place is not a light decision to be taken! Do not think please you will be able to have the same life you had at your original home! Any person that thinks a new place to live is going to be just the same... NOPE!! I moved from the Netherlands to Belgium: Neighbors but still totally different! So how do you think a move from America to the Netherlands will be? Or from Africa, Asia, Australia? If you have strong /solid principles and points of view... Don't move!! The Netherlands is different and if you are stuck in your way of living... FINE but don't change your home to the Netherlands. If you expect anything from the Netherlands you don't have at this moment in your current home... Don't come to the Netherlands. You will be disappointed. We have what we have because we behave like we behave. If you don't like homosexuals, free-thinking individuals, you don't like to have a meal with a slice of bread with a slice of cheese ;-) If you detest how the Dutchies do... don't come to the Netherlands! No we don't hand out money nor help. Only when you have been part of our society for a while you can benefit from our social system. And probably get less in return than you ever put into it. The Nehterlands is no paradise. The Netherlands will make it hard to live here. If you are willing to put a lot of effort in to fit in and adjust you are welcome and at the end you will be able to enjoy life. But it will be a very DIFFERENT life!!!!
@@josphineogugua That’s OK Josphine! Luckily NL is a democracy and you are entitled to have your opinion 😀 You moved to the NL and had your reasons, i hope you and your cute family will be happy and all dreams come true..!
@@Dutchbelg3 Hi Hans, do you know how is the life in countries where we live, when I say "we" I mean we who wants to move to NL? You are telling me that I would be dissappointed with Netherlands and that life is hard, but I am from Serbia, come here to live and work and than tell me what you think is hard life. Its from your perspective because you do not know what is really bad life and really hard life.
@@wewillnotbebroken Dobar Dan, i do have actually Serbian friends that fled their country and live near. So it is possible but it took them more than 5 years to get all papers and finish all procedures! They were many times disappointed i can tell you. But both Dusko and Gordana and their kids are now doing fine. But they have the motivation and ambition that only few have shown immigrating to Belgium. Telling it like it is. I also know people that won’t learn our language even after 20 years.. hvala to all strong people! 😜
@@josphineogugua I think one of the biggest issues is that everyone is just allowed to use homes as investment vehicles. Which means people who have plenty of money are just lining up to buy any house they can get their hands on to rent it out (even big foreign investors can do this). Which makes it almost impossible for a person with a normal income to buy a home for a decent price. I'm surprised the government hasn't take any measurements yet to try and limit that issue.
Good and honest advice, mostly accurate, imo. I won't say it is bad in The Netherlands at the moment, but it could be better. I think most (european) countries are struggling in some way or another. It was to be expected of course, two years of a pandemic is bound to have an effect. The war in Ukraine has had its impact as well. Just keep your chin up, work hard, solve problems and things will become 'good' again in no time. Zing, vecht, huil, bid, lach, werk en bewonder! th-cam.com/video/HThgAQksAjI/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for sharing. I do agree that it’s definitely not just the Netherlands. The challenges faced due to COVID and the war is not a small one. I’m looking forward to things going back to normal. Fingers crossed 🤗
I love how you provide realistic expectations. I am really enjoying your videos. Thank you.
I’m Dutch-born and bred and it took 8 years for me to find a house in social housing. If you have a high income it is easier to find a rental but expect to pay a high rent. And you need a steady job and a good income to get a mortgage. So you can’t just come here and expect to find a house easily unless you already have a good paying job over here and or a lot of money.
This is indeed a harsh reality. I also think it depends on where in the country you’re looking for a home, areas in the Randstad are definitely more expensive and very difficult to find without a high paying income. But outside the Randstad, lower income earners can buy a decent house.
@@josphineogugua waaah
hello Ozymandias1, Could you please help me find an old Dutch friend I have not seen in 20+ years. You have crazy privacy rules there and even trying to locate him on the voters roll or phone book is nearly impossible. I am a poor person in the Philippines otherwise I would pay for a service. I used to love to play chess with him online. thank you steven
Despite all the complaining, I really think we are blessed with the weather. Not too cold, not too hot. No 38’ Celsius for weeks like in southern Europe. Rain keeps nature green and avoids big nature fires. Sunny days are really appreciated and people go out to enjoy. My parents went to Spain to “overwinter”, but I think that many people from Spain will go to Northern Europe to “oversummer” in the future.
I agree. The weather at the end of the day isn’t terrible. It balances out
What nature?
Bringing harsh realities with such a radiating smile sure makes it sound a bit less harsh. 😂 But you’re right on all subjects, so well done 👍
Hahahaaaa . I am trying to remain positive 😆.
Thank you 🤗 for your comment
@@josphineogugua Hi Josephine. I am a Zimbabwean trying to see how I can move to Netherlands. Would you recommend it to construction professionals?Thank you for your videos .I am trying to find the best visa route
Hi Josephine. Thanks for a great, well-thought-out video supported by not just anecdotal evidence. You've definitely highlighted some of the challenges that everyone has to deal with here in The Netherlands, not just expats. I'm in a rather unique situation that I'm an actual Dutch "expat". I was born here, but moved overseas at age 13, and returned after having lived overseas for 38 years.. I love my native country, but there are definitely challenges for us all, and housing is by far the most troubling one. It is definitely NOT new, however. I recall that even when I was younger back in the 1970's, housing was a problem, and here we are, 50 years later, and it's STILL a problem.
So yeah, if I can offer any advice for people wanting to move here, get your housing sorted out BEFORE you come here, and make sure you can get registered with whatever municipality you choose to reside in. Not all housing options allow you to register with the municipality, so when you're searching for a home, apartment, room share or house share, make sure you ask if you can register at that address with your municipality.
If you cannot register with your municipality, you cannot get a BSN (social insurance number), a bank account, or a DigID, which will make your life here extremely difficult!
Thank you so much Michel for your comment. I find it really helpful🤗
Not still an issue, but again an issue. Like in the 70's economy is booming when economy elsewhere is struggling (or stable at best). City planning is something that is prepared decades in advance. It cannot cope with a sudden influx of foreign workers, over half a million that need half a million homes on a housing total of 8 million.
@@vogel2280 I understand this but the foreign workers are not employing themselves. If they are getting employment which sponsor their stay in the Netherlands, it means that there is a demand for them. And from the data from cbs, most influx to the Netherlands are from other EU countries so it’s not necessary foreign workers from outside of the EU.
@@josphineogugua For sure! In my statement I do not mean to blame, just to point out cause and effect.
As I said, economy is booming and this causes shortage in workers which causes the influx. If the influx would be limited it would damage the economy which would lead to other problems.
Circumstances in the world vs. the circumstances the Netherlands create this situation, not individuals that flow with the laws of supply and demand.
Very insightful and to the point! It's rare that somebody talks about these harsh realities and one must be very much prepared to deal with all this. Thank you!
As a South African who has no electricity for 12 hours a day been two 2 funerals because of people I know that where shot, been unemployed for 5 years because I am the wrong skin colour, even at the worst point Netherlands can throw me with I am still coming, at least I will still be alive.
What is the wrong skin color in SA?
I think being Afrikaans @@d.c.b.6782
****Chase Nigerians out of South Africa, allow the Euros and Asians to stay, and now you gonna pack up and move to the Netherlands. Wrong skin color in your homeland(Are you kidding me?).
Try moving to a former 'homeland'/'bantustan' in Limpopo... low costs, kind people, super safe and you could start a small business to uplift the community. They'll love you if you respect them and eventually get used to your racial or cultural difference... You can get 100 solar panels and an electric fence around them (and not get taxed or policed on how you use "your land"). However, you will earn rands, not euros...
I live in limpopo, it is a very hard and rude place. @human-9559
As a Dutchie, born and raised, I found the part about the weather hilarious. Yes it rains a lot. But theres no tornados, tsunamis or real earthquakes (except for man made ones in Groningen). There's no minus 20 or plus 35 (usually) degree's. There's no monsoons.
Also. There is a 0% chance of dying from a dangerous animals. No sharks, no bears, no crocodiles, no malaria etc.
Also I dont know how you got the info about homelessness. You can get money from the government if you are eligible and where I live, you can spend the night indoors if you are on time.
My family and I moved over in November last year..it's been a challenge, no doubt, but we're pushing through. Thanks for another excellent video.
I’m glad you decided to make the bold move and I hope you enjoy your stay despite the challenges.
How did you move please
I need help to relocate as well
Fantastic video.. and very insightful. Love your smile
Thank you for this video. Your smile is infectious !!!
Thanks Anna🤗
Dutchie here.
Again a sharp and fair analyses. Thank you for that.
It is as you say: Moving to another country is hard. You live in a place, with a culture. While some cultures can be more open than others, and some places in NL give you more leeway socially, you must keep in mind that you are new, and that the rest of the people already have a life without you. In short: they don't need you. Especially coming from the new worlds, it might be difficult to feel what it means that roots run more than 2000 years deep here. But I can not imagine that if you play an active role in the local society, you will not be accepted for who you are and what you do. Whatever your color.
Values. Yes, that's an interesting topic. Again, as far as I am concerned anyone can keep his/her own cultural values. And yes that might clash with mine. Respect goes both ways!
Language: I can not stress that enough. LEARN DUTCH. While you might communicate fine professionally, to get in touch with people, you NEED Dutch. Period. To me this also goes back to respect for roots.
Moving and welcoming: In NL it is customary to leave the reaching out to the people moving. They might be busy doing their things, they might not wish to be overwhelmed. If you want to get to know your neighbors', it is your task to reach out.
Giving money: There is this youtube vid of a lady who was very disappointed that she was not supported when she got into trouble for doing a number of stupid things. You probably found it. I am not sure how to react to that and still be polite. So maybe I better don't.
I'd say that having 2 or 3 months of expenses in a savings account should always be the aim. And because moving is expensive and can come with unexpected costs, especially when moving to a new country, I'd very much recommend to save up more than that when doing so.
nice video. good observations. good luck to you. I love living in NL
Thank you. I’m glad you enjoying living here too
een par weken regen? en wanneer ik naar Amerika verhuis, moet ik ook kiezen tussen verschillende staten. uitkijken waar er geen tornado's voorkomen. Of extreme hitte of kou. Normaal is in deze periode dat het regent, heb je dat in amerika niet?
Chicago is ook erg koud in de winter, en in Californie heb je kans op aardbevingen. Kan je in Florida overal zwemmen zonder een krokododil of kaaiman tegen te komen?
a few weeks of rain? and when I move to America, I also have to choose between different states. watch where there are no tornadoes. Or extreme heat or cold. It is normal during this period that it rains, don't you have that in America?
Chicago is also very cold in the winter, and California is prone to earthquakes. Can you swim anywhere in Florida without encountering a crocodile or caiman?
I have been watching your vlogs recently. Im gonna be an expat in NL this year and has been having anxiety. Your videos helps a lot
You'll be welcome here in The Netherlands! Josephine is right in a lot of things. Energy prices are lowering a bit, but not much. Just today (april 3th 2023) the OPEC announced producing less oil, so prices are going up again.
But living here is possible, and I hope yo'll find housing soon. Maybe outside the cities,, costs are mostly lower there. And The Netherlands public transport is good, although when you live in an area with bigger cities and places in the neighboorhood.
Please do not be an expat. Be an immigrant that want to be a citizen. The difference is that an expat has his house there and am immigrant has his home there.
Don't forget the Dutch "BOX 3 TAX" it taxes your foreign investments in stocks and bonds with more than 5.5% capital gains tax whether you realized this or not. You are taxed annually over owning these investments. Also you will be paying income tax over foreign income etc etc. If you are a "knowledge worker" you can apply for the 30% ruling that not only allows you to reduce your taxable income by 30% but also exempts your foreign assets for the first 5 years..
Very good video. Thank you for the information. I wanna go to the Netherlands because here in Greece where i live, salaries are small... And i want a better quality of life.
I’m glad the video helps in some way.
Salaries may be higher here, but so are taxes and general cost of living, housing e.g. is very expensive.
@@mariadebake5483 Most people are willing to pay taxes if it means having good infrastructure, job opportunities, and health care.
Nice video good tips i would consider now a different country
I moved to Netherlands for 6 months back in 2017 to do an internship in Haarlem. I almost couldnt go because of the difficulties trying to find accommodation especially being a single male. Found something 10 days before I was due to fly there.
Another thing which wasnt touched on in the video about accommodation, is have extra funds to buy furniture (e.g. bed & desk) even if you're renting a room in someone's house. This piggybacks on subject of Duchies being frugal.
I didn't struggle at all with loneliness or making friends (in Haarlem at least) as people were generally friendly and approached me to socialise.
Lovely dear Josephine,
You simplified it.
Pls do help us make videos on the province in Netherlands and cost of living there if you can dear.
Regards to Jesse and hubby.
Hi Jesse,
Thanks for suggesting this. I do intend to make a video on cost of living and I’ll try to include a few provinces. I’m not sure I have enough info for all provinces but let’s see what I can find. 🤗
Im planning go to the Netherlands to live there I've found love ,and I went for 2 months (december and January 2022 -2023 )and definitely loved the culture
I love how u touched on religion and beliefs! Im researching european countries and im curious about how Christians are recieved, but most ppl dont touch in this! Thanks!
I’m living in sweden and trust me holland is such an upgrade from sweden its actually insane!
I love the netherlands ,people are very friendly and i love the culture and the way people live.. in sweden everyone is very depressed. And its always cold and grey, even more than NL..
It is true that it rains alot but its so much better than sweden.. sweden it cold grey rainy and snowy.. it sucks. Nl has much better weather, people and quality of life
I have cousins over there so i could live there until i find my own place for cheap, i would live in hengelo!
Thanks for sharing your experience. I was in Gothenburg last year Summer, I didn’t experience the gray Weather in Sweden but I did enjoy my short stay there.
@@josphineogugua nice that you enjoyed your stay, it gets like that i guess since im born here and lived here for 23 years. But ive been to holland and seen most of sweden, holland is so much better IMO, but everyone likes something 😊
Hey Josephine, you're mostly right here. Housing is very tough even if you're born and raised here like me. If you wanna buy a house in 2023 tho, prices are absolutely crashing, our bubble has crashed. But that doesn't mean rents will go down anytime soon. All of the 4 big Dutch cities are expensive to live but they each have their own vibe, find the one that suits you. Dutch ppl are happy to volunteer and stuff and you will find many organizations helping poor ppl out, but not readily out there on the streets, and ironically many ppl who need them don't find them.
I wont classify the housing market as crashing, or 'the bubble has burst'. Housing prices have gone down, but more like a house previously on the market for €300.000,- is now €280.000,- / €285.000,- A crash would be more like a decrease from €300.000 to €175.000,- That is not the case.
@@alcidesforever In Utrecht some houses in certain neighbourhoods have gone down from almost 400k to 250k. But I agree, overall it's not a crash (yet).
Interesting video. Very informative. You look great 👍 glowing with that smile and pleasantness ❤❤ The situation is similar in the UK. I enjoyed my visit to the Netherlands 🇳🇱
Thank you for the video. Coming soon to the Netherlands 😍😍😍
Good news🤗
Having been an expat for a very long time and having lived as a dutch person in four countries, I am sure that most of your remarks are valid for a lot of countries besides The Netherlands. What you are describing is generally what is considered to be the challenge for anyone going to live anywhere outside their home country. If one is not successful in adapting to the new environment, is generally due to the own inability te adapt. Some people who come to the Netherlands and other Western countries do have the wrong motives and find themselves in a bit of a pickle. People who come in search for a better life only succeed if they contribute to their new society. And yes, housing is a problem these days, but that is because of the reliance of the government in the past two or three decades on market mechanisms, a bit like in the USA. In the period of forty years immediately after WW2 there was a better housing policy in place, especially in the less expensive segments, the so-called social housing and finding a home was less of a problem. But admittedly the current tsunami of immigrants is adding the already existing problem. And loneliness is easily solved, if you are open to it yourself. Dutch people are generally welcoming foreigners.
Ik zou ook nooit naar Amerika willen verhuizen. De kwaliteit van het leven is daar een drama.
Yep daarom kom it terug.
My wife has finally got het visa for coming here last weekend. It took more than half a year to get it.
awesome video. thanks for sharing. Your channel is inspiring me on my TH-cam journey
Thanks for sharing your experience 👌
It's a good point every bit of it, this applies to the USA too.
I've lived in many countries and find that you need to fall in love with the people of the country you move to. You need to open your own heart if you want to be welcomed. It can't be purely one-sided profiteering. If you can't love the country you're moving to, then don't complain that they dont love you in return. Go somewhere else.
I get where you’re coming from and I really think it’s important to love the country and it’s people but I must say no matter how much you try, there may still be people who won’t love you back or treat you well regardless. I think having in mind that not everyone would love us will help manage expectations.
The Dutch are usually very generous with their money. They spend the most on the EU per person in the country and whenever a disaster strikes we spend a lot on charity work and aid. Wherever in the world it may be. I invited Ukrainians to my household since april 2022, I still live with them...
Dutch charity and refugee help is billions of Euros per year...Money really is the least of your concern when you live in the Netherlands.
This is interesting to know. Thanks for sharing 🤗
Didn't got that part either. Just expecting that random people give you money or help you out??? Please tell me in what country they do that! I want to live there😊
The Netherlands...
@@tomeaqui7165
And what is it like now and what is your guess for 2025? (I’m graduating student sending applications to uni)
My namsesake I am here to support more from Kenya..I honestly love Netherlands...good info
I'm born and raised in The Netherlands and I can confirm, it is hard to find accommodation. I've been looking for quite some time now and still haven't been able to find anything reasonable
I can imagine the difficulty. I hope you find somewhere you like soonest 🫶
Is the accomodation problem limited to major cities or is it also hard to find accomodation in suburbs?
@@phee3D I believe it is harder to find accommodations in bigger cities. Suburbs and smaller villages should be easier.
@@Stralique right on, thanks
Okay, as a Dutch woman who has lived in the UK and the US, I expect that I am going to agree with most of this and maybe I can even add.
1. Finding a place to live? Nightmare. Also because of all the regulations. In the central part of the Netherlands, housing has been very hard to get for decades already, also for Dutch people, but it's really been getting out of hand recently. (I'm currently living in an actual nursing home just because I was number 1 out of 2600 candidates who were looking for a place to live. I'd been abroad for a long time.) Rents can be relatively low, though; it depends. Also, asking a deposit is no longer allowed for many homes.
2. Agreed. I was stunned to discover that many things are actually cheaper in England at the moment. Talk about an eye-opening experience, England always having been much more expensive.
3. Yes, if you are used to for example two-weekly wage payments, know that there's no such thing in the Netherlands.
4.Yes, lots of days with depressing gloomy grey skies, and also lots of rain, in spite of climate change. (The weather on the English central south coast is much better, for example.) Always take a foldable umbrella with you.
5. Loneliness. Yes, plan how you will make new connections and have low expectations. Find environments that have people from various nationalities. They are more vibrant communities, more easygoing and open.
6. Reasons for coming to the Netherlands. Agreed. Also, the Netherlands is overly regulated. You will run into lots of rules all the time and if money is tight, you may even be confronted with Orwellian mechanisms that kick in without you being aware of it until it's too late.
7. Values. Wow that's a great point! Hold on to who you are. That's a harsh lesson that I learned in England, as a migrant from Amsterdam.
8. Agreed. Dutch people are highly individualistic. Americans for example tend to be much more supportive and uplifting, in all sorts of ways. I've heard (on TH-cam) that Dutch people now even do things like invite you over for a meal and then send you a money request later (though I've never experienced this myself). The attitude can come across as cold. I suspect that this is because the country used to be highly egalitarian and highly prosperous which means that everyone used to be well able to support themselves. That's changing. It is more polarized now. (In the past decade, bubbles have started to form in which the rich people are living.)
Americans are also very individualistic by the way XD
@@-_YouMayFind_- In places like Minnesota, yes, or so I have been told. 😎 Generally, they are often more open and welcoming, I've found, but then, I was living in Florida. I probably wrote that comment at a low point. I'm struggling, frankly. The Netherlands is where I was born but it's not where I am at home.
I wish I knew this before moving to the Netherlands
It's always wise to prepair and find as much information before making the jump. Religion isn't really a big thing here either way. We don't mind if you are, we don't mind if you're not. As long as you keep it to yourself. No preaching please 😁 (Coming from a descendant of a 5 centuries old family of preachers 🤫 )
I see a lot of videos where they say it is constant raining, I suggest to do some research because it is not so much raining. I am from the Netherlands and have seen not so much rain in my life. Greetings Roelof.
I would like weather
I live in warm/sunny country and have had skin cancers and have to wear sun hat and sun block all the time - very boring also drought always a worry. Lovely rain can't get enough of it. Hurray Netherlands 😊
Hearing this from a expat,makes it more real even
mooi stukje mevrouw Ogugua.
at all the people who want to move to Holland: I do not mind almost all of y'all but do not come here, even in the smaller city's it's hard for everyone to get a place to live.
please do not come, we are full.
Have a nice day
Very true about houses when you have a very small country that is already highly populated that put already a strain on the available land to build new ones. Add an natural crisis with too much particulate matter on top of this, because it makes the soil too poor for some natural plants to survive. And you can understand why the housing prices skyrocket that now even the children of the middle class can't afford to buy or rent a house without waiting for 10+ years.
Housing yes….
Nrg and inflation crisis is global…
You always need to save up money for unexpected situations….
There is no such thing as bad weather only bad clothing…
Big city = big costs
Learn the language meet the locals be interested in the country = less lonely
Expats pay less taxes for 5 years
We are generous….we help the ppl in need we have all kinds of institutions for ppl in trouble….especially when you take other countries into account….
I got a few expat friends and they settled here because of opportunities/benefits that they didn’t have in their native country….
I got a job in Eindhoven, they are offering 4100 euros after tax deduction, is this salary ok for a family of 2, would love your feedback
I personally don't think its enough. If you earned about 5,200 -5,500 euros gross, it would be enough. Rent is expensive here, a good place might set you back 1,200. - 1,700 euros per month( always,ALWAYS, get a place with a storage room for your bicycles and other belongings, never leave bicycles outside and make sure you have enough storage space inside of your apartment or house). Utilities and gas will be around 250 - 350 euros per month and health care is obligated for you and your partner, so that's another 300 euros per month. Water usage is also billed separately, roughly 40 euros per month and once a year you will gef your 800 euro rates and taxes bill, which you can pay off monthly over 10 months. Clothing and food is also expensive here ( wehkamp sells good quality clothing at affordable prices and Jumbo is the cheapest supermarket for groceries, always buy in bulk when there are specials). You will need warm clothing, which is expensive unless you bring your own. Furniture and kitchen equipment are darn expensive, unless you are willing to buy 2nd hand items on marktplaas. The public transport infrastructure is amazing, you get to anywhere in the Netherlands using the train but it's also expensive, a round trip from Eindhoven to Amsterdam will probably cost you 25 euros. Entrance fees at venues are also expensive and forget dining out and ordering takeaways with that salary. And forget about a domestic or any garden services, or professional cleaning services. If your partner can find a job that will bring in a minimum of 2,000 gross euros a month then you'll be able to survive and still have a good quality lifestyle. Lastly, when you sign up for medical insurance you have to usually pay a month upfront, so your first deduction will be 600 euros, deposit for a place will be around 3000 euros and to swap your drivers license for a Dutch rijbewijs will set you back 120 euros. You'll also have to pay for TB tests for you and your partner, which is another 200 euros in total. Those are once off costs, but they hurt the wallet. If you have kids, or planning to have kids , rather do it after your partner finds a job else you won't qualify for daycare allowance, and the daycare rates are already 11 euros per hour ( billed at 10 hours a day). The government will subsidise about 50-60% of the rate, if both you and your partner have jobs. Settling in costs are high, and getting use to the high prices of good and groceries are also something else. The key is letting go of familiar products that you're use to but are damn expensive here, rather go for the cheaper alternatives ( for eg. Don't purchase coca cola 1LT for 2.20 euros but the supermarket 1.5LT brand cola from Jumbo that costs 0.98 euros.)
@@top-notch-tech You are out of your mind if you think that 4100 after tax is not enough. The average Dutchie earns 2500 euros after tax...
Moved here in 2016 because I saw the Brexit shit was going to be a problem.
I did everything correctly however finding a home here is a huge problem.
i work as a software engineer so I'm remote. I'm going to hide out in some warmer climates or go back to London for a bit until it gets better.
Hi Josephine, thank you for many good information. I have one question, if you can answer me please. Is it legal to not rent an apartment in NL at all and to sleep in car?
In most places it is illegal. You will risk to get a fine (€140).
Hi ❤ love you video’s, what is considered a good salary as a highly skilled migrant?
Thank u for sharing this video. Hope we should meet one day, based in Eindhoven
Hope so too🤗. Thanks for watching 👌🏾
Things have changed in the last 25 years regarding housing. 25 years ago it was not uncommon for a person living single to rent out a room (in the attic) in their own (rental) house (I rented such a room; I had my own bedroom, toilet and kitchenette; no shower). Nowadays it is very uncommon. And that is partially because there are new rules against renting out rooms. Often the housing association won't allow it. And when you're living of a welfare check they'll cut that. That adds quite a bit to the housing problems for students.
Great video 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Thanks🤗
Nice video!!!
Can you probably share what is good salary in the current period of 2023 for a couple or a family of 3?
Thank so much for all you are bless ! Please tell about the LEIDEN city if is expensif? I love her ! Thank so much ! Stay blessed divine protection
Leiden sucks unless you wanna study law.
@@boudewijnkerkwijk4695 Hi im a designer i appreciate to much Leiden city and also utrecht ! But i prefer Leiden its very calm and small with the great history of DUTCH people ! Thank so much for all be bless
@@vgivoice8101 To say it sucks is maybe not fair lol, it is beautiful and historic, just a little small for me. Glad you enjoy it.
@@boudewijnkerkwijk4695 Thank so much for this good details i feel good for Leiden city ! I fellow the calm
Wow just got into Wittenborg university to study a dream course, currently studying dutch. God help me 🙏😁
Netherland I love 💕
That’s good🤗
Netherlands loves Chibuzor!
Thanks 🙏👍.
No, don't take it personal but I don't think 2023 or the rest of the decade is a good time to move to the Netherlands. The Netherlands is overstretched by foreigners, more than a million fresh ones in the past 10 years. The housing shortage is huge, the infrastructure is overloaded and there's only so much the Dutch people can handle.
The question many people forget lately is "am I welcome?" Given the situation above probably not. Certainly not if you come to seek asylum and you think about doing that in the Netherlands. Asylum is for refugees, people in need, not for people who can weigh their options. The Dutch government has been extremely generous to those people but is running out of housing for Dutch people to give to them, and the Dutch people waiting for a house are running out of patience. It simply can't go on, it's an impossibility.
I can understand your concerns and the challenges listed here. I don’t think the answer is to completely shut down immigration but some strategic decisions can still be made to deal with the housing challenges while having controlled immigration.
I’m looking forward to see how all these play out in the coming years…
@@josphineogugua Dont take Lynott serious, Most of his/her arguments are clearly based on emotions (or hear-say) and not based on facts. Selfish people, who feel sorry for themselves, live in all countries. Ignore.
Thankx
Such a nice video ❤
Thank you🤗
We live in one of the most densely populated countries in the world. It's always a bit funny when people are so surprised that accomodation is hard to find. Especially in the bigger cities in the West. There's a too high demand for our whole supply chain. Our welfare state cannot handle the demand anymore. Not only in housing but also healthcare and education for instance.
Why pay full price, when every once in a while you can get a 50-75% discount?
If you don’t like living in the Netherlands why stay?
Thank you for your videos.
My partner and I are considering moving to th NL for work purpose.
Hiring firm is in Eindhoven. Which city would you suggest we live in with good quality of life and low cost of living at least, housing?
Hi Esther,
Eindhoven is a beautiful city and relatively affordable. I have a vlog on my channel on Eindhoven, maybe you can check it out.
'Hiring firm is in Eindhoven. Which city would you suggest we live in... '
uuuhhhhh, 🤔 ????, 💡💡💡 Eindhoven ?????, maybe....???? lol.
All kidding aside, Eindhoven is a good city.
Low cost of living, at least housing? This you'll find nowhere in the Netherlands I'm afraid
@mariadebake5483 I live in Australia, and it's horrible expensive here, groceries, rent for homes is very high, not just in the Netherlands...
Thanks for this video. Moving to AMS for work by month end. Can I reach out to you for further advice on housing?
She probably isn't able to really help you. Housing, especially in Amsterdam is very, VERY tough. This is not an exaggeration, plz believe me. Use ALL possible resources available, in the most creative ways you can think of.
Really consider the NEED to have place BEFORE you come here. If not, there is a high chance you will be paying a lot (€ 2000 a month is not a high estimate) for a small, 1 (maybe 2) bedroom apartment, if you can even find (and get) that. You might get overbid by other, desperately searching, people.
If you cannot afford that, it is possible you might just have to give up finding a place, which would be a shame, offcourse.
@@alcidesforever thanks Paul. I hear what you're saying. I just want more information on the areas outside the Amsterdam ring so I can be better informed in my search.
@@nonso366 Not trying to discourage you, but just a heads up of how finding a house can be difficult in the Netherlands. See my comment here as dutch directness.
th-cam.com/video/6jffy86QhRQ/w-d-xo.html
I don’t get it, is everyone gonna ignore how netherlands is gonna be underwater in a moment?
Recently I applied for the Wageningen university, and I hope to win the scholarship that waives the tuition fees. But after this video, I'm so nervous about finding accommodation. You know, as a water resources engineer, I have no fear about finding the right job with a good salary, because all over the world facing climate change challenges so there is a high demand for seeking water resources engineers.
I think in Wageningen you should be fine. The biggest problems you find in Amsterdam and Utrecht. In Amsterdam it truly is quite difficult to find something affordable, think New York or London. Most other places you can find something, especially with an average budget or just above. Also starting in a smaller town close to the bigger city of your choice is a good option. Public transport is pretty good here and since the country is small the commute would usually be between 15 and 45 minutes.
@@Rose-vq1mw oh, thanks for your help.
@@HaniOveissy I forgot to mention most universities provide some sort of housing for their international students. Only in places like Amsterdam and Utrecht that program doesnt have enough space for everybody. Good luck with your application!
@@Rose-vq1mw what about Enschede
@@Rose-vq1mw what about nijmegen or arnhem
The housing shortage in The Netherlands is caused by airbnb. Half the houses are empty and only used for renting out on airbnb.
Good job my Sister, but I want to know more about their immigration policy. Do they allow students to come in with their dependants to study, I am considering studying in Hague, thanks
Hi Victoria,
I don’t know much about the study route but I think students can come with their dependents, I think there are a few restrictions though including the number of hours your spouse can work and all. Please email the school you will be attending and ask them for more details regarding this👌🏾
Ugugua???
And again i am currently living
In italy for now.
Very educative and explore a lot to consider 👍.
Keep it coming 🙌🙌
Thank youuu🤗
The harsh reality is that the Netherlands is getting crushed under its own popularity. The country is getting stretched beyond its limits. For years it was bad manners to say that the country was full or crowded. But now it has become reality. Not everybody realizes it but the “farmers vs government” battle is a very good example. The Netherlands does not have enough farm land to feed it’s own people. Yes, the Netherland exports an enormous amount of agricultural products and services. What people don’t realize is that it also imports a huge amount. And a lot of the export consists of knowledge and technology. Now there is not enough space to build new houses. So when someone comes to live in the Netherlands they are competing for housing, which is already stretched to its limits. The same goes for energy. There are certain places in The Netherlands where new buildings won’t be connected to the power grid, because the power companies simply can’t handle new connections. On top of that the green energy transition has made energy a lot more expensive. The Dutch government is asking Dutch universities to lower the acceptance of foreign students, because it hinders people who already live in the country for study places and housing. Amsterdam wants to lower its tourism because it is taking a toll on the city. On top of that we might see a huge political shift in March with the elections. An immigration stop might become a reality in the next two years. Now it’s not all bad. People are pretty safe in the Netherlands in general. Even as foreigners. I don’t think people should be scared of getting attacked when moving to the country. But people do have to realize that they won’t be welcomed with open arms.
I'm going to study at enschede this fall. Do you think it is a good idea?
And I was right about the political shift because of the elections.... the current coalition now has a problem.
@@znatureviews4976 Housing is definitely less a problem in the east (Enschede) than it is in the west (Randstad). As it is quite close to the border you might even find a place in Germany. As both countries are part of the Schengen area, there are no borders between them.
Josephine my sister,
I am planning to relocate to
The netherland, but what i need to
Know from you my sister, how to obtain
My B.S.N, please inform me about the few steps to take ?
Hey Josphine, I think candidates that consider to move to the Netherlands are served by your comments! Yes you are right: The decision to move to the Netherlands or Belgium or any place is not a light decision to be taken! Do not think please you will be able to have the same life you had at your original home! Any person that thinks a new place to live is going to be just the same... NOPE!! I moved from the Netherlands to Belgium: Neighbors but still totally different! So how do you think a move from America to the Netherlands will be? Or from Africa, Asia, Australia? If you have strong /solid principles and points of view... Don't move!! The Netherlands is different and if you are stuck in your way of living... FINE but don't change your home to the Netherlands.
If you expect anything from the Netherlands you don't have at this moment in your current home... Don't come to the Netherlands. You will be disappointed.
We have what we have because we behave like we behave. If you don't like homosexuals, free-thinking individuals, you don't like to have a meal with a slice of bread with a slice of cheese ;-) If you detest how the Dutchies do... don't come to the Netherlands! No we don't hand out money nor help. Only when you have been part of our society for a while you can benefit from our social system. And probably get less in return than you ever put into it. The Nehterlands is no paradise. The Netherlands will make it hard to live here. If you are willing to put a lot of effort in to fit in and adjust you are welcome and at the end you will be able to enjoy life. But it will be a very DIFFERENT life!!!!
Hi Hans,
Thanks for sharing your opinion regarding this topic. I do and don’t agree with you at the same time 😆 but thanks for sharing anyway👌🏾
@@josphineogugua That’s OK Josphine! Luckily NL is a democracy and you are entitled to have your opinion 😀 You moved to the NL and had your reasons, i hope you and your cute family will be happy and all dreams come true..!
@@Dutchbelg3 Hi Hans, do you know how is the life in countries where we live, when I say "we" I mean we who wants to move to NL? You are telling me that I would be dissappointed with Netherlands and that life is hard, but I am from Serbia, come here to live and work and than tell me what you think is hard life. Its from your perspective because you do not know what is really bad life and really hard life.
@@wewillnotbebroken Dobar Dan, i do have actually Serbian friends that fled their country and live near. So it is possible but it took them more than 5 years to get all papers and finish all procedures! They were many times disappointed i can tell you. But both Dusko and Gordana and their kids are now doing fine. But they have the motivation and ambition that only few have shown immigrating to Belgium. Telling it like it is. I also know people that won’t learn our language even after 20 years.. hvala to all strong people! 😜
Hahahaha!!! I love your stay-away video. You should be our minister of immigratiom! 😂🤣
Josphine Ogugua for president "-))
Don't move to the Netherlands it's a tough country..sorry I was understand that people might have personal experiences.
Cool. Thanks for letting us know. How tough there? Homeless? Expensive cost of living as well in Australia. Melbourne people are pretentious
Almost every when speaks English. If you lonely it’s your own fault. Learn Dutch as soon as possible.
The amount of ads
50 teets? stupid cloacking device .....
Just that you know, you don’t have to move to the Netherlands. If you don’t want, don’t come. It’s as easy as it is.
Thank the lefty politicians for the harsh situationsn for that!
The Netherlands was always a nice place to live....
For the last decade the Netherlands has been governed by a right wing government. Blame them.
So how was it “thanks to lefty politicians”, whom did what and when? VVD is a right wing party and has been in government for the longest time.
even some? every Dutch person with a average income cant get a house.
Every? I don’t agree with you but I understand the challenge with housing. I think it still depends on the province the household is situated in.
This is kinda true,
@@josphineogugua for couples yes maybe, but there is no way singles can find a house, jf you know more then me i would love to hear it!
@@josphineogugua I think one of the biggest issues is that everyone is just allowed to use homes as investment vehicles. Which means people who have plenty of money are just lining up to buy any house they can get their hands on to rent it out (even big foreign investors can do this). Which makes it almost impossible for a person with a normal income to buy a home for a decent price. I'm surprised the government hasn't take any measurements yet to try and limit that issue.
Good and honest advice, mostly accurate, imo. I won't say it is bad in The Netherlands at the moment, but it could be better. I think most (european) countries are struggling in some way or another. It was to be expected of course, two years of a pandemic is bound to have an effect. The war in Ukraine has had its impact as well. Just keep your chin up, work hard, solve problems and things will become 'good' again in no time.
Zing, vecht, huil, bid, lach, werk en bewonder!
th-cam.com/video/HThgAQksAjI/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for sharing. I do agree that it’s definitely not just the Netherlands. The challenges faced due to COVID and the war is not a small one. I’m looking forward to things going back to normal. Fingers crossed 🤗