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Moving to the Netherlands

A UK Guide to the Low Countries

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The Netherlands offers beautiful scenery such as tulips fields, canals, windmills, a growing economy, and massive cycling culture. It’s easy to see how this beautiful country inspired the Dutch Golden Age artists and philosophers and why you want to move to the Netherlands! So, if you too want to enjoy this charming country, read Sirelo’s guide for removals to the Netherlands. It has moving costs, an essential checklist and even free removal quotes!

How Much Does It Cost to Move to the Netherlands

Time to bite the bullet, the cost of removals from the UK to the Netherlands will vary depending on several factors, but an average 3-bed house removal can range between £1,600 – £2,200, not too unreasonable!

As mentioned, many factors will ultimately determine the cost of international removals from the UK to the Netherlands. And if you want to be in the know, then read our international moving costs page.

For a better insight, here you can see the estimated cost of moving from London to the Netherlands for different household sizes:

Household SizeTimeCost
1 bed flat<10 days£850 – £1,500
3 bed house1-4 days£1,600 – £2,200
5 bed house1-4 days£2,500 – £3,500

Just in case you were wondering, a 1-bed flat will take a little longer as it’s likely that your belongings will be sharing a space with another small household. It’s better that way since you get to split the costs of a lorry load, which does mean cheaper removals to the Netherlands!

International Removals to Netherlands

Searching for the top moving companies to move to The Netherlands? You’re in the right place! Browse in Sirelo to know more about these movers, read their reviews and ask for free quotes.

1. Legend Removals

3. Mercia Movers & Storers

4. Kanguro European Man & Van

Request Free Removal Quotes

When it comes to finding a removal company for a UK to Netherlands move, not just any company will do! Ideally, you’ll want to choose the best removals to Netherlands help for your needs. Thus, be sure to compare removal companies.

However, while finding a removal company is easy, finding several that can help you takes a lot of time. If you want instant quotes for removals to the Netherlands, fill in the form below! We’ll find up to 5 free removal quotes for you to compare. So, avoid any moving woe and request quotes from Sirelo.

Want to calculate the cost of your move?
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Will I Need a Visa after Brexit?

Moving to the Netherlands from the UK after Brexit has become a little more complicated for some. Those affected are the holders of a UK or non-EU or non-EEA passport, you will need a visa. You should start the process of applying for a visa as soon as possible.

However, if you are the holder of an EU or EEA passport, you’re a citizen of Europe and as a result, you have the right to free movement. Thus, you won’t need a visa.

Moving to the Netherlands: Checklist

Moving house is a stressful time but we at Sirelo want to help you move safely and smoothly. When moving to the Netherlands, there is a list of things that you’ll need to prepare. So, check out our moving abroad checklist to get ahead.

Of course, that’s a fairly generic checklist, but it’s still very useful. Here, we have a more Netherlands specific checklist to help you.

🤸‍♀️ Fun Fact: “Holland” is actually just a region within The Netherlands. By saying “Holland”, you are only referring to a part of this wonderful country!

✔️ Important Documents

Here’s a little list of some documents that you’ll find very useful to have at hand. Furthermore, you should make duplicates and always keep them safe and accessible:

  • Passport
  • Birth Certificate
  • Marriage Certificate
  • Medical Documentation (including dental and immunizations)
  • University Degree(s) and qualification(s)
  • Police Background Check

✔️ Choosing a Removal Company

It may only be across the North Sea, but it’s important to remember that this is an international removal from the UK to the Netherlands. Therefore, you should consider one of the top UK international removal companies to help move your home safely!

✔️ Packing

This is the biggest part of any removal to the Netherlands, packing your belongings. The more you own, the longer it will take, and the more it’ll cost. So, start early and consider decluttering. If you are in need of help, we’ve got an expert packing guide. It’ll make packing a cinch! 😊

Bikes parked on a bridge over a canal in Amsterdam

✔️ Registering in the Netherlands

Within the first week after moving to the Netherlands, you’ll need to register with the local municipality (gemeente). Then, you’ll be issued with a BSN number that you’ll need for banking and everything government-related. Failure to do will result in a fine, so don’t skip out on it.

To help you with the process, we have listed the documents you need to bring with you to obtain your BSN number:

  • Passport or national ID card (EU) – a driver’s license simple won’t do.
  • A filled-in application form – you can find this on the local geemente website.
  • Original birth certificate – which needs to be legalised by the UK government.
  • Proof of residency ­– this can be a deed or a rental agreement.

✔️ Opening a Dutch Bank Account

If you live in the Netherlands, opening a bank account will come in very handy for ease of payment. Lots of places in the Netherlands do not accept visa cards so opening a bank account would be wise, especially if you are staying for a long period of time. You can call a branch to book an appointment or just simply walk into a branch to open one up. Here are the top three banks in the Netherlands:

If you’re interested in finding out how much you may get taxed whilst living in the Netherlands, you can visit our taxes in the Netherlands page for more information.

✔️ Healthcare in the Netherlands

The healthcare system in the Netherlands differs from the UK in that it is largely private. However, you won’t see massive bills as the industry is heavily regulated and additionally it’s compulsory to have health insurance.

So, when you’re moving to the Netherlands, you may be fined if you don’t get valid health insurance within the first four months of your arrival.

✔️ Bringing Your Car

If you’re moving to the Netherlands and are bringing your vehicle, you’ll need to first inform the DVLA that you will be exporting your car. Second, you’ll need to apply to register your car in the Netherlands. After that, you can enjoy driving on the righthand side of the road.

✔️ Moving with a Pet

In case you have some furry friends, you cannot live without, it would be important to know that there are some requirements for taking pets abroad:

  • Microchipped
  • Vaccinated for rabies at least 3 weeks prior
  • Older than 15 weeks

If you would like more information, you can find everything you need to know on the Dutch government’s bringing animals to the Netherlands page.

Living and Working in the Netherlands

Moving to the Netherlands is an excellent idea for anyone who wants a happy life – the OECD ranked it fourth in the top ten happiest countries on Earth in 2020 😊 Although like the UK, it’s important to prepare for the rain! As they say in the Netherlands; Het regent pijpenstelen! (It’s raining cats and dogs.)

Top tip: Make sure you pack high heeled shoes as the Dutch are reportedly the tallest people in the world! On average, the men are 5′ 11″ and the women are 5′ 6″!

Infographic with facts about the Netherlands

Cost of Living in the Netherlands

Something that’s always interesting to compare when moving to a new country is the cost of living. What you’ll find is that the UK and the Netherlands are very comparable. So, you can expect a similar cost, but you’ll save on transport if you avail of the bike infrastructure!

MetricUKNetherlands
3-bed appartement City Centre£1,200£1,400
Price/m2 in the city centre£4,200£3,560
Monthly utilities for 85m2 apartment£150£140
Milk 1L£0.92£0.84
Cappuccino£2.76£2.47
0.5L of draught beer£3.75£.3.84
12 eggs£1.95£1.58

Working in the Netherlands

Working in the Netherlands can be very different from working in the UK. So, to prepare yourself here is an interesting article that gives you an insight into what working in the Netherlands is like.

There are many ways to find work in the Netherlands:

Ready to Move to the Netherlands?

Well, this is the end. We’ll be sad to see you leave, but you’re ready to take on the challenge and pave a new life for yourself in the Netherlands. If you even remember a fraction of what you’ve read here, you’ll have a very smooth removal to the Netherlands.

Before you go, we would just like to recommend that you continue reading. Here at Sirelo, we work hard at creating great articles to help people who are moving. So, be sure to click one of the articles below! Veel success (good luck)!