Immigration to the Netherlands – Immigration Lawyer
The Netherlands is a country located in Western Europe alongside the Atlantic Ocean. The country is known for its quiet relaxed lifestyle and high quality of life. It is also famous for its solid economy and the high salaries of its citizens. In 1957, the Netherlands was among the founders of the European Economic Community, which eventually became the European Union. The other founders were Italy, France, West Germany, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
The Netherlands is home to seventeen million people, who live within a relatively small area, and it is therefore considered to be the most densely populated country in Europe. The Netherlands has been known for centuries as a liberal state in many areas, such as the legalization of soft drugs, official recognition of same-sex marriage, and legalization of prostitution as an institution. Many Israelis are interested in living or working in the Netherlands, with its abundance and freedom, and there are many good reasons for this, as explained below.
Our law firm specializes in immigration to the Netherlands and other first-world countries, including the United States, Canada, Britain, Portugal, Austria, and more. If you plan to move to Holland, we can assist you in the legal procedure and help you submit the necessary paperwork and documents.
Immigration to the Netherlands – Immigration Lawyer
Of all the European countries, the Netherlands has an especially nature-loving population and green environment. Its transportation system is considered to be the most advanced in the continent, and its cities have high-quality infrastructures such as the Internet, computer network, telecommunication, and energy. Aside from the high quality of life, the streets are remarkably clean, and the orderly and unpressured lifestyle is exceptional.
The municipalities in the country invest huge sums of money in impressive green parks that invite you to enter and admire the flower arrangements and park organization.
Bicycles are a very popular and usable means of transportation in the Netherlands, and there are accessible bike roads in every region. Because of this, normal road traffic is significantly reduced. Bicycles are a common vehicle used by adults and children alike, including the elderly and even parents carrying babies.
Employment
The typical working day in the Netherlands is about eight hours. The work week is only about four days. Also, the average Dutch worker is entitled to a minimum of 20 vacation days a year. Of these 20 days, the worker may take up to two consecutive vacation weeks. Despite this, the Dutch are known for their pragmatic and pedantic work culture, and are expected to show results in every field in which they work.
Salaries
The average monthly salary in Holland is about 2,820 euros, which makes the country a very attractive place for anyone who wants to improve their quality of life and increase their income. However, the minimum wage stands at around 1,600 euros for workers aged 22 and over, and the lower the age, the lower the income.
Unemployment
The unemployment rate in the Netherlands is among the lowest in the world, standing at about only 2.9% (as of March 2020). In the OECD ranking, the Netherlands is rated fifth in unemployment.
Language
Although the official language is Dutch, English is very common in Holland, as if it were a second mother tongue. Many of the Dutch are also proficient in French and German.
Real Estate Prices in the Netherlands
Real estate prices in the Netherlands are higher than those we are accustomed to in Israel, due to the high local salaries. If you plan to invest and buy an apartment in Amsterdam, the capital city, you should know that the average price for an apartment there is about 450,000 euros. In The Hague, the average cost of an apartment is almost 400,000 euros, and in the province of Utrecht (the most expensive in the country), prices are around 470,000 euros on average. The other districts are significantly cheaper than the three mentioned above, and their prices range between 230,000 and 350,000 euros.
Rent
Not every Israeli interested in living in the Netherlands plans to buy real estate. If you are planning to rent an apartment in Amsterdam, you have four options:
- Monthly rent for an 85-square-meter (about 278-square-foot) furnished apartment in a luxury location will cost you around 2,000 euros.
- Monthly rent for an 85-square-meter (about 278-square-foot) furnished apartment in a standard location will cost you around 1,700 euros.
- Monthly rent for a 45-square-meter (about 147-square-foot) furnished apartment in a luxury location will cost you around 1,430 euros.
- Monthly rent for a 45-square-meter (about 147-square-foot) furnished apartment in a standard location will cost you around 1,100 euros.
If you are planning to rent a standard apartment in The Hague, the prices are cheaper and range between 650 and 1,100 Euros per month, on average. However, there are much cheaper apartments and, on the other hand, also much more expensive apartments, depending on the furniture, quality, and location of the neighborhood.
Weather
The country has a temperate marine climate that comes from the Atlantic Ocean. Unlike other countries in the northern region of continental Europe, the Netherlands is considered warmer than its neighbors, with an average temperature of 2-6 degrees Celsius (about 35-43 degrees Fahrenheit) in the winter and 17-20 degrees Celsius (about 62-68 degrees Fahrenheit) in the summer. This makes for a mild winter and a cool summer. However, the country is prone to rains all year round and to winds and snow in the winter.
Living Conditions and Rights
The Netherlands is known around the world for its welfare policy and the great relief support that it offers its citizens. This makes it a popular target for immigrants, as well. For example – if you become ill, stressed, or mentally depressed, you may take up to two years of sick leave. The cost of living is lower than in Israel, and especially the cost of food.
However, the price of housing is higher than in Israel. Non-private education is free, and the educational institutions are certainly more advanced and well-maintained than the average Israeli educational institution. In some of the educational institutions (including kindergartens) there are bilingual classes that combine Dutch with English or another European language (such as German, French, etc.).
Contact a Lawyer Specializing in Immigration to the Netherlands
Immigration is a significant step in life. For this reason, it is worth putting your trust in the hands of an expert knowledgeable lawyer. Lawyer Joshua Pex has over ten years of experience in immigration to European and North American countries. If you have run into difficulties or are unsure about something, you can schedule a meeting at our offices in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv and we will be happy to help.
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