Moving Guide
Visa & Residence
Navigating the Dutch visa and residence permit system is a critical first step. Your requirements will depend significantly on your nationality. If you are a citizen of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you generally have the right to live and work in the Netherlands without needing a visa or residence permit, though you may need to register with local authorities upon arrival.
For non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, a visa and/or residence permit is typically required. Common routes for obtaining a permit include:
- Work Permit: Often sponsored by an employer, especially for highly skilled migrants.
- Family Reunification: For those joining a spouse, registered partner, or in some cases, a parent already residing in the Netherlands.
- Study Permit: For individuals enrolled in an accredited Dutch educational institution.
- Other Residence Permits: Such as for self-employment or specific investment schemes.
It is crucial to verify the most up-to-date requirements and application procedures directly with official Dutch immigration authorities, as regulations can change. Start this process well in advance of your planned move.
Housing & Rental
Finding suitable housing in the Netherlands, especially in popular cities, requires patience and preparation. The rental market can be competitive.
- How to Find Housing:
- Online Portals: Websites dedicated to rentals are the primary resource.
- Real Estate Agents (Makelaars): Many expats opt for an agent to help navigate the market, particularly for long-term rentals. They can assist with viewings, negotiations, and contract review.
- Social Housing: While available, waiting lists can be exceptionally long and specific income criteria apply, making it less viable for immediate relocation.
- Typical Rental Process:
- Once you find a suitable property, you'll typically submit an application with supporting documents (proof of income, employment contract, ID).
- If your application is accepted, you'll sign a rental agreement, often for a minimum of 12 months.
- You will usually need to register your address with the local municipality (gemeente) upon arrival.
- Deposits: A security deposit is standard, typically equivalent to one or two months' rent. This is held by the landlord and returned after you move out, provided the property is left in good condition.
- Temporary vs. Long-Term: Many newcomers opt for temporary accommodation (e.g., serviced apartments, short-stay rentals) for the first few weeks or months to allow time to search for a long-term rental once on the ground.
What Affects the Cost of Your Move
The total cost of your relocation to the Netherlands is influenced by several key factors. Understanding these can help you budget effectively, though exact figures will always come from a personalized quote.
- Volume of Goods: The more items you move, the larger the shipping container or vehicle required, directly impacting cost. Decluttering significantly before packing can save money.
- Distance: The origin country's distance from the Netherlands plays a major role in transportation costs.
- Season: Peak moving seasons (e.g., summer months) can sometimes lead to higher demand and potentially higher prices for certain services.
- Access at Origin and Destination: Difficult access for moving vehicles (e.g., narrow streets, no elevator, multiple flights of stairs) can incur additional labor costs.
- Mode of Transport: Air freight is faster but more expensive than sea freight for international moves. Road transport is common for moves within Europe.
- Extra Services: Opting for full packing and unpacking services, specialized crating for fragile items, or storage solutions will add to the overall cost.
For a precise estimate tailored to your specific needs, it's always best to request a free, no-obligation quote.
Timeline & Packing Tips
A structured approach to your move can significantly reduce stress. Here's a general timeline and some essential packing tips, typically spanning 4-8 weeks before your move date:
- 8 Weeks Before:
- Declutter: Start sorting through your belongings. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. This reduces your moving volume and cost.
- Research & Request Quotes: Begin contacting relocation companies for quotes and compare services.
- Visa/Permit Application: If applicable, ensure your visa and residence permit applications are well underway.
- 6 Weeks Before:
- Inventory: Create a detailed inventory of items you plan to move.
- Book Services: Confirm your chosen relocation company and book your moving date.
- Documents: Gather and organize all essential documents (passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic records, medical records, employment contracts, insurance policies). Keep these separate and easily accessible for your personal travel.
- School/Work Notifications: Inform your current employer and children's schools of your departure date.
- 4 Weeks Before:
- Utilities & Subscriptions: Start notifying utility providers (electricity, gas, water, internet) of your move-out date. Cancel or transfer subscriptions.
- Mail Forwarding: Arrange for mail forwarding if available from your current postal service.
- Medical Check-ups: Schedule any necessary medical or dental check-ups. Obtain prescriptions and medical records.
- Begin Packing (Non-Essentials): Start packing items you don't use daily. Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room.
- 2 Weeks Before:
- Essentials Box: Prepare a box of essentials for your first few days in the Netherlands (toiletries, medications, clothes, chargers, important documents).
- Final Utilities: Confirm disconnection dates for utilities.
- Pet Arrangements: If moving with pets, finalize all travel arrangements and veterinary requirements.
- 1 Week Before:
- Confirm with Movers: Reconfirm all details with your relocation company.
- Clean Out: Empty refrigerator, freezer, and pantry.
- Cash: Ensure you have some local currency for immediate needs upon arrival.
For a truly tailored and stress-free move, request a free quote on relocation123.com today.
Visas, immigration & documents
Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.
- Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
- Document translation & apostille
- Customs clearance for personal effects
- Travel & goods insurance
Customs & Import Rules
Moving to Netherlands: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide
Planning your move to the Netherlands? Navigating customs and import regulations can seem daunting, but with the right information, you can ensure a smooth transition for your belongings. This guide breaks down what you need to know to bring your items into the country.
Key things to know
- Most household goods can enter duty-free under specific conditions.
- You generally need to have lived outside the EU for at least 12 months.
- Your imported items must have been owned and used for at least 6 months.
- You must import your personal belongings within 12 months of your arrival.
- Certain items, like food and some restricted goods, have strict rules or are prohibited.
- Be aware of potential delays and costs for containers with excessive gas concentrations.
If you're relocating as a new resident
If you're moving to the Netherlands and bringing your personal household goods, you can generally import them duty-free. This applies if you've lived outside the European Union for at least a year before your move and plan to reside in the Netherlands. The items must be for your personal use, have been owned and used by you for at least six months prior to your relocation, and be imported within 12 months of your arrival. You must also commit to using these items yourself and not lending, renting, pawning, or selling them for 12 months after they clear customs.
What you'll need
- A clear copy of your passport.
- An inventory list of all items you are bringing.
- A Power of Attorney (POA).
- Proof of registration at your new town/city hall in the Netherlands, mentioning your country of origin.
- If town/city hall registration isn't yet available, proof of deregistration from your country of origin, along with either:
- A copy of your work contract or a declaration from your employer confirming your employment period abroad and your new start date in the Netherlands.
- A copy of a rental agreement or purchase contract for your residence in the Netherlands, not older than 6 months.
Good to know
- If you don't qualify for duty-free entry, a declaration of realistic value, signed by you, will be required.
- Containers arriving in Rotterdam with high concentrations of gas (like Methyl bromide) may face significant delays and additional costs before release.
- Certain imports, such as weapons, ammunition, protected species, and drugs, are prohibited or require special licenses. You are responsible for knowing these restrictions.
- New furniture and household articles are subject to duties.
- Electrical and household appliances should have their brand and fabrication number listed on the inventory.
- Works of art, antiques, presents, souvenirs, sport articles, and precious metal objects are generally allowed without special documents if they are part of your household effects.
Diplomatic moves
Diplomats can import their belongings duty-free, provided they do not hold Dutch nationality and are not permanent residents of the Netherlands. For administrative, technical, and service staff, this exemption applies if more than ten years have passed since the start of their employment in the Netherlands.
What you'll need
- Diplomatic passport.
Good to know
- Import of alcohol and cigarettes is allowed but limited, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs regulations.
Moving after marriage
If you are importing a wedding trousseau, it can enter duty-free.
What you'll need
- Inventory list in duplicate.
- Marriage certificate.
- Certificate of residence.
- Exemption of duties form.
Good to know
- This category specifically refers to items related to a wedding trousseau.
Inherited belongings
Inherited goods can be imported duty-free.
What you'll need
- Application for exemption for inheritance.
- Copy of the applicant's passport.
- Registration of residence at the town hall.
- Two signed inventory lists.
- A Notary Statement confirming:
- That the goods originate from an inheritance.
- The date the testator passed away.
- The date the goods were acquired by the applicant.
- If a motor vehicle or other vehicle is included, additional documents are required:
- License registration.
- Purchase or ownership document.
Good to know
- This exemption is specifically for items received through inheritance.
Bringing special items
Vehicles
To import a car or motorcycle duty-free, you must have owned and used it for at least six months prior to shipping, and you must have resided outside the Netherlands for at least one year. Other vehicles like bicycles or water vehicles may also require specific documentation.
- What you'll need (Motor vehicles): Invoice or property justification, registration card, certificate of residence, copy of foreign insurance certificate or proof of insurance.
- What you'll need (Other vehicles like bicycles, water vehicles): Invoice, registration card, certificate of residence.
Pets
Bringing your furry friends requires specific health and vaccination documentation.
- What you'll need: Health and vaccination certificates.
Good to know: Always contact your destination agent in the Netherlands before shipping animals to ensure all requirements are met.
Restricted & prohibited items
Many items are restricted or outright prohibited. It is your responsibility as the owner to be fully informed about these regulations.
- Food: Generally not allowed.
- Arms, ammunition, dangerous objects: Require permits issued by Customs and authorizations from Police authorities.
- Medicine, narcotics & drugs: Allowed if part of household effects and prescribed by a doctor; otherwise forbidden.
- Plants, Wood: Require a phytosanitary certificate.
Alcohol & tobacco
These items are generally subject to duties and taxes.
- What you'll need: A detailed valued list.
Good to know: For diplomats, specific limited allowances apply as per Ministry of Foreign Affairs regulations.
Frequently asked questions
Can I import all my household goods duty-free?
Yes, provided you meet specific conditions: you lived outside the EU for at least 12 months, the goods belong to your residence, you've owned and used them for at least 6 months, you import them within 12 months of arrival, and you won't lend, rent, pawn, or sell them for 12 months after customs clearance.
What if I don't have my town/city hall registration yet?
You can submit proof of deregistration from your country of origin, along with a copy of your work contract/employer declaration or a rental/purchase agreement for your Dutch residence (not older than 6 months).
Are there any items I absolutely cannot bring?
Yes, certain items like food are generally not allowed. Weapons, ammunition, protected species, and drugs are either prohibited or require strict permits.
What happens if my shipping container has gas?
Containers with excessive gas concentrations (e.g., Methyl bromide) may be removed from the transport chain, leading to delays of several months and significant additional costs before release.
Do I need special documents for works of art or antiques?
If they are part of your general household effects, no specific additional documents are usually required.
Can I bring my car without paying duties?
Yes, if you've owned and used the car for at least 6 months prior to shipping and have resided outside the Netherlands for at least one year.
Need more personalized advice for your move to the Netherlands? Contact relocation123.com for expert assistance.
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| Company | Location | Languages | Associations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voerman International BV Moving & Relocation Services | Reflectiestraat 2 The Hague, 2631RVNetherlands | Dutch, English | EURA, FIDI, IAM | → |
| De Haan Relocation | Edisonweg 18 P.O. Box 259Alblasserdam, 2950 ADNe | Dutch, English | EURA, FEDEMAC, FIDI, IAM | → |
| Schmidt Global Relocations BV | Stationsweg-Oost 281d P.O. Box 79, 3930 EBWouden | Dutch, English, French, German, Spanish | FIDI, IAM | → |
| Gerson Relocation | Trawlerweg 8 VlaardingenRotterdam, 3133 KSNether | Dutch, English, German | FIDI, IAM | → |
| KHZ International Movers | A. Van Leeuwenhoekweg 50 Alphen aan den Rijn, 24 | Dutch, English, French, German | FEDEMAC, FIDI, IAM | → |
| Atlas International Movers B.V. | Bennebroekerweg 281 Rijsenhout (Amsterdam Airpor | Dutch, English, German | EURA, FIDI, IAM | → |
| Harmony Relocation Network | Leeuwenveldseweg 16m Weesp, 1382 LXNetherlands | Dutch, English, French, German, Spanish | EURA, IAM | → |
| Mondial Movers International | Kelvinring 52B Alblasserdam, 2952BGNetherlands | Dutch, English | IAM | → |
| Unimove B.V. | Andries Copierhof 7 Rotterdam, 3059 LMNetherland | Dutch, English | FEDEMAC, IAM | → |
| Van der Ent Group | Lorentzweg 25 Spijkenisse (Rotterdam), 3208 LJNe | Dutch, English | FIDI, IAM | → |
| Royal Moving Company De Gruijter & Co. NV | P.O. Box 105 Zoeterwoude, 2380 ACNetherlands | Dutch, English | FIDI, IAM | → |
| Santa Fe Group | H. Kamerlingh Onnesweg 3 Amsterdam, 2408Netherla | English | FIDI, IAM | → |
| Gebr. Van Den Eijnden Euromovers | Flight Forum 3830 Eindhoven, DX 5657Netherlands | Dutch, English | IAM | → |
| Eurohome Relocation Services | Wolga 12 The Hague, 2491 BJNetherlands | Dutch, English, Russian | EURA | → |
| Global Moving And Shipping B.V. | PO Box 36 Vught, 5260 AANetherlands | Dutch, English | IAM | → |
| Kuiper The International Mover | Van Houten Industriepark 12 Weesp, 1381 MZNether | Dutch, English, German | FEDEMAC, IAM | → |
| Gosselin The Netherlands B.V. | Postbus 37109 1030 ACAmstelveenNetherlands | English, French | FIDI, IAM | → |
| Verhuisbedrijf Draagkracht BV | Radonstraat 44 Zoeterwoude, 2718TANetherlands | Dutch, English, German | FEDEMAC, IAM | → |
| TriGlobal B.V. | Spuiboulevard 240 A+B Dordrecht, 3311 GRNetherla | Dutch, English, French, German, Italian | IAM | → |
| World Freight Relocations BV | Nieuwland Parc 12A Alblasserdam, 2952DANetherlan | Dutch, English | IAM | → |
| RSH: Relocation Services Holland | Herengracht 10A The Hague, 2511EHNetherlands | — | EURA | → |
| ReloAdvisor BV | Doctor Langeveldplein 16 Sliedrecht, Zuid Hollan | English | IAM | → |
| Share Logistics BV | Waalhaven ZZ 19 Rotterdam, ZH, 3089 JHNetherland | — | IAM | → |
| AC Passies International Movers Bv | P.O. Box 437 AK Veenendaal, 3900Netherlands | Dutch, English | FEDEMAC, FIDI | → |
| Geijtenbeek Top Movers | Stanleyweg 8 Goes, 4462 GNNetherlands | Dutch, English | IAM | → |
| Move4U | Parmentierplein 20 Rotterdam, 3088GNNetherlands | Chinese, Danish, Dutch, English, French | IAM | → |
| SIRVA | Sevillaweg 20 P.O. Box 6033Rotterdam, 3002 AANet | Dutch, English | FIDI | → |
| GlobeRelo | De Cuserstraat 93 Amsterdam, Noord Holland, 1081 | — | IAM | → |
| Centrum International Removals, Mondial Movers | P.O. Box 1734 Maastricht, 6201 BSNetherlands | Dutch, English | IAM | → |
| CANI Management & Consultancy | Thorbeckeplein 73 Alphen aan den Rijn, 2406CGNet | English | IAM | → |
| Executive Mobility Group | Evert v.d. Beekstraat 1 - 36 Schiphol, 1118Nethe | English | EURA | → |
| GRS (Global Relocation Services) BV | Beech Avenue 54-80 Schiphol-Rijk, 1119PWNetherla | — | EURA | → |
| Jacobs Verhuizingen BV | Markweg 19 Velp, 6883 JLNetherlands | Dutch, English | FEDEMAC, IAM | → |
| Corporate Housing Factory B.V. | Claude Debussylaan 235 Amsterdam, 1082 MCNetherl | English | EURA | → |
| LIMES international immigration + relocation | P.O. Box 504 2300 Am LeidenNetherlands | Dutch, English | EURA | → |
| Altair Global Relocation | Het Kleine Loo 414 T The Hague, 2592 CKNetherlan | English | EURA | → |
| Connect Relocation | Kromme Elleboog 25 Haren, 9751RBNetherlands | Dutch, English | EURA | → |
| The Map Group | Weena 737 Rotterdam, 3013NLNetherlands | English | EURA | → |
| Van Der Ent | Zuiderweg 70 Rijswijk (Den Haag)Netherlands | Dutch, English | FEDEMAC | → |
| City ID Group Amsterdam | Naritaweg 51 Amsterdam, 1043 BPNetherlands | Dutch, English | EURA | → |
| Meyer Moving Bonaire NV | Kaya Nikiboko 33 NoordKralendijk, BonaireNetherl | English | FIDI | → |
| In2Holland | Eerste Rozendwarsstraat 15-I Amsterdam, 1016PCNe | Dutch, English | EURA | → |
| ServicedApartments.nl | Claude Debussylaan 237 Amsterdam, 1082 MCNetherl | English | EURA | → |
| Executive Mobility Group | Flightforum 40 DB Eindhoven, 5657Netherlands | English | EURA | → |
| Personal Relocation BV | Mollenburgseweg 88 Gorinchem, 4205NBNetherlands | English | EURA | → |
| Settle Service B.V. | PO Box 3270 DG Haarlem, 2001Netherlands | Dutch, English | EURA | → |
| RelocAid | Rendementsweg 12A Mijdrecht, 3641Netherlands | Dutch, English | EURA | → |
| de Bresser Group of Companies | Herastraat 9 Tilburg, 5047 TXNetherlands | Dutch, English | IAM | → |
| Short Stay Group Operations BV | Herengracht 451 Amsterdam, 1017 BSNetherlands | Dutch, English | EURA | → |
| RelocateYourself.com | Stadionweg 190 Amsterdam, 1077 TCNetherlands | English | EURA | → |
| In-Lease Nederland B.V. | Stationsweg 94 PW Ede, 6711Netherlands | English | EURA | → |
| SchadeZorg Europa | SchadeZorg Europa Box 4 Biddinguizen, 8256 BGNet | English | EURA | → |
| Hizkia Van Kralingen | Wolga 16 Den Haag, 2491 BJNetherlands | Dutch, English | — | → |
| Expat Management Group | Herengracht 168 Amsterdam, 1016Netherlands | English | EURA | → |
| Crown Relocations BV | Gyroscoopweg 19 Amsterdam, 1042ACNetherlands | Dutch, English | EURA | → |
| Euromovers Nederland BV | Trawlerweg 8 Vlaardingen, 3133 KSNetherlands | Dutch, English | — | → |
| Windmill Forwarding | Hellingweg 98J Den Haag, 2583 WHNetherlands | Dutch, English | IAM | → |
| UTS International | Takkebijsters 10 Breda, 4817 BLNetherlands | Dutch, English | IAM | → |
| i-Mobility Relocation | Louise de Colignylaan 29 Santpoort-Zuid, 2082Net | Dutch, English | EURA | → |
| Copex Movers & Packers | P.O. Box 45 Hillegom, 2180 AANetherlands | Dutch, English | — | → |
| Relocation Care | Blokstallen 2b Bergen op Zoom, 4611WBNetherlands | Dutch, English | EURA | → |
| Van't Net International Removals | P.O. Box 190 Soest, NL-3760 ADNetherlands | Dutch, English | FIDI | → |
| TSH | Wibautstraat 129 HQ & Flagship Hotel Amsterdam, | Dutch, English | EURA | → |
| Derksen Verhuizingen B.V | De Overmaat 39 Arnhem, AE, 6831Netherlands | Dutch, English | FIDI | → |
| PAS BMS Relocation Services | Schoutenlaan 62 Voorhout, 2215Netherlands | Dutch, English | EURA | → |
| Expat Help | Prinsengracht 683-1 Amsterdam, 1017 JTNetherland | English | EURA | → |
| Htel Serviced Apartments | Teilingen 1 Amsterdam, 1082JPNetherlands | Dutch, English | EURA | → |
| Partners in Relocation Group | Loosdorp 4, 4143 LT Leerdam p.o. Box 33Leerdam, | English | EURA | → |
| Premier Suites | Weena 710 Rotterdam, 3014 DANetherlands | English | EURA | → |
| Transpack Shipping Services B.V. | Parmentierplein 20 Rotterdam, 3088 GNNetherlands | Dutch, English | IAM | → |
| Connecting To | PO Box 4021 Haarlem, 2003 EANetherlands | — | — | — |
| The Relocation Company | De Klugt 8 Vijfhuizen, 2141 ASNetherlands | Dutch, English | — | — |
| Agility Bv | Anthony Fokker Business Park Fokkerweg 300, Bldg | Dutch, English | — | → |
| SIRVA | Planetenweg 5 Hoofddorp, 2132 HNNetherlands | Dutch, English | — | → |
| Antoon Van Daal Verhuizingen | Flight Forum 3830 Eindhoven, 5657 DXNetherlands | Dutch, English | — | → |
| Skydreams BV | Godebaldkwartier 371 Utrecht, 3511DTNetherlands | — | — | → |
| The Expat Kids Club | Flamingostraat 24-1 Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, 10 | Dutch, English | — | → |
| Inhout | Asserstraat 59 Rolde, 9451 TANetherlands | Dutch | — | → |
| Rijks Antiekrestauratie | Frederik Hendrikstraat 105 Amsterdam, 1052 HMNet | Dutch | — | → |
| KLG Europe Rotterdam BV | A. Tasmanstraat 33 Rotterdam, 3165AMNetherlands | Dutch, English, German | — | → |
| The European Moving Group | Kelvinring 52B Alblasserdam, 2952 BGNetherlands | Dutch, English | — | → |
| Splinter Meubelrestauratie | Jacob van Lennepstraat 36 Amsterdam, 1053 HKNeth | Dutch | — | → |
| Quot8 | Weena 505 Rotterdam, 3013ALNetherlands | Dutch, English, French, German | — | → |
| Scan2Move B.V. | Transformatorweg 28 Amsterdam, 1014 AKNetherland | Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, English, French | — | → |
| SIRVA | Diepenhorstlaan 10-12 RijswijkDen Haag, 2288 EWN | Dutch, English | — | → |
| SCL Rotterdam B.V. | Admiraal de Ruyterstraat 31 Schiedam, 3115HANeth | Dutch, English | — | → |
| NEDVAN Mobility Solutions BV | Industrieweg 15 Zoeterwoude, 2382 NRNetherlands | Dutch, English | — | → |
| Versteden Restauratie | 3e Looiersdwarsstraat 5 hs Amsterdam, 1016 VDNet | Dutch | — | → |
| Tipker Worldwide Movers | Wattstraat 54 Zoetermeer, 2723 RDNetherlands | Dutch, English | — | → |
| UTS Van der Lee / Cors de Jongh BV | Fermiweg 10A UtretchNetherlands | Dutch, English | — | → |
| Allways Transport B.V. | Opaal 100 Le Dordrecht, 3316Netherlands | Dutch, English | — | → |
| World Freight Logistics B.V. | Nieuwe Langeweg 151 DC Rotterdam, 3194Netherland | Arabic, Dutch, English, French, German | — | → |
| SIRVA | Winkler Prinsstraat 24 Assen, 9403 AZNetherlands | Dutch, English | — | → |
| Jimble | Molukkenstraat 200 - E2 Amsterdam, 1098TWNetherl | — | — | → |
| Bongers International Movers | Nudepark 75 Wageningen, 6702 DZNetherlands | Dutch, English | — | → |
| Home to Home | Overcingellaan 17 Assen, 9401LANetherlands | Dutch, English | — | → |
| VCK Logistics | Columbusstraat 12 Rotterdam-Albrandswaard, 3165 | Dutch, English | — | → |
| Roldo Rent Holding BV | Putterweg 5 Ermelo, 3851 GANetherlands | English | — | → |
| Versfelt Worldwide Movers | Park Forum 1119 Eindhoven, 5657 HKNetherlands | Dutch, English | — | — |
| Gosselin Moving Bv | Kerkstraat 33A KoningsboschNetherlands | Dutch, English | — | — |