The Netherlands, a land of windmills, tulips, and cheese hearts, welcomes everyone looking to start a new life there with a range of colours and fun spots. It is not surprising that 200,000 individuals relocate to the Netherlands each year given that this country is renowned for its friendliness and tolerance.

 

There are some prerequisites you must meet before moving to the Netherlands if you wish to embark on a new journey. Your Ugandan nationality is a crucial issue to take into account before beginning the application procedure. 

 

1. Who Can Move to the Netherlands?

Nearly anyone can relocate to the Netherlands if they have a worthy cause (e.g work, school, etc.). However, residents of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland have it considerably easier.

 

 

Visa-free entry is available to citizens of the EU/EEA, as well as Switzerland, for stays in the Netherlands. You must register your stay at the local municipal personal records database where you will settle if you want to remain for a period longer than four months.

 

If you are a Ugandan national, you must have a compelling reason to relocate to the Netherlands. Prior to becoming qualified for permanent residency, you must first obtain a temporary residence permit and stay in the Netherlands for five consecutive years.

 

2. Do your Research

You probably envision canals, bicycles, and possibly the occasional windmill when you think of the Netherlands. However, if you’re considering relocating to the Netherlands, it’s imperative that you look into what daily living is like there. 

 

The majority of Dutch people are tolerant and outgoing, although living expenses can be exorbitant, especially in bigger cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam. 

 

The Netherlands is a small country, nevertheless, and thanks to efficient transportation, you can always travel the entire nation more easily.

 

You must set aside enough time to do extensive research and inquiries on relocating to the Netherlands to make your shift less hectic.

 

3. Plan your visa

Do you understand the immigration procedures for migrating to the Netherlands with your family?

 

 

Since the Netherlands is an EU member, people from the EU and EFTA do not need a visa to enter or stay there. However, residents of the EU/EFTA who want to stay for more than four months must register with the authorities. 

 

For Ugandan residents, since you are outside the EU/EFTA, there are additional criteria, such as the requirement for entry visas and residency permits before you are allowed to relocate to the Netherlands. 

 

When you are  applying for Dutch work visas you must:

• Schedule a meeting with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND ). The IND must receive all applications for the temporary residence permit. You must submit your application for a Dutch long-stay visa at the embassy.
• Gather all the necessary paperwork. 
• Request a permit for temporary residence. A work permit and an MVV (long-stay visa) application may also be required of you.
• Get a working permit. In order to avoid having to provide documentation proving your high level of expertise, a Dutch employer should submit the application on your behalf.

 

4. Moving Household Goods

 

As long as you aren’t bringing anything in from the list of exemptions, you won’t need to declare any of your possessions at customs if you are moving to the Netherlands from another EU country. 

 

If you’re moving to the Netherlands to live and work, you can request for an exemption from import tariffs, but if you’re travelling from outside the EU, you’ll need to declare your possessions at customs.

 

As a Ugandan citizen, you will need to declare your household goods when planning to shift to The Netherlands. Household goods can be allowed into the Netherlands tax-free given that they have been used for a period of time.

 

The cost of moving your household belongings to the Netherlands will depend on the method you use to relocate your possessions, which can be done through shipping or air freight.

 

Moving experts can assist you at every stage of your relocation, from packing, storing and delivering your belongings.

 

5. Relocating with your Pets

If you are a  pet owner, you must be aware that having a dog that greets you at the door or a cat that covers you in fur makes a house complete.

 

 

Moving your pet to the Netherlands requires a lot of work, although it is slightly less work if you reside in an EU member state. First things first, your pet needs to have a microchip and an EU pet passport issued by a veterinarian. The pet’s passport serves as both proofs of the animal’s immunity to numerous diseases and a certificate of good health.

 

Relocating your pet from Uganda to The Netherlands involves a little bit more bureaucracy. Your pet must be microchipped, receive its rabies shot before it turns 12 weeks old, and have received its treatment against parasites. A titration test for rabies antibodies is one of the additional tests that are conducted.

 

A veterinarian must also provide a health certificate for your pet, which must include the microchip number, vaccination information, blood sample information, and treatment information for Echinococcus multilocularis.

 

To avoid hurdles when relocating with your pet, you should do extensive research, prepare all the documentation and liaise with your international moving company for expert advice and help.

 

6. Using a Reputable Moving Company

Although hiring a moving company will typically be more expensive than doing everything yourself, it’s crucial to understand the following advantages:

• A professional mover has years of expertise, which allows them to work more quickly and effectively than you can.
• All of your things are protected from loss and/or damage by insurance. You should check with your international moving company of choice whether or not they guarantee insurance for your goods during transit.
• The moving firm offers all necessary supplies, including moving boxes, blankets, and, if required, mobile lifts.
• Storage can be arranged if needed; the moving company has a choice of trucks at their disposal so everything can be transported from the old home to the new one in one trip.
• By handling almost all of the tasks associated with your move, an experienced, qualified mover significantly reduces the stress of moving.

 

7. Finding Somewhere to Live

 

Unsurprisingly, Amsterdam, the country’s capital, is the most favoured and highly rated Dutch city to live in, followed by Utrecht and Amstelveen in that order.

 

Renting is advised if you have recently relocated to the Netherlands or do not intend to stay for more than three years because purchasing a house can take several months.

 

Approximately 40% of Dutch citizens rent their homes. The cost of renting in the private sector can be high, and the application procedure isn’t always simple. To minimize any difficulties, it is best to go with a rental agent.

 

Try serviced apartments if you’re seeking short-term housing (anything starting at one week). Take time to learn everything there is to know about renting a home in the Netherlands before moving.

 

As a Ugandan national, you can purchase real estate in the Netherlands without any limitations, whether you are a resident or not. Homeowners receive tax breaks, and mortgage payments are often less expensive than rent, but transaction costs are high, accounting for around 6% of the purchase price.

 

8. Taxation in the Netherlands

The Dutch tax system is complicated for foreigners, and the rates of tax that must be paid depend greatly on your individual situation. Anyone who works or resides in the Netherlands is considered a resident taxpayer and is subject to global asset taxation.

 

You will be given a Citizen Service Number (BSN – Burgerservicenummer) if you pay taxes in the Netherlands, and you must submit an annual self-assessment tax return in April. 

 

Today, most of this is submitted electronically. The Dutch income tax system, which levies taxes on income from profits, employment, and house ownership, income from shareholding and income from savings and investments, is where the majority of taxes are collected.

 

Other levies in the Netherlands include inheritance tax, corporate tax, and property tax.

 

9. Studying in the Netherlands

Children in the Netherlands are required to attend school, which consists of basic education (basisonderwijs) from ages 5 to 12, secondary education (voortgezet onderwijs) from ages 16 to 18, plus an additional year or two to earn a diploma. 

 

 

Dutch children begin basisonderwijs at age four, even though it is not required until age five. Everyone has access to free primary and secondary public education. Around two-thirds of all Dutch students attend independent private schools (bijzondere), which are also available.

 

In the Netherlands, each city or town has its own application process. Making inquiries well in advance will allow you to become familiar with the procedure if you have to relocate to the Netherlands with family. 

 

Although standards have been found to significantly vary between schools, Dutch education standards are generally of a high calibre. By the age of ten, all Dutch school children begin learning English. Some schools start teaching English to students while they are younger.

 

10. Moving your Car to the Netherlands

 

If you plan to move your car to The Netherlands, you will have to fill out a Vrijstelling bpm form to request an exemption from the private cars and motorcycle tax (BPM). 

 

Your international relocation firm will need to submit the exemption application on your behalf since you won’t be able to do so. 

 

A signed inventory list, a registration certificate for the Dutch personal records database, and a document like an employment contract, a statement from your employer, work permit, rental agreement, or mortgage certificate are required in order to apply. You will also require a copy of your vehicle’s registration certificate if you wish to import it.

 

11. Driving License in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, driving regulations are rather severe. You are not permitted to operate a vehicle with foreign registration, and you have 185 days to exchange your foreign driver’s license for a Dutch one after entering the country. 

 

You will need to pass a Dutch driving and theory exam if you are unable to exchange your license (this is common for the majority of nations outside the EU/EFTA). 

 

The RDW (Rijksdienst Voor het Wegverkeer) must register all imported vehicles, and the registration card must be kept in the vehicle at all times. 

 

12. How Much Does it Cost to Relocate to the Netherlands

 

The first thing an international moving company will do when you decide to request a quote is to take a survey of the number of items that need to be moved. In order to determine how many items will be moved, how long it will take to transport them, and what packing supplies are required. 

 

The following factors are also taken into account in order to create an accurate quote:

• The home’s accessibility
• The kind of housing at the addresses for loading and unloading
• The kind of machinery required.
• The kind of furniture to be moved.
• A number of items are delicate/unique and need special handling and packaging.

 

13. Dutch Social Customs and Culture

The cost of living in the Netherlands is lower than many other western European nations while still providing a high standard of living, however, Amsterdam is more pricey than other locations. 

 

There are lots of free activities to try among all the other things to do in the Dutch capital. It is well known that Dutch culture is laid-back, liberal, and cosmopolitan. 

 

The Netherlands is known for its cafe culture and vibrant nightlife, but there are many other things to do and places to see in the country, including a good collection of Dutch museums.

 

There are several organizations and associations centred on country, lifestyle, or career to assisting expatriates in integrating once they have relocated to the Netherlands. 

 

As an alternative, you can search for like-minded people by joining (or creating your own) meet-up group. You can study a little more about Dutch culture or read up on intriguing facts about the Netherlands if you wish to settle in, learn more, and become accustomed to the local customs.