USA or NL?

Post new topic

Member since 09 January 2023

ceejbearMember09 January 2023 00:12:09

Hello, my SO and I are trying to decide which country is best for us long term. Neither of us has lived in the other's country, so we each only have first hand experience with our own. I think this makes it very challenging for us to form opinions without bias.

I am looking for some helpful individuals who have experienced long-term living in both countries to help us figure out what is the best decision for us. What made you decide to move to the Netherlands? What resources did you use to help you decide? What reasons make you happy about this choice and what are the things that make it hardest?

Thank you for your time

Cheryl Moderator

Member since 15 October 2018

CherylModerator09 January 2023 05:59:14

12362

Hello ceejbear,

Welcome to Expat.com

Thank you for asking your questions here.

You can read our recently updated guide to life in the Netherlands for expats.

I would suggest you also open a thread on the USA forum as well to get feedback from both sides.

All the best,

Cheryl

Expat.com team

Cynic UK / Netherlands Expert

Member since 15 September 2015

CynicUK / Netherlands Expert09 January 2023 09:27:52

7678

Hi and welcome to the Forum.

Having discovered what SO means, I'll try and answer your question.

Most Expats chose the Netherlands either because they have a job offer, or a close family member living there, or they've been told a story about the streets being paved with gold. Then there are the people who go to Holland as a tourist and fall in love with the town, bar, and people and want to live there. I moved there because I married a Dutch lady, and after a few years, we then moved on to the UK - it is a nice place, but it's not the paradise some are led to believe.

Whatever, there are rules and regulations about how you do it; as US citizens you will need a residence permit if you want to live and work in the Netherlands; the Dutch Government (IND) website has details of all the different permits that are available, this link will take you straight to the main page.

Probably the most important piece of advice I can offer is to learn to speak Dutch and make sure that any qualifications you may have (especially if you work in a regulatory field (any medical profession, engineer, architect etc), are accepted and valid in the EU. Most regulatory roles require native-level local language skills.

I hope this helps.

Cynic

Expat Team

Articles to help you in your expat project in the Netherlands

How to meet new people in the Netherlands
In 2023, there were around 1.66 million single women and 1.6 million single men living on their own. This means ...
Lifestyle in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, the Dutch have a “work hard, play hard” mentality. For them, there's a time ...
Developing your social circle in Amsterdam
In your move to Amsterdam, you may already have some friends or acquaintances in the country. However, it may not ...
Accidents and emergencies in the Netherlands
It's unfortunate, but accidents and emergencies may happen during your stay in the Netherlands. While you hope ...
Phones and Internet in the Netherlands
In June 2024, the Netherlands ranked ninth in the world for mobile internet speeds and 18th for fixed ...
Things to do on weekdays in Amsterdam
Perhaps you're a student, a freelancer, or someone who works minimal hours. Whatever it is, you've got ...
The work culture in Amsterdam
While you may be used to a work-to-live mentality, especially if you come from the US corporate world, you may be ...
Studying in Amsterdam
If you want to pursue higher education in Amsterdam at a publicly funded research university, then you have ...