Received a job offer for the Netherlands

Last activity 19 January 2017 by Cynic

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ekrogMember22 December 2016 22:04:38

Hello,

My name is Elizabeth. I'm a technical project manager from Chicago, IL. I applied for a similar position at my employer's headquarters in the Netherlands and just received an offer. I'm thrilled as I've wanted to work and live in Europe for many years. At the same time, I don't want to make a bad financial decision.

In order to evaluate the offer, I'd like to get information about salaries and cost of living in the Netherlands. I know salaries are lower than in the U.S., especially big cities like Chicago; the cost of living seems to be lower as well. Nevertheless, the salary I was offered seems too low. I plan to negotiate for a higher one but want to arm myself with as much information as possible.

To that end, I'd appreciate any insights/information you may have:
1. Are there good Dutch job sites I can review? (Don't speak Dutch but assume I can use Google translate)
2. My husband and I are planning to live in Leiden or Haarlem. Any recommendations on good neighborhoods that are close to public transportation, bike paths, grocery stores, restaurants, etc. would be welcome
3. Any information on average rents for two-bedroom apartments and the best sites (or other methods) for finding a rental would be appreciated
4. Any other information you care to share would be welcome

Ruby Ann E.Member19 January 2017 14:02:07

Hi Elizabeth,

You may check the website [link moderated]. You will find information on housing and career. Hope it helps!

Moderated by Bhavna 7 years ago
Reason : Promoting external website
We invite you to read the forum code of conduct

CynicUK / Netherlands Expert19 January 2017 14:49:41

7633

Hi Elizabeth and welcome to the Forum.

It's hard to say anything about your salary as you've not said how much they are offering, or if you qualify as an excepted worker and qualify for the 30% tax free bonus - hint (ask).

Haarlem is close to Amsterdam, so will be more expensive in comparison to Leiden. Can't recommend either as I've never lived in the west. Use Google to see rental prices for both areas.

Jobs - assuming you're asking on behalf of your husband; it will be hard to get a job if he doesn't speak Dutch, but maybe he'll be lucky (is there anything going in your company that doesn't need Dutch?).

Make sure you understand the Dutch tax system; they have 2 types of income related tax, income and social; in general, taxes in Holland are high.

Be aware that as a US citizen, you will still need to make an annual declaration to the IRS and your local state (IL); you shouldn't have to pay them anything as there is a double-taxation agreement between NL and US, it's more a nuisance than anything else.

If you have some specific questions, please come back.

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