Moving to the Netherlands: What No One Tells You

Summary

Kwame describes his family’s first six months after moving from Ghana to the Netherlands. The move followed months of discussion and research. He wanted a new environment for his filmmaking career, while his partner considered her future in business development. They had previously agreed to spend time living in each other’s home country.

Preparing for the move

Before relocating, the family researched visa and residency options, work permits, childcare, insurance, healthcare, housing, and finances. They moved through the family-reunification route because Kwame’s partner is a Dutch citizen.

Kwame recommends starting with the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) website. An immigration lawyer can help explain the options, though some applicants may be able to manage the process themselves. Even with extensive preparation, he says, expect surprises and allow time to adjust.

Housing and paperwork

New residents need to register with their municipality and obtain a BSN, a personal identification number used for everyday matters such as leases and taxes. However, getting a BSN can be difficult without a permanent address, while finding housing can be challenging without Dutch employment records or other documentation.

Housing providers may ask for detailed information about income, work, and family circumstances. The family’s work history in Ghana was not readily reflected in Dutch systems, and having only a short history of payslips from their new job caused further delays.

Competition for housing is intense: Kwame says applicants may compete with hundreds of others for a home. His family ultimately found housing through a community recommendation rather than the usual application process. He advises newcomers to be realistic, flexible, and patient. A first home may be less than ideal, and although smaller cities may offer cheaper options, finding a place can still be difficult.

Cost of living

Housing was the family’s largest expense. Kwame estimates that a single person might need about €2,500–€3,000 per month to live comfortably, depending on lifestyle. In 2023, he estimated that a one-bedroom apartment in Amsterdam cost €1,500–€1,800 per month.

Childcare was especially expensive. Full-week daycare could cost €2,000 or more per month; the family initially paid about €1,100 per month for two days a week. Government childcare support may be available to eligible taxpayers and workers, but access can depend on having the required registrations and documentation.

Other costs and suggestions include:

• Groceries: Shopping at budget supermarkets can help keep costs down.
• Eating out: A meal in a city centre may cost around €15–€25 per person.
• Bicycles: Buying a bicycle can be worthwhile. Kwame suggests checking Marktplaats for second-hand items.
• Public transport: Costs may be around €100–€120 per person per month, depending on how often someone travels between cities.

Kwame recommends keeping close track of expenses, including utilities, insurance, groceries, transport, rent, and childcare.

Cultural adjustment and integration

Kwame had visited the Netherlands before, but notes that visiting is different from living there. Building a close social circle can take time. Dutch friendships are often longstanding, and language and cultural differences can make it harder for newcomers to connect. Structured routines and busy schedules may also make people less likely to take on new social commitments. Speaking Dutch can make conversations easier, even though many people speak English.

He was surprised by the formal integration program, which is tailored to a person’s education and schedule, spans several years, and includes exams and community participation. Settling in takes time: Kwame was told to expect roughly two years. He says the first year can pass quickly while managing documents, housing, and other essentials.

People, places, and organizations mentioned

• Locations: Ghana, the Netherlands, and Amsterdam
• Organization: Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND)
• Platforms and businesses: Housing corporations and rental websites, Marktplaats, and budget supermarkets including Lidl, Nettorama, and Aldi
• Speaker: Kwame, also rendered as “Kqam” in the subtitles, describing his family’s experience with his partner and their son