Apples and eggs – as easy as pie – is one Dutch saying. Understanding the language, the rules and the mindset are key for a straightforward move to the Netherlands, according to ‘experts in expats’ at ABN AMRO.

You want to be ‘a happy egg’ when you move your nest to the Netherlands – and this is one of the common Dutch phrases that may puzzle you when you start to learn the language.

Moving country is not a matter of just registering yourself at the local council, getting a bank account, rental agreement or even a mortgage.

Dutch bank ABN Amro, which has decades of experience in helping expats settle in, has a wealth of pages in English explaining everything from how to orient yourself in the Netherlands and set up your finances, to understanding the basics of Dutch culture.

One of the new additions to its website – ‘specially for expats’ – is a fun video feature and quiz on some curious Dutch phrases. What does ‘He’s a raisin’ mean, for example? Find out for yourself and do the quiz.

Practicalities

On a practical note, there’s lots to think about when you are moving country and the bank suggests that you draw up a checklist.

You’ll need to register with your town council on arrival, preferably from your new permanent address.

You’ll need to sort out essential insurances, including your health insurance. This covers you for all of the basics such as doctors’ visits and hospital, as well as things like physiotherapy and dental treatment. There are different policy levels and costs, and different providers.

It’s also wise to take out personal liability insurance, which covers you for accidents on your bicycle, for instance. Beware otherwise: people do take legal action in the Netherlands for small claims.

Think about what you need to do to drive in the country, and whether it’s wise to apply for a Dutch driving licence.

Housing

Of course you need to think about where to live, and whether you are going to rent or start looking to buy.

There’s a huge housing shortage in the Netherlands at the moment, which means that rents tend to be high. But there is also huge competition for houses for sale, and record recent rises.

On the other hand, mortgage rates are also at extremely low levels, you can borrow up to 106% of the value of a house (if you are investing in a sustainable rebuild), and there are tax incentives that mean you can offset some of the interest from a mortgage loan against your income. This might mean that buying works out cheaper for you quite quickly.

A bank such as ABN Amro can offer a free orientation meeting to explain the process and look at what you could borrow based on your salary – something that is significantly easier if you have a permanent job.

Finances

A Dutch bank account will make your life simpler too (especially as some popular supermarkets don’t accept credit cards). While there are online-only banks, you might welcome a traditional banking provider such as ABN Amro,  with a physical team and specialist desks used to dealing with expats in the main Dutch cities. This bank offers support in 15 languages (including of course English), which is handy when you are confused by more unpleasant Dutch words like boete – or ‘fine’.

Think about taking tax advice early to avoid issues such as double tax on liabilities linked to your home country, to understand what your obligations and advantages in the Netherlands will be, and avoid making mistakes with the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration.

This is especially important if you have, in advance of your move, been granted a benefit such as the 30% ruling for specialist jobs and studies. This gives a tax deduction and could also mean that some of your assets are exempt from Dutch wealth tax.

Culture

There are all kinds of tips and tricks which you’ll eventually learn after years of happy life in the Netherlands – such as always making an appointment rather than turning up at someone’s house, getting used to milk for lunch, cycling everywhere, rain or shine, and splitting the bill to the last cent (because possibly due to the generous childhood consumption of krentenbollen currant buns, everyone here has a bit of the krent in them).

It’s an adventure moving to a new country, and your basic ‘norms’ and customs may always be different from some Dutch ones. But with the right preparation, good humour and a positive mindset, you can bank on it being a good move.

To download ABN AMRO’s checklist for expats, click here.