In a world full of conflict and chaos, there are countries measured on the happiness index. And the country that almost always makes it among the top 5 happiest countries, in the Netherlands. The Netherlands is a small country, sharing land borders with Germany, and Belgium. People from around the world love to spend any time possible in the Netherlands due to its weather, colorful culture, festivals, architecture, food, social liberties, and much more.
Without further ado, let us explore why the Netherlands is on the wish list of expatriates.
Pension & retirement
The Netherlands is often recognized for having the best pension system in the world. Owing to the diverse sources that pump funding into this system, the pot is always brimmed. The pensioners may be categorized into 3 main types. First, the state pension (AOW) starts from the age of 65 and provides for up to 70% of the minimum wages.
The other source for the Dutch pension system are ones managed by private funds or insurance companies. This pensioning method is attached to some specific industries and companies. And lastly, a pension system designed for self-employed and entrepreneurs; where individuals maintain their pension funds with a specialized pension funds organization.
Social liberty and open-mindedness
Major Dutch cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam have been trading hubs since the 17th Century, hence people from various religions, beliefs, cultures, and regions lived here for a unified purpose, trade. This forced the diverse traders to show tolerance and respect towards each other so that the trade could run smoothly. Over the centuries the tolerance adopted for trade convenience became embedded in Dutch doctrine, and today, the Netherlands is probably among a handful of countries where freedom of expression and action can be enjoyed to its fullest.
Communication
Being able to communicate in a new country is always a serious consideration. Misunderstanding rather than completely not understanding becomes more hazardous often. Although Dutch is the national language of the country, almost all Dutch speak fluent English.
Healthcare system
Netherland’s healthcare system is undoubtedly the best in the world. No country matches the excellence this nation has achieved in the field of medicine, surgery, and healthcare service delivery. The law requires anyone living in the country, regardless of their residency status to have health insurance coverage.
Transportation
Driving around in a car in the Netherlands is like being lost in a chocolate factory and not having candy. Rarely will you want to drive yourself when you can ride or walk to take in the overwhelming beauty of Dutch cities? Especially Amsterdam is a city to be explored inch by inch, on foot, so that you miss nothing at all. In case you do plan to reach somewhere in time, public transport is a better option. As parking spots are hard to find in busy streets, and if you do find one, chances are that it will be charged parking. So, we would suggest that you save yourself the hassle and benefit from the meticulous public busses & trains that zig-zag all across the country.
Landscapes out of a painting
The Netherlands has everything nature has to offer; beaches, dunes, and lots and lots of greenery. The Northern Sea coast, where the beaches are lined up is divided into two parts, Noord Holland, and Zuid Holland. Spending summers at either of the parts is the pass-time of several retirees, looking for a laid-back warm evening.
While the municipality of Zandvoort aan Zee offers an escape to Amsterdamians, Bloemendal aan Zee and the Island of Texel are for the people who enjoy dunes. Moving further inland from the coast, one can witness a dramatic shift in the landscape and biodiversity. Green grass spread in all directions, with occasional meadows, windmills, and flower fields. Not just any flower, but the most colorful tulips! The most popular of them is Keukenhof, the world’s largest flower field, home to roughly 7 million tulips!
If that was not enough, nature blessed the Netherlands with the cleanest water streams and springs. And the Dutch diligently conserved this by building canals and waterways that snake flawlessly amidst the urban Netherlands. In fact, Giethoorn, located on Peat Islands is completely car-free, the only mode of transportation here is the boat. People even have boathouses, to spend vacations on the water.
Visa requirements
The Netherlands is part of the Schengen agreement; hence the EU and US residents don’t require a visa for a stay up to 90 days. For a longer stay, you will require a permit, the requirements of which depend on the purpose.
For those working in the Netherlands, their income is taxable, and a certain portion of these taxes goes to the national pension pot. On the other hand, self-employed are required to calculate their tax and manage their pension funds, either with an insurance company or specialized pension fund managers.
