Living and working in the Netherlands: Your move made easy with KOCH Moving Logistics

The Netherlands fascinate with an impressive blend of cosmopolitan liberalism, maritime way of life and high quality of life. For many emigrants, moving to the Netherlands becomes an exciting career step – and KOCH Moving Logistics stands by your side as a reliable partner. Discover what makes living and working in the Netherlands so special.

The Netherlands rank among the most stable and innovative economies in Europe. The country offers German skilled professionals attractive career opportunities, competitive salaries and an exceptional quality of life. No wonder the Netherlands are one of the most popular emigration destinations for Germans. Thanks to EU freedom of movement, access to the labour market for Germans is completely straightforward. Economically, the Netherlands continue to be one of Europe's strong economies. The economy relies heavily on foreign trade and investments from abroad, which contribute significantly to GDP.

The Dutch labour market is known for its flexibility and high dynamism. The unemployment rate is expected to be around 4.2 percent in 2026. The skills shortage remains noticeable in many sectors – especially in healthcare, the skilled trades, IT and education. The high acceptance of digitalisation and part‑time work makes Dutch work culture particularly attractive for international skilled professionals. In fact, the Netherlands are considered the part‑time capital of Europe – over half of all employees work part‑time, which makes the work culture particularly flexible and family‑friendly.

Dutch labour law differs from German law in several key points and offers a high degree of flexibility while maintaining strong employee protection.

Statutory holiday entitlement is generally at least 4 weeks per year (20 days based on a five‑day week), with many employers granting additional leave days. The average weekly working hours are around 36–40 hours. There is generally no statutory entitlement to overtime pay in the Netherlands – however, collective bargaining agreements often contain corresponding provisions.

The Netherlands are a country of great cultural diversity. From the world‑famous canals of Amsterdam, to the modern architecture of Rotterdam, to the historic cities of Delft and Leiden – you will encounter unique traditions and ways of life everywhere. Well‑known cultural highlights include King's Day (Koningsdag) on 27 April, when the whole country celebrates in orange, the countless cycling festivals , and the famous tulip fields in Keukenhof. At the same time, the Netherlands are a haven of art and culture with world‑renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and and the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam, and the Groninger Museum.

The Dutch language is not only rich in idioms and dialects, but also the foundation of an open, direct and pragmatic communication style. Foreigners who are enthusiastic about Dutch culture will quickly realise that the Dutch are generally very hospitable and helpful.

The Netherlands offer a high quality of life, characterised by safety, cleanliness and an effective public transport system. The crime rate is low, and cities are known for their well‑kept streets and parks.

Monthly living expenses for a single person in the Netherlands (excluding rent) amount to approximately €1,000 to €1,500, and for a family of four approximately €2,500 to €3,500 (excluding rent).

Dutch work culture places great value on direct communication, flat hierarchies and a healthy work‑life balance. Punctuality is appreciated – if you are late, you should offer a brief apology. Unlike in many other countries, communication is very direct and factual: the Dutch generally say what they mean clearly, without much embellishment. This is not to be understood as rudeness, but as an expression of honesty and efficiency.

The Dutch transport system is considered one of the best in Europe. The dense network of trains, buses, trams and ferries is excellently developed and punctual. A special feature is the bicycle – with over 35,000 km of cycle paths, the country is a paradise for cyclists. Many residents use the bicycle for their daily commute, which relieves congestion in cities and protects the environment. Those who prefer to travel by public transport use the OV-chipkaart – an electronic chip card that is valid in buses, trains and trams throughout the country.

KOCH Moving Logistics supports you with your move to the Netherlands with comprehensive services tailored to your needs. From planning to execution, our team ensures that your move runs smoothly, so you can focus on what matters most: your new life and work in the Netherlands.

• Personal advice: Individual solutions for your move.
• Logistics expertise: Efficient planning and implementation.
• Local network: Support with integration in the Netherlands.

KOCH Moving Logistics not only offers standardised moving services but also places special emphasis on personal advice and tailor‑made solutions. Our experts are on hand at every stage of the moving process to ensure that all your needs are met. We help you to quickly find your feet in your new surroundings and offer support with administrative matters, such as registration with the municipality (obtaining your BSN) and opening a bank account.

Experience the smooth transition to your new adventure with the comprehensive service of KOCH Moving Logistics. Whether it's packing your belongings or organising your new home, we are here for you. Contact us and start your move to the Netherlands today!