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Hilltop · Beginner Joined: 14 Oct 2004 Posts: 62 Topics: 21

Hello Guys,

My manager is asking me to go to Netherlands for long term any where from 2 to 5 years. I don't have any clue about the place. Sole intention of this posting is to get assistance from you guys. I understand this is not the right forum but please direct me the right one.

The basic question are

1. what would be the best salary package for a family of 2 small kids ( 2 and 1 yr old)
2. Medical insurance
3. Rent
4. Commuting
And any questions which you guys have in common?

Please advise.
Thanks

dtf · Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2005 10:19 am Post subject:

I do not know much about the Netherlands, but I did visit there several years ago. I spent time in Amsterdam, and the Hague and found both cities to be vibrant and interesting. As with most of Europe, I would expect that it could be quite expensive to live there.

What city will you be working in? I believe The Hague is the largest business center.
________
Chilean cooking

devjfl1 · Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2005 4:12 pm Post subject:

I worked with a consultant for several years who was from Holland. I believe you will love ti there. It is quite expensive but you should be getting some sort of "package" from your employer?? Most everyone speaks English, their technology is quite advanced, very very civilized country.

You should probably hammer out all of the details of the costs, etc, etc before you accept.

Hilltop · Beginner Joined: 14 Oct 2004 Posts: 62 Topics: 21

Thanks DTF and DEVJFL1 for your inputs. I tried to google to get more information about that place somehow I could not able to get one. Do you guys have any links.

Thanks.

kolusu · Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2005 5:37 am Post subject:

Hilltop · Beginner Joined: 14 Oct 2004 Posts: 62 Topics: 21

Thanks Kolusu, Will check that link.

MikeBaker · Beginner Joined: 04 May 2004 Posts: 96 Topics: 9

This is one of the best places to work in Europe. However it is super important to make sure that you get correct Taxation advice, otherwise you could end up earning far more tax than you should. Preferably use some International Taxation consultants. Foreigners who work in IT (and some other professions) in Holland are entitled to a special deal where you will only pay a maximum tax rate of 35% (as of 2002 - when I was last there) for the first 10 years, and after that your tax shoots up to about 60%. However - be aware that if you do not apply for this special deal, and receive a special certificate entitling you to it, then you miss out. Also you should be paid a monthly housing allowance (tax free), and various other benefits. Also there are tax benefits for sending your kids to an International School, etc. In comparison, for the same $$ rate, you will be able to save much more $$ in Holland than in many of the surrounding countries, more than the UK, Belgium, France, and Ireland (if you worked there for more than 6 months) . As for transport, the country's public transport is great, and perhaps you'll just ride a bicycle instead. GO FOR IT!! It's such a great place, and I'm sure you'll love it there.

Hilltop · Beginner Joined: 14 Oct 2004 Posts: 62 Topics: 21

Hi Mike,

Your info was too great. Helped me a lot to decide better. Regarding tax, If you could assist me more that would be better. How about the whether I heard Summer is only for 3 months and rest is winter Is it so?

Without having a car how you can manage weekly shoppings (groceries). I heard having car in holland is too costly.

Again thanks for noticing my post. Please do reply to this one.

MikeBaker · Beginner Joined: 04 May 2004 Posts: 96 Topics: 9

There are several big International Taxation companies which are used by computer contractors working in Europe. The one that I used was "Computer Giants" (http://www.tswtax.com/HomePage.asp). Although you won't be working as a Contractor, you can still ring them up (and just pretend that you are thinking of contracting in Holland), and ask them for some specifics. Also do a Google on, "netherlands it 35% tax", and you'll see some listings from KPMG, and that the tax break for foreigners is specifically known as the "35 percent ruling". I don't have kids, so there were various benefits which were not available to me. They change their tax laws on a yearly basis, so who knows what's on offer now? Computer Giants will be able to tell you all.

Cannot remember exactly how long Winter was, but it certainly wasn't 9 months. You get 4 seasons. Anyway, Winter is the most beautiful month there (in my opinion). There's nothing quite like walking along the canals (on your way to same cafe) whilst the snow is falling. And if you are lucky, you will get the chance (one year) to walk on top of a frozen canal. I did it one year, and it is so cool. Some locals put chairs on the frozen canal, cut a hole in the ice, and then start fishing, and it looks bloody weird!! You must try what I call "Dutch Sushi", which is raw herring served with diced onion. It is delicious and very addictive, and everyone eats it.

I did not have a car either, and had no problems with groceries. Don't know about the costs of cars... Obviously having kids means you have extra groceries, but I assume your wife can help you. Just live near either a Metro station ("metro" = a cross between a tram and a train) or a bus stop, train station, or a bunch of (local) shops. The public transport is very good. Never had a problem.

And on weekends you can just pop on the Thalys train (http://www.thalys.com/be/en/), and in 3-4 hours you are in central Paris. The price is very reasonable, and there are lots of good, clean, cheap 3 star Parisian hotels.

Hilltop · Beginner Joined: 14 Oct 2004 Posts: 62 Topics: 21

Thanks a lot Mike,

Awesome info.