In recent years, the Netherlands has become a popular destination for South Africans to emigrate to. Renowned internationally for its business hub and vibrant Dutch social life, it has become one of the most favoured destinations for expats looking for a work-life balance in Europe.

If you’re a South African looking to move to the Netherlands, we will cover most of what you need to know in this article, including the different types of Dutch visas, what to expect on arrival, and a list of insightful pros and cons to help make your decision that much easier.

South African Visa Requirements for the Netherlands

South Africans emigrating to the Netherlands are required to apply for a residence permit and a long-stay visa (MVV), otherwise known as a Provisional Residence Permit.

There are two ways that you can apply:

1. In-person, either at the Netherlands embassy based in Pretoria, or the consulate-general, which is based in Cape Town.

2. Through a host in the Netherlands. For example, an employer or educational institution.

If you are moving to the Netherlands to work, your employer is required to submit your application for an MVV to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).

Dutch Start-Up Visa

While the MVV is the most common type of long-term visa, it’s not the only way to gain residence. The Dutch ‘Start-Up’ Visa allows you to reside in the country by registering a new business in the Netherlands. This Visa allows you to stay for up to one year and can be extended per the regulations for self-employed foreign nationals.

Documents Needed to Move to the Netherlands

Depending on your situation you are required to meet different requirements. However, below are some general documents and requirements that you need to have ready regardless. These include your:

• Passport
• Birth Certificate
• Marriage Certificate
• Medical Documentation (including immunisation and dental records)
• University Degree(s) and Qualification(s)
• Police Background Check

Living in the Netherlands

When living in the Netherlands, you can expect some cultural differences, but also some similarities to living in South Africa.

1. The Dutch are friendly and accepting but unlike many South Africans, can be quite direct and to the point.

2. They have simple and tasty cuisine, such as stroopwafels, raw herring and poffertjes.

3. Every year, on the 5th of December, they celebrate Sinterklass, a Dutch version of Santa Claus.

4. On the 27th of April, people dress up in the national colour (orange) and walk through the streets to attend parties and markets to celebrate King’s Day (Koning’s Dag).

5. They love coffee and are the biggest coffee drinkers in the world, averaging 2.414 cups a day.

The Pros and Cons of Moving to the Netherlands

A big part of moving to another country often involves weighing up the pros and cons. Below are several advantages and disadvantages of moving to the Netherlands.

Choose Elliott When Moving to the Netherlands

One of the most difficult parts of an international move can be deciding which moving company to hire. With more than 75 years in the industry, you can count on our highly skilled moving team to ensure your belongings arrive safely in the Netherlands.

Ask one of our highly knowledgeable sales consultants to assist you with your relocation journey by navigating to the contact option at the end of the article.

Sources

The information provided in our blog can be found at the following webpages. Although the information was correct at the time of publishing, please refer to the source articles for up-to-date information. 

https://wise.com/za/blog/moving-to-the-netherlands-from-south-africa

https://sirelo.co.za/moving-abroad/moving-to-the-netherlands

https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/visa-the-netherlands/mvv-long-stay

https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/visa-the-netherlands/mvv-long-stay/apply-south-africa

https://ind.nl/en/provisional-residence-permit-mvv

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poffertjes

https://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/en/individuals/content/coming-to-work-in-the-netherlands-30-percent-facility

https://www.vox.com/2014/6/8/5791688/the-dutch-are-drinking-a-ridiculous-amount-of-coffee