As economies become increasingly digital, the way business is done transforms accordingly. The fact that many jobs can be carried out from anywhere, needing only a computer, turns changing a country or working in another country into a feasible choice for highly skilled migrants. This blog will answer the following questions: “Which countries are the most liveable for highly skilled migrants?” “Which countries do highly skilled migrants (HSMs) prefer?”.
As Unusual Payroll, which provides employer services and payroll solutions in the Netherlands, in this blog, we will investigate why the Netherlands is one of the best countries for highly skilled migrants and list the advantages the country offers. If you're ready, let's start!
Why is it beneficial to be an expat in the Netherlands?
To understand why expats prefer certain locations, looking at that country's living conditions first is necessary. The Netherlands, one of the most multicultural and peaceful countries in northwestern Europe, is ranked as the country with the second highest quality of life in the world, with a quality of life index score of just over 200 in the first half of 2023, according to Numbeo, a comprehensive online database. The Netherlands ranks fifth in access to health services, sixth in the purchasing power index and ninth in the pollution index. It hosts Europe's most desirable locations for both working and living, with cities such as Amsterdam, Utrecht and Eindhoven. The Netherlands, which has 23 cities in StartupBlink's list of 1,000 cities for startup ecosystem development, stands out in the top 10 in the global startup countries list with its competitive economy. This makes the Netherlands one of the desired countries for the new generation of employees.
Of course, the advantages that make the Netherlands one of the best options for highly skilled migrants are not limited to these. The Netherlands has a Highly Skilled Migrant Program for the participation of talented professionals who will add value to the Dutch economy and the country's workforce and constantly encourage the relocation of foreign talent.
Competitive salaries
The entrepreneurial spirit prevailing in the Netherlands, the fifth most competitive economy in the world according to the Global Competitiveness Index, encourages companies in the country to be competitive in salaries to reach better talent. In the ranking made by Nomad Capitalist, the Netherlands, which managed to be on the 2023 list of the highest-paid countries with an average annual salary of nearly € 61,000, is turning into an attractive country for highly skilled migrants who want to be rewarded for their work and responsibilities with advantages such as government incentives.
Dutch tax benefits for HSMs
The Dutch government also offers various tax incentives for highly skilled migrants according to Dutch tax laws and through the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND). The 30% Ruling, the details of which we mentioned in a previous blog, is among the most important tax incentives in the Netherlands. The 30% Ruling stipulates that highly skilled migrants are only subject to income tax on 70% of their five-year gross salary. It stands out among the favourable tax practices that significantly increase the welfare level of professionals working to establish a new life in a new country.
Suitable for families
The Netherlands' policies regarding highly skilled migrants take into account not only employees but also the families, spouses and dependents of these employees. This turns the Netherlands into a suitable country for families to relocate to. Those who meet specific criteria and work in the Netherlands for a period of time and bring their families along can obtain Dutch citizenship due to the processes carried out by IND. Additionally, according to Expat Insider research, 84% of highly skilled migrants who relocate to the Netherlands to work say that Dutch relocation services and Dutch work visa opportunities are easily accessible.
High quality of life
Of course, it is not for nothing that when we think of the Netherlands, everyone thinks of peaceful streets connected by canals, old but strong buildings built in horizontal architecture inspired by the Renaissance and Baroque, and breathtaking natural beauties. According to the 2023 results of the Global Peace Index, the Netherlands maintains its place among the most peaceful countries in the world. According to Expat Insider research, the Netherlands, which is among the best countries to work in, offers remarkable advantages for establishing a work-life balance with its social facilities, the opportunity to reach other historical cities and countries of Europe within a few hours' train ride, and its lively touristic environment.
English-speaking and multicultural society, expat communities and more
The fact that it is one of the most preferred countries by expats makes the Netherlands one of the centres of expat communities. Even though their native language is Dutch, the people with a high command of English also reassure professionals who are concerned about the language when considering moving to the Netherlands. The Netherlands, which hosts a touristic capital such as Amsterdam, creates a very adaptable environment for those who move to the country to work, with its multicultural community and approach that embraces different cultures.
The country of the happiest children in the world: Netherlands!
For people who have reached a certain point in their careers, started a family, and have children, their families are among the primary factors influencing their decisions to become expats and work abroad as highly skilled migrants. The Netherlands offers advantages to highly skilled migrants in this respect. According to UNICEF's Worlds of Influence Understanding What Shapes Child Well-being in Rich Countries report, the Netherlands is a leading country regarding children's well-being, academic and social skills and physical health. In other words, the happiest children in the world are growing up in the Netherlands. For parents who want to provide a good future for their children and family, this desire is an important motivation for moving to the Netherlands as a highly skilled migrant. We wouldn't be wrong if we say that many young parents choose the Netherlands because it offers highly skilled migrants the opportunity to relocate with their families.
Transfer highly skilled migrants to Unusual Payroll
The advantages of the Netherlands for expats are countless. That's exactly why we, as Unusual Payroll, offer Payroll and Employer Services in the Netherlands, to ensure that businesses in the Netherlands can easily benefit from global talent pools, the 30% Ruling, and provide qualified talent to the Dutch workforce. We reduce the burden of paperwork with our payroll solutions, which include registration with the tax authorities, the Social Security Bank (SVB) and the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV), as well as services such as obtaining a civil service number (BSN) and applying for the 30% Ruling, which is a tax exemption for highly skilled migrants. We can be your trusted service provider in the Netherlands. Contact us today to discover what we can do for you.
