The path to a fresh start in the Netherlands.
Amsterdam's canal houses, Rotterdam's modern skyline, The Hague's diplomatic streets β delivered door-to-door in 6-8 days, by the curated hands of MovanaRelo verified movers. 2026 starting price β¬2,700.
The Netherlands: Europe's most expat-friendly gateway.
Since the 1964 labour migration treaty between Turkey and the Netherlands, the country has welcomed over 500,000 Turkish citizens β making it one of Europe's most established expat destinations. According to the InterNations 2024 report, the Netherlands ranks among the top 5 European countries for foreign professionals. English fluency is the highest in continental Europe at 93%.
The TurkeyβNetherlands corridor operates via road. Trucks follow the Bulgaria-Serbia-Hungary-Austria-Germany route and enter the Netherlands from the south. Thanks to the EU Customs Union, there are no border delays β your goods arrive at your Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or The Hague address within 6-8 days. Only document required: a T1 transit declaration.
2026 prices: a 2-bedroom apartment (28 mΒ³) ranges β¬2,700-β¬3,100, a 3-bedroom home from β¬3,650, a 4-bedroom villa from β¬4,590. The Netherlands is slightly more expensive than Germany due to longer distance (Germany transit instead of just Austria). Dutch canal houses with narrow staircases may require specialized exterior lifts, adding β¬150-β¬300 on average.
A country below sea level, with a high quality of life.
Practical truths about life in the Netherlands before you move β bureaucracy, climate, taxes, housing. The most-asked topics from our customers:
Population & geography
17.9 million people make this the EU's most densely populated country (525 people per kmΒ²). 26% of the territory lies below sea level β water management is a national art form. Amsterdam is the official capital; The Hague is the seat of government.
Economy & employment
Europe's 5th largest economy and 4th wealthiest by GDP per capita. Average gross monthly salary: β¬4,200. Major HQs: Shell, Philips, Heineken, ASML, ING. World's 2nd largest agricultural exporter after the US.
30% Ruling tax benefit
Foreign skilled workers receive a tax exemption on 30% of their salary for 5 years. Applied for by your employer with the Belastingdienst. This is one of Europe's most generous expat tax regimes.
Housing market
Amsterdam 2-bed rent β¬1,800-β¬2,400, Rotterdam β¬1,300-β¬1,700, Utrecht β¬1,500-β¬1,900. There's a housing crisis β long waiting lists. Social housing waitlists are 8-10 years; most expats use the private market.
BSN & bureaucracy
Your first task in the Netherlands is municipal Inschrijving (registration). You receive a BSN number the same day β without it, no bank account, health insurance, or employment contract. Faster than most EU countries.
Turkish community
Over 500,000 people of Turkish descent live here. Neighborhoods like Amsterdam's Bos en Lommer, Rotterdam's Feijenoord, The Hague's Schilderswijk have Turkish markets, associations, mosques, and schools. Established networks of jewelers, butchers, hairdressers.
Climate & cycling culture
Mild oceanic climate, frequent rain year-round. Summer 18-22Β°C, winter -1 to +5Β°C. 38,000 km of dedicated cycling paths nationwide β a common question is whether to bring your own bike or buy locally.
Healthcare system
Mandatory health insurance (Zorgverzekering) costs β¬140-β¬160 per month, paid individually (not by employer). Children under 18 free. Family doctor (huisarts) is your gateway β you must see them first to access specialists.
Cost of living comparison
Living costs are 80-100% higher than Istanbul, but salaries are 5-7x higher. Rent is the largest expense. Supermarkets like Albert Heijn, Jumbo are similar to Western European prices; outdoor markets and Turkish stores offer better value.
Every corner of the Netherlands.
Average 2026 prices for a 2-bedroom apartment (28 mΒ³) departing from Istanbul. The Netherlands is small, so prices stay close across cities.
Netherlands in four steps.
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Your goods in Netherlands
Professional crew packs and loads your items onto the truck. In 6-8 days, delivered to your new Dutch address.
Direct EU passage.
Turkey has been a member of the EU Customs Union since 1995. As a result, your personal household goods enter the Netherlands duty-free. The only required document is a T1 transit declaration β handled by your moving company, not you.
Important note for Netherlands: Items 2+ years old in your possession pass freely. New electronics under 2 years without original purchase proof, jewelry, antiques may need separate declaration. Bringing a bicycle is simple β passes without issue.
Shipping a vehicle requires a separate process: in the Netherlands you pay BPM (motor vehicle tax), and the car must pass an RDW inspection. Average cost ranges β¬500-β¬2,500 (depending on car value). For this reason, most Turkish migrants sell their car back home and buy new in the Netherlands.
β Customs exemption active β T1 sufficient β BSN laterQuestions about Netherlands.
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