Indian Professional Shares Seven Compelling Reasons for Choosing the Netherlands for Work
An Indian professional recently took to Instagram to explain his career move. "Coming from India, choosing the Netherlands to work just made sense for me," he wrote. At first glance, his post might seem like a simple personal preference. However, a closer look reveals a detailed map of how policy, labor laws, and public systems shape work decisions long before emotion or ambition enter the picture.
Tax Allowance for Highly Skilled Foreign Workers
The first reason he provides is straightforward. "30% of your salary is non-taxable for the first 5 years," he states. This refers to the Netherlands' 30% facility for highly educated foreign employees. Under this scheme, eligible foreign workers earning more than €46,107 annually can receive a tax-free allowance of up to 30% of their salary for a limited period.
The allowance aims to offset costs associated with working abroad, such as travel, housing, and maintaining ties to another country. Employers administer this benefit through the Dutch Tax Administration.
Since January 2024, the scheme has been modified. It now offers 30% tax-free for the first 20 months, 20% for the next 20 months, and 10% for the final 20 months. Salary caps apply, and parliamentary discussions are ongoing about partially reversing the rollback from 2027.
Even in its reduced form, the policy sends a clear message. The state acknowledges that skilled migrants incur additional costs and builds compensation directly into the tax system. For workers comparing countries, this predictability holds significant value.
Job Security
The second reason focuses on job security. "Strict labour laws + strong employee rights = you feel protected and stable at work," he notes. In the Netherlands, permanent contracts, notice periods, and termination procedures are regulated in detail.
Dismissals involve clear legal thresholds and require proper documentation. For professionals coming from markets where employment often ties to long hours and limited recourse, this difference is structural rather than merely cultural.
Language Access
Language appears next on his list. "Around 98% of people speak English, so as an expat you can settle in without feeling lost," he explains. This point is less about convenience and more about access.
Workplaces, government offices, and healthcare systems function effectively in English alongside Dutch. Integration does not demand immediate linguistic assimilation, which significantly lowers the entry cost of migration.
Work-Life Balance
Then comes the aspect of time. "Work-life balance is actually real. People respect your personal time. Work ends on time," he shares. Dutch labor norms actively limit overtime and normalize part-time work even in professional roles.
The result is not slower career progression but bounded workdays. The working day has clear edges, allowing for personal time and relaxation.
Quality of Life
Quality of life follows closely. "Safe streets, clean cities, peaceful vibe," he describes. These outcomes stem from effective municipal planning, consistent public spending, and reliable enforcement rather than mere lifestyle branding.
They reduce daily friction and stress, which in turn positively shapes how work is experienced and enjoyed.
Public Transport
Mobility is another critical factor. "You don't need a car. Trains, buses and bikes make commuting easy and affordable," he points out. Public transport and cycling infrastructure shorten commutes and lower household expenses.
For a professional, this is equivalent to a pay increase that does not appear on any employment contract but significantly enhances financial well-being.
Administrative Processes with Fixed Timelines
The final point returns to systems and organization. "Everything is organised. From paperwork to basic services," he emphasizes. Residence permits, tax filings, and local registrations operate on fixed timelines.
While delays can occur, expectations are clearly defined, reducing uncertainty and administrative hassle.
What Makes the Choice Feel Logical
Taken together, these seven reasons explain why the move "made sense" for this Indian professional. The choice is less about leaving one country and more about entering a framework where rules are visible, enforced, and predictable.
For many Indian professionals, the comparison is not between cultures but between systems. And systems, once experienced, are hard to unsee. They provide a foundation of stability and clarity that influences career decisions profoundly.
