Thousands of Nigerians love living in the Netherlands. But what are the reasons? In this article, we’ll cover the pros and cons of living in the Netherlands that every Nigerian should know.
Pros of moving to the Netherlands
Location
Living in the Netherlands as a foreigner opens the doors to travelling and exploring. The country is small, yet there is much to see within it. Take a look:
- Canals and architecture in Amsterdam;
- Keukenhof's floral shows and festivals;
- Zaanse schans, the village of windmills;
- Tulip fields in Alkmaar;
- Edam, a cheese city.
And it’s only a short part of the list. Life in the Netherlands can be filled with new experiences, so buy the tickets and expand your horizons.
Moreover, after moving to the Netherlands and getting the local ID, you’ll be able to visit cities all over the European Union. The closest destinations include:
- Germany;
- Belgium;
- France;
- Luxembourg.
If you are ready for a 5-10 hour ride, you can buy cheap bus tickets and enjoy the road. Of course, there are numerous flights as well.
Safety
Living in the Netherlands as a foreigner feels safe. The country was ranked 18th in the Global Peace Index and is considered a place with a low crime rate. However, petty crimes still happen. It's advised to take care of your belongings and be cautious of thieves acting as plain-clothed police officers who ask to check your money or credit cards.
Overall, you shouldn't be in trouble, but if something happens you can contact the Nigerian embassy in the Netherlands for legal assistance. The official website of the Nigerian embassy in the Netherlands is nigerianembassythehague.nl.
Simple lifestyle
If you’re living in the Netherlands, there will be no social pressure to show off. The Dutch prefer simplicity and comfort. They respect you for your deeds, not the brands that you’re wearing. Plus, practicality here comes first. For example, the locals prefer functionality over extravagance when building their houses.
Life in the Netherlands is not about proving that you’re richer, it’s about caring about everyone’s needs and sharing support.
Convenient transportation
The transportation system in the country is well-organised. Especially for cycling. After moving to the Netherlands, picking up a new habit of getting everywhere by bicycle will be easy. Special roads are everywhere, and most locals hop on bikes instead of cars. And we think that’s amazing:
- Riding a bicycle is good for your health and physical condition.
- It saves the environment from toxic petrol.
- It's fun, and you can imagine yourself as the main character of an old movie.
There are also comfortable trams, buses, trains, and metro lines in Amsterdam and Rotterdam. To have better navigation, you can use one of these apps and websites:
- 9292, to plan your journey.
- NS, to buy train tickets online.
- Ov-chipkaart.nl. To buy OV-chipkaart for public transportation.
English-friendly
Of course, knowing the local language will make your life in the Netherlands much easier. However, most people there can communicate in English. Companies also try to offer their services and provide job positions in English for foreigners.
May be interesting: How to renew your Nigerian passport in Europe.
Family-friendly
Living in the Netherlands with kids will be pleasant because the country was ranked first in child well-being. The public school system is great, there are many playgrounds in cities, and children have free access to museums and libraries. If you want your child to be active, the Netherlands offers sports clubs and sections with nice infrastructure.
There is also a child benefit, financial support from the government paid quarterly. The amount of the benefit depends on the child’s age:
| Age | Child benefit, EUR |
|---|---|
| 0–5 | 286.45 |
| 6–11 | 347.83 |
| 12–17 | 409.21 |
To make kids feel more at home, connect with the Nigerian community in the Netherlands and meet with other families to spend some time together.
Great opportunities for sending money back home
Once you settle down, you may need to support your family back home or send funds for investment without getting scammed. To do so, the online service Profee is available for expats in the Netherlands. It offers a 0% fee and a promo rate for the first transfer. After that, you can enjoy unmatched rates and send love to Nigeria in minutes. Learn more about sending money from the Netherlands to Nigeria here.
Welcoming culture
The Nigerian community in the Netherlands is treated well and equally. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet with the locals, make new friends and have an energetic social life.
This means that while living in the Netherlands, you should be respectful of other cultures and traditions, too. Broaden your horizons and enjoy the stories of people with different backgrounds.
Of course, the country cannot be perfect. So, as part of our overview of the pros and cons of living in the Netherlands, let's check some disadvantages next.
Cons of moving to the Netherlands
Tax rates
Taxes are incredibly high in the Netherlands. Income tax rates in 2025 are as follows:
| Income, EUR | Rate, % |
|---|---|
| Up to 38,441 | 35.82 |
| 38,441–76,817 | 37.48 |
| Above 76,817 | 49.50 |
So, some people in the Netherlands give half of their earnings to the government. Of course, there are options to reduce the tax or obtain some social benefits. For example, you can apply for the 30% ruling as an expat.
Taxes are essential to consider among the pros and cons of living in the Netherlands.
Expensive healthcare
Even if the quality of Dutch healthcare is considered good, the prices are not a gift, for sure. Having health insurance is a legal requirement for living in the Netherlands, so you should include it in your budgeting plan. Average price for a premium is 158.72 EUR per month.
Housing market
Finding a flat for an adequate price is getting harder and harder. Living in the Netherlands as a foreigner means that you will likely rent an apartment. To do so, you have to start searching for the available options in advance, especially if you’re a student. Currently, the average cost of renting a 1-bedroom apartment in the centre of Amsterdam is 2,038.57 EUR per month.
If you are relocating alone, get in touch with the Nigerian community in the Netherlands. Maybe, someone needs a roommate and you’ll be able to split the financial burden.
Cost of living
Not only renting, but life in the Netherlands is expensive as a whole. On average, you’ll need 1,112.8 EUR per month, excluding rent, to have a normal life. To save some funds, you can adjust your eating habits and take advantage of free entertainment like festivals and open talks. Key expenses to consider:
- Groceries and dining. To cut down on food expenses, shop at local markets and discount supermarkets like Lidl and Aldi. Eating out is expensive, as one restaurant meal will cost 10 to 30 EUR.
- Transportation. Public transport is pricey. A monthly pass costs around 91 EUR. This is one more reason to buy a bicycle, as it's more cost-effective.
- Sports and leisure. Gym fans will have to pay around 50 EUR for a monthly fee. But remember that exercise is always an option at home or in the nearest park. As for the fun pastime, one cinema ticket will cost around 14.50 EUR.
Conclusion
In this article, we covered the pros and cons of living in the Netherlands. It’s a welcoming, safe country with lots of opportunities. However, you need some savings to survive because of the local prices. If you face any legal issues, you can visit the Nigerian embassy in the Netherlands.
After moving to the Netherlands, remember to support your loved ones back home with fast and secure Profee transfers.
