Life in the Netherlands for Indians is colourful and full of joy. However, like every expat, Indians in the Netherlands have some stressful times and headaches when settling down in another country. Read our ultimate guide to Indians in the Netherlands, and enjoy your days there!
Immigration to the Netherlands from India
Most Indians must obtain a visa before moving to the Netherlands from India. The visa type will depend on your purpose of stay and family situation. The most common visas for Indians in the Netherlands are:
- Student visa;
- Work visa (if you want to get an IT job in Europe, read our article);
- Family reunion;
You can check whether you need a visa on the official website of the Dutch Government.
This is a complicated process, but if you’re patient and attentive, you’ll successfully complete all the documentation.
Living costs for Indians in the Netherlands
One of the main concerns is the cost of living in the Netherlands for an Indian family or a single person. Let’s briefly compare prices in Delhi and Amsterdam.
- In the Netherlands, the average living cost for Indians is 214.9% higher than in Delhi.
- What about rent? Be ready to spend 645.4% more than in India. The cost of living in the Netherlands for an Indian family may sometimes be a total surprise, not a pleasant one.
- If you can live comfortably in Delhi earning 150,000.0₹, you’ll need an income of approximately 598,938.9₹ (6,578.3€) when you move.
All the numbers were taken from Numbeo.com and may change after the article is published.
As we can see, the price difference is so crazy that saving money and learning some budgeting tips before changing your location is a must. Always remember that when you move to the Netherlands from India, you’ll have a lot of first-come expenditures, such as buying bed sheets, household goods, and more.
After arriving, support your family in India with beneficial and secure Profee transfers.
Student life
Is the Netherlands good for Indian students? Absolutely yes!
Top universities
Getting a degree from Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), University of Amsterdam (UvA), Erasmus University Rotterdam, or Leiden University will be a good starting point in your career.
English-friendly
Many programmes are taught in English, and you can easily survive in the country without knowing the local language. However, if you want to stay in the country of tulips and kings, learning Dutch will help a lot.
Scholarships
Immigration to the Netherlands from India is less challenging when you’re a student who was granted a scholarship. Search for the Holland Scholarship (€5,000 for non-EU students), Orange Tulip Scholarship (for Indian students, covers partial or complete tuition) and Erasmus Mundus Scholarships and check if you’re eligible.
So, if your parents ask you, “Is the Netherlands good for Indian students?” You can confidently answer, “Yes!”
Indian community
Finding other expats will brighten the life of any Indian in the Netherlands. Workers, students, and families — Indians in the Netherlands gather to preserve their culture and enjoy the time spent together. Check these organisations:
- Federation of Indian Associations Netherlands (FIAN);
- Indian Student Associations (ISA);
- Netherlands Indian Association (NIA);
- Dharohar Indian Student Association.
They often organise events during Diwali and Holi, as well as other festivals and celebrations. Some of them are free, so you’ll have fun without spending a penny! Take this opportunity to make yourself at home and meet new people. Other expats will understand your challenges of immigration to the Netherlands from India and may give you some good advice.
Indian food
We can’t imagine a life in the Netherlands for Indians without their traditional food. Luckily, in the Netherlands, you’ll find Indian restaurants and grocery stores all over the country.
Eating out:
- Amsterdam: Ashoka, The Madrash Diaries
- Rotterdam: 91Spices, What’s Up India
- Eindhoven: Lekker India, Atithi
Buying Indian groceries:
- Amsterdam: Little India, De Indian Mart
- Rotterdam: Indian Masala, Dookan
- Eindhoven: Sivamani, Dbanyan
Explore Google Maps and ask Indians in the Netherlands for their recommendations, you’ll find the taste of India in your new home.
Conclusion
This article discussed the living costs for Indians in the Netherlands, explored the local community, and shared some recommendations for food spots. When you move to the Netherlands from India, connect with the locals. To keep the bonds with the people back home, send them money with fast and secure Profee transfers.
