Your move to the Netherlands, planned around you
Moving to the Netherlands means arriving in one of Europe's most organised, densely connected and internationally minded countries. The Netherlands rewards careful planning. From the canal-lined townhouses of Amsterdam and the international corridors of The Hague to the port energy of Rotterdam and the university calm of Utrecht, each region carries its own housing market, registration rhythm and settling-in pace. A move here is rarely just logistics; it is timing, documentation and local knowledge working together.
Founded in Antwerp in 1930, Gosselin Moving has spent 93+ years guiding expats, diplomats, families and military personnel into new homes across Europe, and the Netherlands sits at the heart of that experience. Our teams handle the practical detail so you can focus on the fresh start ahead.
Our office in Holland is FIDI certified, which means we move you internationally according to the highest quality standards.
Before the move: a few things to keep in mind
Your entry route depends on your nationality. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens enjoy free movement and can settle in the Netherlands without a visa, while non-EU nationals typically need a residence permit often arranged through an employer as a highly skilled migrant, or via family reunification and study routes.
Registration is central to Dutch life. Within a set period of arrival, you must register at your local municipality (gemeente) to receive a BSN (citizen service number), which unlocks banking, healthcare and employment.
Rules change, so always confirm current requirements on the official Dutch government website (government.nl) and the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) before you travel.
The Dutch rental market moves quickly, especially in Amsterdam, The Hague, Utrecht and Rotterdam. Many arrivals secure temporary accommodation first, then search for a longer-term rental or purchase once registered locally.
Opening a Dutch bank account usually requires your BSN and proof of address, so sequence your registration early. Many landlords and utilities expect a local IBAN for direct debits.
For up-to-date guidance on taxes, the 30% ruling for eligible expats and housing regulations, consult the official government portal rather than informal sources because the details shift regularly.
The Netherlands operates a mandatory private health insurance system. Once you register and begin working or living in the country, you are generally required to take out Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering) within a set window.
You will also register with a local general practitioner (huisarts), who acts as your first point of contact and gateway to specialist care.
Because eligibility, subsidies (zorgtoeslag) and deadlines depend on your status, verify your obligations on the official government website and with an insurer before arrival.
The Netherlands offers a strong mix of public Dutch-language schools, bilingual schools and a well-established network of international schools. Many are concentrated around The Hague, Amsterdam and Eindhoven for globally mobile families.
International schools can have waiting lists, so families relocating with children benefit from applying as early as possible, often before the move is finalised.
Curriculum options range from IB to British and other national systems. Check current admissions, catchment and subsidised-place rules directly with each school and via official education resources.
The Dutch job market is robust and internationally oriented, with strong demand in technology, logistics, engineering, life sciences and finance. English is widely used in many professional and multinational settings.
Non-EU professionals usually enter via the highly skilled migrant route, sponsored by a recognised employer, which streamlines both the work and residence process.
Employment conditions, tax treatment and the expat-friendly 30% ruling are governed by official regulation. Confirm the latest position on government.nl and with your employer's HR or a relocation advisor.
Moving to the Netherlands with Gosselin
Transport options for your move to Netherlands
Because the Netherlands is reachable overland from across Europe, most moves from EU/EEA and neighbouring countries travel by road. For a full household, a dedicated van gives you a direct, door-to-door service on your own timeline. For smaller volumes, a shared or part-load service (Groupage) lets you share truck space with other shipments heading the same way, a cost-effective option when you're not filling a full vehicle.
For intercontinental moves into the Netherlands, sea freight into Rotterdam and air cargo for essentials come into play. Your coordinator will advise on the realistic mode for your origin.
Whatever the route, one of Gosselin's move coordinators builds the itinerary around your volume, timing and budget.
Professional packing
Professional packing is what protects your belongings across every kilometre of a road move to the Netherlands. Whether your shipment travels by dedicated van or shared part-load, careful packing prevents the shifts and impacts that occur when trucks load, unload and change hands along the route. Professional packing does more than protect; it creates the accurate inventory that keeps customs, insurance and delivery running smoothly. We also offer eco-friendly packing materials as standard, and can supply everything from a full pack to a fragile-only service depending on your needs and budget.
Gosselin's trained packing teams handle the full spectrum of household contents, including:
WHY GOSSELIN?
Top-tier international moving services
We hold FIDI-FAIM certification, the international moving industry's gold standard that fewer than 10% of movers worldwide qualify for, alongside ISO 9001 quality management and membership of the IAM (International Association of Movers) global network.
With 48 offices across 32 countries and an established partner network serving the Netherlands, we combine global reach with genuine local knowledge on the ground. Our crews work the European road corridors into the Netherlands regularly, which means fewer surprises and tighter coordination.
What marks out a reliable international mover:
G.U.E.S.T.
Plan Your Move to Netherlands Today
Getting a quote for your move to the Netherlands has never been simpler. With our G.U.E.S.T. remote survey technology, you can book a digital pre-move survey and walk our surveyor through your home using your smartphone camera. No in-person visit required, no schedules to juggle.
From that virtual walkthrough, our team records your household goods accurately and returns a fast, personalised quote built around your real inventory. It is faster, more flexible and every bit as precise as a traditional survey.
Ready to start?
Customs clearance
Our team guides you step-by-step through all the requirements
Moving Insurance
By taking out an All-Risk insurance, you are protected from the risks of loss or damage of your goods
Professional packing
We provide full service packing and moving services for local, long-distance, and international relocations
Handyman services
Handyman support can be arranged before packing, on moving day or after delivery in your new home
Overseas or long distance shipping
There are multiple ways to transport your goods internationally: sea, air, truck, or even rail
International car shipping
Cars can be shipped overseas in a container or by roll on / roll off shipping
Art transport services
Gosselin provides high-quality art transportation for museums, galleries, institutions, collectors, and traveling exhibitions
Storage services
A safe, flexible solution for your belongings when your moving timeline doesn’t go exactly as planned
Custom crates
These crates provide optimal security for fine art, antiques, oversized furniture, motorcycles and other valuable or fragile items
Guided Survey
A guided survey led by relocation professionals to understand your household, destination and timing so your move is planned correctly from day one.
With Gosselin, your move includes:
- Eco-Friendly packing materials
- Storage service
- Flexibility
- Transport insurance coverage
Client experience: relocating to the Netherlands with Gosselin
We had a very positive experience throughout our entire move. The four-person moving team was incredibly helpful, kind, and efficient, handling everything with great care and professionalism. They relieved us of much of the stress associated with moving and found a solution to every challenge, all while maintaining a positive and friendly atmosphere. Everything was handled without damage or complaints.
We were equally impressed with the coordination and support we received throughout the process. Shana was particularly helpful and supportive, ensuring everything was well organized and communicated clearly.
From the initial intake and coordination through to the move itself, we were extremely satisfied with the service and professionalism of the entire team.
Your FAQs answered
Get Your Free Moving Quote Today
Start your journey by getting a free, no-obligation quote for your move. Our team is ready to assist you with every step, ensuring a smooth transition to your new life in The Netherlands. Fill out the form below and start planning your move to Holland today.