Moving to Netherlands from Asia: Complete decision guide 2026
Indian, Chinese & Southeast Asian expat reality check
When you're considering moving to the Netherlands from India, Singapore, China, or Southeast Asia, you'll read countless positive stories about Dutch society, work-life balance, and welcoming culture. Many of these stories are true. However, what you won't hear often enough is the complete picture (the specific challenges Asian expats face, the financial reality that may surprise you, and the cultural sacrifices involved in leaving a comfortable life in Asia).
This guide provides the unfiltered, fact-checked truth that Reddit communities discuss honestly. We address racism and discrimination statistics, financial comparisons, family separation concerns, and practical strategies for Asian expats who do choose to move.
Table of contents
💡 Tip: Click any section to jump directly to that content
Part 1: The Asian expat experience in the Netherlands
Discrimination statistics (verified 2024-2025 data)
Critical finding from official Dutch statistics (CBS 2024):
According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), 10.8% of residents experienced discrimination in 2023-2024. However, this varies dramatically by background.
General population
- People born outside Europe: 22.2% experienced discrimination
- Parents born outside Europe: 25.3% experienced discrimination
- Racism (skin color-based): Most common form (4.2% general population)
- Foreigners in public spaces: 18% Netherlands vs 7.7% EU average (Eurostat 2024)
East & Southeast Asian expats (University of Amsterdam 2024)
- Overall: 33% of Dutch people with East/Southeast Asian roots
- Chinese Dutch: 52% (highest among Asian groups)
- Vietnamese, Indonesian, Thai, Malaysian: 30-40%
Where discrimination occurs (most to least common):
- Public spaces (streets, cafés, shops, sports facilities) - 4% reported
- Workplace - 2.8% reported
- Shops - 2.6% reported
- Public transport - 1.7% reported
- Job hunting - 1.5% reported
- Housing search - 1% reported
Types of discrimination Asian expats report:
From verified Reddit threads and research: Verbal abuse ("nihao" shouting directed at Chinese/Southeast Asian people regardless of actual origin), racial slurs and "jokes" about eating dogs or specific cuisines, assumptions about education level or work quality based on appearance, exclusion from social circles at work, difficulty finding housing (listed as "preference for Dutch-speaking only"), microaggressions in professional settings.
Important context: These statistics represent experienced or perceived discrimination. The Dutch government's response (2024): Official recognition that discrimination is a systemic issue requiring societal change, not individual acceptance.
Indian expats: Fastest-growing Asian community
Current population (verified CBS data, January 2024):
- 89,000+ recent migrants from India living in Netherlands
- 56% of Indian migrants who arrived in 2019 are still resident 4 years later (higher retention than other expat groups)
- Migration reasons (2023 data): 45% family, 40% work, 15% study
Geographic concentration (verified CBS 2024):
- Amstelveen: 68 per 1,000 residents = ~6,500 Indian residents (largest community, 12+ Indian restaurants, community centers, hospital with Indian help desk)
- Eindhoven: 35 per 1,000 residents (High-Tech Campus concentration, ASML)
- Amsterdam, The Hague, Utrecht: Secondary communities
Recent trend (important):
According to CBS (June 2025), skilled labour migration to Netherlands dropped more than 25% in 2024, particularly among knowledge migrants from non-EU countries including India. This reflects:
- • Increased housing crisis making recruitment harder
- • Government tightening of visa sponsorship
- • Reduced tech hiring (market normalization after COVID boom)
Part 2: Financial reality (Asia vs. Netherlands 2026)
Before you assume Netherlands is better: The financial shock
Many Asian professionals from India, Singapore, and Southeast Asia make the move assuming they'll have comparable or better financial situations. This assumption often proves wrong. Here's the verified 2026 reality:
Salary comparison: Gross to net (real numbers)
| Metric | Singapore | India (multinational) | Netherlands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross annual | SGD 180,000 (~€121,000) | ₹2,400,000 (~€29,000) | €85,000 |
| Income tax | 8.5% | 30-32% (varies by state) | 37.35% |
| Health insurance | SGD 3,000-4,000/year | ₹40,000-60,000/year | €1,800/year (mandatory) |
| Wealth tax (Box 3) | 0% (capital gains tax-free) | 0% | 36% on investments above €57,000 |
| Net monthly | SGD 12,900 (~€8,700) | ₹140,000-160,000 (~€1,700-1,900) | €5,200-5,500 |
Key insight: An Indian professional earning ₹2.4M (€29k) in India making the move to earn €85k gross sounds like a massive increase. However, the 30% ruling changes this calculation significantly.
The 30% ruling reality (verified 2025-2027 official rules)
What it is: Tax-free allowance for highly skilled migrants = percentage of gross salary exempt from tax
CURRENT STATUS (verified from official Dutch government and Belastingdienst 2025):
For employees hired before January 1, 2024 (transitional arrangement):
- • 30% tax-free for full 5-year period
- • Current salary requirements apply (not increased)
- • No changes unless employment ends and rehired
For employees hired from January 1, 2024 onwards (new rules):
- • First 20 months: 30% tax-free
- • Next 20 months: 20% tax-free
- • Final 20 months: 10% tax-free
- • This creates a declining benefit over the 5-year period
However (important): In January 2025, the Dutch government reversed the step-down and introduced a new, simpler structure:
FROM JANUARY 1, 2025 ONWARDS:
- • Employees hired in 2024 and earlier: Keep 30% ruling as-is until end of their 5-year period
- • Employees hired January 1, 2025 or later: Receive flat 30% for first 5 years
- • From January 1, 2027: New applicants will receive 27% flat rate (not a step-down)
Key change announced for 2027: Reduction from 30% to 27% (verified from Belastingdienst and grant thornton official sources, December 2024 announcement)
What this means practically:
For €85,000 gross salary, hired January 2025 or later:
| Year | 30% Ruling Rate | Tax-free allowance | Taxable income | Tax (37.35%) | Net monthly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-2026 | 30% | €25,500 | €59,500 | €22,230 | €5,227 |
| 2027 onwards | 27% | €22,950 | €62,050 | €23,166 | €5,140 |
Critical impact: If you move with the expectation of 5 years at 30%, you'll actually experience reduction to 27% in year 3 (if starting January 2025 or later), meaning your net salary drops €85/month while living costs don't.
Future outlook (important caveat): The Dutch government continues to evaluate the 30% ruling. Government sources indicate the possibility of further changes post-2027, but these are not yet finalized in law. The 2027 rate of 27% is officially confirmed; anything beyond that remains subject to political and budget decisions.
Hidden costs: What shocks Asian expats most
1. Housing costs (highest shock)
Verified 2026 prices (Q4 2025 data):
Comparison shock: Singapore 2-bedroom apartment (€1,200-1,500) vs. Amsterdam (€2,200-2,800)
2. What you lose: Household help
In Asia (India, Singapore, Southeast Asia):
- • Domestic help/cook: $300-600/month
- • Cleaner: $200-400/month
- • Driver (if applicable): $400-600/month
- • Total household support: $900-1,600/month (~€850-1,500)
In Netherlands:
- • Domestic help does not exist as a market service (no visa sponsorship, prohibitively expensive)
- • You do all household work yourself
- • Equivalent cost if you paid market rates: €3,000-5,000/month (essentially impossible)
Real impact: If you were accustomed to €1,200/month household help support in Asia, losing this is equivalent to a €1,200/month pay cut.
3. Wealth tax on investments (unique to Netherlands)
Box 3 taxation 2025 (verified from TaxSavers.nl and Belastingdienst):
- • Tax-free allowance 2025: €57,684 per person
- • Tax rate on fictitious returns: 36% applied to assumed investment returns
- • Assumed return on investments: ~5.88% (2025)
What this means:
If you brought €100,000 in savings to Netherlands:
| Savings | Tax-free | Taxable | Assumed return | Tax (36%) | Annual tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| €100,000 | €57,684 | €42,316 | 5.88% (~€2,488) | 36% | €895/year |
Comparison to home country:
- • India: No wealth tax on savings (capital gains tax only on actual gains)
- • Singapore: No capital gains tax (wealth tax effectively 0%)
- • Netherlands 2025: 36% tax on fictitious returns regardless of actual performance
Real impact for Asian professionals: If you move with €200,000-300,000 in savings/investments, expect €1,600-2,700/year in wealth tax you wouldn't pay in home country.
Part 3: When Netherlands makes financial sense (decision framework)
Your financial situation IMPROVES in Netherlands if:
- You earn €85,000+ in specialized field (IT, finance, healthcare)
Example: IT architect earning €100,000 with 30% ruling = €5,500+/month net. Equivalent salary in Singapore/India would be €70,000-80,000
- You have no dependents in home country
Not splitting salary between NL and family household support. Not sending remittances home. Full salary available for NL expenses
- You value work-life balance over maximum income
Dutch salaries are 20-30% lower than US/Singapore. But work culture prioritizes 30-day vacation, 4-day work weeks, flexible arrangements. Trade income for lifestyle
- You're escaping currency instability
Moving from high-inflation economy (some Asian countries) to stable EUR. Pension savings safer in €. Currency risks eliminated
- You're seeking children's education
Dutch schools ranked top 5 in Europe. English-language international schools available (€8,000-15,000/year). Safety and education quality justify higher costs
Your financial situation WORSENS in Netherlands if:
- You're upper-middle class in Asia with household help
Expected comfortable lifestyle unaffordable without help system. €1,200+ monthly expense eliminated with no replacement service. Actual spending power reduced by 30-40%
- You have parents/dependents in home country
Earning €85,000 gross = €5,200 net, but many remit €500-1,000/month home. Leaves €4,200 net for NL expenses (very tight for family of 3+). Financial stress significantly higher
- You're a saver/investor
Wealth tax (36% on fictitious returns) penalizes savers. Investment accounts taxed annually regardless of actual performance. In home country: Only taxed on actual gains, not assumed returns
- You expect to stay less than 5 years
Visa sponsorship costs significant (€2,000-5,000 for employer). Moving costs substantial (€5,000-15,000). 30% ruling only available first 5 years. Break-even point: typically 3+ years
- You're currently earning €60,000+ with minimal household help
Already at comfortable lifestyle in Asia. Netherlands move doesn't improve your situation. May actually reduce net spendable income after taxes, housing, lost household help
Part 4: Family & cultural sacrifice (the emotional reality)
What you're actually giving up (not discussed in relocation guides)
The grandparent absence
In India/Singapore/Southeast Asia:
- • Grandparents regularly available for childcare
- • Parents grow up with extended family relationships
- • Built-in support network
In Netherlands:
- • Grandparents 6,000+ km away
- • Annual 1-2 week visits (if financially feasible)
- • Children miss relationships with great-grandparents (who may pass before relationship forms)
- • You handle childcare full-time or pay €1,500-1,800/month for Dutch childcare
Real cost: €18,000-21,600 per year in additional childcare expenses vs. free family support
Identity confusion for children
Reddit reports from Asian expat parents:
- • Children born to Indian/Chinese/Southeast Asian parents in Netherlands grow up "between worlds"
- • Kids feel more "Dutch" than Asian, but never fully belong to either culture
- • Teenage years often involve identity questioning, cultural isolation
- • Some reverse-integrate (rejecting home culture, feeling "too foreign" on home visits)
Hindi/Mandarin/Thai language learning: Takes significant parental effort; many children never become fluent (spoke English at home, Dutch at school)
Relationship strain with extended family
Common experience from Reddit:
- • Missing major family events (weddings, births, deaths) due to distance
- • Parents/siblings feel abandoned ("Why did you leave us for a foreign country?")
- • Financial guilt if not sending remittances despite earning good salary
- • Tension between partner/spouse about allocation of resources (support NL family vs. Asia family)
One parent often stays behind: In many Indian/Asian expat situations, one parent (typically mother/wife) faces career sacrifice to relocate, leading to resentment if job search unsuccessful
The "Should I stay" crisis
Timing: Typically years 3-5
Trigger: Children have lived more of their lives in Netherlands than home country; elderly parents back home need support; career advancement stalls
The decision: Do you extend visas, plan permanent residency, or return home?
Reddit consensus: Many expats report this as the hardest decision, occurring when initial euphoria wears off and real costs (emotional, financial, family) become apparent.
Part 5: Discrimination & belonging (what you need to know)
Realistic scenarios: Will I face discrimination?
Scenario 1: Indian IT professional, Amsterdam/Eindhoven
Likelihood of discrimination encounters: Moderate (25-35%)
Specific risks:
- • Workplace: Colleagues may assume you're "code worker" vs. senior architect
- • Housing: Some landlords may discriminate (though protected by law)
- • Public: Occasional microaggressions, usually not overt
- • Social: Dutch colleagues may be professional but rarely invite you to personal events
Advantages:
- • Large Indian community support (Amstelveen, Eindhoven)
- • Strong IT sector acceptance of international workers
- • Economic status (earning above-average salary) provides some social protection
- • English widely spoken (no language barrier)
Mitigation strategies:
- • Join Indian professional groups (Rotary, alumni networks)
- • Seek out other Indian families in IT sector (common in Eindhoven, Amstelveen)
- • Build Dutch friendships through work directly (don't wait for social invitations)
Scenario 2: Chinese expat, Amsterdam
Likelihood of discrimination encounters: High (40-52% per research)
Specific risks:
- • Being called "Chinese" regardless of actual origin
- • Street harassment ("nihao" shouting per 415-upvote Reddit thread)
- • Assumptions about education, competence, background
- • Social exclusion (closed Dutch social circles, expat bubble becomes default)
Advantages:
- • Amsterdam has growing Chinese community, though smaller than Indian
- • Professional sectors (finance, tech) more international
- • Significant Chinese student population (less isolation)
Mitigation strategies:
- • Learn Dutch (B1 level minimum) (signals integration commitment)
- • Join Chinese professional associations (business, arts, culture)
- • Connect with other East Asian expats (build community)
- • Develop thick skin for street-level microaggressions (not reporting doesn't make them acceptable, but won't change individual incidents)
Scenario 3: Southeast Asian professional (Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian), smaller city
Likelihood of discrimination encounters: Moderate-High (30-40%)
Specific risks:
- • Less established community support than Indians or Chinese
- • Language barrier higher if not English-proficient
- • Smaller expat bubble in non-major cities
- • Professional networks weaker
Advantages:
- • Less "othering" than Chinese expats (52% discrimination)
- • More likely to be perceived as "helpful" vs. "threatening" stereotype
- • Dutch directness means racism usually explicit, not passive-aggressive
Mitigation strategies:
- • Prioritize English-speaking jobs (bypasses language barrier)
- • Move to larger cities initially (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Eindhoven) for community
- • Invest heavily in Dutch language (opens social doors faster)
- • Be intentional about finding "your people" (not wait for Dutch to invite)
Scenario 4: Asian expat with non-working spouse
Likelihood of discrimination encounters: VERY HIGH (often 40-50%+)
Why higher:
- • Non-working spouse has time to process isolation
- • Limited employment options create frustration
- • More exposure to housing discrimination (apartment hunting)
- • Spouse often internalizes "outsider" identity more deeply
Specific risks:
- • Spouse depression, homesickness intensifying over time
- • Relationship stress if spouse feels unsupported or resentful
- • Children's education decisions (international vs. Dutch school) become contentious
Mitigation strategies:
- • Non-working spouse must have independent project/community (volunteering, hobby, language study)
- • Don't assume spouse will "adjust" (proactively support integration)
- • Housing in integrated neighborhoods (not expat-only areas like expat-heavy suburbs)
- • Regular check-ins: "How are you actually doing?" not "How's work?"
Part 6: Practical Asian-specific guide 2026
HSM visa requirements & Indian community resources
- • Salary threshold: €46,660+ minimum (€35,468 if under 30 with Master's)
- • Top employers: ASML (Eindhoven), Booking.com, Philips, ING/ABN AMRO, Shell, Adyen
- • Amstelveen community: 6,500 Indian residents, 12+ restaurants, community centers
- • Schools: International (€8k-15k/year, English) vs. Dutch public (free, full integration)
Indian community
Rotary clubs, cricket clubs, temples, grocery stores (Wah Nam Hong, Amstelveen)
Chinese community
Amazing Oriental supermarkets, Chinese Association NL, student societies, Buddhist temples
Southeast Asian
Thai temple (Wat Dhammachakra), Vietnamese shops, Muslim mosques (Indonesian/Malaysian)
Part 7: Decision framework (should you move?)
✅ MOVE if:
- • Earning €85k+ in IT/finance/healthcare with 30% ruling
- • Want children in top European education (Dutch schools rank top 5)
- • Seeking cultural/political stability over maximum income
- • No dependent parents requiring remittances
- • Strong integrator willing to learn Dutch actively
- • Partner equally enthusiastic about move
❌ DON'T MOVE if:
- • Earning ₹25-40L in India with household help (minimal upgrade after 2027 tax changes)
- • Elderly parents or dependents needing financial support
- • Spouse/partner would sacrifice career (resentment risk high)
- • Moving "just to try" (sunk costs €10k-20k, break-even 2-3 years)
- • Young children, no job offer (housing crisis, childcare €1,500-1,800/month)
- • Comfortable upper-middle class lifestyle in Asia (likely downgrades)
Part 8: Key questions from Asian expats
Is racism common in Netherlands?
18% of foreign-born people experience discrimination in public spaces (EU average 7.7%). For Asian expats: 25-52% depending on ethnicity. Most is microaggressions (comments, exclusion), not overt harassment. Professional settings typically better than streets. Varies by city (Amsterdam more international).
Should my wife quit her career to come as dependent?
Framework: If she earns ₹20L+ (€2,400+/month), she should NOT quit. Secure NL job first. If earning €85k gross = €5,200 net, housing €2k-2.5k/month + childcare €1.5k-1.8k/month = €5k-6.3k/month needed. Remaining: €0-200/month.
HSM visa allows spouse to work. Financial stability requires dual income for most families.
Will my kids lose their cultural identity?
Realistic answer: Possibly yes, partially. Age 0-3: Fully bilingual. Age 4-7: Shifts toward Dutch (school influence). Age 7-12: Often refuses home language, feels "embarrassed". Age 12-18: Peer pressure to be "Dutch" strong. Age 18+: Often re-engage with home culture.
Mitigation: Speak home language exclusively at home, yearly 2-3 week visits, religious/cultural community participation, accept some cultural shift is normal childhood development.
Part 9: Final decision checklist
Before committing to Netherlands move from Asia, honestly assess:
Financial
- Current household income assessed
- Expected NL salary confirmed (€85k+ recommended)
- Dependent parents support needs evaluated
- Remittance expectations calculated (if applicable)
- 30% ruling timeline understood (30% 2025-2026, 27% from 2027)
Personal
- Spouse/partner equally enthusiastic about move
- Comfortable learning Dutch actively (B1 minimum goal)
- Willing to build new social circles proactively
- Prepared for occasional discrimination (25-52% rates)
- Children's education is major factor (if applicable)
Practical
- Have confirmed job offer (not just exploring)
- Employer is HSM sponsor on IND list
- Housing budget determined (€2k-2.5k/month for family)
- Savings for first 3 months secured (€15k-20k minimum)
- Visa sponsorship process understood (€2k-5k employer cost)
Timeline & Commitment
- Committed to minimum 3 years (break-even period)
- Realistic about "reality plateau" at month 12-24
- Have exit plan if unhappy at year 2-3
Your readiness score: 0/18
- Not yet ready. Address critical gaps first. Consider waiting until more factors are clear.
Conclusion: You can thrive in Netherlands, but not accidentally
Being an Asian expat in Netherlands is increasingly common and increasingly viable (especially for IT professionals, healthcare workers, and skilled immigrants). The Dutch government has made deliberate efforts to attract international talent and communities are growing.
However, thriving requires:
1. Honest self-assessment
Is this move aligned with your genuine values and goals, or are you running from home vs. running toward opportunity?
2. Financial reality check
Crunch actual numbers. Factor in 30% ruling changes (2027→27%) and losing household help system.
3. Family alignment
Especially spouse/partner buy-in. Resentment will fester if anyone is sacrificing against their will.
4. Integration commitment
Learn Dutch, join groups, build Dutch friendships. Don't expect Netherlands to come to you.
The Netherlands is an excellent place to build a life. Asian expats do it successfully every day. But you need to do it intentionally (with eyes open about both the opportunities and the costs).
Resources for Asian expats moving to Netherlands
Visa & Immigration
- • IND (Immigratie en Naturalisatiedienst): ind.nl
- • Recognized sponsors: IND Register
Indian Expat Communities
- • Bridging the Gap Foundation
- • Rotary clubs (Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Rotterdam)
- • Indian cricket clubs (High-Tech Campus Eindhoven)
Chinese/SE Asian Communities
- • Chinese Association of Netherlands
- • Thai temple Wat Dhammachakra (Amsterdam)
- • Vietnamese/Indonesian community centers
General Expat Resources
- • InterNations (professional network)
- • Meetup.com (city expat groups)
- • Expatica.com/nl, DutchNews.nl
Frequently asked questions
Is racism common in Netherlands?
18% of foreign-born people experience discrimination in public spaces (Eurostat 2024), compared to EU average of 7.7%. For Asian expats specifically, rates range from 25-52% depending on ethnicity. Most discrimination is microaggressions (comments, exclusion) rather than overt harassment. Professional settings typically have better diversity than streets. Amsterdam is more international than smaller cities.
Should my wife quit her career to come as dependent?
Framework: If she earns ₹20L+ (€2,400+/month), she should NOT quit. Secure NL job first. On €85k gross = €5,200 net, with housing €2k-2.5k/month + childcare €1.5k-1.8k/month = €5k-6.3k/month needed. Remaining: €0-200/month. HSM visa allows spouse to work. Financial stability requires dual income for most families.
Will my kids lose their cultural identity?
Realistic answer: Possibly yes, partially. Age 0-3: Fully bilingual. Age 4-7: Shifts toward Dutch (school influence). Age 7-12: Often refuses home language, feels embarrassed. Age 12-18: Peer pressure to be Dutch strong. Age 18+: Often re-engage with home culture. Mitigation: Speak home language exclusively at home, yearly 2-3 week visits, religious/cultural community participation, accept some cultural shift is normal childhood development.
What is the 30% ruling and how does it change in 2027?
The 30% ruling is a tax-free allowance for highly skilled migrants. For employees hired January 1, 2025 or later, they receive flat 30% tax-free for first 5 years. From January 1, 2027 onwards, NEW applicants will receive 27% flat rate (not 30%). This means for €85,000 salary: 2025-2026 = €5,227 net/month, 2027 onwards = €5,140 net/month (€85/month reduction).
How much does it cost to live in Netherlands vs Asia?
Housing: Amsterdam €2,200-2,400/month (1-bed), Amstelveen €1,800-2,200/month vs Singapore €1,200-1,500. Household help: Asia €850-1,500/month (cook, cleaner, driver) vs Netherlands impossible to hire (you do all yourself). Childcare: Netherlands €1,500-1,800/month vs Asia free (grandparents). Healthcare: €1,800-2,200/year mandatory insurance. Box 3 wealth tax: 36% on fictitious returns above €57,684.
What salary do I need to comfortably live in Netherlands as Asian expat?
€85,000+ gross recommended for family of 3-4. With 30% ruling: €5,200 net/month. Budget: Housing €2k-2.5k, childcare €1.5k-1.8k, other expenses €1.5k-2k = €5k-6.3k/month needed. If remitting to family (€500-1,000/month), need €90,000-100,000 gross minimum. If spouse not working initially, €100,000+ gross essential.
Where do most Indian expats live in Netherlands?
Amstelveen (near Amsterdam): 6,500 Indian residents (68 per 1,000), 12+ Indian restaurants, community centers, hospital with Indian help desk. Eindhoven: 35 per 1,000 residents (High-Tech Campus, ASML concentration). Amsterdam, The Hague, Utrecht: Secondary communities. 89,000+ recent Indian migrants in Netherlands total (CBS January 2024), 56% retention rate after 4 years.
How do I deal with nihao harassment?
Common for Chinese/Southeast Asian expats: Random strangers shouting nihao regardless of origin, mostly streets/public transport/evening. Perpetrators: Usually young men looking for reaction. Recommendation: Brief acknowledgment and move on (not responding escalates, engaging creates conflict). Don't take personally. Report repeated/threatening incidents to police (creates record). Learn Dutch response: Ik kom niet uit China (I'm not from China). Join community support groups.
Have more questions? Join Indian/Chinese/Southeast Asian expat communities on Facebook, Meetup.com, or InterNations for real-time advice from people who've made the move.