Moving from the Netherlands to the UK: Complete 2026 Guide

Moving from the Netherlands to the UK requires navigating post-Brexit visa requirements and understanding the significant lifestyle changes between these two European neighbors.

Why Move from NL to UK?

Career Opportunities

• Finance: London remains Europe's financial capital
• Tech: Thriving startup ecosystem, major tech employers
• Creative industries: Media, advertising, fashion centered in London
• Higher salaries: Top-end salaries often exceed Netherlands
• English language: Native English business environment

Lifestyle Factors

• Cultural diversity and global city experience
• Entertainment, nightlife, and cultural offerings
• Varied geography (countryside, coast, mountains in Scotland)
• Large Dutch expat community in London
• Direct flights between Amsterdam and multiple UK cities

Considerations

• Higher cost of living (especially London)
• Less work-life balance than Netherlands
• Healthcare not as comprehensive as Dutch system
• Weather arguably worse than NL
• Brexit complications for EU citizens

Visa Routes for Dutch Citizens

Since Brexit (January 1, 2021), Dutch citizens need permission to live and work in the UK beyond visitor status.

Visitor (No Visa Needed)

• 6 months for tourism, business meetings, study courses
• Cannot work or access public funds
• Good for job hunting trips

Skilled Worker Visa (Most Common)

For those with UK job offers:

• Requires employer sponsorship (licensed sponsor)
• Job on eligible occupations list
• Minimum salary: £38,700/year (or "going rate" for occupation)
• Reduced threshold for shortage occupations
• Up to 5 years, leads to settlement
• Cost: £719-1,500 + Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year)

Global Talent Visa

For leaders in academia, arts, digital tech:

• Requires endorsement from recognized body
• Tech Nation endorsement for digital tech
• No job offer required
• Faster settlement (3 years possible)

Scale-up Visa

For those joining fast-growing UK companies:

• Company must be on Scale-up sponsor list
• Minimum £36,300 salary
• 6-month "work for sponsor" period, then flexible

High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa

For recent graduates of top global universities:

• Must have graduated from qualifying university within 5 years
• No job offer required
• 2 years (bachelors/masters) or 3 years (PhD)

Youth Mobility Scheme

Netherlands is NOT currently eligible for this scheme (available to select countries only).

Family Visa

If you have British family members (spouse, parent, etc.).

Cost Comparison: NL vs UK

Expense	Amsterdam	London	Manchester
1BR Apartment (Central)	€1,800	£2,000 (€2,350)	£1,000 (€1,175)
1BR Apartment (Outside)	€1,400	£1,500 (€1,760)	£750 (€880)
Monthly Transport	€100	£180 (€210)	£80 (€95)
Groceries (Monthly)	€280	£250 (€295)	£200 (€235)
Dining Out (Meal)	€18	£18 (€21)	£14 (€16)
Health Insurance	€130	NHS (free)*	NHS (free)*

*NHS free for residents, but Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year) paid upfront with visa.

Summary: London significantly more expensive than Amsterdam. UK regional cities (Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol) comparable or cheaper than Amsterdam.

Healthcare: NHS vs Dutch System

NHS (National Health Service)

• Free at point of use for residents
• Register with local GP
• Prescriptions: £9.90 per item (England), free in Scotland/Wales
• Dental: Mostly NHS subsidized but not free
• Waiting times: Can be longer than Netherlands
• Quality: Good but strained in some areas

Immigration Health Surcharge

• £1,035/year paid upfront with visa application
• Covers full NHS access
• Required for most work visas

Key Differences from Netherlands

• No mandatory monthly insurance premium in UK
• No "eigen risico" (deductible) in UK
• NHS is tax-funded, not insurance-based
• Dutch system may have shorter waits for specialists

Finding Housing in the UK

Rental Market

• London: Extremely competitive, act fast
• Deposit: Usually 5 weeks rent (capped by law)
• References: Employer and previous landlord often required
• Guarantor: May be required without UK credit history

Platforms

• Rightmove and Zoopla: Main portals
• SpareRoom: For flat shares
• OpenRent: Direct from landlords

Tips for Dutch Expats

• UK rents quoted weekly or monthly (check which!)
• Unfurnished is more common than NL
• Council Tax additional (not included in rent)
• Energy bills often separate from rent

Banking and Finance

Opening UK Bank Account

• Easier than Dutch accounts for expats
• Digital banks (Monzo, Starling, Revolut) open quickly
• Traditional banks may want proof of address
• No BSN equivalent needed immediately

Tax Considerations

• UK tax year: April 6 - April 5
• Basic rate: 20% (£12,570-50,270)
• Higher rate: 40% (£50,270-125,140)
• Additional rate: 45% (over £125,140)
• No wealth tax (unlike NL Box 3)
• Check Dutch tax residency status when leaving NL

Practical Steps Timeline

3-6 Months Before

• Research visa routes and eligibility
• Job search if needed (LinkedIn, Indeed UK, company websites)
• Ensure Dutch affairs in order (pension, tax, deregistration)

1-3 Months Before

• Accept job offer and begin visa sponsorship process
• Apply for visa (£719-1,500 + IHS)
• Arrange accommodation (at least temporary)
• Deregister from Dutch municipality

First Month in UK

• Collect BRP (Biometric Residence Permit)
• Register with GP
• Open bank account
• Get National Insurance number
• Set up utilities

Official Resources

For the most current and authoritative information, consult these official sources:

• Netherlands Immigration - Official visa and immigration information
• Netherlands Tourism - Official tourism board with travel resources