Ask HN: Geeks moving to the Netherlands • Hacker News Board

Re: Ask HN: Geeks moving to the Netherlands

#11

Post by spongebob » Tue, Nov 24, 2009, 9:48 AM UTC

If you come to the Netherlands, you will be qualified as highly-skilled migrants. In this case, you can't work where ever you want. There is a list of companies, institutions and organisations which have submitted a statement regarding the admission of highly skilled migrants. You can find it here: http://www.ind.nl/en/inbedrijf/wonenenwerken/kennismigranten...

I would recommend Utrecht as a city to live because of its central location. With in one hour you can commute to many major cities.

Re: Ask HN: Geeks moving to the Netherlands

#12

Post by wlievens » Tue, Nov 24, 2009, 10:06 AM UTC

spongebob wrote: post #11

If you come to the Netherlands, you will be qualified as highly-skilled migrants. In this case, you can't work where ever you want. There is a list of companies, institutions and organisations which have submitted a statement regarding the admission of highly skilled migrants. You can find it here: http://www.ind.nl/en/inbedrijf/wonenenwerken/kennismigranten... I would recommend Utrecht as a city to live because of i…

And it's close enough to Antwerp, where you would go to the movies, because apparently there are no theatres in the Netherlands...

Re: Ask HN: Geeks moving to the Netherlands

#13

Post by danudey » Tue, Nov 24, 2009, 11:33 PM UTC

seven wrote: post #2

I would like to know: Why the Netherlands? Any specific reasons? I am sorry that I can not really give you any good pointers. I am German, all I can say that I consider my neighbours to be very friendly people. Perhaps it is a good idea to contact xs4all http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XS4ALL or perhaps send a mail to Rop (prominent hacker; seems to be a very nice guy) http://rop.gonggri.jp/ If it helps: from my experie…

No specific reason for the Netherlands, other than the easy availability of a working holiday visa.

I'd forgotten about XS4ALL, I'll take a look at them and see what they have to say.

Re: Ask HN: Geeks moving to the Netherlands

#14

Post by danudey » Tue, Nov 24, 2009, 11:35 PM UTC

aarongough wrote: post #4

Interesting that you are having this idea... After reading an article that came through HN about the Netherlands a while back I had the same idea! Unfortunately I am a little tied down by friends and my girlfriend, but at some point it is still something I would like to do. Where abouts in Canada are you? I'm in Toronto. Toronto HN meetup?

In Vancouver at the moment, not Toronto. I'd be tied down as well, but I'm bringing my best (guy) friend and my girlfriend with me. Makes it easier. ;)

Re: Ask HN: Geeks moving to the Netherlands

#15

Post by danudey » Tue, Nov 24, 2009, 11:36 PM UTC

dlib wrote: post #6

Immigration policies have toughened up in recent years but coming from Canada it shouldn't be a problem. Developers/administrators are needed in all major cities but I think Amsterdam would be your best bet. It's the most international city and certainly has to offer most culturally. I don't know how Canadian taxes compare to those in Holland but in general taxes here are pretty high. You'll get quite a bit in return…

Thanks for the link! Taxes in Canada aren't too unreasonable (sales taxes are at about 12%, income taxes in my tax bracket are about 25%).

Re: Ask HN: Geeks moving to the Netherlands

#16

Post by danudey » Tue, Nov 24, 2009, 11:53 PM UTC

spongebob wrote: post #11

If you come to the Netherlands, you will be qualified as highly-skilled migrants. In this case, you can't work where ever you want. There is a list of companies, institutions and organisations which have submitted a statement regarding the admission of highly skilled migrants. You can find it here: http://www.ind.nl/en/inbedrijf/wonenenwerken/kennismigranten... I would recommend Utrecht as a city to live because of i…

My understanding is that if we show up as working holiday participants, we can work wherever, but afterwards you can apply for a skilled migrant visa which is different.