Things to consider with accepting a job in Amsterdam?

[Pulse]

I'm going for a job interview on Monday and I'm wondering if there's anything specific I should ask whilst at the interview.

What are the positives and negatives to working in Amsterdam?

We've covered the fact that I can potentially get the 30% tax free status, though it may not be easy because I don't have a degree.

We've covered a bonus for covering moving costs.

We've not yet discussed what the pay is, though I have a minimum amount I am able to accept to make it viable.

Also, is there anything to consider before potentially moving? Any additional costs over living in the UK, and vice versa?

[winshent]

Is it a permanent job or a contract ?

My girlfriend took a contract job in NL a couple of months ago.. The way the agency calculated her renumeration was very complicated.. and she's not being paid the amount she thought she would be.. The agency are withholding holiday pay and other sick pay.. we still need clarification on this though..

You need to be aware of the fact that Health Insurance is required.. although some people say that you could use your travel insurance to cover medical costs..

Most rental agreements require the tenant to pay the commission..

At a rough gestimate, expect to take home 60% of your salary.. Also, cost of living is 20% more expensive than in London IMO..

[Pulse]

They've told me the 30% rule is less likely as I don't have a degree. They don't confirm before I get the job though, so it's tough luck if I miss out 3 months down the line.

I would be renting, not buying a car, and coming back every 2 weeks.

[winshent]

I guess you have to weigh up if its all worth it..

Are you in a job at the moment? Are you considering taking it just for the money.. or is there another reason you want to move to NL..

The tax in NL is 50%.. plus you need medical ins.. cost of living isnt cheap..

On the plus side, if you haven't lived abroad before or done much in the way of travelling then Amsterdam would be an awesome place to live..

[spikeyhead]

winshent said:

Is it a permanent job or a contract ?

My girlfriend took a contract job in NL a couple of months ago.. The way the agency calculated her renumeration was very complicated.. and she's not being paid the amount she thought she would be.. The agency are withholding holiday pay and other sick pay.. we still need clarification on this though..

You need to be aware of the fact that Health Insurance is required.. although some people say that you could use your travel insurance to cover medical costs..

Most rental agreements require the tenant to pay the commission..

At a rough gestimate, expect to take home 60% of your salary.. Also, cost of living is 20% more expensive than in London IMO..

As a contractor in the Netherlands, you're an employee of the agent for a fixed period, not a businessman.

Agencies are reqiured under Dutch employment law to keep back money as holiday pay, it's about 11%. They'll also usually take some money for sick pay insurance. One of my colleagues has been of sick with a smashed elbow for a couple of months so it can come in useful. In England, as a contractor that's down to you to arrange and pay for if you want it.

[winshent]

spikeyhead said:

Agencies are reqiured under Dutch employment law to keep back money as holiday pay, it's about 11%.

didn't realise that, so i presume at the end of the contract, any remaining holiday allowance will be paid.

spikeyhead said:

They'll also usually take some money for sick pay insurance. One of my colleagues has been of sick with a smashed elbow for a couple of months so it can come in useful.

Ok.. so is this sick pay insurance in place of the medical insurance that is usually required ?

[spikeyhead]

winshent said:

spikeyhead said:

Agencies are reqiured under Dutch employment law to keep back money as holiday pay, it's about 11%.

didn't realise that, so i presume at the end of the contract, any remaining holiday allowance will be paid.

spikeyhead said:

They'll also usually take some money for sick pay insurance. One of my colleagues has been of sick with a smashed elbow for a couple of months so it can come in useful.

Ok.. so is this sick pay insurance in place of the medical insurance that is usually required ?

I collected my remaining holiday at the end of last year.

Sick pay insurance pays you when you're not well. Medical insurance pays the Docs and hospital when you're ill. They are two separate things, both of which need to be paid for.

[Pulse]

Cheers everyone! I've decided not to bother!

[winshent]

Pulse said:

Cheers everyone! I've decided not to bother!

Don't let the above put you off.. you just need to be aware of all of the 'hidden' costs..

[Pulse]

It wasn't the above. It was the job itself.