Mumbai: Indian professionals dreaming of overseas careers are no longer fixated only on the US or UK. A viral Instagram post by finance professional Anuj Sharma is fuelling fresh interest in the Netherlands, where he says life and work turned out far better than expected.
In his widely-shared post, Anuj explained why he deliberately chose the Netherlands over other popular destinations. Drawing from personal experience, he listed seven compelling reasons that have resonated with thousands of likes and shares.
Topping the list is the famous 30% ruling for expats: for the first five years, 30% of salary remains tax-free, significantly boosting take-home pay. Anuj highlighted strong labour laws that protect employees’ rights, creating a genuine sense of job security and stability.
Language is rarely a barrier — nearly 98% of people speak fluent English. Work-life balance, he stressed, is not just a slogan but an everyday reality: average working hours range between 29 and 36 per week, with zero interference in personal time after office hours.
Safety, cleanliness, and calm surroundings make daily life stress-free. Public transport — trains, buses, and ubiquitous cycling — is efficient, affordable, and eco-friendly, reducing the need to own a car. The bureaucracy is streamlined and transparent, minimising paperwork headaches and mental strain.
Anuj shared a telling anecdote: an expat colleague once sent a 6 am email, only to be called into a meeting by management to check if they were overworked or under pressure — a clear sign of how seriously employee well-being is taken.
Known for its canals, windmills, and bike culture, the Netherlands (often called Holland) has a population of about 1.8 crore, with Amsterdam as its vibrant capital. Its robust economy and balanced 38-hour average workweek continue to attract global talent, and Anuj’s candid post is proving just how appealing that package can be for Indians seeking quality of life abroad.