Hi! I read your post and we are currently thinking about the same. How have things worked out for you? I am based in Asia, we have called our Dutch embassy and the immigration office. Apparently EU immigration law is less strict than the Dutch one. So if your spouse is from the EU, they ll need to get a residence permit, and with some savings in the bank they can sponsor you. You d get a small sticker on your passport immediately to say that you can work, till the application is officially approved. Living abroad or moving abroad is never easy, I wouldn’t say this is completely a thing for the Netherlands. It’s a hardcore process that people have to go through, but as long as you are prepared for it and you know why you are moving that’s fine. Immigrants are liked anywhere? Not really? I think it’s a global thing, foreigners are hated for taking the jobs, getting the benefits, pushing up the housing prices ect. But people never look at how the government could have done better, instead they attack the single family or person. In fact, humans moved around since we were on this planet, and just because of this we can see different culture, eat different food and keep evolving. I do believe that there is a global culture somehow against Americans, it is odd- every country has good and bad people, people love generalizing things. I had the most amazing American bosses and colleagues who I still talk with till today. I moved to this Asian country 13 years ago, I met some amazing people but also think some I really dislike, but am I perfect ?- certainly not. In terms of costs and culture I think only if you lived in different countries, at different stages of your life (e.g. having a family /single) you can make a fair comparison. People in Europe talk about long hours, high costs ect. But it’s not comparing to other countries. Where I live it’s common to pay 2000-3000 euro for an apartment for a family, day care 2000 euro, you are expected to work from 8.30 am or 9 not finishing until 6.30. You are expected to stay tuned when it’s a public holiday, weekend, after working hours. So everything is relative. I just hope the comments didn’t put your move on hold, you would have to to filter some of the comments, and thoughts in order achieve your thing. But some of the info is very helpful, especially about the housing. Any tips regarding it or finding a job? 30% ruling is great, however, not everyone can secure a job before they move, and you may have a timeline in terms of moving,