EMG Managed – Ali Gharabagni

Where are you from?

I am originally from Iran but I moved to Netherlands from Estonia

Where are you now?

I am currently living in beautiful Utrecht

What made you decide to move to the Netherlands?

Netherlands is a country with extremely nice people, beautiful cities and a diverse culture. It is very expat friendly with lots of opportunities for personal and professional growth. Plus I particularly like the “easygoing” part of dutch lifestyle.

What do you think was typically Dutch about your move?

The amount of paperwork and bureaucracy. The number of letters I received in only one month is much bigger than the ones I received in the past few years! Especially coming from Estonia where pretty much everything is digital and online. But I’m starting to adapt myself to it and like it. I know Dutch people are proud of it.

What do you find typically Dutch?

Bicycles, canals, rainy weather even in the middle of June, taxes and insurances even for smallest things

If you were to rate your complete move, what would the rating be?

9 out of 10. Covid pandemic made some steps like collecting documents before moving to Netherlands a little hard

What would you have done differently?

I would have started home search even earlier.

What has been the best part of your move?

Going everywhere by bicycle. It has made my lifestyle much more active

Any last tips or tricks?

Try to start your home search process as soon as possible. Especially if you’re picky like me and my partner. Otherwise, I can’t think of any special tips. EMG makes moving process seem very easy

Can we help you?

Contact us at the nearest Expat Management Group office or submit a contactform.