Pinas to Polder

Moving from the Philippines to the Netherlands.

I moved from Metro Manila to the Netherlands as a software engineer through direct hire. This is the practical playbook I wish I'd had in one place: the real process, real numbers, and honest context from someone who went through it.

Guides and checklists
28
Stages of the move
6
Topics
5
Last updated

Route

The route, stage by stage

Each guide sits at the point in the move where it is most useful, from weighing the move in Manila to living and working in the Netherlands.

  1. The flight: Manila to Amsterdam

First reads

Start here

  • Direct Hire & Sponsor

    Dutch Sponsor Check Checklist

    Get the Dutch sponsor check checklist so you only apply to companies that can actually visa-sponsor you from the Philippines.

    Checklist · 10 steps

  • First 90 Days in NL

    Direct Hire Cost Breakdown

    Get the direct hire cost breakdown for moving from the Philippines to the Netherlands.

    Checklist · 10 steps

  • Visa, DMW & Documents

    DMW Direct Hire Process Checklist

    Get the DMW direct hire process checklist so you know exactly what to gather and file before your PH to NL move.

    Checklist · 13 steps

About

About this project

Jake Ortega
Jake OrtegaVlaardingen, NL

I'm Jake Ortega, a senior frontend engineer in Vlaardingen. I moved from Metro Manila through the direct hire route and kept notes on everything I learned along the way.

Pinas to Polder is a set of practical notes for Filipino tech workers going through the same process. It isn't a migration agency or a visa consultancy. For my engineering work, see the main portfolio.

Disclaimer: practical guidance from my own PH to NL relocation, not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Always verify with your employer, the IND, DMW, the Belastingdienst, or a qualified adviser before making decisions.