Belgians who moved to Netherlands: better off?

Hi everyone,

I consider working and moving to the NL in 2025. Some info about me:

  • 32M, Belgian with MSc.
  • Work in technology in big corporate (business side). Earnings roughly 3.5k net/m (excl. bonus)
  • Hold investment (ETF, 10k) and savings (85k)

After some research I found that some concerns:

  • Belgians are not eligible to the 30% ruling (very unfair)
  • NL has a wealth tax on unrealised gains from investments and savings. I wanted to invest more in ETF in 2025 but this news worries me
  • NL housing is very expensive, especially in AMS
  • NL healthcare is more expensive

To all Belgians (or others) who moved to NL, are you actually better-off? NL income tax is lower but not sure this can compensate the above points... Happy to hear your thoughts!