Emigration Stories
Real stories from Dutch people who made the move
Jan & Marieke (55)
Amsterdam → Algarve
After 30 years in Amsterdam we wanted peace, sun and an affordable life. The Algarve gave us everything we were looking for.
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Sophie (31)
Utrecht → Lissabon
As a freelance designer I could work anywhere. Lisbon offered everything: affordable, creative and always sunny.
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Thomas & Lisa (38)
Rotterdam → Cascais
With two young children the step was big. But Cascais offers what Rotterdam couldn't: space, nature and a relaxed upbringing.
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Erik (45)
Den Haag → Porto
Starting a business in Portugal? Easier than in the Netherlands. Lower taxes, less bureaucracy and a growing market.
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Anja (67)
Groningen → Silver Coast
After my husband passed away I was looking for a fresh start. The Silver Coast gave me warmth, community and a reason to get up every day.
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Daan & Priya (29)
Eindhoven → Lissabon
Two tech salaries, no kids, adventurous. Lisbon was the perfect move: international, affordable and vibrant.
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Henk (72)
Tilburg → Lagos
After 40 years in the textile industry I chose Lagos. My arthritis is better, and so is my mood.
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Linda & Fatima (52)
Haarlem → Tavira
As a lesbian couple we immediately felt welcome in Portugal. Tavira has become our paradise.
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Bram (35)
Leiden → Funchal, Madeira
Madeira is Europe's best kept secret. Eternal spring, fast internet and a growing digital nomad community.
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Marloes & João (34)
Breda → Coimbra
I met João on vacation in the Algarve. Two years later we were living together in his hometown Coimbra.
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Kees (63)
Arnhem → Albufeira
After 35 years in professional kitchens I wanted to cook for fun. In Albufeira I now give cooking classes to tourists.
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Nienke (28)
Zwolle → São Miguel, Azoren
My sabbatical in the Azores became permanent. Between volcanoes and hot springs I found my calling.
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Peter & Ricardo (41)
Amsterdam → Porto
Peter is Dutch, Ricardo Brazilian. In Porto we found a city that embraces our art and our love.
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Monique (58)
Nijmegen → Óbidos
With my teenage daughter I started a B&B in medieval Óbidos. It was the best decision of my life.
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Wouter & Inge (48)
Apeldoorn → Alentejo
We bought 5 hectares in the Alentejo for less than a terraced house in Apeldoorn. Now we grow olives and keep goats.
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Rosa (26)
Den Bosch → Lissabon
As a European law specialist I chose an internship at a Lisbon law firm. I stayed.
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Frank & Maria (60)
Maastricht → Tomar
We did not want an Algarve bubble. In Tomar we found authentic Portugal — Templars, traditions and a house for €130,000.
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Jasper (33)
Groningen → Lissabon
I moved my fintech startup from Groningen to Web Summit city Lisbon. Best business decision ever.
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Astrid (43)
Deventer → Porto
Emigrating with a visual impairment seemed impossible. Porto proved otherwise — accessible, warm and full of opportunities.
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Dirk & Annelies (65)
Zeist → Caniço, Madeira
Madeira is not just for digital nomads. As retirees we enjoy the eternal spring climate and hike every day.
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Youssef (37)
Rotterdam → Lissabon
From a food truck in Rotterdam to my own restaurant in Lisbon. The Moroccan-Portuguese fusion concept was a hit.
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Els & Tom (30)
Leeuwarden → Ericeira
Surfing every morning before work? In Ericeira that has become our daily life.
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Gerda (75)
Hilversum → Lagos
At 73 I emigrated alone to Lagos. My children thought I was crazy. I have just finished my third book.
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Sander & Beatriz (40)
Den Haag → Setúbal
Beatriz is Portuguese, I am an English teacher. We chose Setúbal over Lisbon: more affordable, quieter, and closer to her family.
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Vincent (22)
Amsterdam → Angra do HeroÃsmo, Terceira
My gap year in the Azores became a lesson in slow living. I now repair volcanic stone walls and am considering staying.
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Miranda & Jan-Willem (56)
Wassenaar → Sintra
From a villa in Wassenaar to a quinta in Sintra. Our lifestyle stayed the same, but with better weather and lower taxes.
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