A soft landing in the Maastricht Region
Relocating to a new country is an exciting step – but it can also feel overwhelming. We spoke with Milisav Ranitovic, who recently moved to the Maastricht Region with his family, and also Senior Relocation Consultant Marga Somers-Souren and Arthur Gomes de Medeiros from the IND desk in Maastricht. They share their experiences and advice for internationals considering a move to our region.
It really felt like a soft landing
Milisav Ranitovic moved to the Netherlands four months ago with his wife and two young sons. Originally from Serbia, he previously lived and worked in Sweden before accepting a new professional opportunity in the Maastricht Region. “I moved here for career development,” he explains. “The Netherlands is well known for engineering, sustainability and innovation. At the same time, the country offers safety, strong education and a healthy work-life balance. That was very important for us as a family.” Milisav works in Sittard and lives in Maastricht. He describes Dutch work culture as open and direct. “People communicate clearly and honestly. Work is well planned and priorities are clear. This makes everything efficient and leaves space for family life.”
Living in an international and historic region
For Milisav and his family, daily life in Maastricht has been smooth and positive. “Our children attend an international language school. They learn Dutch in a practical way, through daily activities. They enjoy it very much.” The family appreciates the city’s infrastructure and accessibility. “Everything is close – schools, sports facilities, playgrounds. We mostly use our bicycles. The cycling paths are excellent.” What stands out most to him is the international character of the region. “In my office alone, there are many different nationalities. You don’t feel like a foreigner here.” He is also impressed by the combination of history and innovation. “In Maastricht you can really feel the history of the city. At the same time, nearby cities show modern industry and technology. It is a unique mix.”
Preparing for relocation: realistic expectations
Senior Relocation Consultant Marga Somers-Souren from Somers Relocation Services has been supporting internationals in the region for almost 20 years. She emphasises the importance of preparation – especially when it comes to housing. “The housing market in the Netherlands is very challenging at the moment. People should be flexible and realistic. It may be necessary to accept temporary accommodation first before finding a more permanent home.” She also notices changes in relocation trends. “In the past, I worked more often with families. Today, many young professionals move alone. Most internationals are also very well prepared because they research a lot online before arriving.” Marga provides the full range of relocation services for everything involved in finding a new home as well as local support and practical guidance, helping internationals settle into daily life in the Maastricht Region.
The added value of the IND desk in the region
An important factor in making relocation smoother is the presence of the local IND desk. Arthur Gomes de Medeiros from the IND desk explains: “Due to the fact that the IND desk is present in the Maastricht Region, internationals can complete their immigration procedures locally. They can arrange registration, biometrics and collect their residence permits without travelling to other cities. This saves time and makes the process more efficient.” Having these services available in the region reduces stress and contributes to a positive start for internationals and their families.
Looking ahead
Although Milisav Ranitovic and his family have only recently arrived, they feel optimistic about the future. “If things continue like this, I see a good future for us here. It’s international, safe and family-friendly. For us, that is very important.”
