Moving to the Netherlands or perhaps not?

Hi folks,

Currently my girlfriend and I are contemplating if we should move to The Netherlands.

I was originally born in The Netherlands but for the last ten years I lived in south East Asia. My girlfriend is from the Philippines and will be joining me if we are to move.

Here is the situation:

For the last the years I worked and lived in Asia. I have to say I got adopted quite well to the culture and speak the local language.

Last year my mother died in Holland which made me realize I missed a lot of family moments.

A couple of months later I was hospitalized myself because of some severe health issues which I thank god recovered fully from.

After these events I decided to sell the stake in my business I build in the last years and to take it easy for a while.

In the middle of the year I had the ability to get myself a rental home in my hometown. It’s a nice quite place but considering the housing marketing I assumed I shouldn’t think too long before this opportunity was gone and I took the offer on this house.

I went to The Netherlands with my gf to decorate the house and somewhat prepare it for year we were planning on returning.

My thoughts were to return somewhere in the middle of next year after selling my belongings in Asia.

My girlfriend works as a dental specialist and I myself work in IT.

After spending three months in the Netherlands I realized it could be a mistake to return back home:

Things that I love about the Netherlands

• Being close to my family members
• Being close to childhood friends
• Clean air
• Safe roads
• Dutch cheese
• There is a need for both of our professions
• a peaceful life after working a hectic life

Things that worried me in The Netherlands:

• The change of society, a lot more violence lately and a little racist towards Asians
• Extremely expensive
• Less comfort ( No helper around the house etc)
• I have to transport my dog and I’m wondering what a flight and a new environment will do to my dog
• High taxes and cost considering I’m planing a new startup in the near future
• The medical system ( yes I grew up in Holland but had different international experience)
• the whole visa process for my gf, she needs to learn Dutch to work and the process can take over a year before she can work.
• The amount of rules in The Netherlands

I was alternately thinking of perhaps moving to the Philippines and just move to one of the islands there but I feel kinda stupid of wasting so much money on a rental place fully decorated.

Also due to the whole situation what happened last year I feel my ability to make proper decision is a bit blurry.

Please be kind with your comments, it’s been a tough year 😂 would love to hear your input. Thank you all!