General
Aug 20, 2025 – Download a preview of our Q3 Housing Report and explore the latest trends in the Dutch rental market 🏡
Aug 20, 2025 – Download a preview of our Q3 Housing Report and explore the latest trends in the Dutch rental market 🏡
I’m Lazar Petrovic, originally from Serbia, and I recently moved to the Netherlands to join ABN AMRO as a Counterparty Credit Risk Analyst. Leaving my home country wasn’t just about changing jobs — it was about building a future. I’d always wanted to move abroad, driven by the challenging economic and political situation back home, but I knew that relocating to a new country would be a big step.
With a strong background in credit risk and financial services, this opportunity allowed me to continue pursuing the career I’m passionate about, while also opening the door to personal and professional growth in an international environment.
Deciding to leave Serbia was no easy feat. Despite my love for my homeland, its economic and political instability made a stable future hard to imagine. With a strong education and fintech experience, I saw limited opportunities for growth, watching many talented peers move abroad for better prospects. I knew advancing my career as a counter-party credit risk analyst at ABN AMRO might mean following suit, but the idea of relocating to the Netherlands for the first time felt like stepping into the unknown and had me worried about fitting into a new work culture.
Navigating Dutch bureaucracy—like securing a BSN number or opening a bank account—seemed overwhelming. Even simple things, like getting used to unfamiliar rules and daily life in a foreign country, had me on edge. With my girlfriend already in the Netherlands, I had some comfort, but I knew I’d need extra support to manage the transition.
I was leaving behind familiarity, family, and everything I knew to start over in a new environment. It was both exciting and daunting — a leap toward opportunity, but also into the unknown.
Personal connections
My partner, who’s Serbian but studied and worked in the Netherlands, was a huge reason for my move to the Netherlands. Our long-distance relationship motivated me to join her and start a new chapter together.
Desire for a better future
Serbia’s high prices and low salaries made basics like renting an apartment nearly impossible. I craved a country with better living conditions and opportunities to thrive.
Career growth
Joining ABN AMRO as a counter-party credit risk analyst was a chance to step up from my fintech role in Serbia. I wanted to dive into the capital markets on a global stage, not just support it from the sidelines
Moving to the Netherlands felt like a big leap, but the Butler team turned it into a smooth ride. Before I left Serbia, Rebecca, my relocation consultant, jumped on a call to guide me through every step—booking my flight, arranging luggage transport, and even securing a temporary apartment for my first six weeks, which was a huge relief I hadn’t expected.
The uButler Sophie chat support (24/7) was a lifeline—I could fire off questions about anything, like sorting my BSN number or opening a bank account, and get real, human answers in minutes, not some chatbot/robot nonsense.
Finding a permanent place to live was tougher. My girlfriend and I wanted somewhere affordable, close enough to her job in Leiden and mine in Amsterdam. Johnny, from the housing team, put in a lot of effort to find options however it remained a challenge. Thankfully we could stay at my partners house in the meantime.
Once the move was done, I could finally breathe and start living in the Netherlands. With my essentials finally sorted I could focus on my job at ABN AMRO and getting to know my new home, and trying a few of Sophie’s tips, like which cafes to go to.
One moment that stood out was when my parents visited. Knowing Butler had my back to make their stay possible made it feel like more than just logistics—it was personal and meant the world.
Now, living in Hoofddorp with my partner, I’m getting the hang of Dutch life, from hopping on trams to getting used to strangers smiling at me on the street, which still catches me off guard.
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You’re true professionals running a company with expertise, but the way you support feels so personal, like having a brother or sister by your side. I was genuinely amazed by that warmth and care.
Lazar Petrovic, Oct 25
Looking back on my move to the Netherlands, I realize it was one of the biggest leaps I’ve ever taken, but I’m glad I did it. The challenges—leaving Serbia’s familiar chaos, stepping into a new career at ABN AMRO, and figuring out Dutch life—felt overwhelming at times, but having support made it possible to not just survive but start building a real life here.
To anyone thinking about relocating, I’d say: don’t let the fear hold you back. Take the apartment search seriously, don’t stress too much, and lean on the help you’re offered—it’s what got me through. Five months in, I’m still adjusting, but I’m excited to keep exploring this new home with my girlfriend and share it with my family when they visit again.
Lazar Petrovic
Counter-party credit risk analyst
Serbia → Amsterdam
