Living in the Hague: the ultimate expat guide

The Hague offers a distinctive job market shaped by its role as the Netherlands' governmental center and a global hub for international law. Approximately 26% of jobs in the city are within the Dutch government or international institutions, creating exceptional opportunities for professionals in diplomacy, law, policy, and public administration.

Key Employment Sectors

The city's economy centers on several major sectors. International law and governance remains dominant, with institutions like the International Criminal Court, Europol, and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) employing thousands. The energy sector is equally significant, with headquarters of Shell, TotalEnergies, Saudi Aramco, and numerous engineering firms. Cybersecurity has emerged as a growth area through The Hague Security Delta, while financial services are represented by companies including Aegon, NIBC Bank, and Nationale-Nederlanden.

Work Permits and Employment Rights

EU/EEA nationals can work freely in the Netherlands. Non-EU citizens typically require a Single Permit (combined residence and work permit), which employers must sponsor. Highly skilled migrants may qualify for the Highly Skilled Migrant Visa, which offers streamlined processing. The The Hague International Centre provides free support for newcomers navigating work permits and registration procedures.

The following table summarizes key employment indicators for The Hague region:

Sources: CBS Statistics Netherlands, Salary Expert

The Hague region offers diverse higher education options with a strong international focus. Several institutions provide English-taught programs specifically designed for global students and professionals seeking career-oriented qualifications.

Major Universities and Colleges

The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS) is the region's largest institution, welcoming approximately 26,000 students from over 150 countries. It offers bachelor's and master's programs in business, IT, law, and public management, with strong emphasis on practical, career-focused education. Tuition fees for non-EU students range from €8,600 to €12,500 per year depending on the program.

Leiden University operates a campus in The Hague offering programs in governance, international relations, and security studies. Leiden University College The Hague provides a fully English-taught Liberal Arts and Sciences bachelor's program with a focus on global challenges.

Specialized institutions include the Royal Academy of Art and Royal Conservatoire for creative disciplines, and the renowned Hotelschool The Hague for hospitality management. TU Delft, one of Europe's leading technical universities, is located just 15 minutes away by train.

Admission and Practical Information

International students apply through Studielink, the Dutch national application portal. Most programs require proof of English proficiency (IELTS 6.0-6.5 or equivalent). Non-EU students need a student residence permit, which universities help arrange. Student housing can be competitive; early applications through university housing services are strongly recommended.

Sources: The Hague University of Applied Sciences, Leiden University

The Hague boasts one of the highest concentrations of international schools in Europe, reflecting its status as a diplomatic and expatriate hub. Families relocating with children will find numerous options offering various curricula to suit different educational backgrounds and preferences.

International Schools Overview

The International School of The Hague (ISH) serves children ages 4-18 with the International Baccalaureate curriculum (IPC, MYP, and Diploma Programme). Located in a natural setting, ISH welcomes over 100 nationalities with annual fees ranging from €8,000 to €10,000.

The British School in the Netherlands (BSN) operates multiple campuses offering British curriculum through IGCSE and A-Levels, plus IB Diploma options. With nearly 90 nationalities represented, fees range from €16,950 to €28,014 annually depending on age group.

The American School of The Hague (ASH) in nearby Wassenaar provides an American-style education from Early Childhood through High School for students ages 3-18. The European School The Hague offers multilingual education following the European Baccalaureate system, with fees around €9,360 per year for Category III pupils.

Enrollment and Considerations

Most international schools require advance registration, with waiting lists common for popular institutions. Applications typically open 12-18 months before the intended start date. Schools often require previous academic records, immunization certificates, and may conduct assessment interviews. Many schools offer sibling priority and corporate billing arrangements for employer-sponsored families.

Sources: International School of The Hague, British School in the Netherlands, European School The Hague

The Hague's housing market presents diverse options across distinctive neighborhoods, each with its own character. While demand remains high, particularly in expat-popular areas, the city offers more accessibility than Amsterdam while maintaining excellent quality of life.

Popular Neighborhoods for Expats

Benoordenhout is highly sought after by international professionals. This prestigious green neighborhood near Shell headquarters and international organizations features elegant homes, excellent parks including Clingendael, and proximity to international schools. Expect rents of €1,800-2,500 for apartments.

Archipelbuurt offers 19th-century Neo-Renaissance architecture with wide avenues between the city center and Scheveningen beach. Popular with diplomats and professionals, one-bedroom apartments average around €1,300 monthly.

Scheveningen provides beachside living with modern apartments and characterful homes. Ideal for those prioritizing coastal lifestyle, with proximity to international schools like ISH and ESH.

Statenkwartier features Art Nouveau architecture, embassy presence, and the popular "Frederikstraat" shopping area. Bezuidenhout offers a mix of historic and modern housing near central amenities.

Rental Prices and Procedures

The table below shows typical monthly rental costs in The Hague:

Rentals typically require a deposit of one to two months' rent. Many properties are unfurnished. Reliable platforms include Funda and Pararius. The Hague International Centre offers housing guidance for newcomers.

Sources: Numbeo, Funda, Pararius

The Hague delivers an impressive cultural offering that rivals much larger cities, combining world-class museums with beach life, green spaces, and vibrant entertainment. Residents enjoy a rich variety of activities throughout the year.

Museums and Cultural Attractions

The Mauritshuis houses an extraordinary collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings, including Vermeer's iconic "Girl with a Pearl Earring" and works by Rembrandt. The intimate scale of this 17th-century mansion makes viewing a pleasure. Escher in Het Paleis showcases over 120 works by M.C. Escher in a former royal palace on the elegant Lange Voorhout.

The Kunstmuseum Den Haag holds approximately 160,000 works of modern and contemporary art, including the world's largest Mondrian collection. Nearby, Panorama Mesdag presents an immersive 360-degree painting of 19th-century Scheveningen—the world's oldest panorama in its original location. Family favorites include Madurodam, the miniature city park, and SEA LIFE Scheveningen.

Beach Life and Outdoor Activities

Scheveningen beach attracts 10 million visitors annually with its pier, beach clubs, surfing, and year-round events. The quieter Kijkduin beach offers a more relaxed atmosphere. Parks including Clingendael (with its famous Japanese Garden), Westbroekpark, and Haagse Bos provide green retreats for walking, cycling, and picnics.

Nightlife and Events

The city center offers diverse dining and entertainment around Het Plein, Grote Markt, and Denneweg. Major annual events include the Crossing Border Festival (music and literature), The Hague Jazz Festival, and Museumnacht when over 35 museums open their doors for an evening of culture.

Sources: Mauritshuis, DenHaag.com Tourism

Daily life in The Hague combines Dutch efficiency with international flair. The city's compact size, excellent infrastructure, and high English proficiency make settling in remarkably smooth for newcomers from around the world.

Getting Around

The Hague benefits from outstanding public transport operated primarily by HTM. The network includes 12 tram lines and over 100 bus routes, connecting all neighborhoods from early morning until midnight. The RandstadRail light metro links The Hague directly to Rotterdam in approximately 30 minutes.

Payment is via OV-chipkaart (rechargeable transport card) or OVpay using contactless bank cards. A single journey costs approximately €3-4, while day tickets are around €8. Monthly subscriptions offer significant savings for regular commuters. The city has two major train stations—Den Haag Centraal and Den Haag Hollands Spoor—connecting to Amsterdam (50 minutes) and Schiphol Airport (30 minutes).

Cycling is integral to Dutch life. The Hague's flat terrain and extensive bike paths make cycling practical year-round. Bike rental services like Swapfiets offer monthly subscriptions from approximately €20.

Lifestyle and Practicalities

Shopping includes major supermarkets (Albert Heijn, Jumbo) open until 22:00 and Sunday openings. The city center offers diverse retail along pedestrian shopping streets. Healthcare requires mandatory Dutch health insurance (approximately €120-150 monthly). English-speaking doctors are widely available; the International Health Centre specifically serves the expat community.

Sources: HTM, Municipality of The Hague

The Hague offers a slightly lower cost of living than Amsterdam while providing comparable quality of life. Understanding typical expenses helps newcomers plan their budget effectively before relocating.

Monthly Budget: Single Person

A single professional can expect the following approximate monthly expenses:

Monthly Budget: Family of Four

Families should anticipate higher expenses, particularly for housing and education:

Sources: Numbeo, Expatistan