Living in the Netherlands: the ultimate expat guide

Choosing where to settle in the Netherlands depends on your lifestyle, professional situation, and priorities. The country offers a wide variety of environments, from bustling cosmopolitan cities to more tranquil mid-sized towns.

1. Amsterdam, the capital, enchants with its vibrant cultural scene, an attractive job market, and its international atmosphere. It hosts numerous businesses and offers a lively urban life, though housing costs here are among the highest in the country.
2. Rotterdam, the Netherlands' second-largest city, draws people in with its modern architecture, a strategic port, and a cost of living that is slightly more affordable. It provides excellent opportunities in logistics, trade, and engineering.
3. Utrecht, a vibrant university city, offers a pleasant living environment with a well-preserved historic center. It particularly appeals to families and young professionals looking for a calm environment while still being well-connected to major employment hubs.

Other cities such as The Hague (home to international institutions), Eindhoven (a tech hub), or Maastricht (close to Belgium and Germany) also offer appealing living conditions depending on your needs.

Before settling down, it’s advisable to visit several cities to assess the available services, transport, and local vibe.

If you're planning to move to the Netherlands, there are certain administrative steps that you need to complete. These requirements vary depending on your nationality and the length of your stay.

French and European citizens do not require a visa to enter the Netherlands and can freely move about with a valid identity card or passport. However, if you plan to stay for more than four months, you must register with the local municipality in the BRP (Personal Records Database) to obtain a BSN number (Burgerservicenummer). This number is essential to work, open a bank account, rent accommodation, or access health services.

For non-European citizens, you will need a long-stay visa and a residence permit. Applications can be submitted to the Dutch Immigration Service (IND).

The Netherlands boasts a dynamic and expat-friendly job market. It ranks among the strongest economies in Europe. The tertiary sector significantly dominates the economy, accounting for nearly 78% of jobs, particularly in financial services, logistics, information technology, healthcare, and international trade. English is widely used in professional settings, making it easier for expatriates to integrate, although proficiency in Dutch is still a valuable asset. The country is home to numerous multinationals (such as Shell, Unilever, Philips, and ING) and encourages entrepreneurship through advantageous taxation and simplified procedures.

Finding accommodation in the Netherlands can be one of the main challenges faced by expatriates, especially in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague. The market is currently experiencing a housing shortage, which has led to high rents and significant competition. Renting is still the preferred option for accommodation, with leases typically lasting for a renewable one year. In Amsterdam, prices are notably high, especially in the city center. Expect to pay between €1,500 and €2,600 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, and between €3,000 and €5,500 for a three-bedroom apartment. Additional utilities are not always included in the rent and can add around €100 to €230 per month.

Student housing is in high demand: many students choose to share a room, with rents usually falling between €600 and €950 per month. While property purchase is allowed for foreigners, the high prices, frequent bidding wars, and purchase fees of around 10 to 13 % of the property's price make it a project that requires careful planning.

The Netherlands is known as one of the European countries with a high cost of living, especially in cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht. Housing is by far the largest expense and has a significant impact on your overall budget. On average, expect to budget between €2,500 and €4,300 per month minimum for a single person, and between €5,600 and €10,800 for a family of four.

Here are some estimated monthly expenses to give you a clearer idea of the cost of living in the Netherlands:

The Dutch healthcare system is based on a mandatory basic health insurance scheme managed by private insurers in competition. Every resident is required to purchase a basic insurance policy that provides minimum coverage defined by law. The general practitioner serves a central role as the first point of contact for referrals to specialists and hospital services.

Basic insurance typically costs between €150 and €200 per month, depending on the insurer and the deductible level chosen. The Dutch authorities set a mandatory annual deductible of at least €385 that all policyholders must pay. This is a global annual deductible applied to specific care (medications, specialists, hospital) rather than a per-visit deductible. Once this amount is reached during the year, the most relevant care is fully covered by the insurance. It is possible to voluntarily increase this deductible in tiered steps, up to €885. The higher the chosen deductible, the lower the monthly premium, which helps reduce insurance costs for individuals in good health or those who seldom seek medical care. Conversely, opting for the minimum deductible provides better immediate protection but comes with a higher monthly premium.

Consultations with the general practitioner are always 100% covered and are never deducted from the deductible. Specialist consultations typically cost between €100 and €200, but the actual amount paid by the patient depends on the remaining deductible. Hospital admissions are well covered, even though the gross costs can reach thousands of euros depending on the length of stay and treatments received. A straightforward childbirth typically costs between €2,000 and €4,000 in public healthcare, with higher charges in private healthcare or for specific services.

Many expats opt for supplementary insurance to cover dental care, optical services, physiotherapy, or certain treatments not included in the basic insurance. These supplementary plans range from €10 to €100 per month, depending on the coverage provided. In some sectors, employers include health insurance in the salary package, but it's advisable to carefully check the limits and exclusions.

Effectively managing your finances is a crucial step toward settling in the Netherlands. The Dutch banking system is modern, reliable, and well-regulated, featuring reputable banks like ING, ABN AMRO, and Rabobank. As a member of the Eurozone, transactions are straightforward for Europeans. The Dutch tax system may seem complex at first, but it becomes much clearer once you understand the three "boxes" involved. Expats can rely on official resources from the Belastingdienst and the Expat Centers for free support, turning to a tax advisor only in specific situations (such as income from multiple countries, assets abroad, 30% ruling, etc.).

The Netherlands may not be the top choice for retirement destinations among the French, but the country has its appeal for those considering it as their retirement home. Most foreign retirees here are former expatriates who have spent several years working in the country, particularly in finance or technology. Retiring in the Netherlands requires thorough preparation, as the local system is significantly different from the French system.

3 major benefits

1. Solid retirement system: The Netherlands has a well-structured three-pillar system. This includes: a basic pension (AOW) paid to all residents who have lived in the country for a sufficient number of years, mandatory occupational pensions in many sectors, and an optional individual retirement savings scheme.
2. High quality of life: Modern infrastructure, efficient public transport, a high-performing healthcare system, and a pleasant living environment.
3. Clear taxation: Pension tax regulations are well-defined, making the administrative management easier for expatriates.

💡 Important information

1. The legal retirement age is set at 67 years until 2027, after which it will gradually increase (67 years and 3 months in 2028).
2. The AOW (General Old Age Pensions Act) is calculated based on the number of years of residence in the Netherlands between the ages of 15 and 67: each year of residence earns 2% of the pension, resulting in 100% after 50 years of residency.
3. Taxation depends on the nature of the pension: French public pensions remain taxable in France, while private and supplementary pensions are taxed in the Netherlands with anti-double taxation mechanisms.
4. French expatriates can voluntarily contribute to the Caisse des Français de l’Étranger to complement their future pension.
5. To live comfortably in the Netherlands, it is recommended to have a net monthly income of about €3,500 to €4,500 per person, depending on the city and lifestyle.

The Netherlands attracts a growing number of international students each year, thanks to the renowned quality of its educational system and the diversity of its academic offerings. The country is home to 14 research universities and nearly 40 universities of applied sciences, with several ranking among the best in the world. Among the most prestigious institutions are: the University of Amsterdam, Utrecht University, Leiden University (the oldest in the country, founded in 1575), Delft University of Technology (engineering), Erasmus University Rotterdam (economics and management), and Maastricht University (social sciences and law).

The Dutch education system is well-known for its quality and clear organization. Schooling is mandatory from the age of 5, although most children start at 4. The educational journey is divided into two phases: primary school from ages 4 to 12, followed by secondary school from ages 12 to 18. After a common first year, students are directed towards three tracks: VMBO (vocational), HAVO (general), and VWO (pre-university).

Preparing for an international move to the Netherlands requires careful planning and organization. From the transport of your belongings to the administrative formalities and settling in at your new home, several key elements deserve particular attention to ease your transition.

1. Compare quotes from international moving companies, ensuring they include comprehensive insurance for your belongings during transport.
2. Gather all your essential official documents (birth certificates, diplomas, driver’s license, proof of income, bank references) and, if needed, have them translated into Dutch or English by a qualified sworn translator.
3. Be prepared for customs procedures, even though they are simplified within the EU. A detailed inventory of your personal effects may be required, especially for valuable items.
4. Check the compatibility of your electronic devices. The Netherlands uses type C and F plugs with a voltage of 230V / 50Hz, like in France, reducing the need for adapters.
5. Remember to notify your bank, postal services, and French authorities about your change of address before you leave.
6. If you are moving with a pet, ensure it has a microchip, an up-to-date European passport, and a valid rabies vaccination.

Living in the Netherlands means embracing a lifestyle that is calm and balanced. The country is noted for its consensus culture, strong organizational skills, and open-mindedness. Expats generally appreciate the high quality of life and the simplicity of everyday interactions.

The Netherlands boasts a rich cultural and social life, where the balance between work and personal life is particularly valued. The country attracts visitors with its world-renowned museums, a vibrant music scene, friendly cafés, and a wide range of outdoor activities. The Dutch place great emphasis on leisure, and expats quickly embrace this lifestyle focused on well-being and sociability.

Prepare for your administrative tasks: arrival procedures, opening a bank account, understanding the local lifestyle, and any necessary visas.

Take some time to read our articles, especially those on employment, housing, and healthcare in the Netherlands.

Feel free to ask your questions on the Netherlands forum, where the expatriate community shares insightful tips and experiences!

To integrate, adopt local habits: frequent bicycle use, direct communication, and a strong sense of organization.

Moving to the Netherlands means choosing a tolerant, well-organized, and forward-thinking country. To ensure your success, thorough preparation is key. We hope this Expat.com guide has provided you with the essential tools to set up your new life and make the most of your experience in the Netherlands.