Living in Amsterdam: the ultimate expat guide
Everything you need to know for a successful life in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam is not only the Netherlands' capital but also its most densely populated city. As a world famous metropolis, Amsterdam welcomes expatriates with open arms.
Being the country's major economic, commercial and finance hub, it provides many career prospects for expatriates. Known to be the Netherlands' cultural capital, it also offers quality living to its residents in a dynamic and innovating environment.
Generalities
Get an overview of living in Amsterdam with general information to discover the destination.
Discovering Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the Netherlands' capital and is known for its tulips and windmills. It's home ...
Adjusting to the culture in Amsterdam
Wherever you move in the world, it's always a great idea to know what to expect from the ...
Developing your social circle in Amsterdam
In your move to Amsterdam, you may already have some friends or acquaintances in the country. ...
Work
Dive into the Amsterdam labour market, legal framework and tips on how to find a job in Amsterdam.
Working in Amsterdam
Over 918,000 people live in Amsterdam, which means there's a bit of competition when it comes ...
Amsterdam's labor market
Part of your big move to the Netherlands probably involves finding a job once you're settled. ...
Jobs in Amsterdam
Discover professional opportunities in Amsterdam and boost your career.
Accommodation
Explore real estate or temporary rentals in Amsterdam. Find out more about renting or buying a house or a flat, real estate agents, leases and rental agreements.
Accommodation in Amsterdam
Sorting out the proper visas to move to the Netherlands is just the first hurdle in your big move ...
Buying property in Amsterdam
They always say that paying money towards a mortgage is better than spending money on rent, as you ...
Find your ideal home in Amsterdam
Explore real estate listings in Amsterdam to buy or rent your next home.
Study
Universities, training courses, student visas, registration procedures: all you need to know about being an international student in Amsterdam.
Transport
From public transports to renting or buying a car, explore the best options to getting around in Amsterdam.
Getting around Amsterdam
While there isn't one single correct way to travel around Amsterdam, there still may be ones that are better suited for your purposes. You can ...
Leisure
Sports, leisure, culture and other activities expats can enjoy in their spare time in Amsterdam.
Eating out in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a rich melting pot of many cultures; half of its residents are Dutch, while the other ...
Things to do in Amsterdam alone, with your partner, family or friends
While you live in Amsterdam, you may find yourself in different social situations. You might have ...
Sports in Amsterdam
Naturally, when you move to Amsterdam, you won't find a lack of sports, whether it's ...
Articles from the magazine
Laura's expat journey: Finding the perfect quality of life in the Netherlands
Join Laura's journey as she explores life in Scotland and the Netherlands. Discover her experiences, challenges, and the key to finding her ideal quality of life. This interview is packed with valuable tips for anyone considering expat life, whether you're drawn to charming Edinburgh or vibrant Amsterdam.
Explore, learn and grow abroad: Camille's thirst for adventure
Originally from Picardy, France, Camille is an adventurer at heart. Attracted to travel from an early age, she had the opportunity to visit several European countries as part of the Erasmus program, and Asia before settling in Amsterdam, where she now enjoys a fulfilling personal and professional life. But one thing's for sure: this isn't her last adventure! Camille talks to us about her journey, her challenges, but also her successes with a head full of dreams and projects.
Are Europeans pro or anti immigration?
Immigration remains a central topic of debate in the European Union. As France tries to heal the wounds of a week of riots (late June to early July), discussions about immigration have fueled debates, even though the perpetrators of violence were French citizens. During the same period, the European Commission published its Eurobarometer, analyzing the perception of immigration among Europeans.
How will the new labor regulations in the Netherlands affect expats?
According to Karien van Gennip, the Dutch Minister of Labour, many workers with flexible contracts and self-employed are uncertain about their employment status. Having a job is a good thing, but it's even better to have job security and career prospects. With this in mind, the government proposed new rules in April to ensure a more stable and balanced labor market. Here are some of the key details.
Stuart in Friesland : "I like being able to cycle around the city"
Stuart is originally from England. He accidentally landed in the Netherlands in 2001 following a job offer. He now lives in Friesland with his Dutch wife and daughter.
Sandra in Haarlem: "Dutch lifestyle is absolutely fantastic"
It's been two years since Sandra, Spanish expat, moved to Haarlem with her husband. She not only enjoys her everyday life there but also the Dutch culture and lifestyle...
Thriving abroad: The story of a forever expat
Ute is a German (and Swiss) “expat-since-birth”, as she likes to call herself. She has lived abroad her entire life, and is currently living with her loving family in The Hague, Netherlands. Ute has moved to different countries several times for study, work, and to accompany her partner, and with every move she had to reinvent herself, to adapt, and to overcome the lows. However, every country has been an adventure she has learned from and an opportunity to thrive and move forward.
5 expat bloggers reveal their recipe for happiness
Are you about to move abroad and make the tough decision to leave your many cookbooks behind? Never mind, because Expat.com — with this selection of five expat bloggers pouring love and care in their dishes — is bringing an infusion of faraway flavours into your kitchen. Join us for an international feast — a celebration of life in foreign lands!
