Many of the expats who settle in the Netherlands choose Amsterdam as home. The conveniences of this city, opportunities for employment and education, and available housing are all reasons for this trend. Several surrounding cities are also home to many expatriates, so the outskirts of Amsterdam may be more to your liking than the inner part of the city.

If you plan to stay in Amsterdam for more than three months, you'll probably have to apply for a temporary residence endorsement for your passport, known as an MVV. The application for this endorsement can be obtained from the Dutch Consulate in your home country. You may be required to provide several documents, including proof of health insurance and proof that you can support yourself while in the country.

If approved, you'll receive a sticker on the passport that will clear your way to making arrangements for housing, school and other points necessary for a longer stay. Typically, you're charged a fee for the application, non-refundable if you aren't approved. Note that some countries have an arrangement to waive the fee for those who are entering the country to study or do internships.

Housing seems to be a reasonably available commodity. There are stories of new subdivisions sprouting up away from the city's interior on a fairly regular basis, increasing the number of homes on the market. Take note that as a general rule, the closer the property is to the center of the city, the higher the price.

Many expats seem to choose housing based on nearby amenities. If there are children, proximity to parks and schools become more important. For those who love to dine and enjoy evenings out, nearby restaurants and attractions make the difference. As a rule, the location in comparison to other things - work, school, or play - appears to be more important than any particular neighborhood in the city.

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