Your life in The Netherlands starts here
Make your move to The Netherlands
Cycling infrastructure, excellent healthcare and English spoken everywhere make the Netherlands easy to settle into. A favourable tax scheme helps skilled migrants, and a dedicated treaty opens a route for American entrepreneurs.
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Photo: Thomas Bormans / Unsplash
At a glance
The Netherlands, in brief.
How The Netherlands compares with the 80+ destinations we cover. The Netherlands ranks among the best for healthcare (14th of 78) and safety (16th of 78) and english-friendliness (18th of 81).
Compare destinations- Cost of living
- High
- Property
- Expensive
- Healthcare
- Excellent
- Safety
- Safe
- Climate
- Cool (~11°C)
- English
- Native / official
- Expat community
- Established
Skilled migrant/DAFT; no retiree visa
Worldwide; 30% ruling for skilled migrants
Life in The Netherlands
Where, when and why did you move abroad? I moved to Amsterdam in summer of 2019.The reason I wanted to try my next step abroad was I had…
Health insurance in The Netherlands
Covered from day one.
The dream is the easy part. Compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes and with no obligation.
Get health insurance quotes In partnership with Moving your belongings too? Get up to five free quotes from international moversSending money abroad? Compare money transfer rates
Your move plan
The Netherlands, one step at a time.
Thirteen steps, in the order most people tackle them. Each one links to the guide that walks you through it.
- 01Check which visa fits your moveRead the guide : Check which visa fits your move
- 02Work out your monthly budgetRead the guide : Work out your monthly budget
- 03Arrange health cover for your moveRead the guide : Arrange health cover for your move
- 04Understand how the health system worksRead the guide : Understand how the health system works
- 05Bring your pet, if you have oneRead the guide : Bring your pet, if you have one
- 06Find somewhere to rentRead the guide : Find somewhere to rent
- 07Open a local bank accountRead the guide : Open a local bank account
- 08Know your residency steps after you arriveRead the guide : Know your residency steps after you arrive
- 09Find a doctorRead the guide : Find a doctor
- 10Understand your tax positionRead the guide : Understand your tax position
- 11Sort out your driving licenceRead the guide : Sort out your driving licence
- 12Set up a phone and internetRead the guide : Set up a phone and internet
- 13Plan schools, if you're moving with childrenRead the guide : Plan schools, if you're moving with children
Plan your move
Answers for your move.
Free tools that turn big questions about The Netherlands into clear answers.
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- Compare cost of livingWhat your money is worth in The Netherlands.01
- Check retirement affordabilityWhere your pension clears the requirement.02
- Find visa optionsEvery route you could qualify for.03
- Get moving quotesUp to five free quotes from international movers.04
- Compare money transfer ratesFor large international transfers.05
The complete picture
The The Netherlands moving guide.
54 guides, from your visa to finding a vet. Start with the three most people need first.
Moving guide sponsored by- Start here · 01
Visas
Which visa fits your move, and how to apply.
- Start here · 02
Residency
Your residence permit, from first stay to long term.
- Start here · 03
Banking
Opening an account and moving money.
Visas, residency and work
6
Healthcare
7
Buying property
5
Health and wellbeing
8
Travel and transport
5
Driving and cars
5
Health cover designed for life in The Netherlands
Whether you're relocating with your family, taking up a new role or retiring abroad, Cigna Global plans are built around expat life: worldwide cover, direct billing and 24/7 support in English.
You won't be the first
Real people who made the move.
People who built a life in The Netherlands share what surprised them, what helped and what they'd do again. All The Netherlands stories
- Amsterdam
Austyn Smith
My name is Austyn Smith and I'm a podcaster, blogger, and mother of four. Where, when and why did you move abroad?We…
- Limburg
Lindsay Rubino
My name is Lindsay Rubino, and I’m a freelance writer and editor from New Jersey in the U.S. I’m 30 years old…
- Friesland
Stuart Billinghurst
My name is Stuart Billinghurst. I’m an accident prone Englishman and the writer of InvadingHolland.com.Where, when and why did you move abroad?I…
Fresh from The Netherlands
Latest articles.
Dutch Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Opportunities for Expats
The Netherlands, often synonymized with windmills, tulips, and bicycles, is also one of the foremost hubs for innovation and entrepreneurship in Europe. A vibrant…
How To Open A Bank Account In The Netherlands
If you are planning a move to the Netherlands, you will need to consider how you will handle your banking arrangements. Depending on your…
How To Rent Or Buy Property In The Netherlands
The Netherlands, a country in Northwestern Europe, is perhaps best known for its flat landscape, peppered with bright tulip fields, and its quaint, picturesque…
Hear it first hand
The podcast on The Netherlands.
Conversations with people who've made the move, and the experts who help them. All The Netherlands episodes
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