Embark on your adventure in the Netherlands with ease, with basic country insights, moving tips, and detailed guidance on visas and immigration.

Get an introduction to all the essentials of life as an expat in the Netherlands, from the climate to the cost of living and how to stay updated with local news.

The Netherlands might not be famous for being a culinary destination, but contrary to popular belief, Dutch cuisine is surprisingly diverse.
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The newcomer will be forgiven for not knowing what to expect about the Netherlands, after tales of windmills, clogs, dikes and tulips. Expatica offers a whistle-stop tour about the Netherlands.
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Thinking about moving to the land of stroopwafels, King’s Day, and bicycles? Find out what it’s like to be an expat in the Netherlands.
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With its many dialects, unexpected sounds, and tricky grammar rules, the Dutch language has more to it than meets the eye (or ear).
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Discover the most reliable Dutch and English-language news sources to stay up to date with current events in the Netherlands and worldwide.
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Are the Dutch really the tallest people in the world? And is it true they’re all hooked on licorice? Find out with these 30 facts about the Netherlands.
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Having some problems in the Netherlands? This list of Dutch emergency numbers and helplines will get you out of any sticky situation.
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What is the cost of living in the Netherlands? Find out about how much you need for housing, food, leisure, and more.
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Congratulations – you’re not afraid to give your opinion, nor offended when small children tell you off, and you’d never reject anything free. Those are just some of the more prevalent stereotypes of Dutch people.
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New to the Netherlands? Make your life easier in your new home country by downloading these must-have apps in the Netherlands.
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Get ready for a smooth relocation to the Netherlands with a handy moving checklist and details on how to relocate all your belongings, hassle-free.

If your Dutch resident permit expires, you can apply to extend it or opt for a different permit. If you leave instead, you must deregister and return your permit.
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Planning on relocating to the Netherlands? Make your move easier with our ultimate checklist for moving to the Netherlands.
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Are you ready to move to the Netherlands? Our guide to relocation to the Netherlands will help your removal run smoothly.
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From finding a home and registering as a resident to sorting insurance and more, here are 10 things to do when you arrive in the Netherlands.
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You won’t get very far in the Netherlands without a Burgerservicenummer. From banking to housing, the Dutch BSN is a must-have.
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Immerse yourself in society in the Netherlands by learning about its rich history, its attitudes towards religion and diversity, and its most famous inventions.

How safe are Amsterdam’s crooked houses? Take a look at the history behind Amsterdam’s narrow houses and theories on why they tilt today.
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Who is Dick Schoof, where is the Tweede Kamer, and does the king even do anything? Find out in this article on the Dutch government.
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Get to know your Dutch neighbors in a whole new light by discovering these popular sports in the Netherlands.
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From home births and benefits to finding the right school, here are all the ins and outs of Dutch parenting.
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Here is a guide to religious services and important celebrations in English in the Netherlands by town/city.
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Polite or pushy? Navigating Dutch etiquette means rethinking what you thought you knew about manners and everyday conversations.
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Got some orange in your wardrobe? You’ll fit right in with the Dutch when they celebrate the ever-lively Koningsdag.
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Discover the most reliable Dutch and English-language news sources to stay up to date with current events in the Netherlands and worldwide.
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Discover the magic of Sinterklaas, a national and sometimes controversial holiday that the Netherlands celebrates in December.
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From festive foods to twinkling city lights, here are 10 Dutch Christmas traditions that make the winter season magical.
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Each country has its own peculiarities when it comes to socializing, but the Dutch circle party can be especially bizarre for a newcomer.
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You’ve probably used a Dutch invention in your life without realising it. Here are some of the best inventions to thank Dutch inventors for.
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Congratulations – you’re not afraid to give your opinion, nor offended when small children tell you off, and you’d never reject anything free. Those are just some of the more prevalent stereotypes of Dutch people.
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From epic war films to bittersweet comedies, we take a look at the best movies about the Netherlands which will make you laugh and cry.
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Learn how to apply for visas, residence, and citizenship in the Netherlands, whether you are immigrating for love, to find work, as a student, or simply for adventure.

Discover the ins and outs of securing a long-term stay as a remote worker in the Netherlands with the Self-Employed Residence Permit. The Netherlands has plenty to offer, from the historic, winding canals of Amsterdam and Utrecht to the striking, avant-garde architecture of Rotterdam. For many internationals, the combination of a high quality of life, […]
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Thinking about going Dutch? Find out what you need to know about visas, residence permits, immigration, and more in the Netherlands.
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If you have a family member living in the Netherlands, find out if you’re eligible to join them with a family or partner visa.
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Find out all about work visas in the Netherlands, including who needs one, how to apply, and the different types of permits available.
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You won’t get very far in the Netherlands without a Burgerservicenummer. From banking to housing, the Dutch BSN is a must-have.
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After living in the country for five years, foreign nationals and their family members can apply for permanent residence in the Netherlands.
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Become a citizen of the Netherlands and you’ll access a wealth of rights. Discover the different paths to Dutch citizenship and how to apply.
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Find out all you need to know about Dutch passports for expats, including benefits, eligibility, and how to apply for one.
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Some students require a visa to study in the Netherlands. Find out whether you need one, how to apply, and what to do after your course.
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Find out if you are eligible for a highly-skilled migrant residence permit in the Netherlands and what rights it gives to your family.
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Location, location, location! Discover the appeal of the Netherlands’ main regions and cities, and get detailed insights into what each neighborhood has to offer.

Is Amsterdam safe to live or visit alone? An expat insider explains how safe Amsterdam is at night and in the red light district, plus areas to avoid and types of crime tourists should watch out for.
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The northern Netherlands provinces of Friesland, Groningen and Drenthe offer a Dutch experience with a unique flavour and at a gentler pace. The region is growing thanks to recent investment, and there are many opportunities for expats interested in relocating to the Netherlands.
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Although Amsterdam is typically the number one hub for expats, there are plenty of other cities in the Netherlands worth your while.
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Expats considering where to live in Haarlem have plenty of options in the surrounding neighborhoods of this picturesque medieval city.
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Leeuwarden offers an affordable and comfortable lifestyle in a beautiful old city surrounded by green spaces and waterways.
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Discover historical Groningen, a vibrant university city in the north of the Netherlands that has one of the country’s youngest populations.
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Find the best spot to start a life in Maastricht, a historic, beautiful, and vibrant city in the southern province of Limburg.
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Finding an area to live in Amsterdam doesn’t have to be daunting, with our handy guide to the different districts or boroughs.
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Moving to the Netherlands? Escape the bustle of the capital and relocate somewhere a little quieter with our guide on where to live near Amsterdam.
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Discover the best places to live in Amstelveen, the leafy, green suburb of Amsterdam located in the province of North Holland.
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Wedged between The Hague and Rotterdam, Delft is a beautiful historical town that attracts those seeking a quieter lifestyle with good city connections.
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Discover life in the technology and design hub of the Netherlands and explore the best places to live in Eindhoven.
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In the heart of the Randstad, Leiden is a picturesque university city that is an intellectual epicenter, offering an ideal setting.
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Utrecht is one of the most attractive places to live in the Netherlands, offering big city amenities, a medieval centre and proximity to the Dutch countryside.
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Rotterdam is a bustling, multicultural port city. Discover which part of the city is right for you with our guide on where to live in Rotterdam.
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Planning on moving to The Hague? Find the right neighborhood to call home in this international city by the sea.
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Expat tools
Relocator tool
Get a personalised checklist for moving to the Netherlands by answering a few questions about your relocation
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Job search
Looking for work? Search our job postings to discover a position suited to your talents
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Health insurance
Get the best health insurance quotes for expats when moving to the Netherlands
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