Moving

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

#

About the Netherlands

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.

#

An overview of Dutch food and cuisine

The Netherlands might not be famous for being a culinary destination, but contrary to popular belief, Dutch cuisine is surprisingly diverse.

Read more

#

A brief introduction to the Netherlands

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.

Read more

#

Expat life in the Netherlands: 10 questions answered

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.

Read more

#

Introduction to Dutch: the Netherlands’ official language

With its many dialects, unexpected sounds, and tricky grammar rules, the Dutch language has more to it than meets the eye (or ear).

Read more

#

Where to get the news in the Netherlands

Discover the most reliable Dutch and English-language news sources to stay up to date with current events in the Netherlands and worldwide.

Read more

#

30 surprising facts about the Netherlands

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.

Read more

#

Emergency services in the Netherlands: numbers and helplines

Having some problems in the Netherlands? This list of Dutch emergency numbers and helplines will get you out of any sticky situation.

Read more

#

The cost of living in the Netherlands in 2026

What is the cost of living in the Netherlands? Find out about how much you need for housing, food, leisure, and more.

Read more

#

A guide to Dutch people

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.

Read more

#

Top must-have apps in the Netherlands

New to the Netherlands? Make your life easier in your new home country by downloading these must-have apps in the Netherlands.

Read more

Relocation

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.

Society & History

Immerse yourself in society in the Netherlands by learning about its rich history, its attitudes towards religion and diversity, and its most famous inventions.

#

Why does Amsterdam have so many crooked houses?

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.

Read more

#

The Dutch government: politics in the Netherlands

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.

Read more

#

Popular sports in the Netherlands

Get to know your Dutch neighbors in a whole new light by discovering these popular sports in the Netherlands.

Read more

#

Dutch parenting and family life

From home births and benefits to finding the right school, here are all the ins and outs of Dutch parenting.

Read more

#

Religion in the Netherlands

Here is a guide to religious services and important celebrations in English in the Netherlands by town/city.

Read more

#

Dutch culture: social etiquette in the Netherlands

Polite or pushy? Navigating Dutch etiquette means rethinking what you thought you knew about manners and everyday conversations.

Read more

#

Koningsdag: a guide to King’s Day in the Netherlands

Got some orange in your wardrobe? You’ll fit right in with the Dutch when they celebrate the ever-lively Koningsdag.

Read more

#

Where to get the news in the Netherlands

Discover the most reliable Dutch and English-language news sources to stay up to date with current events in the Netherlands and worldwide.

Read more

#

Celebrating Sinterklaas in the Netherlands

Discover the magic of Sinterklaas, a national and sometimes controversial holiday that the Netherlands celebrates in December.

Read more

#

Christmas in the Netherlands: 10 Dutch holiday traditions

From festive foods to twinkling city lights, here are 10 Dutch Christmas traditions that make the winter season magical.

Read more

#

The Dutch circle party guide

Each country has its own peculiarities when it comes to socializing, but the Dutch circle party can be especially bizarre for a newcomer.

Read more

#

Inventions you didn’t know were Dutch

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.

Read more

#

A guide to Dutch people

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.

Read more

#

The top 10 movies about the Netherlands

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.

Read more

Visas & Immigration

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.

#

Digital Nomad Visa in the Netherlands

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, […]

Read more

#

Dutch visas: how to immigrate to the Netherlands in 2026

Thinking about going Dutch? Find out what you need to know about visas, residence permits, immigration, and more in the Netherlands.

Read more

#

Family and partner visas in the Netherlands

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.

Read more

#

Work-related visas in the Netherlands

Find out all about work visas in the Netherlands, including who needs one, how to apply, and the different types of permits available.

Read more

#

The Burgerservicenummer: getting a BSN in the Netherlands

You won’t get very far in the Netherlands without a Burgerservicenummer. From banking to housing, the Dutch BSN is a must-have.

Read more

#

Permanent residence in the Netherlands

After living in the country for five years, foreign nationals and their family members can apply for permanent residence in the Netherlands.

Read more

#

Citizenship in the Netherlands: how to become a Dutch citizen

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.

Read more

#

Getting a Dutch passport

Find out all you need to know about Dutch passports for expats, including benefits, eligibility, and how to apply for one.

Read more

#

Student visas in the Netherlands

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.

Read more

#

Highly skilled migrant residence permit for the Netherlands

Find out if you are eligible for a highly-skilled migrant residence permit in the Netherlands and what rights it gives to your family.

Read more

Where to Live

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?

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.

Read more

#

Why move to the northern Netherlands

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.

Read more

#

Where to live in the Netherlands: the best cities for expats

Although Amsterdam is typically the number one hub for expats, there are plenty of other cities in the Netherlands worth your while.

Read more

#

Where to live in Haarlem

Expats considering where to live in Haarlem have plenty of options in the surrounding neighborhoods of this picturesque medieval city.

Read more

#

Where to live in Leeuwarden

Leeuwarden offers an affordable and comfortable lifestyle in a beautiful old city surrounded by green spaces and waterways.

Read more

#

Where to live in Groningen

Discover historical Groningen, a vibrant university city in the north of the Netherlands that has one of the country’s youngest populations.

Read more

#

Where to live in Maastricht

Find the best spot to start a life in Maastricht, a historic, beautiful, and vibrant city in the southern province of Limburg.

Read more

#

Where to live in Amsterdam

Finding an area to live in Amsterdam doesn’t have to be daunting, with our handy guide to the different districts or boroughs.

Read more

#

Where to live near Amsterdam

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.

Read more

#

Where to live in Amstelveen

Discover the best places to live in Amstelveen, the leafy, green suburb of Amsterdam located in the province of North Holland.

Read more

#

Where to live in Delft

Wedged between The Hague and Rotterdam, Delft is a beautiful historical town that attracts those seeking a quieter lifestyle with good city connections.

Read more

#

Where to live in Eindhoven

Discover life in the technology and design hub of the Netherlands and explore the best places to live in Eindhoven.

Read more

#

Where to live in Leiden

In the heart of the Randstad, Leiden is a picturesque university city that is an intellectual epicenter, offering an ideal setting.

Read more

#

Where to live in Utrecht

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.

Read more

#

Where to live in Rotterdam

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.

Read more

#

Where to live in The Hague

Planning on moving to The Hague? Find the right neighborhood to call home in this international city by the sea.

Read more

Expat tools

Make your expat journey easier with our handy tools

expat tool

Relocator tool

Get a personalised checklist for moving to the Netherlands by answering a few questions about your relocation

Read more

expat tool

Directory

Find a service provider for your finances, education, and everything in between

Read more

expat tool

Job search

Looking for work? Search our job postings to discover a position suited to your talents

Read more

expat tool

Health insurance

Get the best health insurance quotes for expats when moving to the Netherlands

Read more