Moving to the Netherlands
Everything you need to know about relocating, finding a home, and settling into Dutch life.
City Relocation Guides
Explore our detailed expat guides for the most popular cities in the Netherlands.
Amsterdam
The vibrant capital. Famous for its canals, international community, and tech scene.
Rotterdam
Modern architecture, a massive port, and a booming creative industry.
The Hague
The political heart of the country, located right by the sea.
Utrecht
A historic, cozy alternative to Amsterdam with a massive student population.
Eindhoven
The brainport of Europe. The top destination for tech and engineering professionals.
Groningen
A lively university city in the north with a young demographic.
Tilburg
An up-and-coming cultural hub in the southern province of Brabant.
Almere
A modern, rapidly growing city perfect for families needing more space.
Breda
Historical charm combined with southern Dutch hospitality.
Nijmegen
The oldest city in the Netherlands, surrounded by beautiful nature.
Apeldoorn
A green and spacious city known for its royal history and proximity to nature.
Haarlem
A charming historic city close to Amsterdam and the beautiful beaches.
Arnhem
The green capital of Gelderland, famous for its fashion and history.
Haarlemmermeer
A major business hub housing Schiphol Airport and modern residential areas.
Amersfoort
A well-preserved medieval city center with a central location and great schools.
Enschede
A vibrant city in the east with a strong focus on technology and innovation.
Zaanstad
Famous for its industrial heritage, windmills, and proximity to Amsterdam.
's-Hertogenbosch
The stylish capital of Brabant, known for its culture and historic center.
Zwolle
A historic Hanseatic city with a high quality of life and great connections.
Leeuwarden
The cultural capital of Friesland, offering a unique blend of history and water.
Zoetermeer
A modern city known for its leisure facilities and excellent transport links.
Leiden
A picturesque university city with a rich history and beautiful canals.
Maastricht
The most international city in the south, offering a unique European vibe.
Dordrecht
The oldest city in Holland, featuring a historic harbor and unique architecture.
Ede
Located in the heart of the Veluwe, perfect for those who love nature and space.
Alphen aan den Rijn
A central city with a focus on family living and outdoor activities.
Westland
The greenhouse capital of the world, located between the city and the sea.
Alkmaar
The historic cheese capital. Offering charm, canals, and proximity to the North Sea beaches.
Emmen
A green oasis in Drenthe. Known for its modern zoo and affordable living.
Delft
A historic city famous for its blue pottery and world-class technical university.
Venlo
A logistics hub near the German border with a lively city center.
Deventer
A historic Hanseatic city on the river IJssel, known for its book markets.
Sittard-Geleen
A diverse city in the south with a strong industrial and cultural heart.
Helmond
An innovative city in Brabant with a rich industrial history and modern architecture.
Oss
A business-oriented city with a focus on life sciences and logistics.
Amstelveen
A leafy, international suburb next to Amsterdam with high-quality living.
Hilversum
The media capital of the Netherlands, surrounded by beautiful forests and heathland.
Heerlen
A city in the south undergoing a modern cultural and urban transformation.
Nissewaard
A green and water-rich municipality perfect for families and nature lovers.
Hengelo
A technological city in the east with a rich industrial heritage and green spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to move to the Netherlands?
EU/EEA and Swiss citizens do not need a visa to live or work in the Netherlands. Non-EU citizens typically need a residence permit, often sponsored by an employer as a Highly Skilled Migrant.
What is the 30% ruling?
It is a tax advantage for highly skilled foreign employees, allowing employers to pay up to 30% of their salary tax-free to cover relocation costs. This rule is currently being scaled down by the government.
Is it hard to find a rental apartment?
Yes, the Netherlands is currently experiencing a severe national housing shortage. It is highly recommended to start your search early and use automated alerts to respond to listings immediately.
Start Your Dutch Housing Search
Beat the competition. Get instant alerts for new rental apartments across the Netherlands the moment they go online.