Moving to Netherlands

Considering a move to the land of windmills, canals, and cycling? The Netherlands consistently ranks among the top destinations for expats thanks to its world-class infrastructure, high English proficiency, and thriving international job market. This guide covers everything you need to know — from visas and the 30% tax ruling to finding housing during a national housing crisis — so you can plan your relocation with confidence.

Whether you are a highly skilled professional heading to Amsterdam's tech scene, a student enrolling at a Dutch university, or an EU citizen exploring life in one of Europe's most livable countries, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the practical, financial, and cultural realities of settling in the Netherlands in 2026.

The Netherlands at a Glance

Why Move to the Netherlands in 2026

Strong international job market: Home to the European headquarters of companies like Uber, Booking.com, Adyen, ASML, and Philips, the Netherlands has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the EU and a particular demand for tech, engineering, finance, and life-sciences professionals.
30% ruling tax advantage: Eligible expats can receive up to 30% of their gross salary tax-free for five years, significantly boosting take-home pay — one of the most generous expat tax schemes in Europe.
English as a second language: The Netherlands consistently ranks #1 globally for English proficiency among non-native speakers, meaning you can navigate daily life, government services, and most workplaces in English while learning Dutch at your own pace.
Central European location: Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam is a global hub with direct flights to over 300 destinations, making weekend trips across Europe effortless.
Work-life balance: The Dutch work an average of 32–36 hours per week, part-time employment is culturally normalized (even for professionals), and 25 days of paid holiday is standard.
Cycling infrastructure: With over 35,000 km of dedicated bike paths, cycling is the primary mode of transport in Dutch cities — saving money and keeping you fit.
High quality of life: The Netherlands ranks in the top 5 on the World Happiness Index, with excellent public services, low crime rates, and well-maintained public spaces.
Tolerance and diversity: Dutch society is historically open-minded, and major cities host vibrant international communities with residents from over 200 nationalities.

Moving Costs to the Netherlands

Shipping your belongings to the Netherlands varies depending on origin, volume, and transport method. Typical rates as of early 2026 are:

Component Costs Explained

Transportation (sea freight): €1,800–€5,000 depending on container size and route; air freight starts at around €1,200 per cubic meter but is significantly faster.
Insurance: Typically 2–4% of the declared value of your goods; full replacement coverage is recommended.
Customs clearance: €150–€400 for standard personal effects; the Netherlands applies EU customs duties for non-EU goods.
Packing materials: €200–€600 for professional packing services; self-packing saves cost but increases risk.
Storage (if needed): €150–€350 per month for a 20 m² unit in major cities.
Administrative fees: €100–€300 for documentation, permits, and broker fees.

Visa & Residency Requirements

The Netherlands has a well-structured immigration system managed by the IND (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst — the Immigration and Naturalisation Service). Your visa path depends on your nationality and purpose of stay.

For EU/EEA and Swiss Citizens

EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens do not need a visa or residence permit to live and work in the Netherlands. You simply need a valid passport or national ID card. For stays longer than four months, you must register with your local municipality (gemeente) to obtain a BSN (Burgerservicenummer — Citizen Service Number), which is required for employment, healthcare, banking, and virtually all aspects of Dutch life.

If you are an EU citizen staying longer than four months without working, you must demonstrate sufficient funds and hold valid health insurance.

BSN (Burgerservicenummer) Registration

The BSN (Burgerservicenummer — Citizen Service Number) is your unique registration number in the Netherlands. It is equivalent to a social security number and tax identification number combined. You cannot work, open a bank account, access healthcare, or interact with any Dutch government service without one.

Required Documents

Valid passport or national ID card
Proof of address in the Netherlands (rental contract or housing confirmation)
Residence permit (if applicable for non-EU nationals)
Birth certificate (may need to be apostilled and translated)
Marriage or partnership certificate (if applicable)

Important notes:

If you are arriving from abroad and do not yet have housing, some municipalities (including Amsterdam) offer a non-resident BSN registration option, but this is limited.
EU citizens who will stay fewer than 4 months can register as non-residents (RNI — Registratie Niet-Ingezetenen) at designated municipalities and receive a BSN without a permanent address.
You must de-register when you leave the Netherlands.

Finding Housing in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is experiencing a severe housing crisis (woningcrisis). Demand for rental and purchase properties far outstrips supply, especially in Amsterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague. Expect intense competition, high prices, and be prepared to act immediately when a listing appears.

Most Dutch rental properties are managed by real estate agents (makelaars) and listed on major platforms. Furnished and semi-furnished (gestoffeerd — meaning with flooring and curtains but no appliances) apartments are common in the expat market.

Average Rents by Major City (2026)

Dutch Rent Terminology

Kale huur (Bare rent): Base rent excluding utilities, service costs, and internet.
Huurprijs inclusief (Inclusive rent): Rent that includes service costs (servicekosten) for building maintenance, cleaning of common areas, and sometimes utilities.
Gestoffeerd (Semi-furnished): Includes flooring, curtains/blinds, and sometimes light fixtures — but no furniture.
Gemeubileerd (Fully furnished): Includes all furniture, kitchenware, and appliances.
Servicekosten (Service charges): Monthly charges for building maintenance, elevator, cleaning of communal areas — typically €50–€200 on top of the base rent.

How to Find Housing

Online Platforms:

Pararius.nl: The largest independent rental platform in the Netherlands; extensive English-language listings and filters for furnished/unfurnished.
Funda.nl: The dominant property platform for both rentals and purchases; run by the Dutch association of real estate agents (NVM).
HousingAnywhere.com: Ideal for medium-term furnished rentals (1–12 months), popular with expats and international students.
Kamernet.nl: Specializes in rooms and shared housing — essential for students and budget-conscious expats.
Stekkies.com: Aggregates listings from multiple platforms in real time.

Local Resources:

Makelaars (Real estate agents): Engaging an aankoopmakelaar (buying agent) or huurmakelaar (rental agent) gives you access to off-market listings, though expect fees of one month's rent plus 21% VAT.
Expat housing agencies: Companies like Expat Housing Network, HousingDesk, and IamExpat Housing specialize in helping internationals find accommodation.

Tips for Foreigners Finding Housing

Start before you arrive: Register on all platforms, set up alerts, and respond to listings within minutes — properties are often rented within 24 hours.
Prepare a tenant dossier (huurdossier): Dutch landlords expect a pre-assembled package containing your employment contract, recent payslips (3 months), bank statements, BSN, and a copy of your passport. Having this ready dramatically increases your chances.
Beware of income requirements: Most landlords require your gross monthly income to be 3–4 times the monthly rent. If you do not meet this threshold, a guarantor (borgsteller) or larger deposit may be required.
Consider temporary housing first: Book a short-term furnished apartment or Airbnb for your first 1–3 months while you search for permanent housing on the ground.
Expand your search area: Living in nearby cities like Haarlem, Amstelveen, Leiden, Delft, or Diemen can save 20–40% on rent while keeping commute times under 30 minutes by train.

Rental Agreement & Legal Protection

Dutch tenant protections are among the strongest in Europe:

Deposit: Legally capped at a maximum of 2 months' base rent (as of 2024 legislation). The deposit must be returned within 14 days after the end of the lease, minus any legitimate deductions.
Notice period: Tenants must give at least 1 full calendar month's notice. Landlords need a court order to terminate a lease in most cases.
Rent increases: For liberalized (free-sector) rentals, annual increases are capped by law — in 2026 the maximum increase is inflation + 1%.
Rent tribunal (Huurcommissie): If you believe your rent is unjustifiably high for a regulated-sector property, you can file a complaint with the Huurcommissie, which can order rent reductions retroactively.

Warning: Rental Scams

The Dutch housing crisis has led to a surge in rental scams, particularly targeting international newcomers:

Never transfer money before viewing a property in person or through a verified video tour with the landlord or agent present.
Verify the owner: Check the Kadaster (Land Registry) to confirm the person renting the property is the actual owner.
Beware of "too good to be true" listings: If the rent is significantly below market rate in Amsterdam or Utrecht, it is almost certainly a scam.
Use verified platforms: Stick to Pararius, Funda, and recognized expat housing agencies. Avoid responding to listings on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist without independent verification.

Real-life case: "When I moved from Toronto to Amsterdam in 2025, I secured a 45 m² apartment in Amsterdam Oost for €1,650 per month. I had to provide three months of payslips, my employment contract, and my passport — the landlord received over 60 responses within 12 hours of posting the listing. My advice: have your huurdossier ready before you even start looking." — Sarah K., moved to Amsterdam in September 2025

Healthcare & Insurance

The Netherlands has a universal healthcare system based on mandatory private health insurance. Every resident must take out a Dutch health insurance policy within four months of registering at their gemeente — even if you already have international coverage. The system is funded through insurance premiums, income-dependent contributions, and taxation.

Top Health Insurance Providers

Zilveren Kruis: Largest Dutch insurer; extensive hospital network and competitive premiums from €147/month.
FBTO: Popular for flexible, modular supplementary packages; basic premiums from €132/month.
CZ: Strong customer satisfaction ratings; comprehensive basispakket from €139/month.
Menzis: Known for competitive pricing and digital services; premiums from €135/month.
ONVZ: Premium insurer with free choice of any healthcare provider; premiums from €143/month.

Tip: Use the independent comparison website Independer.nl or Zorgwijzer.nl to compare all Dutch health insurers side by side during the annual open enrollment period (November 12 – January 1).

Out-of-Pocket Costs

GP visits: Covered by insurance, no deductible — €0 out-of-pocket.
Prescriptions: Covered after deductible; some medications require a small co-pay (eigen bijdrage).
Dental (adults): Not covered by basispakket; supplementary insurance covers 50–100% depending on plan. A check-up costs €25–€50; a filling costs €50–€150.
Hospital: Fully covered after deductible; no additional charges for in-network care.
Physiotherapy: Not covered by basispakket except for chronic conditions; supplementary insurance covers 6–36 sessions per year.

Banking & Finance

Opening a Bank Account

A Dutch bank account is essential for daily life. Most Dutch employers require a Dutch IBAN (account number starting with NL) for salary payments, and services like iDEAL (the dominant online payment system) and Tikkie (a popular payment-splitting app) only work with Dutch bank accounts.

When: As soon as possible after receiving your BSN. Some banks allow you to open an account before receiving your BSN with a 90-day grace period.
Required documents: Valid passport or ID; BSN; proof of address (rental contract); residence permit (if applicable).

Top banks for expats (2026):

ING: Largest bank in the Netherlands with 170+ branches. Full English-language app, website, and customer service. Monthly fee: €3.00. Free student accounts available. BSN required immediately.
ABN AMRO: Positions itself as "experts on expats" with dedicated English-speaking advisers and a 90-day BSN grace period. Monthly fee: €4.30 (highest among traditional banks). Strong mortgage and investment services.
Rabobank: Major Dutch bank with 22.8% market share. Excellent digital platform but Dutch-only website and customer service — not recommended for non-Dutch speakers. Monthly fee: €3.70.
bunq: Amsterdam-based fintech designed for internationals. Free tier (€0/month) with 2.01% interest on savings, 90-day BSN grace period, and full iDEAL/Tikkie support. Can be opened entirely online in 5 minutes before arriving in the Netherlands.
N26: German digital bank with €0/month accounts and excellent English support. However, it provides a German IBAN (DE prefix), which cannot use iDEAL or Tikkie — best used as a secondary account only.

Payment Culture

The Netherlands is rapidly moving toward a cashless society:

Debit cards dominate: Most shops, supermarkets (including Albert Heijn, the largest chain), and restaurants prefer debit card payments. Credit cards are accepted at hotels, airports, and some international chains but are often refused at smaller shops and supermarkets.
iDEAL: The standard online payment method in the Netherlands, integrated with all major Dutch banks. Used for online shopping, bill payments, and government services.
Tikkie: A hugely popular app for splitting bills and requesting small payments between individuals — deeply embedded in Dutch social culture.
Contactless and mobile: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely supported. Contactless debit card payments are the norm.
Cash: Still accepted but increasingly uncommon. Some establishments, particularly in Amsterdam, have gone fully cashless.

Getting Your Tax ID (Burgerservicenummer)

Your BSN also serves as your tax identification number. It is automatically assigned when you register with your gemeente. You will need it for:

Employment and payroll administration
Filing annual tax returns with the Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Authority)
Opening a bank account
Enrolling in health insurance
Accessing government services and allowances

If you lose your BSN, you can retrieve it through the Belastingdienst helpline or by visiting your local tax office with valid ID.

Bank Account Features & Costs

Monthly fee: €0 (bunq, N26) to €4.30 (ABN AMRO)
Debit card: Included with most accounts; replacement card costs €5–€7.50
Credit card: €20–€40 per year (Mastercard or Visa, issued by ICS — International Card Services)
International transfers (SEPA): Free within the EU
International transfers (non-SEPA): €10–€25 + 1–2% currency conversion markup; services like Wise offer significantly lower rates

Cost of Living in the Netherlands

Monthly Budget Breakdown by City

Detailed Cost Breakdown

Housing:

1-bedroom apartment (city centre): €1,500–€2,200 per month
1-bedroom apartment (outside centre): €1,100–€1,600 per month
Utilities (gas, electricity, water, waste — 85 m² apartment): €200–€300 per month
Internet (fibre, 100+ Mbps): €30–€50 per month

Groceries & Food:

Weekly groceries (1 person): €50–€80 (Albert Heijn, Jumbo, Lidl, Aldi)
Casual restaurant meal: €15–€25 per person
Mid-range restaurant meal (2 courses): €25–€45 per person
Coffee (cappuccino, café): €3.20–€4.50
Dutch beer (0.5L, bar): €5.50–€7.50

Transportation:

Monthly public transport (OVpay/contactless or OV-chipkaart): €100–€180 depending on commute
Cycling: €50–€300 for a second-hand bicycle; €0 ongoing costs
Petrol (1L): €1.90–€2.15
Car insurance (basic WA): €35–€80 per month

Insurance & Healthcare:

Mandatory health insurance: €140–€180 per month
Annual deductible (eigen risico): €385 per year

Leisure & Entertainment:

Gym membership: €25–€60 per month
Cinema ticket: €11–€15
Netflix subscription: €8–€14 per month
Monthly entertainment budget: €150–€300

Comparison with Other Countries

vs the United Kingdom: The Netherlands is 5–15% more expensive overall, primarily due to higher rents. Groceries and dining are comparable.
vs Germany: 10–20% more expensive, with Amsterdam rents nearly double those in Berlin. Healthcare costs are similar.
vs the United States: 10–20% cheaper overall; healthcare is dramatically cheaper due to the mandatory insurance system.
vs Spain: 30–40% more expensive, particularly for housing and dining out.

Language & Culture Tips

Do You Need Dutch?

The Netherlands has the highest English proficiency of any non-native English-speaking country. In Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague, you can work, socialize, and handle most daily tasks entirely in English. However, learning Dutch is important for:

Dealing with government bureaucracy (many official letters and forms are in Dutch)
Building deeper social connections with Dutch people
Career advancement in Dutch-owned companies
Passing the civic integration exam (inburgeringsexamen) if required for your visa or permanent residency
Understanding your rental contract and legal documents

Dutch Language Levels (CEFR)

A1 (Beginner): Basic greetings, ordering food, asking for directions. Achievable in 2–3 months of regular study.
A2 (Elementary): Simple conversations, understanding basic letters, shopping. Achievable in 4–6 months.
B1 (Intermediate): Holding everyday conversations, understanding workplace Dutch, reading news. Achievable in 9–12 months.
B2 (Upper Intermediate): Professional-level communication, complex discussions, fluent daily use. Achievable in 18–24 months.

Language Learning Resources

Duolingo / Babbel: Popular free/paid apps with Dutch courses — good for building vocabulary.
Taalhuis: Amsterdam-based language schools offering intensive and evening courses from €250 per level.
NT2 (Nederlands als Tweede Taal): Government-funded Dutch courses for integration — available at B1 and B2 levels at subsidized rates.
Meetup.com language exchanges: Free or low-cost "taalcafé" events in major cities where you practice Dutch with native speakers.
Dutch government integration courses (inburgeringscursussen): Mandatory for some visa holders; subsidized by the government at DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs).

Cultural Norms & Etiquette

Directness (Dutch Directness):

The Dutch are famously direct in communication. Colleagues, managers, and even strangers will offer blunt opinions without softening the message.
This is not rudeness — it is a cultural norm rooted in the Dutch value of efficiency and honesty. Do not take it personally.
In return, the Dutch expect you to express your own opinion clearly and honestly. Hesitancy or excessive politeness can be perceived as evasiveness.

Borrel Culture:

A borrel is a casual after-work drinks gathering, usually on Friday afternoons. Beer, wine, and bitterballen (deep-fried meat snacks) are standard.
Attending borrels is one of the best ways to build social connections with Dutch colleagues. Declining too often can be seen as standoffish.

Cycling Culture:

The Netherlands has more bicycles than people (approximately 23 million bikes for 18.1 million residents).
Cycling is not a hobby — it is the primary mode of transport. In Amsterdam, 60% of inner-city trips are made by bicycle.
Always lock your bike with two locks (frame and wheel). Bike theft is extremely common — approximately 700,000 bicycles are stolen every year nationwide.
Never walk in the bike lane. Dutch cyclists will not slow down, and collisions are common among tourists who accidentally step into cycling paths.

Birthday Calendars (Verjaardagskalender):

Dutch people maintain birthday calendars in their bathrooms. If you visit a Dutch home, you may notice one hanging on the back of the door.
Congratulating someone on their birthday also means congratulating their family members present: "Gefeliciteerd met je moeder!" (Congratulations on your mother!) is a normal birthday greeting.

Splitting the Bill (Going Dutch):

The phrase "going Dutch" exists for a reason. The Dutch meticulously split bills to the cent. Apps like Tikkie make this effortless.
Do not expect a Dutch friend to treat you — and do not feel obligated to treat them. Equal splitting is the default.

Punctuality:

The Dutch are punctual. Arriving more than 5 minutes late to a social or professional appointment without notice is considered rude.
Dinner invitations at Dutch homes typically start exactly on time. Arriving 15 minutes "fashionably late" (as is common in Southern Europe) will not be appreciated.

Social Integration

Join a sports club (sportvereniging): The Netherlands has over 35,000 sports clubs. Football (soccer), hockey, tennis, and korfball are the most popular. Annual membership fees range from €100 to €500.
Volunteer: Organizations like Vrijwilligers Centrale Amsterdam and NL Cares connect expats with local volunteer opportunities.
Expat communities: InterNations, Amsterdam Expats (Facebook group with 80,000+ members), and Together Abroad organize regular networking and social events.
Neighbourhood activities: Many Dutch neighborhoods organize annual street parties (straatfeesten), communal dinners, and cultural events — an excellent way to meet local residents.

Tax System & the 30% Ruling

Dutch Tax System Overview

The Netherlands has a progressive income tax system administered by the Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Authority).

The 30% Ruling (30%-regeling)

The 30% ruling is a Dutch tax incentive designed to compensate expats for the extra costs of living and working outside their home country (extraterritorial costs). It allows employers to pay up to 30% of an eligible employee's gross salary tax-free for a maximum of five years.

Requirements (2026):

Recruited from abroad: You must have been hired from outside the Netherlands or transferred to a Dutch entity.
The 150 km rule: In the 24 months before starting your Dutch employment, you must have lived at least 16 months more than 150 km from the Dutch border. This effectively excludes residents of nearby Belgium and Germany from the western border regions.
Minimum salary threshold: Your taxable salary (after applying the ruling) must be approximately €47,661 per year (2026). For employees under 30 with a qualifying master's degree, the reduced threshold is approximately €35,690 per year.
Employer must be a Dutch withholding agent registered with the Belastingdienst.

How it works (example):

If your gross salary is €80,000 per year, up to €24,000 (30%) can be paid tax-free. You only pay income tax on the remaining €56,000 — resulting in a significantly higher net salary compared to a non-eligible employee earning the same gross amount.

Changes for 2027:

From January 1, 2027, the tax-free percentage will be reduced from 30% to 27% for everyone. Employees who were already using the ruling before 2024 are largely unaffected by this change under transitional rules.

Application process:

Both employer and employee submit a joint request to the Belastingdienst.
The request must be submitted within four months of the start date for retroactive application.
Approval results in a formal decision (beschikking) valid for up to five years.

Major Cities: Where to Live in the Netherlands

How to Comply with Customs and Import Rules

When relocating to the Netherlands from outside the EU, you may qualify for duty-free import of personal household goods under the EU Transfer of Residence exemption, provided items have been owned and used for at least six months.

Transfer of Residence Relief

Eligibility Requirements:

You are transferring your primary residence to the Netherlands.
Items have been owned and used for at least six months before the move.
Goods are for personal use only, not for resale or commercial purposes.
You will keep the items for at least 12 months after arrival.

Required Documents:

Completed customs declaration form
Detailed inventory list (in Dutch, English, French, or German) with item descriptions, quantities, and estimated values
Proof of Dutch residence (rental contract or employer confirmation)
Copy of your passport and residence permit
Proof of ownership (purchase receipts, insurance documents)
Employment contract or proof of relocation

Dutiable Items

New or commercial goods imported into the Netherlands are subject to:

Import duty: Varies by product type (typically 0–17%)
VAT (BTW): 21% standard rate on the customs value plus duty
Excise duties: Apply to alcohol, tobacco, perfume, and certain luxury goods

Prohibited and Restricted Items:

Narcotics and controlled substances (the Netherlands has strict rules even though soft drugs are tolerated domestically)
Weapons and ammunition without a valid permit
Endangered species products (CITES-regulated)
Counterfeit branded goods
Certain food products from outside the EU (meat, dairy, and plant products are restricted)
Plants and soil may require a phytosanitary certificate

To prevent delays, submit all customs documentation before your shipment arrives in the Netherlands and work with a licensed customs broker if your move involves a full container.

Real-life case: "When I shipped my household goods from Singapore to Rotterdam, I completed the customs paperwork three weeks before the container arrived. Because I qualified for Transfer of Residence relief on my used furniture and electronics, I paid no import duties. The key was having a detailed inventory list with serial numbers for electronics." — Priya M., moved to The Hague in April 2025

How to Manage Pet Relocation

Dogs, cats, and ferrets entering the Netherlands must meet EU pet travel regulations. The requirements are straightforward, but preparation should begin months in advance.

Requirements for Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets

Essential Requirements:

Microchip: ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip — must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination: Administered at least 21 days before travel; must be current (not expired).
EU pet passport: Required for pets arriving from EU/EEA countries.
Veterinary health certificate: Required for pets arriving from non-EU countries, issued by an official government veterinarian within 10 days of travel.
Rabies antibody test (titer test): Required for pets arriving from countries not listed on the EU's "listed" country register; must be taken at least 30 days after vaccination and 3 months before travel.

Age Restrictions

Puppies and kittens under 15 weeks cannot enter the Netherlands because the rabies vaccination is only effective from 12 weeks of age, and there is a mandatory 21-day waiting period after vaccination.

Birds and Other Animals

Birds: Require an import permit from the NVWA (Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority) and may need quarantine or avian influenza testing depending on the country of origin.
Rabbits, rodents, reptiles: Generally allowed without specific EU documentation, but check with the NVWA for species-specific rules.
Exotic animals: May require a CITES permit.

Pet Relocation Tips

Start early: Begin preparations 3–4 months before your move date.
Use a pet relocation specialist: Companies like PetAir UK, WorldCare Pet Transport, or Global Paws handle documentation, flight bookings, and customs clearance.
Book direct flights: Minimise stress and handling risks by avoiding layovers where possible.
Check airline rules: KLM (the Dutch national airline) allows small pets in the cabin and larger pets in the cargo hold on most routes.
Register with a Dutch vet: Once in the Netherlands, register your pet with a local dierenarts (veterinarian). Consultations cost €30–€50.
Dog tax (hondenbelasting): Some Dutch municipalities charge an annual dog tax (hondenbelasting) of €50–€150 per dog. Amsterdam abolished this tax in 2024, but other cities still apply it.

Education for Expat Families

The Dutch School System

The Netherlands has one of the highest-rated education systems in Europe. Schooling is compulsory from age 5 to 16, though most children start at age 4.

Primary school (basisschool): Ages 4–12, eight years. Taught entirely in Dutch.
Secondary school (middelbare school): Ages 12–16/18. Divided into tracks — VMBO (vocational), HAVO (general), and VWO (pre-university/gymnasium).
Public schools (openbaar): Government-funded, non-religious, free of charge.
Special-concept schools (bijzonder onderwijs): Montessori, Dalton, Jenaplan, or religious-based schools — also government-funded and free, but may have waiting lists.

International Schools

For expat families who prefer English-language education or plan to relocate again, the Netherlands has over 100 international schools:

Amsterdam International Community School (AICS): English-language, IB curriculum; fees €5,000–€12,000 per year.
The British School in the Netherlands (BSN): Located in The Hague; British curriculum; fees €10,000–€25,000 per year.
International School of Amsterdam (ISA): IB World School in Amstelveen; fees €15,000–€30,000 per year.
Eindhoven International School: Serves the Eindhoven tech community; fees €6,000–€15,000 per year.

Government subsidy (externenregeling): Some employers cover international school fees as part of a relocation package, and the 30% ruling allows reimbursement of international school costs on top of the tax-free allowance.

Childcare

Daycare (kinderdagverblijf): For children aged 0–4; costs €2,000–€2,500 per month before government subsidy.
After-school care (buitenschoolse opvang — BSO): For children aged 4–12; costs €600–€900 per month.
Childcare allowance (kinderopvangtoeslag): The Dutch government subsidizes childcare costs based on household income. Most working families receive significant reimbursement — up to €9.65 per hour for daycare (2026).

How to Import a Car and Swap Your Driver's Licence

Car Import Process

If you are bringing a car from outside the EU, you will need to complete several steps:

Step 1: Customs Declaration

Declare your vehicle at Dutch Customs upon arrival.
If you qualify for Transfer of Residence relief, your car may be exempt from import duties and VAT.

Step 2: Vehicle Inspection (RDW)

All imported vehicles must pass an inspection at the RDW (Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer) to verify they meet Dutch and EU safety and emissions standards.
The inspection costs approximately €100–€200.
Modifications may be required (e.g., headlight adjustment for right-hand traffic, speedometer in km/h).

Step 3: BPM Tax (Belasting van Personenauto's en Motorrijtuigen)

The BPM is a one-time registration tax based on CO₂ emissions. For new or relatively new cars, this can be a significant cost (€1,000–€10,000+).
If you qualify for Transfer of Residence relief and can prove the car was owned and used for at least 6 months before moving, you may receive a partial or full BPM exemption.

Step 4: Registration and Insurance

Register the vehicle at the RDW and obtain Dutch licence plates.
Purchase mandatory WA (third-party liability) insurance — the minimum legal requirement. WA+ and All-Risk coverage are also available.
Annual motor vehicle tax (MRB) is due monthly or quarterly and varies by fuel type and weight.

Driver's Licence Exchange

EU/EEA Licences:

Valid in the Netherlands indefinitely — no exchange required.
You may voluntarily exchange for a Dutch licence at the RDW.

Non-EU Licences:

Valid for 185 days after you register at your gemeente.
After 185 days, you must exchange your licence or stop driving.
Exchange rules depend on your country of origin:
Countries on the "free exchange" list (including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and several others): direct exchange, no test required.
Other countries: you must pass a Dutch driving exam (theory and practical).
US and Canadian licences: cannot be exchanged directly — you must take the full Dutch driving test (approximately €2,000–€3,000 total cost).
30% ruling exception: If you hold the 30% ruling, you can exchange any foreign licence without taking a test, provided the licence was issued before your arrival in the Netherlands.

Essential Dutch Phrases for Newcomers

Greetings:

Goedemorgen — Good morning
Goedemiddag — Good afternoon
Goedenavond — Good evening
Hallo / Hoi — Hello / Hi (informal)
Tot ziens — Goodbye
Doei — Bye (informal)

Polite Phrases:

Alstublieft — Please / Here you are
Dank u wel / Bedankt — Thank you / Thanks
Sorry / Excuses — Sorry / Excuse me
Ja / Nee — Yes / No

Essential Questions:

Spreekt u Engels? — Do you speak English?
Waar is ...? — Where is ...?
Hoeveel kost dit? — How much does this cost?
Kunt u mij helpen? — Can you help me?
Ik begrijp het niet — I don't understand

Numbers (1–10):

Een, twee, drie, vier, vijf, zes, zeven, acht, negen, tien

Useful Survival Phrases:

Ik wil graag afrekenen — I would like to pay (the bill)
Mag ik de rekening? — Can I have the bill?
Waar is het dichtstbijzijnde treinstation? — Where is the nearest train station?
Ik ben hier nieuw — I am new here
Geen plastic tas alsjeblieft — No plastic bag please

Where to Find Tools and Resources

ReloAdvisor Tools:

Volume calculator — Estimate your shipping needs
Video survey — Get a tailored moving quote
Moving cost calculator — Budget your relocation

Official Dutch Resources:

IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) — Visa and residence permit applications
Government.nl — Official Dutch government portal
Belastingdienst — Dutch Tax Authority; 30% ruling applications
DUO — Education and integration course funding

Expat Communities:

IamExpat.nl — News, housing, jobs, and events for internationals
DutchReview — English-language news and lifestyle coverage
InterNations Netherlands — Global expat network with local events
Together Abroad — Expat job board and community

Related Guides:

Moving to Germany
Moving to Belgium
Moving to Spain