The Global Expat Hub
Netherlands
English works almost everywhere, cycling infrastructure is unmatched, housing is the hard part.
Your plan for Netherlands checklist · timeline · cost breakdown
Estimates for one adult before ongoing rent and living costs; couples and families scale up. Tap a plan for the full breakdown.
Top cities for expats in Netherlands
Costs and character vary significantly within Netherlands. Here are the cities our readers compare most.
World-famous canal city — liberal, international and very expensive
Modern architecture and port city energy — cheaper than Amsterdam
International city of law and diplomacy — quieter and more affordable
University city with canal charm and great cycling — very livable
Netherlands by the numbers editorial estimates in US dollars
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🌤️ Climate
Cool maritime; mild wet winters, mild summers, wind year-round. Very flat.
Mean temperatures for Amsterdam.
🌧️ Rain & snow
Rainfall about 850 mm (33 in) a year.
Snow Occasional, light.
⚖️ The law
Official legislationWetten.nl (official legislation) ↗
OverviewLaw of Netherlands on Wikipedia ↗
Driving On the right. Licence rules →
🏛️ Taxes
Property tax OZB ~0.05–0.1% of WOZ value plus water board and waste levies.
Local & regional income tax None regional; national 36–49.5%.
🎓 University
Not free; EU $2.6k/yr, non-EU $10–20k/yr.
📱 Phone & eSIM
Carriers KPN, Odido, Vodafone.
Average cost Local SIM or eSIM with generous data about $20/month; a 30-day travel eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Saily and similar) around $15 for 10 GB.
Sponsored
🎁 Schemes to attract expats
- 30% ruling: portion of salary tax-free for 5 years (tapering)
- DAFT visa for Americans on €4,500 investment
- Highly Skilled Migrant permit
- Orientation Year for graduates
Figures are national averages for planning, not quotes; big cities run higher. Tax schemes change often and carry conditions. Verify before you rely on them.
Official sources for Netherlands embassies, warnings, law and reference
Government, intergovernmental and reference sites only; no reviews or opinion. Links open in a new tab.
Ratings & warnings independent
Follows your Mid-range tier partner listings match your budget
Services & daily life one labelled partner per page
Life in Netherlands faith, wellbeing, shopping and play
Holidays & festivalsNational holidays, closures and the festivals worth planning aroundSearch for jobs for free, or post a job — free.
Roles open to foreigners in Netherlands: remote work you can do from Amsterdam, and in-person jobs with employers who hire from abroad. Searching for and posting expat jobs is always free, for job seekers and employers alike. Every listing stays live for 60 days.
Latest listings. Example listings shown until the first real posts go live.
See all jobs in Netherlands and post a job →
In the meantime, search these trusted remote job boards
Free to use. These are independent sites we like; opening in a new tab. Come back to post your own role here — posting is always free.
Frequently asked questions
Is Netherlands safe for expats?
Netherlands scores 86 out of 100 for safety on The Global Expat Hub, and 68 out of 100 for liveability — #26 of the 52 countries we cover. The full breakdown, including official warnings and regional differences, is on the safety page linked from this page.
What is the cost of living in Netherlands?
The Global Expat Hub estimates a mid-range lifestyle in Netherlands from around $2,250 per month. The figures are national averages for planning, not quotes — big cities run higher — and this page breaks costs down by tier and city.
Can I move to Netherlands?
Yes. The routes and incentives The Global Expat Hub lists for Netherlands include: 30% ruling: portion of salary tax-free for 5 years (tapering); DAFT visa for Americans on €4,500 investment; highly Skilled Migrant permit; orientation Year for graduates. Step-by-step visa and residency detail is on the visa pages linked from this page.
What is the best city in Netherlands for expats?
The top cities for expats in Netherlands profiled on this page are Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague. Amsterdam is the capital. Each city profile includes typical rent and character to help you compare.