Living in The Netherlands

"Utrecht is nice, but finding a house is very difficult. There is a shortage of rooms and appartments," said one expat in Utrecht.

"Before planning a retirement in the Netherlands, expats should familiarize themselves with the local language, Dutch. Although many Dutch people speak good English, it is still beneficial to learn the basics so meaningful connections with the locals can be made more easily. Additionally, Visa requirements should be researched thoroughly as the Netherlands has strict regulations for expat visas. It is important to get acquainted with the local healthcare system and research availability of private plans. Living costs in the Netherlands tend to be relatively high, but expats may take advantage of the generous tax breaks available for pensioners. Lastly, the Netherlands is renowned for its vibrant culture, festivals and rich literature, introducing retirees to a variety of new experiences," said one expat who made the move to Netherlands.

"Expats living in The Netherlands have the opportunity to join a variety of social and cultural clubs, such as a book club, language exchange, hiking group, or theater group. There are also many expat-specific organizations, such as International Women in The Netherlands, and Women in International Business, that hold regular events for newcomers and expats. Expats can also meet people through social networking sites, online forums, and local meet-ups, such as expatry drinks or coffee mornings. Additionally, attending local events and festivals, exploring the city, visiting public parks and markets, and participating in sporting activities are all great ways for expats to meet people and integrate into the local community," said one expat in Netherlands.

"Try sports. Get a dog and walk it. Hit the town on Saturday and Friday nights. Get acquainted with your neighours by chatting with them while working your garden. Invite them (pick a date and time). Bring your children to a Dutch School and chat with any other parent on the school grounds. Find work at a Dutch firm," said one expat who made the move to Amersfoort.

"Many students stay in Utrecht after they got their degree. The city is as a result to this very multicultural. Socializing and sport is very important," wrote a member in Utrecht.

"Expats and digital nomads in The Netherlands enjoy the pleasant weather, vibrant cities, and welcoming culture. The country is known for its modern infrastructure and efficient public transportation, making it an ideal location for those looking to live and work in Europe. Additionally, the Netherlands offers excellent connectivity and many coworking spaces, creating a perfect environment for those looking to become digital nomads. It also has some of the friendliest people in Europe, making it a great place to meet people and make lifelong connections. All in all, expats and digital nomads in The Netherlands have a lot to look forward to, with all of these opportunities right at their fingertips," commented one expat who made the move to Netherlands.

"The Netherlands has generally low crime rates compared to other European countries. However, it is not completely exempt from criminal activity and certain areas experience more instances of crime than others. Drug-related offenses, property theft, and vandalism are some of the most common crimes in The Netherlands. The overall rate of crime has steadily declined in recent years as The Netherlands has implemented more effective law enforcement initiatives," commented one expat who made the move to Netherlands.

"The Netherlands is a diverse country that has historically welcomed immigrants from all over the world. Dutch society is tolerant and welcoming of those from different backgrounds, religions, genders, and orientations. This is evidenced by the fact that the Netherlands has long been a leader in areas such as LGBT rights and women’s empowerment. In addition, the country’s top universities are highly diverse and open to people from all backgrounds. All in all, The Netherlands practices inclusivity, allowing people to express their identities without stigma," wrote a member in Netherlands.

"Yes, Utrecht has very diverse inhabitants. Also you will find here lots of different ethnic groups," commented one expat who made the move to Utrecht.

"Enrol in this school . Likely you will be waitlisted but it is worth being persistent and keeping in touch with the school. Siblings stand a higher chance of getting in to the school. In response to some of the other comments I have read from previous correspondents I can tell you that many of the criticisms of AICS (no parking lot, small playground, converted office building for the school campus) are common to all schools in Amsterdam. In fact, very few schools here have large outside play areas due to lack of space (and the weather!) This is not a problem exclusive to AICS. There is a large parking lot for bikes at the school. But a parking lot for cars? No. Most people walk, bike, tram, bus or Metro to the school. Or they bring their kid to school by car and drop them off in the street. Most of the children at AICS are english speaking and many are multi-lingual. There are also a number of local dutch kids amongst the students. AICS offers an affordable international education within an english language curriculum. It is Dutch run & subsidised by the Dutch government. Fees are closer to E6000 instead of E20-30,000. We have found AICS to be a friendly and welcoming school. The teaching faculty seem to be supportive, nurturing and genuinely interested in the well-being of the students. The school building is a converted office building and it is bursting at the seams due to the increasing student numbers. There are plans to move to a larger, purpose built facility within the next few years. AICS has long waitlists for some year groups and there are intake interviews for every child - this is standard procedure. If you are lucky enough to get a space for your child we can highly recommend AICS as a brilliant primary school. And a high school with a challenging IB programme which keep evolving and improving. Recommended," wrote an expat with kids at AICS Amsterdam in Amsterdam.

"If you want the availability of both American and International studies (AP and IB) with an American spirit of community and lots of extra-curriculars, this is the school for you. While there are some weaker teachers, the overall product is good. Americans who are coming from a very competitive suburban school district might find ASH a bit less rigorous and families from other countries might find the school challenging in some areas. Lots of team projects and public speaking are expected - more "American" in flavor. Graduates get into fine universities world-wide. The kids all have great self-esteem," commented one expat when asked about American School of The Hague in Wassenaar.

"The International School of Amsterdam (ISA) is one of the best international schools in The Netherlands. It is located in the western part of the country and offers an IB Primary and Middle Years Program, and the Cambridge IGCSE and International A-Level Diploma. The school's multilingual approach allows students to choose from seven languages. English is the primary language and the school has particularly strong ESL programs to support students in their ambition to become proficient English speakers. The school emphasizes a supportive learning environment encouraging collaborative problem solving, building respect and understanding among diverse cultures and backgrounds. The Amsterdam International Community School (AICS) is another popular international school located in the capital of The Netherlands. AICS offers an IB PYP program for elementary, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) for high school. AICS has a diverse student body, with students from nearly 50 different countries, and focuses on holistically developing well-rounded learners, who can communicate and work effectively in any culture. The Utrecht International School (UIS) is a leading bilingual school in The Netherlands. Located just south of Amsterdam, UIS offers a dual language program for students aged 4-18, with English as the language of instruction, and the students can select from Dutch, French or Spanish as the second language. UIS encourages the students to become involved in the community and use their second language in a natural setting. Students are given a range of university preparation opportunities including IB Diploma or Cambridge A-Level. UIS is also very active in terms of extracurricular activities and international exchanges," remarked one expat living in with children attending .

"The cost of living in the Netherlands is generally high, particularly in bigger cities like Amsterdam. Prices for basic necessities such as groceries and utilities are high, although wages tend to reflect this. Housing prices can be particularly expensive, but the country generally offers good value for money when it comes to transport, entertainment and restaurants. All in all, the Netherlands is a great country to live in despite its relatively high cost of living," remarked one expat who made the move to Netherlands.

"The cost of living in The Netherlands is generally considered to be quite high. Prices for things such as housing and food are higher than other parts of the world like Asia or Eastern Europe. A 1 bedroom apartment in the Netherlands could cost around $800-$950 USD and a 2 bedroom around $1000 - $1500. The cost of eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in The Netherlands is estimated to cost around 20 - 25 Euros, depending on what is ordered. Some of the cities in The Netherlands including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht tend to be some of the most expensive places to live, with the cost of living rising faster than the cost of living in the rest of the country," commented one expat who moved to Netherlands.

"In The Netherlands, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as parks, beaches, and sports facilities. Parks are a popular destination for locals, offering a variety of activities such as walking, cycling, and picnicking. Beaches are also a popular destination, with many offering a variety of water sports such as swimming, sailing, and windsurfing. Sports facilities are also available, with many offering a variety of activities such as tennis, football, and basketball. Additionally, many cities in The Netherlands offer a variety of cultural activities, such as museums, theatres, and cinemas," remarked one expat in Netherlands.

"The Netherlands has a temperate maritime climate, with cool summers and mild winters. The weather is generally mild and changeable, with plenty of rain throughout the year. The temperature rarely drops below freezing in winter, and snow is rare. Spring and autumn are usually mild and pleasant, with occasional showers. Summers are generally warm and sunny, with occasional showers," said one expat.

"One of the most popular restaurants in The Netherlands is De Kas, located in Amsterdam. De Kas is a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves modern Dutch cuisine with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant has a beautiful outdoor terrace and a cozy interior, making it a great spot for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. Another popular restaurant in The Netherlands is De Librije, located in Zwolle. De Librije is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant that serves modern French cuisine with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant has a luxurious interior and a beautiful outdoor terrace, making it a great spot for a special occasion. The Dutch restaurant, De Kromme Watergang, located in Rotterdam, is also a popular spot. De Kromme Watergang is a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves traditional Dutch cuisine with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant has a cozy interior and a beautiful outdoor terrace, making it a great spot for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. Finally, the Dutch restaurant, De Librije, located in Amsterdam, is also a popular spot. De Librije is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant that serves modern French cuisine with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant has a luxurious interior and a beautiful outdoor terrace, making it a great spot for a special occasion," commented one expat who moved to Netherlands.

"People living in The Netherlands typically buy groceries from supermarkets, local markets, and convenience stores. Other shopping can be done at department stores, specialty shops, and online retailers," said one expat living in Netherlands.

"To travel to The Netherlands, foreign nationals typically require a Schengen visa. The process of applying for a visa requires applicants to schedule an appointment at their nearest Dutch embassy or consulate, where they must present their travel documents along with any additional supporting documentation specified by the consulate or embassy. The Netherlands also offers a variety of residence permits, which allow foreign nationals to remain in the country for extended periods of time. Depending on their intent, applicants can apply for a variety of residence permits such as study permits, employment permits, dependents' residence permits, family reunification permits, or others. The process of applying for a residence permit requires applicants to submit a completed application form, along with supporting documents such as proof of identity, proof of employment for employment permits and proof of registration for study permits. Once the application is evaluated and approved, applicants may then receive a residence permit granting them the right to stay in The Netherlands," commented one expat who moved to Netherlands.

"Healthcare and health insurance in The Netherlands are generally considered to be quite affordable. The government subsidizes healthcare costs for citizens, and the majority of people are covered by a basic health insurance plan. This plan covers most medical costs, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs. Private health insurance plans are also available, but they tend to be more expensive and offer more comprehensive coverage," remarked one expat living in Netherlands.