Pascal Tremblay

Pascal Tremblay

With InterNations as my network, I have been able to make many friends learn the ins and outs about living in The Hague.

Lastri Sasongko

Lastri Sasongko

Making new friends and contacts in the Hague was much easier once I began to attent InterNations events.

Canadian Expats Moving to the Netherlands: Your Questions, Answered

If you’re a new or soon-to-be expat in the Netherlands, you probably aren’t quite sure yet what it will be like. That’s why we gathered the answers to some key questions you may have about life in the Netherlands. If you want to ask more specific questions — or even share your own tips — join InterNations! You’ll be part of a community of new and experienced expats who love to help each other out.

What are the most common nationalities in the Netherlands? As an expat in the Netherlands, you'll meet people from many different cultures (especially if you're an InterNations member!) The top nationalities in the InterNations Communities in the Netherlands currently are:

  • British
  • **Americans **
  • Italians
  • Indians

Which cities are most popular among expats in the Netherlands? Some cities attract more expats than others. These are the cities with the largest expat communities in the Netherlands:

  • Amsterdam
  • The Hague
  • Rotterdam

How much rent do expats pay in the Netherlands? Your personal situation plays a role here. Single expats spend on average 1.375 USD on their accommodation per month, while expat families spend around 1.645 USD. And of course, rents can also vary greatly depending on the location and city within the Netherlands.

To give you an idea of what to expect, here are some rent averages for the most popular cities in the Netherlands.

Average rent in Amsterdam

  • Single expats: 1.735 USD
  • Expat families: 2.405 USD

Average rent in The Hague

  • Single expats: 1.205 USD
  • Expat families: 1.675 USD

Average rent in Rotterdam

  • Single expats: 1.434 USD
  • Expat families: 1.836 USD

How safe are the Netherlands?
You may be wondering about safety. In general people perceive their personal safety situation in the Netherlands as very safe. People rate the risk of falling victim to petty crime (such as pickpocketing or minor theft) as very low. They consider the chance of being the victim of violent crime (including mugging) very low. And, they rate confidence in the police force and related local authorities as very high.

How safe is the Netherlands for women? Female expats rated the safety situation in the Netherlands as very safe. This is based on the feedback of expat women living in the Netherlands (rather than actual crime statistics). So obviously this can be highly subjective and depends on factors such as where people live.

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An amazing community is waiting for you!

Meet international people at local events

Meet international people at local events

Socialize, enjoy hobbies, and make friends

Socialize, enjoy hobbies, and make friends

Get info, and feel at home abroad!

Get info, and feel at home abroad!

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Meet other Canadians at our events in the Netherlands

Attend our monthly events and activities for Canadians expatriates to get to know like-minded expatriates in real life.

InterNations AMS | Gin, Jazz & Good Vibes @Hyatt Regency
🎶 Gin & Jazz Afterwork Social 🎶 Join us this Thursday evening for an afterwork social you won’t want to miss! Enjoy smooth jazz, vibrant beats, and handcrafted GIN 1689 cocktails in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. 🕗 You are welcome from 19:00 onward 🎷 Live Jazz session starts at 19:30 🎉 Early
🎶 Gin & Jazz Afterwork Social 🎶 Join us this Thursday evening for an afterwork social you won’t want to miss! Enjoy smooth jazz, vibrant beats, and handcrafted GIN 1689 cocktails in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. 🕗 You are welcome from 19:00 onward 🎷 Live Jazz session starts at 19:30 🎉 Early
InterNations Rotterdam Welcoming 2026 Free Edition Event
Dear fellows, Free Edition Event! Let's give a toast to an awesome 2026 ahead of us and warm up a little bit in this cold times @CitizenM(under Marriott direction now) next to Blaak Station with no fees at all. That is right, totally free for everyone! No charging fees at all. And on top of tha
Dear fellows, Free Edition Event! Let's give a toast to an awesome 2026 ahead of us and warm up a little bit in this cold times @CitizenM(under Marriott direction now) next to Blaak Station with no fees at all. That is right, totally free for everyone! No charging fees at all. And on top of tha
InterNations Maastricht-What Does a Meaningful Life Mean to Me
This gathering invites you to pause and reflect on what truly matters to you this year. Rather than focusing on goals or resolutions, you will explore meaning through values, relationships, presence, and the choices that shape your life. What to expect: chatting & drinking something. As a follow
This gathering invites you to pause and reflect on what truly matters to you this year. Rather than focusing on goals or resolutions, you will explore meaning through values, relationships, presence, and the choices that shape your life. What to expect: chatting & drinking something. As a follow
Bring Your Own Book – Reading Club
Bring Your Own Book – Reading Club
You’re warmly invited to a small-scale reading club at (...) Protected content (...) If you enjoy reading and meaningful conversation in a calm atmosphere, this is for you. Drinks can be ordered at the venue (please note: a minimum of three consumptions per person applies). This is a bring yo
You’re warmly invited to a small-scale reading club at (...) Protected content (...) If you enjoy reading and meaningful conversation in a calm atmosphere, this is for you. Drinks can be ordered at the venue (please note: a minimum of three consumptions per person applies). This is a bring yo

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Why Canadian expats move abroad (& how they like it)

Every year, we publish one of the biggest global surveys among expats — asking them about various aspects of their life, from work to leisure. Learn what motivated our Canadian members to move abroad, what keeps them there, and what they struggle with or miss about home.

Canadians abroad

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Our Global Partners

Pursue your hobbies with amazing new friends

Do you want to continue with your hobbies — or discover new ones — while living abroad? There’s a variety of InterNations Groups you can join, including everything from sightseeing to hiking. These are run by dedicated Consuls with at least one activity each month, such as dinners in the cities finest restaurants, sports or outings with other expats to explore all that your new home has to offer.

Arts & Culture Group
Arts & Culture Group
Professional Networking Group
Professional Networking Group
Personal Development Group
Personal Development Group
City Explorers Group
City Explorers Group

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Find Tips and Advice on the Netherlands from Canadian Expats

Of course, expat living in the Netherlands is not just about shipping your belongings and filing in some bureaucratic papers. Regular socializing with fellow Canadians is an essential part of expat life and helps getting accustomed to the Dutch way of life and mentality. InterNations helps you connect and meet up with other Canadians in the Netherlands, residing in Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam and many other places throughout the country. Just take a look at our group of Canadians in Amsterdam or Canadians in The Hague.

If you ever wish to have a chat in your native language, discover where to shop for Canadian food or discuss your favorite sports team's latest match, become a member of the Dutch InterNations Community:

  • Look up our top quality network to get to know open-minded expats from Canada in the Netherlands.
  • Obtain and share insider tips in our the Netherlands Expat Forums – e.g. how to hire a babysitter fluent in your native tongue for your children or where to get maple pancakes in The Hague.
  • Search the InterNations Places database for the Netherlands to get information on institutions from your home country, including the Canadian embassy.

From the Ijsselmeer to the linguistically unique province of Friesland, we’ll help you connect with supportive and friendly Canadian expats in the Netherlands.

Join Our Expat Activities and Mingle with Fellow Canadians in the Netherlands

Moreover, please feel free to attend our regular expat events and activities in the Netherlands. Our get-togethers are very diverse and range from a cozy gathering to enjoy the traditional Dutch stamppot, to big expat celebrations with hundreds of participants in Amsterdam’s best locations. You can also participate in one of our expat trips to go and see modern urban life in Amsterdam as well as other beautiful landmarks in the Netherlands.

Our meet-ups and activities are a great opportunity to mingle with expats from Canada and various other countries in a casual setting. Interested? Just sign up and you’ll soon be receiving a cordial Hello from our Canadians living in the Netherlands!

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