Looking for German Expats in the Netherlands?

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.

Is the Netherlands a good move for Germans? These pros and cons come from the InterNations Expat Insider 2026 survey, in which thousands of expats around the world share what they like and don't like about life abroad each year. The points below reflect what German expats in the Netherlands wrote in their own words, backed up by survey percentages from all expats living there.

• It's easy to settle and get around. English goes a long way (74% get by fine without Dutch), bureaucracy is painless (60%, vs. 38% globally), and 91% rate getting around on foot or by bike positively.

• The international, open mindset appeals. Germans praise the multicultural, curious atmosphere, especially in Amsterdam, with 93% rating the opportunity to travel positively.

• Work and the economy feel healthy. 76% rate the state of the economy positively and 72% are happy with their work-life balance (vs. 62% globally).

• It's green-minded and safe. 75% say the government protects the environment and 85% rate personal safety positively.

• Housing is the big problem. Just 12% of expats in the Netherlands rate housing affordability positively and 19% the general cost of living — among the lowest scores in the survey.

• Real friendships need Dutch. Only 29% say making local friends is easy; people are friendly, but the inner circle takes the language.

• Healthcare divides opinion. Just 47% rate healthcare affordability positively and 56% the quality of medical care (vs. 71% globally).

• The weather and directness take adjusting. Only 29% rate the climate positively, and some Germans find the bluntness abrupt.

For Germans, the Netherlands offers an easy landing: English everywhere, great cycling, an open mindset, and a healthy economy just next door. The trade-offs are a brutal housing market, a healthcare system that divides opinion, and friendships that only really open up once you learn Dutch.

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 German members to move abroad, what keeps them there, and what they struggle with or miss about home.

Of course, expat living in the Netherlands is not just about shipping your belongings and filing in some bureaucratic papers. Regular socializing with fellow Germans 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 Germans in the Netherlands, residing in Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam and many other places throughout the country. Just take a look at our group of Germans in Amsterdam or Germans in The Hague.

If you ever wish to have a chat in your native language, discover where to shop for German 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 Germany 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 roast pork with Knödel in The Hague.
• Search the InterNations Places database for the Netherlands to get information on institutions from your home country, including the German embassy.

From the Ijsselmeer to the linguistically unique province of Friesland, we’ll help you connect with supportive and friendly German expats 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 Germany and various other countries in a casual setting. Interested? Just sign up and you’ll soon be receiving a cordial Grüß Gott from our Germans living in the Netherlands!