Your Expat Community in the Netherlands

Living in 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.

Embark on Your Life as an Expat in the Netherlands

The beautiful coastal European country of the Netherlands is famous for its low-lying plains, made up of impressive canal networks, cycling routes, iconic tulip fields, and its historic capital, Amsterdam. The sixth largest economy in the EU, the Netherlands has a high focus in industries such as food processing, petroleum refining and electrical machinery. The country is also home to a number of multinational companies, and lots of recruitment agencies, so many expats move to the Netherlands for work opportunities. Its stable economy usually means moving to work in the Netherlands is a safe move for expats. The country is already made up of a large number of expatriates and has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the EU. Highly-skilled workers are in high demand in the Netherlands, particularly for jobs in the financial, IT and engineering sectors. You also do not have to speak Dutch to work in the Netherlands, as many large international companies have English as their working language. However, it is definitely a plus to learn the local language, and will help you to make Dutch friends.

InterNations is the largest global network for expatriates, with communities in 420 cities around the world. Meet fellow global minds in your city of residence or get to know local expatriates before you're moving or traveling abroad and never feel like a stranger. InterNations makes it easy for you to stay in touch with your expat friends, both online and offline, so you can grow your network of friends and contacts from all over the world. Whether they live in Malaysia or Qatar, InterNations allows you to be close to them even if they are miles away.

The Network for Like-Minded Expatriates in the Netherlands

You can feel safe when interacting through InterNations, as every member has gone through a careful approval process to be a part of our expat network. Every user understands the guiding principles and “netiquette” of InterNations and how to interact in a safe and trustworthy fashion. You can also get together with your fellow expats in person by attending our InterNations Official Events or signing up for one (or more) of the many groups on offer in some of the Netherlands' most exciting locations, including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Breda, and Utrecht. Explore the city of Amsterdam, meet up with potential colleagues at the professional networking group in the Hague, or get fit as part of Rotterdam's sport club. Start your social life start here with other like-minded people, and get set to enjoy your new life in the Netherlands.