Moving to Amsterdam: All You Need to Know
Last Updated on November 16, 2023
A detailed guide for those who are moving to Amsterdam, based on our personal experience.
After living in Spain for around seven years, I was feeling restless and out of love with my adopted home. It was time for a change.
We didn’t want to be nomadic (tried it and it wasn’t for us); we wanted a fun and multi-cultural city to grow roots and raise our little girl to be a global citizen. Eventually, Alberto was offered a new job in Amsterdam, so we said ‘yes’ and moved here exactly three months ago.
Most friends and family were surprised that we chose Amsterdam, of all places. It’s after all a city that’s often associated with bad weather, coffeeshops and red-light district. That doesn’t seem to be our style.
Here’s the thing, there’s a lot more to Amsterdam than hash brownies and prostitutes. In fact, we’ve found Amsterdam to be multi-faceted, multi-cultural and full of character.
There are also lots of nature and green spaces within the city boundaries, many outdoor markets, interesting cultural centres and fun events. It’s the tech hub of Europe, which is great for Alberto who works in programming.
At the same time, it’s an incredibly child-friendly city, with plenty of kids-oriented attractions and cafes for our 2.5-year-old daughter, Kaleya. As for me, I personally love being surrounded by people from all over the world — and people from 176 nationalities live in Amsterdam.
Why We Moved to Amsterdam
Table of Contents
The Perfect Size
Amsterdam is just the right size for me: it’s not a massive, fast-paced city like London, Singapore or Madrid (places we used to live), and yet it has the convenience of a capital city.
There’s no shortage of world-class museums, cultural centres, international restaurants and leafy parks in this city. But it is still small enough that it feels more like a conglomeration of villages rather than a capital city. Amsterdam is exactly what we were looking for.
Plus, it has an excellent location and it’s easy to explore most of the Netherlands via day trips from Amsterdam. Rotterdam, the Hague, and Delft are just an hour away; and even the German and Belgian borders are just a 2-hour drive away. We often find ourselves exploring new places around Amsterdam on weekends.
A Global Setting
After living in the small Spanish city of Granada for seven years, I’ve been craving for a multi-cultural environment with a bigger international community and food from around the world.
Since we moved to Amsterdam three months ago, I’ve made new friends from different corners of the world – from Suriname to South Africa – and we all share the same mindset as global citizens.
And you know what I love most, one of the world’s biggest and most well-connected airport is just a 15-minute bus ride from our apartment. I used to have to catch my flights from Malaga, which is 1.5 hours away by car, or Madrid (a 1-hour flight or 5-hour bus journey away), which is a pain when you travel once a month.
What a world of difference now!
It’s Easy to Fit in
The Dutch are known for being well-traveled and world wise, they aren’t very traditional and there’s little or close to no discrimination in Amsterdam.
The Netherlands also has one of the highest English proficiency rates in Europe; literally almost everyone speaks English in the Dutch capital. I’ve found it very easy to fit in and find a community here.
You don’t actually need to learn Dutch to live here — I have friends who’ve been here for 15 years and still don’t speak Dutch.
The Dutch government also has a great system in place and getting paperwork like residence permit and social security has been a breeze. It’s incredibly fast and easy to obtain our documents here, as compared to Spain that’s notorious for its bureaucracy. (Scroll down for how to get your paperwork).
Happy Place
The Netherlands consistently ranks in the top 10 of the world’s happiest countries, according to the latest World Happiness Report by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network for the United Nations.
They looked into many factors, including healthy life expectancy, having someone to count on, perceived freedom to make life choices and freedom from corruption. For me, it’s important to live in a place with good social welfare and healthcare system that don’t cost a fortune.
Good Quality of Life
The cost of living in Amsterdam is high, but so are the salaries. The average gross salary in Amsterdam is double of that in Granada. While Amsterdam has one of the highest tax rates in Europe, the city has a special tax rule that exempts expats from paying taxes on 30% of their salary.
However, they must be employed and fall into the highly skilled migrant classification, which requires a monthly minimum gross salary of about 4,371 euro ($5,943), to qualify.
Great Work-Life Balance
Among expats, Amsterdam is well known for the work-life balance. It is common for those with family to work only four-day weeks.
Many families operate this way: the mother stays home with the child on Mondays, the father stays home on Fridays, and the kid goes to day care for three days a week. I think that’s amazing — the kid gets to spend more time with both parents, individually, and there’s an equal division of parenting.
The Dutch also expect their employees to have a life outside work, even during the week. Most people leave work on time, and staying late in the office can be sometimes frowned upon. That’s a major reason we chose Amsterdam, because it’s important for Alberto to have time for other things in life beyond work.
How to Move to Amsterdam
Have I convinced you to move to Amsterdam as well? For those who are interested in moving to Amsterdam, here’s my step-by-step guide on how to make the move.
I’m not claiming to be an expert — I’m just sharing our own experience of navigating the Dutch system to help you make your move a smooth one. If you are moving to Amsterdam, reaching out to a moving company to help you with the relocation is always a good idea.
If you already have a job or you’re a citizen of EU, EER or Switzerland, you won’t need a work or residence permit to live here. Skip to number 2.
1. Get A Job
As with relocating to anywhere in the world, it’s much easier moving to Amsterdam with a job than without one. However, it’s NOT necessary to have a job before getting a BSN (burgerservicenummer), which is your citizen service number and basically your key to living in Amsterdam legally.
There are many big name international corporations who have headquarters or offices here (ING Bank, Accenture, booking.com, Uber, to name a few).
If you’re a highly-skilled professional especially in the tech or finance industry with a few years of experience, you will stand a higher chance at finding a job here. Give yourself a few months to find a job here and don’t give up!
Check out the following sites for job listings in Amsterdam:
- I Am Expat – The biggest job listing website for English speakers
- Jobs in Amsterdam – Good job search engine for professionals
- Together Abroad — Multilingual job board
- Hoitalent — Job board for English jobs and internships
- Linkedin — Social network for job hunters
Freelancers:
For those who are freelancers like myself or want to set up your own business in Amsterdam, your first stop is the KvK (Kamer von Koophandel) or Chamber of Commerce. However, you’ll need to have proof of your address in Amsterdam (Go to our next step).
Once you have an apartment, you can visit the KvK without an appointment and wait to see someone. Remember to bring your passport and also cash or card (50euros) to pay the fee.
You will need to have a business plan and estimated amount of earnings each year. It’s incredibly easy. Once you’ve registered your business, you’ll receive a letter from the Belastingdienst (tax authority) within five days to start doing your taxes.
This is a useful brochure from the KvK to learn more about setting up a business in Amsterdam.
2. Find An Apartment
In order to get a BSN (burgerservicenummer), you’ll first need to have a permanent address.
If you’re planning a short-term stay in Amsterdam (under five years), renting is your best bet. After all, contracts can be easily changed and you’re spared the effort of making major repairs or maintenance.
Finding an apartment in Amsterdam can be difficult and rental is definitely not cheap (expect to pay at least 1000euros a month for a one-room apartment). I recommend staying at an Airbnb or hostel in Amsterdam for your first month to give yourself some time to find an apartment.
When looking for an apartment or house, always look for a property that accepts registration. This means that you can register yourself as living at that address and legally pay taxes there. Here’s a good guide to help you decide on where to live in Amsterdam.
Using an Estate Agent:
Using an agency to find a rental property might be the easiest way, but note that you will need to pay a non-refundable fee, which is usually one month’s rent. Most estate rental agencies request a job contract or at least two or three months’ rent as deposit.
We were extremely lucky to have found the perfect apartment for us before moving to Amsterdam. We actually found it on an online housing website and did a video call with the previous tenant to see the place.
She had two months left on her contract but she wanted to move in with her partner, so we had a verbal agreement to buy over her furniture, finish her contract and take it over from her. That saved us a lot of money, including the deposit and estate agent’s fee, and we now have a fully furnished place close to Alberto’s work and the city centre.
Here are some of the best housing websites:
- HousingAnywhere – An international housing platform where you can book a new place before arriving.
- Kamer — This is where we found our apartment listing. You’ll have to pay a subscription fee to contact property owners/agents.
- Funda — One of the biggest housing sites in Netherlands.
- Pararius — Another leading website with property rentals around the country.
- Marktplaats — The Dutch version of Craigslist has property rentals as well as second-hand furniture listings.
- Amsterdam Apartments Facebook Group — For immediate rentals and easy arrangement of viewings
Buying An Apartment:
If you’re planning a long-term stay in the city region, there are monetary benefits that come with becoming a homeowner. Mortgage interest payments are subject to tax deductions if the house is your primary residence, and the notary costs that go into the signing of the contract are tax deductible.
Also, the advantage of having your employer either pay the rent or contribute to it is taxed as a benefit. Check here for more information on buying property in the Amsterdam Area .
3. Get Your BSN Number
Now you can finally register yourself at the Town Hall (Gemeente) and get a BSN number. As mentioned, your BSN number is essential for all your administration in the Netherlands.
This includes opening a bank account, receiving your salary, visiting a doctor, getting health insurance and applying for benefits.
First call the ‘Gemeente’ to make an appointment to register. Check for a list of all the Gemeentes in Amsterdam here.
However, when we called in November, we only received an appointment for end of December. Most of the Gemeente Amsterdam offices have long waiting lists, so you might have to wait awhile to get your appointment.
For Expats with Jobs:
A faster way to get your BSN number is through IN Amsterdam (formerly ‘Expatcenter Amsterdam’), a government-supported service whose sole purpose is to help highly-skilled migrants and EU citizens settle into Amsterdam.
They help you take care of all the immigration elements such as residence and work permits (including the startup visa), registration with the municipality, the 30% tax ruling and other official matters. Note that IN Amsterdam charges a service fee for its services.
We went through IN Amsterdam and got our appointment for three weeks’ time. My husband and daughter got their BSN numbers straight away (as they are from the EU) and I had to wait until I got my residency card to receive mine. It cost us just around 100 euros for the service.
Documents needed to register:
When going for your appointments either at the Gemeente or IN Amsterdam, you need the following documents:
- Your valid passport or ID card (not a driving licence).
- Your rental contract.
- A certified copy of your birth certificate.
- Your foreign marriage certificate, certificate of registered partnership or divorce (for spouses).
Note that town halls only accept official documents in Dutch, English, French or German, so you may need to get an official translation for other languages. Some documents, such as your birth certificate, may also require proof of authenticity such as an apostille, which you will need to get before leaving your home country.
4. Get Your Residency Permit
If you’re from the EU, EER or Switzerland, no residence permit is needed.
For none-EU citizens, you’ll need to go to the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) main office to get the residency permit. If you came with a job, then your employer will be able to apply for the residency permit on your behalf.
If you are married to an EU citizen like I am, just call for an appointment, fill up this form then show up that day with the completed form, and all the documents mentioned above. The IND charged 50 euros for the service.
Residence permits now include a readable chip containing passport photo and two fingerprints. At the IND office, the staff will use biometric devices to take your photos and fingerprints. I now have a big sticker in my passport (that resembles a visa) which permits me to live in Netherlands.
After getting my residency permit, IN Amsterdam sent me my BSN number the week after. You got to hand it to the efficiency of the Dutch system!
5. Open A Bank Account
To start getting your salary and pay expenses, you’ll need to open a bank account in Amsterdam. You’ll also find that there many places in Amsterdam don’t accept cash at all and many supermarkets only take Dutch debit cards, so it’s pretty essential to get a local card.
To open a bank account, go to the bank branch in your area, or visit one of the their websites. There are many banks to choose from, but the two major ones are ABN AMRO and ING.
You’ll need the following documents:
- Proof of ID (passport or identity card)
- Official proof of address, such as a rental contract
- BSN number
- If you are from outside the EU, your residence permit
6. Get Health Insurance
Everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands is legally obliged to take out standard health insurance. This ensures that every person is protected against the financial risks of illness and hospital admission.
The standard insurance package (which costs around 100 euros/month) includes visits to GPs, some medications, dental care until the age of 18, nutritional/dietary care, medical aids, mental health services and more.
The package does not cover things like aspirin purchased over the counter, certain cosmetic surgery procedures and things for which no supplemental insurance has been chosen (e.g. a root canal treatment at the dentist).
Even if you are from the EU and have your own health insurance, you will need to register for health insurance here in the Netherlands. If you are not covered by Dutch health insurance, you risk being fined and billed retroactively for the months you were not insured.
Zorgwijzer.nl is the best site to compare insurance policies between companies.
7. Get Your OV Card or Bicycle
Bikes are a symbol for the Netherlands, and Amsterdam is often called the bike capital of the world. You can literally go biking anywhere in the city and you’ll find that cyclists are given more priority than pedestrians here.
If you live and move around within the city, biking is faster than any alternative. I used to be afraid to cycle on busy roads, but I’ve gotten the hang of it now and love biking everywhere. Amsterdam is just SO well connected on bike.
It’s easy to buy a second hand bike for as cheap as 35 euros on Marktplaats or Facebook groups such as Buy and Sell Amsterdam. Buy a good lock, even if it costs a lot compared to the value of the bike, especially if you leave your bike on the street at night. Bike theft is incredibly common in Amsterdam.
For those who prefer to opt for public transport, remember to get the the public transport chip card (OV-chipkaart), which can be used for travel on trams, buses, metros and trains. You’ll find it MUCH cheaper to travel with an OV card than on single tickets.
There are two types of OV cards:
- Non-personalised cards: Available and rechargeable at GVB ticket vending machines, supermarkets, news stands.
- Personalised cards: Available online and can be automatically-recharged through your bank account. These passes require a passport-style photo.
If you’re traveling often by public transport, a personal OV-chipkaart will probably be the most convenient option for you. You can easily get a monthly pass or season ticket on the card, automatically reload credit, view your travel details online or block the card in case of theft or loss. It costs 7.50euros and is valid for five years.
I hope you’ve found this guide to moving to Amsterdam useful. If you’re planning to move to Amsterdam or have recently moved here, get in touch. I’ll love to meet fellow newbie Amsterdammers!
The Comments
Simon
Lovely! You have basically jotted down all the important points that one gotta remember. Very helpful. Thanks a ton.
Nellie Huang
SimonGlad this was of use to you! Are you moving here soon! Good luck!!!
Felicity
We are considering a new home base in Europe, so this is great post with all the facts and important information. Now, I need to just convince Marco about the weather! These Italians!!!!
Nellie Huang
FelicityHahah these Italians! And Spanish! :D Alberto has never been a fan of countries with bad weather – but thankfully he’s always loved Amsterdam (for its coffeeshops and bohemian vibes). I hope you can convince Marco. Would be great to have you guys here!
Celia
Wow Thank you so much!! Definitely really helpful.
I´m planning to move there by next year so this guide has a lot of interesting data.
Thanks
Saphia Louise
This was so good! I really wish that I had a PDF of this post!
I live in America and I have been wanting to move overseas for some time now. Amsterdam, since visiting, is really standing out for me. So this information has been very helpful as part of my research journey!
Thanks for sharing!
Nellie Huang
Saphia LouiseThanks for the kind comment! That’s a good idea – I should transform this post into a PDF that people can download and read later.
Erin
Hi Nellie,
This is such a helpful post, thank you! Two questions for you:
-For Americans, how important is it to learn Dutch immediately?
-Is it easy to move pets to Amsterdam?
Thank you!
Nellie Huang
Erinhey Erin,
Thanks for the comment! I’d be the first to admit I STILL haven’t learned any Dutch having been here for almost 9 months now. Honestly, almost everyone in Amsterdam speaks English and you can definitely get by with just English. The Dutch are really open-minded and understanding. I’ve heard so many long-term expat friends here say how hard it is to learn Dutch here because almost everyone switches to English the minute they see you’re a foreigner. Amsterdam is incredibly international – honestly you see a lot more foreigners here than Dutch. As for moving pets, I’m afraid I don’t know much about that. We don’t have one and I don’t know anyone who moved here with a pet. What pet do you have? I do know that dogs are allowed in lots of places here and there are plenty of green spaces for them. Hope this helps!
Jason
Thanks for a very informative post! We just started thinking about possibly moving overseas with Amsterdam as one possibility. Any chance you have any knowledge about getting a university professorship? (I’m a college professor in the States (Philadelphia)). Thanks!
Nellie Huang
Jasonhi Jason, I’m afraid I don’t know much about getting a university professorship here. I do have a few friends who work in the universities here, but they’re in the administration department. Wish I could be of more help! It might be worthwhile connecting with expats who work as professors in Amsterdam. Check out these groups: https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/living/feel-at-home-in-amsterdam/international-groups-clubs
Lexie Feng
Hi. Thank you for your information. We are a couple (Chinese and Italian) just moved from Finland to Amsterdam. We aslo have a baby girl. Could you kindly tell us how much time it took you to get your residence permit after applicaion? After application, were you allowed to work before you got the permit? It takes forever to reach IND desk by phone. We also would like to hang out with you guys if you want. My email is [email protected]. You could also find me on fb. Thank you very much.
Nellie Huang
Lexie Fenghey Lexie, thanks for leaving a comment! Great to hear from you. It took almost six months to get my residence permit actually. After applying for it, they gave me a temporary permit in the form of a sticker in my passport. But that only lasted three months so I went back to IND and they gave me an extension for another three months. Finally I got the residence permit (an ID card) in my mailbox after six months of waiting. That said, you’re allowed to work once you get the temporary permit, which you’ll get on the day of your application. You can get an appointment at IND online. They’re really fast and efficient once you get the appointment. We’d love to hang out! I’ll email you. :)
James Secord
Lexie FengCan non EU get residence permit without a job contract?
Nellie Huang
James SecordNo, you’ll need a job contract in order to get the residence permit.
Thomas Lucia
Hello! Since visiting Amsterdam for the first time in 2016, I have fallen in love with the city. I just returned last week from my fourth visit…and I WANT TO LIVE THERE! I am an American living for many years in Munich, Germany. I’m 63 yrs. old and trying to get my early retirement…so I’m wondering about my possibilities for a new life in Amsterdam. I have a very low income at the moment, so I realize that isn’t a plus. Do you know anyone in a similar situation? Have any suggestions??
Paola
Quick Question…Is it easier to get residency if 2 of the 3 family members has a EU Passport? Currently my son and I are applying for our Spanish passport but my husband is not able to get one. Is it easier for him to eventually become a resident of Amsterdam with his spouse and son already with one? hope this makes sense.
Cheers!
Nellie Huang
Paolahi Paola, yes! My husband and daughter have Spanish passports, so I got my residency easily from IND. I just needed to get an appointment at IND, fill up some forms and bring all the documents requested. They gave me a temporary residency stamp on my passport and I got the official residency card after around six months. It was definitely easy compared to Spain.
Evi Jones
Nellie HuangHi! Enjoyed this read. I’m a non EU citizen but hubby and daughter are EU citizens (not Dutch). My husband does not have a job lined up and is considering self employment. Do you know whether we would need to show funds to prove ability to look after each other?
Nellie Huang
Evi Joneshi Evi, I don’t think you’ll need to show funds. I did not have to when setting up my business here in Amsterdam. Besides your husband is a EU citizen, so it will be easy to get a residency card for you. It takes a while to get your residency card and be able to work (for you) though. But I’m not a qualified expert on this so please do take what I say with a pinch of salt. It’s best to email KvK (Chamber of Commerce) to find out the details on self employment.
Cooper
Great article, thank you for all this information. I was wondering, how easy is the currency exchange? Also, how does transferring cell phone providers work, if say you have AT&T? I am from America and am moving to Amsterdam in July and haven’t heard much about those two subjects. Hope to hear from you soon! Thanks again.
Nellie Huang
Cooperhey Cooper, you’ll need to withdraw Euros from the ATM using your credit or debit card, or exchange USD at the airport or bank. That’s pretty standard wherever you travel. You can’t transfer cell phone providers when you’re in a different country. You’ll need to sign up for a new one here.
Hayley
This is such an awesome post and has definitely helped me with wanting to move to Amsterdam (even more than before!). My partner and I and our daughter (who will be 11) are planning a move to Amsterdam in 2020, we’re from New Zealand.
Shantel Edgar
Hello I really do appreciate your article.My husband and I have discussed moving to Amsterdam in 7 years after I finish my Military obligations here in the United States. I wanted to know if my transition from the military here in the states can some how transition to a good paying job in Amsterdam. The same goes for my husband who is a physical therapist here.
Nellie Huang
Shantel Edgarhey Shantel, thanks for the comment! It all depends on your education, background and work experience. What do you do in the military? From what I can see, it’s relatively easy to get a job in IT here. The tech industry is really thriving here, lots of big brands like Uber and Booking.com have set up their European headquarters here. I’m afraid I can’t offer more advice than this.
Laxmi Daudhria
Hi,thanks for sharing it really helpful. I am moving to Amsterdam soon with my little girl . Actually my purpose to visit only for a job. Wanted to ask you how easy or difficult to get a job there for a women? I am having 7 yrs of experience however from last 3 yrs I am not working anywhere due to my pregnancy and then daughter responsibilities. I am from India , waiting for your reply
Nellie Huang
Laxmi DaudhriaHi Laxmi, thanks for dropping by! It really depends on your background and what field you specialize in. IT is most in demand here, so you’ll have a higher chance of finding a job if you’re looking for something in programming or software development. Good luck!
Jonah
Hiya Laxmi! Wow, we have similar stories… I am an American Expat that has been living in a small town outside of Seville, Spain for about 5 years now. While I love Spain, I am craving a more multi-cultural experience (Plus, I’d like to meet a woman one of these days and all the Spanish men are straight out of an Abercrombie ad). Amsterdam has been a potential as well as Dublin or maybe somewhere in the UK. Thank you for such a thorough list!
M
I’ve never been to Amsterdam but been hearing a lot of good stories about it. I’m from the Philippines, and I would want to work there and live there for good. What are my chances? I will be going on my own. Other countries would require you to study first, work, then you’re elligible for a residence permit. Is it the same with Amsterdam? I graduated in May and have no work experience by far. ?
Colleen De Steur
WoW!!!
Thank you for all the information.
I have been searching for weeks and battling to find answers, and then found your blog and I am super excited now. Your info is sooooooo helpful.
I would love to meet you once we get to Amsterdam.
I am from South Africa.
Kae
Hi Nellie,
Your blog has been so helpful thank you so much for sharing. My partner and I are hoping to move by the end of the year. We’d love to meet you when we’re next in Amsterdam :)
Nellie Huang
Kaehi Kae, good luck with the move! Yes sure, feel free to contact me when you’re here. :)
Clare
Hi Nellie, great blog very useful on what you need to know. I am looking to relocate to Amsterdam as soon as i can but finding a room to rent where you can be registered is proving a nightmare add to that potential scammers. It’s being in that catch 22 of needing to have a job but to apply for a job you need to be registered and have a sofi number! Im using Kamernet at the moment but no luck yet, is it worth putting an advert up in a local shop / supermarket?
Regards,
Clare
Nellie Huang
Clarehi Clare, I get what you mean. It really is a weird system and makes you feel like you’re a hamster running on a wheel. We were very lucky in that Alberto got a job first, before finding an apartment, which made it much easier. You might be better off renting a room on Airbnb or getting a hotel room for the first week you’re here and then renting an apartment once you’re here. That’s what most people do. Check out all the links I included under ‘getting an apartment’. The Facebook group can be very useful for talking to agents directly.
Lydia
Hi, thank you so much for writing this guide. I am moving with my husband and 7 years old daughter from London in a couple of months. It is exciting but also i am nervous especially as we will be looking for a school as well.
It is reassuring to hear about a success story.
Regards
Leanne daniel
Hi, I am currently looking at moving to Amsterdam with my 12 year old son, I still have a lot of research to do beforehand, but I was wondering if you roughly knew what would be a minimum ideal amount of money that I would need to move out there with, I would want to make sure that I was able to live comfortably while in the first stages of being an expat & until I’d got myself a regular income. Thankyou x
Nellie Huang
Leanne danielhi Leanne, thanks for dropping by! That’s quite a difficult question to answer but I’ll try my best. If you want to live comfortably, rent is around 900-1500euros/month for a 2-bedroom apartment. You’ll be looking at 2000 euros/month and upwards for a multi-level house. We spend around 300euros a month on groceries and a meal out in a restaurant usually costs around 50euros for two. Transport wise, you’ll probably want to buy a bicycle when you get here as it’s the most convenient and economical way of getting around. Factor in around 200 euros for that.
Ann Bingle
Hi! Thank you for sharing this post. It’s very on point and very helpful. I understand that you also have a freelancer visa. I just want to know how much tax you have to pay in a month.
Thanks and have a great day!
Mike
Good Afternoon!! I am looking into moving overseas and I am interested in Amsterdam. I am a 37 single male no kids and hell hardly no family left here in the states anyways so I’ve always wanted to move to a different country. I am thankful for the information that you have provided, if you don’t mind I have added my email could you please email back and fourth b/c I have a few questions. Please let me know Thank you. [email protected]
Daisy
Hello from Italy! Thanks for a super useful guide to moving to one of the most beautiful cities on the planet. Planning on moving there with my boyfriend towards the end of the year and am getting research started. How long did it take for you all to actually move there? Thanks again ?
Many regards!
Nellie Huang
Daisyhey Daisy, thanks for stopping by! Good to hear that you found my guide useful! It took us seriously just a month to move there. Alberto got news that he was getting the new job in October and we immediately started looking for an apartment and drove to Amsterdam (from Spain where we lived) with as much belongings as we could bring in the third week of Oct. His first day at the new job was 1 Nov. The more time you have to prepare, the better!
Ellen
I came onto your website because of your posts on traveling in Tibet (I’m addicted to traveling in Tibet / Tibetan areas) and discovered you are living in Amsterdam. Great to read your post on how to move to Amsterdam. I’m Dutch and it’s fascinating to read how enthusiastic you are about Amsterdam. I also love Amsterdam but only for weekend visits. I hope you keep enjoying Amsterdam! And I liked your posts about traveling in Tibet. They give very good information.
Nellie Huang
EllenThanks Ellen for dropping by! Great to hear that we have a shared love for Tibet! And I’m thrilled to know you’re Dutch. We’ve been living in Amsterdam for around 1.5 years now and are loving it. The people are amazing, very open-minded and world wise.
karen graham
Hi Nellie,
Thank you so very much for all the valuable information you have provided. My 12-year-old son and I have traveled a bit through Europe and have long dreamed of living somewhere……..anywhere in Europe. I am originally from Jamaica but has lived in the US for over 3o years. I have never given thought to Amsterdam but you have piqued my interest. We will be in France later this summer and I am thinking of a side trip to Amsterdam. I know you can’t send personal notes to all your readers but I would love to talk to you a bit more or even connect in Amsterdam. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience.
Joanne
Hi Nellie
Came across your site whilst doing a ton of research on moving to the Netherlands. This post was spot on, as my husband and I are planning to move to there (likely Amsterdam!). He is an EU citizen, whilst I am not (I’m a Singaporean citizen), and its been a little difficult finding out what the registration process is as we have different ‘citizenship situations’. To further complicate matters, he is a British citizen and we are scrambling to do this before Brexit(!) – so encouraging to hear that you managed to do it in such a short period. Thank you so much!
Nellie Huang
JoanneHi Joanne, thanks and glad you found this useful! I am a Singaporean citizen as well and my husband is from the EU. The Netherlands have very straightforward and efficient processes in place and they’re particularly easy if one of you is from the EU. Good luck and definitely let me know if I can help in any way!
CLAIRE WILCOX
Hi – Thank you so much for such informative guidance X You have defiantly helped :)
I just hope we are in a position to relocate before the UK leaves the EU XX
Nicola
Hello Nellie,
Hope you’re doing fine?
Did you have to register your foreign marriage certificate or legalize it or do anything before the IND process?
Thank you
Nellie Huang
Nicolahi Nicola, yes we had to get an officially translated version of our marriage certificate from the Spanish embassy before going to the IND. If yours is in English, I don’t think there’s anything you need to do with it. But best to check with your embassy (or the embassy where your marriage cert is from).
Jennifer Tipismana
hi Nellie
thank you so much this was so helpful, My name is Jenny and I am an american citizen , my boyfriend is from colombia and we are planning to get married we would like to move to amsterdam , is there a city that you can recommend to us in terms of affordable housing and finding good jobs?
Nellie Huang
Jennifer TipismanaHi Jennifer, I’ve only lived in Amsterdam so I can’t compare the city with other cities in the Netherlands. In terms of good jobs, Amsterdam has the most. It’s the technology hub of Europe and many big companies have their headquarters here, so if you’re in the tech industry it’s really quite easy to find a job here. Rotterdam also has loads of good jobs and housing is more affordable. In general, housing in Amsterdam is the most expensive in the country. Utrecht is another good place to consider. I personally like the small towns like Delft and Haarlem, but the job market might not be as good there.
Cristina Dietrich
Hi Nellie,
Fantastic information!! Thank you for taking the time to write it!!
Cheers from Vancouver, Canada
Vaneshree Pillay
Hi Nellie,
My husband, daughter (26 months) and I are relocating to Amsterdam from South Africa in Feb 2020. My husband is being transferred, through this current employer. I have been having anxiety because of the move, and leaving my support structure behind in RSA. Your article has really been insightful. It would be great to meet other expats, such as yourself, when we there.
Nellie Huang
Vaneshree Pillayhey Vaneshree, thanks for the note! Great to hear you are moving to Amsterdam. I understand what you’re going through, moving to a new country always comes with its challenges, especially with a toddler in tow. But think of the positive – Amsterdam is really a great place for families, healthcare and education system are excellent here. I love how easy things are and how many like-minded people I’ve met here. Drop me a line when you’re here and I’ll be more than happy to meet!
M
Super helpful! Thanks.
Delfina
Hi Nellie! Thanks for your article, it is very helpfull. Although, I have a question: My hausband and I want to live in Amsterdam, he works remotly for a company in Argentina, do you know if this is more complicated to prove for making the BSN. I have to clarified: I am an Italian citizen, he is not from UE.
Looking forward for your answer, thank you!
Mitchell Wimberly
hi Nellie! US citizen here, considering relocation to Amsterdam. I have a Masters degree in Sexual and Reproductive Health, as well as 3 years experience working with people who are affected by HIV. I am wondering if you know of any clinics/have any connects to HIV/AIDS or sexual health organizations in Amsterdam? Also, what is the process if I’m wanting to relocate for work. Like, how easy is it to get hired by a company before relocating? Also, how much money in USD would you recommend me saving to move as a single 27 year old? Thank you!
Shane Nash
Hi there,
I’m Shane, I’m working in Abu Dhabi but citizen of India. I’m looking forward to come to Amsterdam and find a job as a bartender. Is it easy to find a job as an expat? Thank you for your informative post!!
Nellie Huang
Shane Nashhi Shane, it might be difficult to find work as a bartender if you don’t have a work permit.
Andrew
Hello Nellie, your article is very helpful about moving into amsterdam.
I am having a hard time in my country and I plan on moving when the opportunity appears.
Although your article is very helpful, I wanted to ask some questions about the matter of moving.
Nellie Huang
Andrewhi Andrew, what would you like to know?
Jim
Moving is always a challenge :) But definitely worth the effort. My friend recently moved to a suburb of Amsterdam from the city center. My friend was madly happy to move, because the proximity of nature and the lack of noise made his life better and more peaceful. Did anybody have such an experience?
Nellie Huang
JimWe actually just moved to the suburbs as well and definitely appreciate having more space and tranquility! The best thing about Amsterdam is that it’s not too big and the transport network is excellent, which makes it really easy to hop in and out of the centre anytime we want.
Skye
Awesome article thanks Nellie. So helpful
Laura Anderson
What happens if you want to retire there? Would your retirement pension be considered enough to not need a job to live there?
Nellie Huang
Laura Andersonhi Laura, that depends on how much retirement pension you have. Amsterdam is not a cheap city to live in. An average 2-bedroom apartment in Amsterdam centre costs upwards of 2000 euros to rent. It is much cheaper to live outside of Amsterdam, like in the Hague. Food, transport and other costs can also add up.
Cathy
Hi Nellie,
Great guide! We (Italian husband + 2 kids) are moving from Hong Kong to Amsterdam in Oct!
Just a quick question, how do you find the schools in Amsterdam? Local or international school?
Nellie Huang
Cathyhi Cathy, thanks for the comment! When we first moved to Amsterdam, we found an apartment near my husband’s office and registered our daughter at the nearest school. How old are your kids?
Kids between 2.5 to 4 years old can go to voorschool, which is like nursery, pre-school. From 4 years onwards, they go to bassischool (primary school). You’ll get a letter from the government before your kid turns 4 and you can enter a list of schools of your preference and they’ll assign the school to you.
My daughter first went to the bassisschool just across the street from us. We were generally quite happy with the school, and my daughter loved it though she struggled with having to learn Dutch at first. We didn’t like that there were so many kids in one class (close to 30) and there were kids from 4 to 6 years old in one class. But we liked the teachers.
About a year ago, we moved to Hoofddorp (near the Amsterdam airport) and switched our daughter to an international school nearby and she’s definitely happier here. Groups are smaller, there’s a lot more attention given to each child, and everything is much more organized.
That’s just my experience. Many of my friends are happy having their kids in local schools, especially those who intend to live here for a while. Let me know if you have any other questions, I’ll be happy to share my experience.
Michael
Thanks for the great article, it was really fun to read about the city and your experiences. I live in Texas and I actually enjoy the cooler weather so Amsterdam would probably be a great fit. I like the 40’s in the evening and 60’s F during the day. When it is over 100 like it has been for weeks here that is not much fun. =) I am going to read some more of your posts if you don’t mind, I like learning about new places.
Nellie Huang
Michaeloh for sure! Let me know if you have any other questions on Amsterdam. It’s an incredible city, there’s a lot of greenery and unique spaces, and I love the progressive mindsets of people in Amsterdam.