The Netherlands is one of Europe's most popular destinations for international professionals. English is spoken almost everywhere, the economy is strong and innovative, and cities are safe, compact and built for cycling. The biggest challenge is housing, which is in short supply. This guide covers visas, the expat tax scheme, housing, healthcare, costs and the practical first steps for moving to the Netherlands in 2026.

Visas and residence permits

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can live and work in the Netherlands without a permit and only need to register with their municipality. Non-EU citizens have several options, all handled by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND):

  • Highly skilled migrant (kennismigrant): the most common route for professionals. Your employer must be an IND-recognised sponsor, and your gross monthly salary (excluding 8% holiday allowance) must meet thresholds that are updated every January. For 2026, the IND thresholds are €5,942 for people aged 30 and over, €4,357 for under-30s, and €3,122 for eligible recent graduates, as summarised by Deloitte.
  • EU Blue Card: an alternative for university graduates with a qualifying job offer, portable across much of the EU.
  • Orientation year (zoekjaar hoogopgeleiden): lets graduates of Dutch universities and top-ranked foreign universities spend a year looking for work, after which the lower graduate salary threshold applies.
  • Self-employed: requires a business plan scored on its benefit to the Dutch economy. US citizens can instead use the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT), which requires a relatively modest investment of €4,500 in a Dutch business.

The IND's processing for recognised sponsors is typically fast, often within a few weeks.

The 30% ruling (expat scheme)

Employees recruited from abroad with specific expertise can receive part of their salary tax-free for up to five years under the expat scheme, often called the 30% ruling. Eligibility requires having lived more than 150 kilometres from the Dutch border for most of the previous two years and earning above a salary threshold. From 2027, the tax-free allowance falls to 27% for most employees who started using it from 2024, with transitional rules for earlier users, according to Business.gov.nl. Employers apply jointly with the employee to the Tax and Customs Administration.

Taxes

Dutch income tax (box 1) has progressive rates that reach 49.5% on higher incomes, including national insurance contributions. Savings and investments are taxed separately (box 3) under a system that is being reformed after court rulings. The Belastingdienst has English guidance.

Housing: the biggest challenge

The Netherlands has a well-documented housing shortage. In Amsterdam, a one-bedroom apartment in the private sector commonly costs €1,600 to €2,300 a month; in Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht, €1,300 to €1,900; and in smaller cities such as Eindhoven, Groningen or Nijmegen, €1,000 to €1,500. Rent controls introduced in 2024 cover more mid-range homes, which has reduced supply in some cities.

Tips for finding a home:

  • Use established platforms such as Funda, Pararius and Kamernet, and register with reputable rental agencies.
  • Be ready to decide fast, with a folder of documents: passport, employment contract, recent payslips and employer's declaration.
  • Never pay a deposit before viewing a property and signing a contract; rental scams targeting newcomers are common.
  • Agency fees charged to tenants for homes the agent also represents for the landlord are prohibited.
  • Consider commuting from a smaller city; trains are fast and frequent.

Healthcare

Everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands must take out basic health insurance (basisverzekering) from a Dutch insurer within four months of arrival, backdated to your start date. The basic package is set by the government. In 2026, the average basic premium is around €159 a month, and the compulsory annual deductible (eigen risico) remains €385, according to the Government of the Netherlands and insurers' published rates. GP visits are exempt from the deductible. Many people add supplementary insurance for dental care and physiotherapy. Lower earners can apply for a healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag).

Getting around

The Netherlands has more bicycles than people. A good second-hand bike costs €100 to €300; invest in two strong locks, because bike theft is common. The national rail operator NS and regional networks connect the whole country, and you can pay with a contactless bank card or the OV-chipkaart. Monthly subscriptions reduce costs for regular commuters, and many employers pay a travel allowance.

Cost of living

A single person typically needs €2,300 to €3,200 a month in Amsterdam including rent, and €1,900 to €2,600 in other cities. Groceries at Albert Heijn, Jumbo, Lidl and Aldi are reasonably priced; eating out is more expensive than in southern Europe. According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), inflation was elevated in 2022–2023 but has since eased.

Culture and daily life

The Dutch are known for directness: feedback is given openly and is not meant to offend. Punctuality and planning matter — social plans are often made weeks ahead in a diary. "Gezelligheid", a sense of cosiness and togetherness, is central to social life. Friendships can take time to form, so join sports clubs, language classes or international networks. Although English is universal, learning Dutch helps with integration, long-term residence and naturalisation, which requires passing the civic integration exam.

Working culture

Dutch workplaces are relatively flat: employees are expected to share opinions openly, including with managers, and consensus-based decision making (the "polder model") is common. Part-time work is widespread and respected, and working hours are strictly respected — most people leave on time. Lunch is often a quick sandwich at your desk or in the company canteen, rather than a long meal.

First steps after arrival

1. Register at your municipality (gemeente) to receive your citizen service number (BSN). You must register within five days of arrival if staying longer than four months. 2. Collect your residence permit from the IND if you are a non-EU citizen. 3. Open a Dutch bank account; many services require a Dutch IBAN. 4. Take out Dutch health insurance within four months. 5. Apply for a DigiD, the government's digital login, used for taxes, benefits and healthcare. 6. Apply for the 30% ruling with your employer within four months of starting work.

For comparisons with other European countries, see our Netherlands country guide.