Living in the Netherlands

The Dutch are Pioneers in International Business

With its heritage of international business savy, the Netherlands applies the same open-mind to making living in the Netherlands work for newcomers.

With its long successful tradition in worldwide commerce, the Netherlands applies the same open-minded principles to making its society work for both natives and newcomers. Thanks to its coastal location, foreign (and lucrative) adventures in colonial times, stirring history and a tradition of socially conscious governments, the country has extensive experience in adapting to the needs of others.

About 90% of the 16 million inhabitants of the Netherlands live in urban areas. The so-called Randstad, the western part of the country, is the most urbanized. The average national population density is 462 per square kilometer, one of the highest in the world.

Housing

Accommodation in a bustling city, a residential suburb, a village or out in the picturesque countryside are all housing options available in the Netherlands to the foreign investor on the ground. A nice aspect of this wide range of choice is that it is plentiful; moreover, it is relatively reasonably priced. And since distances in the country are comparatively short, it is possible to live in the countryside enjoying the bucolic benefits or rural life yet still be in the heart of a major city within 20 minutes. The cost of living in the Netherlands compares favorably with those of surrounding countries.

Cultural activities and sports

All sorts of cultural and leisure activities are open to Dutch citizens and visitors alike. Whether it is spending a leisurely afternoon on the beach, enjoying the culinary delights of an Indonesian meal, having a drink at a Dutch 'bruine kroeg' (pleasant 'brown' bar/café) or going to one of the cities' acclaimed theaters or opera houses, the new expatriate is soon made to feel that the Netherlands is a most welcoming and entertaining country.

In the realm of high culture, magnificent art can be appreciated at more than 1,100 museums. These have within their walls paintings by the Dutch masters (at the world-famous Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum, all located in Amsterdam), or specialized exhibitions (at smaller museums found all over the country). In music, opera and dance companies, as well as symphony orchestras, flourish throughout the Netherlands, while some of the world's best-known jazz, classical, country and pop musicians regularly dot the scene.

Sports are also popular among the Dutch. The country's 35,000 sports clubs have a total membership of some 4.3 million people, and this does not even count the many who engage in sports without belonging to a club. Sports facilities are widely available everywhere, with soccer being the most popular sport followed by tennis, but golf and squash are rising in popularity. For those who pursue fish or feel like one, almost one-fifth of the country's area is covered by lakes, canals and rivers, drawing aficionados of swimming, sailing, water skiing and fishing. Multitudes of paths make bicycling a popular pastime as well, while in winter, weather permitting, ice skating is a favorite.

Health and Education

The Netherlands enjoys an excellent healthcare system, available to everyone. The standard of medical care is high, and all possible medical services can be rendered without any considerations other than the need for the service.

For the expatriate community, the quality of the Dutch educational system as it relates to them enjoys a sterling reputation. The children of this segment of residents can choose from American, British, German, French and Japanese schools scattered throughout the country. Beyond high schools, Dutch universities provide many of their courses in English, given that many of them have close affiliations with foreign institutions. In fact, no other country on the European continent offers as many college courses conducted in English as the Netherlands does.

More information

The NFIA can supply you with further information on living in the Netherlands. Contact us today.