Netherlands
Open-minded country with excellent infrastructure, best English proficiency worldwide and strong economy. Amsterdam is an international hub for tech and finance. High quality of life, but also high cost of living.
Important Notice: No Individual Advice
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute individual legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult qualified professionals for personal decisions.
Key Metrics
Cost of Living
Cost Breakdown
Quality of Life
Taxes
Tax information for Netherlands
Tax resident with domicile in the Netherlands or strong economic ties
2025
May 1st of following year (electronic filing can be extended until September 1st)
No - worldwide income
How does the Dutch Box System work?
Employment income, home ownership income, business activities. Social security is INCLUDED – not deducted separately like in Germany!
Profits/dividends from your own company with ≥5% shareholding (Aanmerkelijk Belang). Tax rate: 26.9%.
Savings, investments, real estate (excluding primary residence). No actual capital gains tax – instead wealth tax on 'deemed return'.
AOW (pension), ANW (survivors), WLZ (long-term care) are already included in Box 1 rates. No additional deductions from gross!
Highly skilled expats can receive 30% of salary tax-free. From 2024 gradually reduced to 30/20/10% over 5 years.
Each box is calculated separately – losses from one box CANNOT be offset against gains from another.
Income Tax
Box 1Employment income, home ownership income, business activities. Social security (AOW, ANW, WLZ) is already included in tax rates.
| From | To | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| €0 | €38,441 | 35.82% |
| €38,441 | €76,817 | 37.48% |
| €76,817 | Unlimited | 49.5% |
Pension Tax
Box 1Pensions are taxed but often at lower rates (retirees don't pay AOW/ANW). AOW (basic pension) + occupational pensions (pensioen).
Capital Gains Tax
Box 3No actual capital gains tax! Instead, wealth tax on 'deemed return'. Exemption €57,684per person (2025).
Dividend Tax
Box 226.9% on profits/dividends from own company (Aanmerkelijk Belang = ≥5% shareholding). Other dividends fall under Box 3.
Wealth Tax
Box 3Wealth above €57,684/person is calculated with 'deemed return' and taxed at 36%. Primary residence exempt, debts deductible.
VAT
21%Important Notice
This is not tax advice. The Dutch Box system is complex and unique. Consult the Belastingdienst or a licensed tax advisor for your personal situation.
This is not tax, legal, or investment advice. Tax laws change frequently and can be complex. The information provided is for general informational purposes only. Please consult a tax advisor licensed in Netherlands for your specific situation.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Netherlands
Mandatory private health insurance system (Zorgverzekeringswet). Basic insurance from private insurers with regulated coverage. Supplementary insurance optional.
Mandatory insurance (basisverzekering) for all residents. ~€130/month + €385deductible/year. Employer pays income-dependent contribution (~6.5%).
Expat Access
Insurance mandatory after 4 months of stay. EU citizens: EHIC for temporary visits. Huisarts (GP) is gatekeeper, referral needed for specialists.
The system IS private, but heavily regulated. No rejection possible (acceptatieplicht). Premiums vary by provider and deductible.
Basisverzekering €130/month mandatory. Aanvullende verzekering (supplementary) for dental, physiotherapy recommended €10-50/month extra.
Notes
Dutch healthcare system considered one of the world's best (Euro Health Consumer Index regularly #1). Strong GP care (huisarts). Pharmacies easily accessible. Dental care only partially covered - supplementary insurance recommended. Annual insurance switch possible (Nov/Dec). 30% ruling recipients can opt out of Dutch insurance obligation.
Education & Childcare
Education system in Netherlands
The Dutch education system is excellent and internationally recognized (PISA Top 15). Compulsory education from 5-18 years. Public schools free. Three school types in secondary: VMBO (vocational), HAVO (higher general), VWO (university preparation). Very good international schools in Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, Eindhoven.
Childcare
Waiting times in Amsterdam/Randstad for good daycare: 6-12 months! Register early. Easier outside the Randstad.
Primary & Secondary School
International schools
Higher Education
Many Bachelor and almost all Master programs in English! TU Delft, TU Eindhoven, University of Amsterdam, Erasmus Rotterdam world-class. HBO (applied sciences) also in English. Student finance (DUO) for EU citizens after 56h/month work.
For Expat Families
Very good! Many international schools (ISA, ASA, BSN, etc.). Dutch schools also accept expat children, some offer language support. Schakelklas (transition class) for language learning.
Schakelklassen (1 year intensive Dutch). NT2 for children. International schools also offer EAL (English as Additional Language).
For <5 years stay: International school recommended. For longer stay: Dutch system very good, children learn Dutch quickly.
Pros
- •Excellent public school system - free
- •Many top universities with English programs
- •Good international schools in all major cities
- •Childcare state-subsidized
Cons
- •Childcare costs high despite subsidies
- •Waiting times for good daycare in Amsterdam
- •International schools very expensive (€18-25k/year)
- •Early selection into three-track system (12 years)
Notes
The Dutch school system is very good, but the three-track system (VMBO/HAVO/VWO) with selection from age 12 is controversial. For expat families, international schools offer continuity. Childcare is expensive despite subsidies - Kinderopvangtoeslag (subsidy) up to 96% of costs for low incomes.
Language & Communication
Communication in Netherlands
The Netherlands is the #1 country worldwide for English proficiency as a foreign language! 93% of the population speaks English, many fluently. Amsterdam and Rotterdam are extremely international. Dutch is the official language, but you can easily get by with English in daily life. In Friesland, Frisian is also spoken.
English Proficiency
#1 worldwide in EF English Proficiency Index! 93% of Dutch people speak English, ~70% speak it well to fluently. Education system strongly focused on English, many university programs entirely in English.
Amsterdam/Rotterdam: Virtually everyone speaks fluent English. Randstad region very international. Rural areas: English skills good, but less taken for granted.
Government Services
Many authorities offer English-language service. Rijksoverheid.nl partly in English. IND (Immigration) completely in English. Belastingdienst (Tax) with English forms. Municipalities in major cities with English service.
DigiD (digital identity) with English interface. MijnOverheid partly in English. Many online services bilingual.
Daily Life & Communication
English no problem everywhere. Supermarkets, restaurants, cafés - everything possible in English. Menus often also in English. Markets more Dutch.
NS (rail), GVB (Amsterdam), announcements in Dutch and English. Apps and websites in English. OV-Chipkaart system easy.
Doctors (huisarts) almost all speak English. Hospitals in major cities with English-speaking staff. Pharmacies in English.
All major banks (ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank) with complete English service. Online banking in English. Apps in English.
Work Environment
In international companies and tech, English is the working language. Many Dutch companies operate in English. Meetings often in English as soon as a non-Dutch person joins.
Very many! Amsterdam = European HQ for many US tech companies (Uber, Netflix, Booking.com). Rotterdam = Port & logistics. Eindhoven = High-tech (ASML, Philips). The Hague = International Law & NGOs.
Expat Community
Very large expat community, especially in Amsterdam and Rotterdam. ~200,000 expats in Amsterdam alone. Very well organized with many events and groups.
ACCESS (Expat Center), Internationals meetups, Expat Fairs, Facebook groups (Expats in Amsterdam, etc.), InterNations. DutchNews.nl for English news.
Learning the Local Language
Many language schools, VHS (Volksuniversiteit), private providers. Cost: €500-2,000 for intensive course. For naturalization: Inburgeringsexamen (A2) required.
Not mandatory for daily life! But: Helpful for deeper social integration. Required for certain jobs (healthcare, law, government). Mandatory for naturalization (A2).
Tips
- đź’ˇDutch people immediately switch to English when they notice you're not a native speaker - can be frustrating when learning!
- đź’ˇBasic Dutch skills are greatly appreciated and show respect
- đź’ˇIn Amsterdam English is so dominant that some Dutch people complain
Pros
- •Best English skills worldwide - no other non-English speaking country comes close
- •Daily life completely possible without Dutch
- •Working in English possible in many industries
- •Authorities and services well accessible in English
Cons
- •Learning Dutch difficult when everyone speaks English
- •Deeper social integration limited without Dutch
- •Some older or rural Dutch people speak less English
Notes
The Netherlands is the perfect country for expats who don't want to or can't learn Dutch. You can live an entire life here in English - but those who really want to integrate should learn Dutch.
Climate Change & Future Outlook
Climate risks in Netherlands
The Netherlands is particularly affected by climate change: ~26% of the country lies below sea level, ~59% is flood-prone. The world-leading dike and water defense system (Delta Works) protects the country, but rising sea levels require continuous adaptation. Paradoxically, the Netherlands is also one of the most climate-resilient countries due to excellent infrastructure and expertise.
Climate Scenarios
Switch between IPCC SSP pathways
SSP2-4.5
Current policy trajectory – ~2.7°C warming by 2100, moderate mitigation.
Values are approximations relative to our SSP2-4.5 baseline. They illustrate directional change, not exact national projections.
Overall Climate Risk
Projected risk index (0 = low risk, 100 = extreme risk)
Risk Categories
City-level climate outlook
Localized projections for the key expat metros in Netherlands.
Amsterdam sits 2m below sea level, entirely dependent on dyke systems. Heat days increase but the canal network provides natural cooling. Heavy rain increasingly overwhelms drainage.
KNMI Climate Atlas 2023
Deltares scenarios
Delta Works protection active
- •Rainproof Amsterdam: 10,000+ rain gardens, permeable paving, green roofs
- •Maeslantkering & IJmuiden locks protect against North Sea storm surges
- •Basement apartments in old buildings (Jordaan, De Pijp) at risk during heavy rain
- •Canals can overflow during extreme rain – park bikes higher!
Rotterdam is Europe's largest port and climate adaptation pioneer. The city sits up to 6m below sea level. Innovative solutions like water squares and floating buildings serve as global models.
Lowest point: Prins Alexander Polder
Maeslantkering closes automatically
- •Water squares (Benthemplein): Store 1.7M liters during heavy rain
- •Floating pavilions & homes in Rijnhaven as future model
- •Dakpark: Europe's largest rooftop park (9 ha) on shopping center
- •Port area (Europoort) extremely heat-stressed – little green, lots of concrete
- •When Maeslantkering closes: inland shipping blocked
Personal climate risk assessment
Tune the analysis to your health profile and comfort level.
Age group
Sensitivity
Risk tolerance
Personalized risk index
Current level: High
Priority risks
Floods & Coastal
Base 80 → Personal 80
Economic Impact
Base 68 → Personal 68
What to prioritize
- •Prefer elevated districts and buildings with flood-mitigation infrastructure.
- •Budget for higher insurance/utilities and diversify income streams against climate shocks.
- •Prioritise shaded neighborhoods, AC-ready apartments, and early-morning routines.
Adaptation Measures
- •Delta Programme: €26B budget for water protection until 2050
- •Room for the River: River widening instead of higher dikes
- •Maeslantkering: Automatic storm surge barrier Rotterdam
- •Check flood insurance (not always included!)
- •When buying house: Check elevation and polder information
Climate Resilience
Despite high exposure: Excellent adaptive capacity! ND-GAIN Rank #4 worldwide. Centuries of water management experience. Political consensus for climate protection. Economic strength for investments. Paradox: Highest exposure, but also highest resilience.
Tips
- đź’ˇWhen buying property: Check polder category and evacuation routes
- đź’ˇAmsterdam/Randstad safer long-term than rural deep polders
- đź’ˇDutch climate expertise is globally in demand - job opportunities!
Notes
The Netherlands shows the paradox of climate change: Highest physical exposure, but also highest resilience. The country invests massively in adaptation and exports its know-how worldwide. For expats this means: Living below sea level is safe - as long as investments continue.
Data sources
Scientific Disclaimer
Climate projections are based on models with inherent uncertainties. Actual outcomes may differ. We present mainstream scientific consensus (IPCC) but acknowledge uncertainty ranges. This is not financial advice. Consult climate scientists and experts for specific decisions.
Safety & Security
Safety & Crime in Netherlands
Safety Indicators
Comparison with DACH Region
For comparison: Germany (CPI: 78), Austria (CPI: 71), Switzerland (CPI: 82)
Visa & Immigration
Immigration Options for Netherlands
Visa Options
Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant)
Most attractive visa for skilled workers. Employer must be IND-recognized. NO labor market test required! Minimum income €5,331/month (2025, >30 years) or €3,909 (<30 years). Processing time only 2 weeks. Access to 30% ruling (30% of salary tax-free for 5 years!).
EU Blue Card
Alternative to Kennismigrant. EU-wide recognition. Minimum income €65,136/year (2025). Also eligible for 30% ruling.
Startup Visa
For innovative entrepreneurs. Facilitator (incubator) required. 1 year to build business, then convert to self-employment. No minimum investment, but business plan + innovation required.
Self-Employment Visa
Points system based on: experience, business plan, added value to NL economy. Min. 90 of 300 points. Strict but doable with good plan.
DAFT (Dutch American Friendship Treaty)
ONLY for US Americans! Very easy: $4,500 investment sufficient. Self-employed in NL without points system. 2 years, renewable.
Path to Permanent Residency
Permanent residence after 5 years legal residence in NL. Naturalization after 5 years (with integration test + Dutch A2). Dual citizenship only in exceptions (partner of NL citizen, or if home country doesn't allow renunciation - Germany does NOT automatically allow this, so German citizenship normally lost upon NL naturalization!). Alternative: Permanent residence without naturalization keeps German citizenship.
Important Notice
Visa and immigration regulations change frequently. The information provided is for general informational purposes only. Please consult the official government website or an immigration attorney for current and accurate information.