Top 4 cities to live and work in Netherlands for Expats

The Netherlands has it all – stellar cities such as Amsterdam and the Hague; world-class museums like the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum contain Rembrandt, Vermeer and other Dutch masters; a fascinating cycling culture in which Amsterdam is the undisputed leader.

The problem is that there are so many excellent places to visit in Amsterdam and the Netherlands that it's often difficult to decide where to go next.

The Netherlands is one of the best countries in Europe for expatriates thanks to its high quality of living, safety and excellent work-life balance.

Dutch people are some of the happiest on earth. According to 2016 rankings from the World Happiness Report, this country comes in at #4 (right behind Switzerland) in terms of average life satisfaction over time.

Holland also ranks first (for a second year!) according to U.S. News & World Report's 2017 Best Countries report. The publication's ranking system measures everything from the quality of life and economic influence to citizenship and travel freedom.

And as if this wasn't enough, there aren't too many people who know about all the other great locations in the Netherlands besides its capital city of Amsterdam and the city of Utrecht. So, here are some more great places to visit in the Netherlands that are perfect for expats looking for a new home:

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is an international city known for its history and a long tradition as a major port. It has been home to many immigrants who have come to the Netherlands seeking religious freedom and tolerance, political asylum, and economic opportunities through the centuries. It's said that over 100 nationalities are represented in Amsterdam.

The city of Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and one of this country's most vibrant cities for business, education, entertainment and culture. One of its greatest treasures is the Rijksmuseum that houses masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer and many other Dutch Masters from an era when the Netherlands was a world leader in trade, science and art.

The city of Amsterdam is also well known for its history during the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century, when it became one of Europe's most important ports. It was also once headquarters to the East India Company as well as a major shipbuilding centre.

This city is also well known for its long tolerance and openness to all religions, cultures and people. Its famous canals — the Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht – are lined with 17th-century canal houses that have become home to businesses, cafes and restaurants. There's even a museum devoted to the city's canals.

With over 740,000 residents, Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest city and major economic centre. Thanks to a large number of events annually, it's one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations as well.

The country's third-largest employer, AXA Insurance Group, has its headquarters in Amsterdam with more than 13,000 employees. The Port of Amsterdam is the largest cargo port in Europe, and the city is also a central international hub for air shipping and home to Schiphol Airport. It's one of Europe's top 10 busiest airports, with over 42 million passengers serving 190 destinations worldwide in 2014.

The four other main economic centres are Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht and Eindhoven. Besides transportation that includes a rail network, Amsterdam also offers excellent waterways and an efficient airport.

The city of Amsterdam is home to the Royal Palace with its extensive gardens in the town centre, which is surrounded by canals lined with 17th-century homes. Other popular attractions include the Oude Kerk, a 13th-century church located on Amsterdam's oldest square, and the Anne Frank House, where you can visit the secret annexe where Anne and her family were hidden during World War II.

Hague

The Hague is another top expat destination in the Netherlands that's also one of its major economic centres. It's well known for its historic Binnenhof, a medieval castle complex that's been home to parliament since 1586. The city centre is also centred around the Gevangenpoort, an old prison gate and one of the best-preserved fortifications in the Netherlands.

The Royal Palace in The Hague has served as the official residence of the Dutch monarch since 1813. It's located on the Binnenhof, an old castle complex home to government buildings and parliament. Gardens surround the palace in a town centre lined with 17th-century houses. This area also includes monuments such as the Peace Palace, built for the International Court of Justice, and Huis ten Bosch, a famous 18th-century palace.

These attractions make The Hague one of the best cities to visit for tourists and expats alike. Here you'll find excellent museums, including a maritime museum with an impressive collection of paintings, medals and other memorabilia from the Dutch Golden Age; and a modern art museum that features many works from the 19th century.

The Hague is also one of the Netherlands' most important centres for science and education and government, lawmaking and art. It's home to Erasmus University with more than 34,000 students, a central research institute, and an international court specialising in environmental and international waters. Here you'll also find the Peace Palace, which serves as headquarters to the International Court of Justice.

Other top employers in The Hague include government agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and various ministries, and health care centres such as Ziekenhuis Delftland and GGZ Buitenamstel.

The city has about 250,000 residents and is considered a major economic centre in the Netherlands. It's also one of the country's most popular tourist destinations thanks to its excellent museums and parks, as well as an efficient airport with over 12 million passengers each year.

Another reason The Hague is such a popular expat destination is its exceptional quality of life. This city consistently ranks as one of the best places to live and work in the Netherlands. It's home to a diverse population of nearly 250,000 people worldwide with excellent international schools, welcoming neighbourhoods, an efficient public transportation system and plenty of green space.

The Hague is well known for having some of Europe's most expansive parks.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the Netherlands' second largest city and another major economic centre. It's located at the mouth of the Nieuwe Maas River in Tiel-Rijn on the country's North Sea coast.

Rotterdam (pop: more than 600,000) is one of Europe's most important ports and a major centre for industry, culture and technology. It's also home to the world-renowned Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, which features a collection of art from the Dutch Golden Age and other vital artworks from around the world.

Rotterdam is a top expat destination in the Netherlands thanks to its industry, culture and economic opportunities. It's home to over 300 international companies, including Maersk Line, the world's leading shipping group, and Heineken International, one of Europe's largest brewers.

Rotterdam is also a major centre for tourism thanks to its excellent museums and attractions such as the Euromast tower, which offers incredible city views.

Rotterdam is a much more affordable place to live than Amsterdam, making it popular with expats looking for a good deal on housing and more options in terms of amenities. The city has many international schools, great restaurants and beautiful parks such as Oosterpark, which offers outdoor activities including fitness areas, tennis courts and even an ice rink during winter months.

Jobs in Rotterdam for Expats include positions at ABN AMRO, Heineken International and major shipping lines such as Maersk Line.

Utrecht

Utrecht is another famous city in the Netherlands and one of the country's oldest cities. Here you'll find a historic centre with narrow streets and several "grachten" (canals) lined with iconic gabled buildings, cafes, restaurants and boutiques.

Utrecht is a regional hub for education, health care, and technology; it's home to two major universities, including the renowned University of Utrecht, with over 30,000 students and an excellent reputation around Europe! This dynamic city also has many hospitals, including Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, which serves as headquarters to some 2,500 physicians.

Other top employers include Zeiss, which has its European headquarters here, and Koninklijke DSM N.V., a global leader in nutrition, health & ingredients manufacturing.

Utrecht is home to some 239,000 people, and many expats choose to move here because of the city's pedestrian-friendly layout, excellent parks and affordable housing options. The town also boasts several museums, including the Museum Speelklok , which features over 1,800 instruments spanning 500 years of music history!

The top employers in Utrecht include significant manufacturers such as ASML Holding (which produces lithography systems for semiconductor production) and Zeiss.

For jobs in Utrecht, the top industries are healthcare and education. But you'll also find a strong technology sector, including companies like Nyetis, which develops software solutions for rail transit systems.

Conclusion

Some other benefits that make Holland an attractive destination include: Excellent healthcare system, including government-funded health care for Dutch citizens. English is widely spoken and is taught in schools. Excellent public transportation including trains, buses and trams Low crime rate Elderly are well taken care of; for example, Holland has a higher percentage of senior citizens living in their own homes than most other countries. Ease of doing business. A solid system is in place for setting up a company and dealing with taxes.

Jobs in the Netherlands for English speakers are in demand, and it's easy to find employment. The country's economy is strong, and unemployment has been low for years. The Netherlands also offers a higher quality of life to expats than most European countries, including the UK, Germany and Spain.

As you can see from our guide, moving to Holland won't break the bank; in fact, it could be one of the best financial decisions you ever make!

Do you have any questions about living and working in the Netherlands? Would you please leave your comments, thoughts or experiences below?

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