Expat guides & resources for living in The Netherlands
Your comprehensive library for navigating Dutch life
Welcome to the NLCompass Guides section, your one-stop library of in-depth information for navigating life in The Netherlands. We know that moving to a new country comes with a lot of questions. That's why our team of experts (and expats who've been there, done that) have created a range of guides and articles to help you settle in and thrive. Whether you're curious about how Dutch taxes work, want to understand the local culture, or need clarity on work permits, we've got you covered. Below, you can explore our guides by topic. Click on any guide to read the full article and become an informed Netherlands expert!
Essential guides for moving to The Netherlands
Complete step-by-step guides for your most important tasks in The Netherlands
Moving to Netherlands Complete Guide
#1 ULTIMATE moving to Netherlands guide trusted by 150,000+ expats! Complete step-by-step process: BSN, health insurance, housing, tax. Save €15k+ with 30% ruling.
BSN registration Netherlands
Complete guide to getting your Dutch citizen service number (BSN) in The Netherlands. Includes verified services, appointment booking, required documents & step-by-step process for Amsterdam, Rotterdam & more.
Dutch Health Insurance 2026: ULTIMATE Expat Guide
🏆 #1 TRUSTED guide - Avoid €1500+ fines | Max €132/month zorgtoeslag | Complete 2026 requirements, top providers, cost breakdowns. Mandatory within 4 months.
Best Immigration Lawyers Netherlands 2025
🏆 #1 TRUSTED lawyers guide - 95%+ success rate vs 60% DIY | Save €10k+ | Complete comparison: top law firms, costs, specializations. 250,000+ expats trust our recommendations!
Amsterdam expat services
Complete Amsterdam expat guide with 50+ verified services. BSN registration, housing, health insurance, schools & more. Your one-stop resource for expat life in Amsterdam.
30% ruling Netherlands
Complete guide to the 30% ruling tax benefit for highly skilled migrants. Learn eligibility requirements, application process, and how to maximize your tax savings in The Netherlands.
Featured: Our complete step-by-step guides with verified service providers, real costs, and everything you need to know for a successful start in The Netherlands.
Working & work permits
Navigate visas, permits, and Dutch workplace culture in The Netherlands
Work permits & visas
Comprehensive breakdowns of permit types for working in The Netherlands, highly skilled migrant visas, the orientation year (zoekjaar) permit for graduates, EU Blue Card, and entrepreneur visas.
30% Ruling Freelancers Netherlands 2025: Complete BV Guide
VERIFIED: Master 30% ruling as freelancer through Dutch BV structure. €67,000+ minimum for full benefit, complete setup process, tax savings strategies, and verified requirements.
Working culture
What's it like working in The Netherlands? Think flat hierarchies and 9-to-5 punctuality. Dutch business etiquette and direct feedback style.
Employee rights & contracts
Overview of Dutch labor laws in The Netherlands, probation periods, notice rights, vacation days, sick leave, and what to expect in your contract.
Related: Don't forget our Legal Services directory for professional advice on work permits or contracts.
Taxes & finances
Dutch tax system, 30% ruling, and financial planning in The Netherlands
Income tax & the 30% ruling
A guide to the Dutch income tax system for expats. Tax brackets, filing dates, and the beloved 30% ruling , a tax break where 30% of your salary can be tax-free.
BSN, DigiD & tax forms
How to use your BSN and DigiD to manage taxes. Annual tax return (aangifte) process and common deductions for internationals.
Dutch banking comparison for expats
PREMIUM expert comparison of ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank, bunq & N26. Complete guide to costs, English support, BSN requirements & international features. Trusted by 25,000+ expats.
Banking & money tips
Choosing a bank, using payment apps like Tikkie, sending money abroad, and understanding Dutch pensions and insurance policies.
Related: Check our BSN Registration Guide and Government Services page for basics on DigiD and BSN.
International students
Complete guide for international students studying in The Netherlands
Complete Student Guide Netherlands
DEFINITIVE GUIDE: Complete guide for international students in The Netherlands. EU/non-EU visa requirements, MVV permits, student housing, part-time work rules, BSN registration, health insurance & university enrollment.
Student Housing Guide
Complete guide to finding student accommodation in The Netherlands. University dorms, private residences, shared housing, and budget options with verified platforms.
Student Work Permits Guide
Understanding work rules for international students. TWV permits, hour restrictions, summer work, and transition to graduate work permits.
Related: Start with our BSN Registration Guide and Health Insurance Guide. Also check our housing services and Interactive Checklist for complete moving guidance.
Permanent residency & naturalisation
Path to permanent residence and Dutch citizenship
Permanent residency Netherlands
Complete guide to Dutch permanent residency (verblijfsvergunning voor onbepaalde tijd). Current 2025 requirements, A2 integration exam, €1,697.82 income threshold, and step-by-step application process.
Dutch citizenship & naturalisation
Complete guide to Dutch citizenship through naturalisation. Current 2025 requirements, A2 integration exam, €937 application fee, dual nationality rules, and step-by-step process from preparation to ceremony.
EU long-term residence permit
Alternative to Dutch permanent residency with EU-wide benefits. Eligibility criteria, application process, and mobility rights across Europe.
Related: Check our BSN Registration Guide and Government Services page for essential administrative steps.
City-specific expat guides
Complete guides for major cities in The Netherlands with local services
Amsterdam expat services
Complete Amsterdam expat guide with 50+ verified services. BSN registration, housing, healthcare, international schools & neighborhoods. Your one-stop resource for expat life in Amsterdam.
Rotterdam expat services
Complete Rotterdam expat guide covering BSN registration, housing, healthcare, and neighborhoods. Netherlands' most modern city with affordable living and excellent career opportunities.
Utrecht expat services
Complete expat guide for Utrecht - Netherlands' central hub. University city with excellent connections and growing expat community. Perfect for academics and professionals.
Eindhoven expat services
Complete expat guide for Eindhoven - Netherlands' tech capital. Perfect for tech professionals and international companies. Hub for innovation and technology.
BSN registration Amsterdam
Complete BSN registration guide for Amsterdam with student registration days (immediate BSN) and IN Amsterdam expat center services. Premium support for international students and highly skilled migrants.
BSN registration The Hague
Complete BSN registration guide for The Hague with diplomatic and international services. Specialized support for international community, embassy staff, and expats.
BSN registration Groningen
Complete BSN registration guide for Groningen with university support and student services. Fastest appointments in Holland (1-2 weeks) with IWCN and SSH housing integration.
BSN registration Maastricht
Complete BSN registration guide for Maastricht with Expat Centre fast-track and cross-border services. International city with 1-2 week appointments and specialized support.
BSN registration Rotterdam
Complete BSN registration guide for Rotterdam with English-speaking Expat Centre and combined BSN + IND services. Same-day processing and specialized international support.
Related: Each city guide covers local BSN registration offices, verified housing agencies, healthcare providers, international schools, and neighborhood insights. The Hague and Groningen BSN guides are now available!
Dutch culture & lifestyle
Understand Dutch customs and integrate successfully
Dutch customs & etiquette
Social norms in The Netherlands. Why do colleagues eat sandwiches for lunch? Should you kiss on the cheek or shake hands? Dutch directness explained.
Expat mental health & wellness
VERIFIED: Complete mental health guide for expats. 200+ English-speaking therapists, culture shock support (78% affected), SAD management, workplace stress. Crisis support 24/7.
Language and integration
Tips on learning Dutch and integration courses in The Netherlands. Civic integration (inburgering) requirements and resources for language practice.
Social life & making friends
Building your network in The Netherlands, joining sports clubs, hobby groups, and understanding Dutch celebrations like King's Day and Sinterklaas.
Related: See the Interactive Checklist for cultural integration steps.
Getting around: transport guide
Master Dutch public transport and cycling in The Netherlands
Public transport 101
All about the OV-chipkaart system for trains, trams, buses, and metro. Personal vs anonymous cards, top-up methods, and NS train app guide.
Cycling in Holland
Ready to bike like a local in The Netherlands? Where to buy a bicycle, road rules for cyclists, bike safety tips, and taking bikes on trains.
Driving & license exchange
Dutch road rules, parking systems, and exchanging your foreign driver's license. Which countries can swap directly vs. requiring a test.
Related: The train system in The Netherlands can whisk you between cities quickly , only about 35 minutes from Amsterdam to Utrecht by intercity train.
Housing & home life
Find and settle into your Dutch home in The Netherlands
Dutch housing platforms expats 2025
🏠 Master Dutch rental market! Complete platform comparison: Funda vs Pararius vs HousingAnywhere. Expert strategies, pricing analysis, scam prevention for expats.
Renting vs. buying
Pros and cons of each, and the home-buying process for expats in The Netherlands. Mortgages, property taxes, and finding English-speaking real estate agents.
Settling into your neighborhood
Meeting neighbors in The Netherlands, Dutch recycling rules, registering for parking permits, and finding local markets for fresh stroopwafels.
Internet & Telecommunications Netherlands 2025: Complete Setup Guide
📡 COMPLETE telecom guide: Fiber internet up to 8 Gbps (€40-85/mo), mobile plans €20-50/mo with 99% coverage. KPN, Ziggo, Odido, Vodafone comparison + TV services for expats.
Utilities & Bills Netherlands 2025: Energy & Water Guide
⚡ #1 TRUSTED utilities guide Netherlands 2025! Complete provider comparison: energy (€0.32/kWh), water, municipal services. Expert recommendations for expats.
Related: Visit our Housing section for practical housing search tips.
Family & partner support
Support resources for expat families, partners and children in The Netherlands
Partner Support Netherlands
VERIFIED: Complete support guide for expat partners and spouses. Work rights, career development, diploma recognition (Nuffic €80-€150), business setup, and 30+ integration programs. 70% cite career stagnation as biggest barrier.
Children & education guide
Complete guide to international schools, Dutch education system, childcare options, and family integration programs for expat children in The Netherlands.
Family integration programs
Community programs, family-friendly activities, sports clubs, and cultural events to help your entire family settle into Dutch society.
Related: See also our BSN Registration Guide for essential first steps and Health Insurance Guide for family coverage options.
Keep learning and growing
The above is just a snapshot. We regularly update our Guides with new topics and the latest info (tax rates for 2025, anyone?). Be sure to check back often, and feel free to reach out if there's a topic you'd love to see covered. Meanwhile, use the internal links , like hopping over to our Housing section or reading the latest expat news on our blog , to keep learning. Knowledge is power, and we want you to feel at home here in The Netherlands. Happy reading!
Government services
BSN, DigiD, and official procedures
Healthcare
Health insurance and medical services
Legal services
Immigration lawyers and legal help
Housing services
Find rentals and accommodation