Amsterdam Expat Services: Your Complete Guide to Living in Amsterdam
Everything you need for expat life in the Dutch capital
Amsterdam is the top destination for expats in the Netherlands, offering vibrant international communities, excellent career opportunities, and a high quality of life. This comprehensive guide covers all essential services and resources you need as an expat living in Amsterdam, from bureaucratic requirements to lifestyle services.
Table of Contents
Essential Amsterdam Expat Services
🏛️ Official Government Services
IN Amsterdam - International Newcomers Amsterdam
✅ Verified Official ServiceService: One-stop expat registration center
Location: Weteringschans 230, 1017 XJ Amsterdam
Languages: English, Dutch
Cost: Free (BSN registration)
Services:
- BSN registration
- Residence permit collection
- Combined IND appointments
- Information sessions
Amsterdam City Office (Stadsloket)
✅ Verified Official ServiceService: Municipal services and registration
Location: Amstel 1, 1011 PN Amsterdam
Walk-in Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00-17:00
Languages: Dutch, English (limited)
Services:
- BSN registration
- Address changes
- Civil documents
- Parking permits
🏢 Expat Relocation Services
Access NL - Premium Relocation
✅ Verified Premium ServiceService: Complete relocation assistance
Location: Amsterdam & The Hague
Price: €150-500 per service
Languages: English, Dutch, German
Services:
- Immigration assistance
- BSN registration support
- Housing search
- School enrollment
- Settling-in services
Expat Network Netherlands
✅ Verified ServiceService: Expat community and services
Location: Amsterdam
Price: €50-200 consultations
Languages: English, Dutch
Services:
- Relocation guidance
- Community networking
- Cultural integration
- Professional development
BSN Registration in Amsterdam
📍 Where to Register Your BSN
Option 1: IN Amsterdam (Recommended for Skilled Workers)
- Best For: Highly skilled migrants, EU Blue Card holders
- Advantage: Combined BSN + IND services
- Appointment Availability: 2-6 weeks
- Booking: iamsterdam.com
Option 2: Amsterdam Stadsloket
- Best For: EU citizens, general registration
- Advantage: Walk-in options available
- Appointment Availability: 6-8 weeks
- Booking: amsterdam.nl
📋 Required Documents for BSN Amsterdam
⏰ BSN Registration Timeline
💡 Pro Tip: Book appointments at multiple Amsterdam locations to find earlier availability.
Housing Services for Expats in Amsterdam
🏠 Verified Rental Agencies
XPAT Rentals - Expat Housing Specialist
✅ Premium ServiceFurnished apartments for expats
Location: Amsterdam centrum and surrounding areas
Price Range: €1,500-4,000/month
Languages: English, Dutch
Specialization:
- Short-term furnished rentals
- Expat-friendly contracts
- No Dutch guarantor required
- International tenant support
Expat Housing Amsterdam
✅ Verified ServiceRental agent and property management
Location: Amsterdam and surrounding areas
Price Range: €1,200-5,000/month
Languages: English, Dutch
Fee: 1 month rent + VAT
Specialization:
- Rental property search
- Viewings coordination
- Contract negotiation
- Property management
Holland2Stay
✅ Verified ServiceManaged studios and apartments
Location: Multiple Amsterdam locations
Price Range: €1,100-2,500/month
Languages: English, Dutch
Specialization:
- Fully furnished units
- All-inclusive pricing
- Flexible lease terms
- International tenant focus
💰 Amsterdam Housing Costs (2025)
| Property Type | Price Range | Deposit | Agency Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio (25-40m²) | €1,100-1,800 | 1-2 months | 1 month + VAT |
| 1-Bedroom (40-60m²) | €1,500-2,500 | 1-2 months | 1 month + VAT |
| 2-Bedroom (60-80m²) | €2,000-3,500 | 1-2 months | 1 month + VAT |
| 3-Bedroom (80-120m²) | €2,500-5,000 | 2-3 months | 1 month + VAT |
Healthcare & Insurance in Amsterdam
🏥 Expat-Friendly Healthcare Providers
Expat Health Amsterdam
✅ Verified Expat HealthcareService: English-speaking medical practice
Location: Multiple Amsterdam locations
Languages: English, Dutch, German
Price: €50-90 per consultation
Services:
- General practitioner services
- Specialist consultations
- International insurance accepted
- Same-day appointments available
International Health Centre Amsterdam
✅ Verified ServiceService: Comprehensive healthcare for internationals
Location: Amsterdam Centrum
Languages: English, Dutch, French
Services:
- GP services
- Specialist care
- Preventive health programs
- Corporate health packages
Banking & Financial Services in Amsterdam
🏦 Expat-Friendly Banks
ABN AMRO International Services
✅ Verified Expat BankingService: Dedicated international client services
Location: Multiple Amsterdam branches
Languages: English, Dutch, German
Requirements: BSN, proof of income, address proof
Features:
- English-speaking advisors
- International account packages
- Mortgage services for expats
- Investment advisory
ING International Client Desk
✅ Verified ServiceService: International banking services
Location: Amsterdam and nationwide
Languages: English, Dutch
Requirements: BSN, employment contract, address proof
Features:
- Expat account packages
- English customer service
- Mobile banking app
- International transfers
bunq - Digital Banking
✅ Verified ServiceService: Mobile-first banking for internationals
Location: App-based (Amsterdam headquarters)
Languages: English
Requirements: Valid ID, phone number
Monthly Fee: €7.99-17.99
Features:
- Instant account opening
- Multi-currency accounts
- International transfers
- English support
Education & International Schools in Amsterdam
🎓 Top International Schools
Amsterdam International School (AIS)
✅ Verified International SchoolCurriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB)
Age Range: 4-18 years
Location: Amstelveen (Amsterdam area)
Students: 1,000+ from 60+ nationalities
Annual Fee: €15,000-25,000
Languages: English instruction
Features:
- Full IB continuum
- Excellent university placement
- Strong international community
International School of Amsterdam (ISA)
✅ Verified International SchoolCurriculum: IB Primary Years, Middle Years, Diploma
Age Range: 3-18 years
Location: Amsterdam Centrum
Students: 950+ international students
Annual Fee: €18,000-28,000
Languages: English instruction
Features:
- Central Amsterdam location
- Strong arts and sports programs
- Diverse international community
British School of Amsterdam (BSA)
✅ Verified International SchoolCurriculum: British National Curriculum + IGCSE/A-Levels
Age Range: 3-18 years
Location: Amsterdam Noord
Students: 600+ students
Annual Fee: €12,000-22,000
Languages: English instruction
Features:
- British education system
- Small class sizes
- Strong pastoral care
Amsterdam Neighborhoods for Expats
🏘️ Top Expat-Friendly Areas
Amsterdam Centrum
Historic center, canals, cultural attractions
Walking distance to everything, international atmosphere
€1,800-4,000/month for 1-2 bedroom
All tram/metro lines, very walkable
Young professionals, couples without children
Amsterdam Zuid (South)
Upscale residential, parks, museums
Family-friendly, international schools nearby
€2,000-5,000/month for 2-3 bedroom
Excellent public transport, close to Schiphol
Families, professionals, higher income expats
Amsterdam West
Trendy, diverse, up-and-coming area
More affordable, creative community
€1,400-3,000/month for 1-2 bedroom
Good tram connections
Young professionals, creatives, budget-conscious expats
Amsterdam Noord
Modern, spacious, across IJ river
New developments, more space for money
€1,200-2,800/month for 1-3 bedroom
Ferry connections, cycling friendly
Families, those wanting more space, emerging area
Amstelveen
Suburban, green, family-oriented
International schools, expat community
€1,600-3,500/month for 2-3 bedroom
Metro line to Amsterdam center
Families with children, quiet living preference
Cost of Living Guide for Amsterdam Expats
💰 Monthly Living Costs (Single Person)
Budget
Mid-Range
High-End
💡 Money-Saving Tips for Amsterdam Expats
Housing Savings:
- Consider Amsterdam Noord or West for better value
- Look for inclusive rent (utilities included)
- Share housing initially to save on deposits
- Use corporate housing for first months
Transportation Savings:
- Buy a used bike (€100-300) instead of renting long-term
- Get annual OV-chipkaart subscription for public transport
- Walk or cycle instead of public transport when possible
- Avoid owning a car in city center
Daily Life Savings:
- Shop at discount supermarkets (Albert Heijn Budget, Lidl, Aldi)
- Use Happy Hour deals at restaurants (many 5-7 PM)
- Take advantage of museum and attraction cards
- Join expat communities for shared activities and advice
Getting Started in Amsterdam: Essential Checklist
First Week Priorities
- Book BSN appointment at IN Amsterdam or Stadsloket
- Secure temporary housing (if not arranged before arrival)
- Get Dutch phone number for appointments and communication
- Open bank account (may need BSN, so prepare for follow-up)
- Register with health insurance provider
First Month Goals
- Complete BSN registration and receive number
- Find permanent housing and sign rental contract
- Apply for DigiD after receiving BSN
- Register with GP in your neighborhood
- Set up utilities and internet for permanent address
First Three Months
- Apply for 30% ruling if eligible (through employer)
- Enroll children in schools if applicable
- Get OV-chipkaart for public transportation
- Join expat communities and professional networks
- Apply for healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) if eligible
BSN Registration Guide
Complete guide to getting your citizen service number
Dutch Health Insurance
Complete guide to mandatory health insurance
Expat Checklist
Interactive checklist for moving to Netherlands