Dutch life and personal matters
If you plan to move to the Netherlands as an entrepreneur, it helps to know more about the country and Dutch life.
Facts about the Netherlands
The Netherlands is a small country covering an area of 37,391 km². Around a quarter of this lies below sea level. With a population of more than 18 million, it is one of the most densely populated countries in Europe.
The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. The country is divided into 12 provinces, each with its own King’s Commissioner, executive, and council. It was a founding member of the European Union (EU) and uses the euro (€) as its currency.
The Dutch government structure
The Netherlands has 3 levels of government. Depending on your situation, you may deal with different government organisations when applying for permits, paying taxes, or arranging other matters.
The central government is responsible for national policies and laws. It also handles matters such as immigration, taxation, and national infrastructure. Every year, on the third Tuesday in September, the government presents its plans and budget for the year ahead. This is called Prinsjesdag (Budget Day) in the Netherlands.
The Netherlands has 12 provinces. Provinces operate between central government and municipalities and are responsible for things such as spatial planning, the environment, regional transport, and nature management. In some cases, they also issue permits.
Municipalities are responsible for local matters such as environment plans, local roads, public spaces, and many permit applications. They are also the place to arrange things such as registering your address, getting official documents, and receiving a citizen service number (BSN).
Various government organisations carry out specific public tasks. Examples include the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV), the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND), the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW), and the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM). Some organisations issue permits or licences, while others maintain professional registers or supervise specific sectors.
Language
The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch, which is also spoken in Belgium and Suriname. Friesland is the only Dutch province with an officially recognised regional language.
English is widely spoken in the Netherlands. People from more than 150 countries live in the Netherlands, so you may also hear many other languages. However, if you live in the Netherlands, it's still helpful to have a basic understanding of the Dutch language.
Choosing where to live and work
Are you still deciding if the Netherlands is right for you? Or which region or city is the best place to live and work? Visit the Welcome to NL platform. This website offers information about work, daily life, healthcare, childcare and education, and things to consider before you move. It also has information about the different regions and the reasons to make the Netherlands your new home.
Making the move
When you move to the Netherlands to do business here, you will also need to arrange several personal matters. Here are some things to consider:
Permits and visas
Depending on your personal situation, you may be able to live and work in the Netherlands without needing a residence permit or work permit. Citizens from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland usually need to arrange permits before moving to the Netherlands. Use the Moving to the Netherlands as an entrepreneur tool to find out what you need to do. Or read more about visas, permits, and immigration procedures in the Netherlands.
Find out what you need to arrange
Government.nl offers a checklist that will help you sort out everything you need to arrange before, during, and after moving to the Netherlands.
Everyday life in the Netherlands
Moving to the Netherlands involves more than arranging permits and registration. You may also need to organise matters such as healthcare, housing, education, and transport.
Everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands usually needs Dutch health insurance. The basic health insurance package covers essential healthcare, such as visits to a doctor, hospital treatment, and prescribed medicines. Check Government.nl for information about health insurance in the Netherlands.
Employees are generally covered by Dutch social security schemes, including sickness, disability, and unemployment benefits. If you are self-employed, you are responsible for arranging your own insurance. For example, private occupational disability insurance.
You can rent or buy a property. Depending on the region, demand for housing may be high and waiting times can be long. Check the local municipality website for information about living in your chosen area. Some municipal websites, especially for bigger cities, are now also available in multiple languages.
If you plan to rent a home, Government.nl has information about rules, tenancy agreements, and a step-by-step plan.
If you want to buy a home, banks and mortgage advisers can help you understand your financing options and the conditions that apply.
It may be possible for your family members to join you in the Netherlands. Whether your family members can work in the Netherlands depends on your nationality and residence status.
Do you have children? Most children in the Netherlands start school at the age of 4. Parents receive a letter from their local authority when their child turns 3, explaining how to enrol their child at a primary school. Because of the high expat population in the Netherlands, there are also many international schools and multilingual daycare facilities.
If you are from a country outside the EEA or Switzerland, and you are coming to the Netherlands to live and work here, you may need to comply with Dutch civic integration requirements. This means you must learn Dutch to a certain level and about how Dutch society works. You can find more information about the civic integration requirements on Government.nl.
The Netherlands has an extensive transport network, including roads, railways, airports, and waterways. Public transport is widely available, and cycling is a common way to travel, particularly in towns and cities.
If you bring a car, motorcycle, or other vehicle to the Netherlands, you may need to register it with the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW) and meet Dutch tax and insurance requirements. Check the RDW website for the relocation rules that apply to your situation.
Moving to another country means dealing with various practical issues related to living and working abroad. Expat centres can help provide information about immigration, housing, taxes, insurance, learning Dutch, finding employment opportunities for partners, and building a professional or social network. Some expat centres are recognised partners of the IND and support employers with immigration procedures.
IND has a list of official expat centres and IND service points. Other regional or city expat centres may offer similar expat support services without the official immigration procedures.