How to move to the Netherlands without losing your mind (or your time)

I’ve been in your shoes - moving from overseas to the Netherlands - and I’ve also helped hundreds of families make the same leap over the past fifteen years. 

Between my own move and all those I’ve supported, I’ve seen just about everything this transition can throw at you and there is one thing I tell everyone I work with: this move is going to be one of the best decisions you ever make, but the first few months can feel like you're trying to solve a puzzle with half the pieces missing.

These are the things you need to know to get through the culture shock and start to enjoy your new life.

1. The housing situation is intense, but manageable

Look, I'm not going to sugarcoat this: finding a place in Amsterdam can make grown adults cry. The competition is real, and yes, you might be competing for a property with hundreds of other people just to get offered a viewing.

Here's how a little preparation can help you bag that house: 

• Getting your documents in order before you even start looking: employment contract, bank statements, references, etc.
• A personal biography of yourself and your family will make your offer stand out.
• Including a casual photo gives your proposal a more personal tone.
• Have all these in a folder on your phone; I've seen people lose out on perfect places because they couldn't produce their documents quickly enough.

And honestly? Look beyond Amsterdam. There are so many amazing options that are a close commute. Utrecht is gorgeous and just 30 minutes by train. The Hague has that international vibe. Haarlem is Amsterdam’s “little sister”, with all the charm and little of the tourist traffic. 

Your quality of life might actually be better, and your stress level for property hunting will definitely be lower if you increase your geographic boundaries. 

2. Bureaucracy has a rhythm once you figure it out

Oh, the BSN dance. Every expat goes through this. You need your Burger Service Nummer (social security number) to do anything, but first you need to register your address, but you need a bank account to pay rent, but you need a BSN to get the bank account...and so on.

This is what I tell everyone: the moment you have a rental contract, book the appointment at the gemeente (municipality). These appointments fill up faster than concert tickets. 

There are also options for using a licensed short-stay address, your employer's address or the address of a willing friend. The people at the gemeente are actually lovely and helpful. Make sure you bring everything you might need, such as your passport, birth certificate, rental contract and proof of income.

3. Banking is its own adventure

Dutch banks have their quirks. Some want to see three months of employment before they'll look at you. Others want proof of an income that you can't get without a bank account.

We recommend ABN AMRO or ING to the majority of our expat clients. They have a large international clients division. Their website, documents and customer service by phone are all available in English. For an online banking experience, we recommend Knab; they're very digital-forward. 

If one bank gives you the runaround, just try another. Don't take it personally; they all have different policies, and some are just more expat-friendly than others.

4. You're going to love not needing a car

This might be my favourite thing about Dutch life. In the US, I drove everywhere. Here? I barely think about it. The trains actually run on time, the buses are clean, and once you get the hang of cycling (and you will, trust me), it becomes second nature.

Get yourself an OV-chipkaart (public transport card) right away. Download the NS app for train schedules. And yes, start looking at bikes. I know, I know, you swore you wouldn't become one of those people. We all said that. Now I have a bike and an electric scooter and can't imagine life without them.

Talk to Packimpex about how they can help make your move simple and even enjoyable

5. Dutch directness is actually refreshing once you adjust

Americans often think Dutch people are being rude when they're really just being efficient. No small talk, no beating around the bush. When my Dutch neighbour told me my garden looked "a bit sad," he wasn't being judgmental or rude. He truly just wanted to be helpful.

Once you stop waiting for the social cushioning we're used to back home, you'll appreciate how clear everything is. Meetings actually accomplish things. Decisions get made. It's quite nice, actually.

That’s also why making friends takes time. Dutch people are not unfriendly, just more selective about their inner circle. But once you're in, you're really in.

6. English works, Dutch connects

Pretty much everyone here speaks English beautifully, which is a lifesaver when you're getting settled. But learning even basic Dutch changes how people relate to you because it shows you're planning to stick around, not just passing through.

Start with the basics, watch some Dutch TV with subtitles. My secret weapon? Children's shows and children’s books. You'll learn practical vocabulary without feeling completely lost. Try the Duolingo app for some quick and easy Dutch lessons or Babbel online for a more intensive learning experience. 

7. Work culture respects your time

Dutch work culture might surprise you in the best way. Meetings start and end on time. People actually take their vacation days. There's less of that martyrdom around being busy and not using vacation time that we sometimes have back home.

Be prepared for direct feedback; it's not personal, it's practical. Contribute when you have something meaningful to add, but you don't have to fill every silence. And respect the boundaries between work and personal time. Everyone will appreciate it.

8. Healthcare works well once you understand it

The Dutch healthcare system is excellent, but it operates differently from what you might be used to. You'll need to register with a huisarts (family doctor/GP) in your area, and yes, they will probably suggest paracetamol (aspirin) for minor issues before moving to stronger interventions.

It's not that they don't care; they're just more conservative about medication and procedures. In the long run, this approach works really well, but it can feel frustrating if you're used to more immediate interventions.

9. This place grows on you in wonderful ways

Here's what I wish I could tell everyone when they're in those first overwhelming months: this gets so much better. There will be days when you wonder what you've done. But once you settle in, the quality of life here is genuinely wonderful.

Great schools, beautiful cities, people who actually achieve work-life balance, infrastructure that works, and a culture that values common sense and fairness. I've watched people go from overwhelmed to absolutely thriving, and it happens more often than you might think.

The secret is being patient with yourself and the process. Every expat family goes through this same adjustment curve. You're not behind, you're not doing it wrong, and you're definitely not alone.