Amsterdam Metropolitan Area Life

For many who come to do business in Amsterdam, the city itself is an added attraction. Amsterdam is the ultimate 'small big city'. It combines all the advantages of a cosmopolitan capital with a compact, easy-to-navigate size. That means less time spent commuting, and more time enjoying what the city has to offer.

The right balance

With its blend of historical beauty, upbeat new districts, cultural attractions, and top-class modern business facilities, Amsterdam offers an unrivalled quality of life for expats. The cost of living is relatively low for a European capital, and the healthy work-life balance is another plus factor. Once they come here to work, many expats find it hard to leave.

Stay connected

In Amsterdam Metropolitan Area, the rest of the world is never far away. Schiphol, one of Europe's top airports, is just minutes from the city centre. That's as great for keeping in touch with family and friends as it is for work. Trains, sea and road connections are just as good. By train, Antwerp, Brussels and Paris are within easy reach. For expats, Amsterdam is a great base to explore the whole of Europe. In the city itself, an efficient public transport system ensures that getting around is stress-free. Many expats enjoy cycling to work or for fun: Amsterdam has an excellent network of bike routes. Outside Amsterdam, countryside and sandy beaches are easily accessible.

177 nationalities

Expats in Amsterdam Metropolitan Area rarely feel alone. There are many lively international communities, representing no less than 177 nationalities. These include, for example, the American community and the second largest Japanese community in Europe. English is the city's second language. That means plenty of opportunities for non-Dutch speakers.

Cosmopolitan character

Amsterdam's mixed population is reflected in the wide variety of shops, restaurants, and leisure and cultural facilities catering for the international community. There are Japanese, Taiwanese, and Indian supermarkets, for example. Food speaks many languages in Amsterdam. Restaurants represent countless cuisines, and include plenty of vegetarian options. In Amstelveen, with its large Japanese population, there is even a Japanese bookstore and hairdresser.

All the basics

Expats are often impressed by how well Amsterdam provides the necessities of international life. For instance, there's a good choice of international schools, for both primary and secondary levels. Healthcare here is high quality, and represents good value for money. It is a private health insurance system with social conditions (risk selection is prevented): the best of both worlds. Then there is the wide range of housing options in the region. From historic city centre apartments to modern family houses in leafy suburbs, like in Almere. There's something for everyone.

Kids' stuff

Expats have plenty of choice when it comes to schooling. Amsterdam has a British School, a French Lycée and a Japanese School. In addition, there are two types of international school: independent (private) ones (like the International School of Amsterdam) and those partly funded by the government (community schools). The latter place more emphasis on the Dutch language and living in the Netherlands, and are a good option if your stay here is likely to be a long one.

In addition, there are plenty of sports and cultural clubs that provide a range of after-school activities. Children enjoy Amsterdam: the city has plenty of gardens and parks, a popular zoo, and numerous cinemas showing English-language films. Plus, there are plenty of opportunities to have fun in a boat on the canals, or cycling the area's wide network of bike routes.

The cultural mix

Adults too are never be stuck for something to do. Amsterdam has world-class cultural facilities. These include several major museums and some top-notch classical music venues. There's also a lively jazz, rock and dance scene. There are several English-language bookshops, and a thriving English-language comedy theatre, Boom Chicago. 

In Amstelveen, there's a Cherry Blossom Festival, held since the Japanese Women's Club planted 400 trees in the Amsterdamse Bos to celebrate 400 years of trading between Japan and the Netherlands. Amstelveen also hosts the annual colourful Dragon Boat Races, for corporate teams of various nationalities. In 2006, the Taiwanese city of Kaohsiung presented the races with two traditional hand-painted wooden boats.

Going Dutch

Expats also enjoy experiencing the culture of the Netherlands, especially the traditional Sinterklaas festival, held in December each year. Sinterklaas (who gave his name to Santa Claus) brings presents for the children, while adults too enjoy traditional games, foods, and exchanging gifts. The region organises a special Sinterklaas party for Japanese expats at this time. 

Other high points in the Dutch calendar are Koninginnedag (Queen's Day 30^th of April) a lively celebration in honour of the queen's official birthday, and New Year's Eve, when the city erupts in an explosion of fireworks and fun. For expats, these occasions are favourite times for having family and friends visit, to experience Dutch life at its most festive.

Sporting life

Keeping fit is not a problem in the Netherlands. The Dutch are fans of the outdoor life. There are about 800 sport clubs in the city, with a huge range of facilities. You can work out in the gym or enjoy a run in the park, perhaps in training for the annual Amsterdam Marathon (held every October). Or take advantage of the national enthusiasm for golf, sailing, cycling, ice-skating, football, tennis or hockey.  

If watching sport is more your thing, a visit to the ArenA, home of Ajax, Amsterdam's legendary football team, is a taste of sporting history. The city also has a successful basketball team, the Astronauts. 

Some sporting events are arranged especially with expats in mind. For example, a Cricket Tournament was held (for the first time) in 2007 for Indian companies. Nine companies took part, and the tournament proved so popular that it is now a regular event. There's also a football tournament for Japanese companies.

Shopping heaven

With its great assortment of international brands and small, independent stores, Amsterdam is an enjoyable place to shop. The famous Nine Streets (Negen Straatjes) offer individual fashion and other goods, or head for the ritzy PC Hooftstraat for the big names in style.  

Dutch design is critically acclaimed, and this is a great place to buy it – try the Frozen Fountain store. Or if you prefer antiques, head to the atmospheric cluster of shops in the Museum Quarter. For essential, well-designed goods at low prices, Dutch chain Hema is as popular with expats as with the Dutch themselves.

The Expatcenter

For help in setting up home in the Netherlands, from residence permits to parking permits, contact the Expatcenter. The centre is happy to advise on all aspects of expat life, including accommodation, schooling, tax, health and insurance.

We think you'll enjoy living in Amsterdam Metropolitan Area!