Living in Amsterdam

I amsterdam's Living portal is the English-language hub for learning about life in the Amsterdam Area, whether you're moving to the city region, newly arrived or an established citizen. It's a place where you can look up official information for internationals, learn more about settling into life in the Amsterdam Area and read the latest news. All in all, it's a place to help you make the most of living in Amsterdam.

Looking for immigration procedures? Learn more about citizen registration, highly skilled migrants, the 30% ruling and much more.
Interested in housing & jobs? Get started with housing in the Amsterdam Area or learn about working in the region.
Wondering about family, schools & healthcare? Find out about family issues, education and how Dutch healthcare works.

Essentials for living in the Amsterdam Area

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Coronavirus information

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): updates for Amsterdam residents

Stay up to date about the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the Netherlands and the response from healthcare authorities.

Freelancers to receive financial support

The City of Amsterdam offers comprehensive information and resources to support businesses and freelancers.

Returning to school

Primary schools and day cares are set to reopen on 11 May. Schools will take extra precautions to prevent the spread of coronavirus, with measures var...

Working from another country and the impact on social insurance

There is no change to eligibility for social insurance for international employees who are temporarily working from home in overseas countries.

Fixed-term tenants can request extension

New legislation protects tenants from eviction during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak.

Residence permits following Brexit

British nationals who require residence documents following Brexit are advised by the IND that coronavirus measures will not affect the decision-makin...

Bridge loan applications open on 29 April for startups affected by the coronavirus

Applications for bridge financing for startups, scale-ups and innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) affected by the coronavirus crisis ...

Information for businesses during the coronavirus outbreak

Though the coronavirus outbreak is changing the way companies are doing business in the Netherlands, amsterdam inbusiness is continuing operations and...

Dutch government’s support for startups and small businesses extended by €150 million

The Dutch government has announced it is making an additional €150 million available to its Corona Bridge Loan scheme for startups, scale-ups and...

How to help during the coronavirus

In these difficult times, when we all have to keep our distance, it is moving to see all the powerful ways that people are coming together.

The Regulation for Reduction in Working Hours and impact on highly skilled migrants

On 22 April 2020, the Dutch government announced a temporary measure to ensure that any international employees who currently fall under the Regulatio...

Coronavirus: Support Amsterdam’s impact entrepreneurs

In difficult times of financial uncertainty caused by the coronavirus crisis, impact entrepreneurs need our collective support more than ever. Here&rs...

The IND's advice on residency rights

The IND provides answers to common questions about your rights to live and work in the Netherlands while coronavirus disease (COVID-19) measures are i...

Survey for internationals on the impact of coronavirus

IN Amsterdam is conducting research about the impact of coronavirus on internationals living in the Amsterdam Area. You're invited to share your ...

Popular topics about life in Amsterdam

Look for housing

Read up on renting, buying property, mortgages and housing rights to help with finding your new home in the Amsterdam Area.

Find out about schools

Select the right school for your child with information on international primary and secondary schools for English-speaking and bilingual students.

Take care of waste & recyling

Reduce your environmental footprint by recycling paper, textiles, plastic and glass and find out where to deposit household waste in your neighbourhoo...

Visa requirements

The majority of foreign nationals wishing to stay in the Netherlands for up to three months require a short stay visa or Schengen visa (Schengenvisum)...

Register in the Amsterdam Area

Register a short or long stay in Amsterdam with the municipality (gemeente), and receive your citizen service number (burgerservicenummer, BSN).

Read about the 30% tax ruling

Get to know the benefits of the 30% reimbursement ruling for highly skilled migrants and see if the tax advantage applies to you.

Learn about Dutch healthcare

Set up compulsory health insurance and familiarise yourself with doctors, dentists and hospitals in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Culture Club

Amsterdam Culture Club is an English-speaking community group that brings together culturally minded internationals at exclusive special events around...

Residence permit

Depending on your nationality, you may require a residence and work permit if you want to live and work in Amsterdam or elsewhere in the Netherlands. ...

IN Amsterdam seminars & events

Discover everything you need to know about living and working in Amsterdam at IN Amsterdam's regular seminars and partner events.

How to help during the coronavirus

In these difficult times, when we all have to keep our distance, it is moving to see all the powerful ways that people are coming together.

Amsterdam gets through with heart and with hope

A love letter to the helpers, the volunteers, the caregivers, the deliverers, the do-gooders, the cheerer uppers, and of course, the entire medical pr...

News for locals

27.05.20 Survey for internationals on the impact of coronavirus

IN Amsterdam is conducting research about the impact of coronavirus on internationals living in the Amsterdam Area. You're invited to share your experiences by completing this short survey.
25.05.20 The IND's advice on residency rights

The IND provides answers to common questions about your rights to live and work in the Netherlands while coronavirus disease (COVID-19) measures are in place. The IND is working hard to assure internationals of their residency status and the extensions that apply during these extenuating circumstances. Read more on the IND's website.
14.05.20 The Regulation for Reduction in Working Hours and impact on highly skilled migrants

On 22 April 2020, the Dutch government announced a temporary measure to ensure that any international employees who currently fall under the Regulation for Reduction in Working Hours (werktijdverkorting, wtv) will not be at risk of losing their residence or work permit because of a (temporary) reduction in their salary.

Still haven‘t found what you‘re looking for?