City Hub · AMS

Moving to Amsterdam

What official sources say about arriving, settling in, and working in Amsterdam, North Holland. Every point links to the page it came from.

Checked against official sources · last verified 24 Oct 2026

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Decide

Is this the right city for us?

Amsterdam at a glance

Size, growth and what renting costs in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam had 941,873 residents on 1 January 2026, according to the city's research and statistics office (O&S).
Source: Ontwikkelingen in Amsterdam 2026 — Onderzoek en Statistiek, Gemeente Amsterdam ↗
O&S expects Amsterdam's millionth resident at the end of 2035, and about 1,120,000 residents by 2055. Migration from abroad is the main driver of growth.
Source: Bevolkingsprognose 2026-2055 — Onderzoek en Statistiek, Gemeente Amsterdam ↗
The number of homes is growing, but more and more of the housing stock is aimed at people with higher incomes, O&S says.
Source: Ontwikkelingen in Amsterdam 2026 — Onderzoek en Statistiek, Gemeente Amsterdam ↗
Amsterdam is the most expensive city in the Netherlands to rent in. New tenants in the unregulated (free) sector paid an average of €28.56 per m² a month in Q3 2026, against €20.92 nationally.
Source: Most expensive rental homes now sold most often — Pararius Rental Report Q3 2026 ↗
In October 2026 the average asking rent across homes listed on Huurwoningen in Amsterdam was €2,517 a month (about €29 per m²). The Dutch average was €1,934.
Source: Rental properties in Amsterdam — Huurwoningen.nl ↗

External links

Onderzoek en Statistiek (O&S) ↗I amsterdam: live, work, study ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Laws and local rules

Dutch and Amsterdam rules that often catch newcomers out.

If you will live in the Netherlands for more than 4 months, you must register with your municipality. In Amsterdam, register within five days of arriving. Registration is free.
Source: Registering in the Amsterdam Area — I amsterdam / IN Amsterdam ↗
Everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands must take out Dutch standard health insurance, no later than 4 months after arriving. Cover is not backdated if you are late, and you may be fined.
Source: When do I need to take out health insurance if I come to live in the Netherlands? — Government.nl ↗
A national ban on consumer fireworks took effect on 1 August 2026 and applies from this New Year's Eve. Mayors can exempt local associations, such as neighbourhood or fireworks clubs.
Source: Landelijk vuurwerkverbod voor consumenten dit jaar van kracht — Rijksoverheid ↗
Cannabis is tolerated, not legal: possession of up to 5 grams is tolerated, and coffee shops may only sell to residents of the Netherlands aged 18 or over. Each municipality decides whether coffee shops may operate.
Source: Toleration policy regarding soft drugs and coffee shops — Government.nl ↗
The drink-drive limit is 0.05% blood alcohol, or 0.02% if you have held your licence for less than five years. Holding a phone while driving is banned.
Source: Alcohol, drugs and driving — Government.nl ↗
For a life-threatening emergency call 112. For police matters that are not emergencies call 0900 8844.
Source: Emergency services and healthcare helplines — I amsterdam ↗

External links

Registering in Amsterdam (I amsterdam) ↗Coffee shop rules (Government.nl) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Arrive

The first 72 hours

Arriving in Amsterdam

Getting from Schiphol into the city, and your first admin steps.

Trains run between Schiphol and Amsterdam Centraal eight times an hour and take about 17 minutes.
Source: By train to and from Schiphol — Amsterdam Airport Schiphol ↗
You can pay on the train with a contactless debit or credit card or your phone. Check in and out on the yellow card readers at the top of the escalators and lifts in Schiphol Plaza.
Source: By train to and from Schiphol — Amsterdam Airport Schiphol ↗
Bus 397 (Amsterdam Airport Express) runs direct to Amsterdam; tickets start from €6.50 online and you can pay on board with a debit card. At night the N97 Niteliner runs the route.
Source: Bus from Schiphol — Amsterdam Airport Schiphol ↗
The Amsterdam Travel Ticket costs €18 for one day, €24 for two or €30 for three. It covers GVB trams, buses, metros and ferries, 2nd-class trains to and from Schiphol, and buses 397 and N97.
Source: Amsterdam Travel Ticket — NS ↗
To register, go in person to a City Office with your passport (plus residence permit if you are not from the EU/EEA/Switzerland), an original rental contract or the main occupant's signed consent form, and original birth and marriage certificates. You get your BSN straight away.
Source: Municipality of Amsterdam: registering with the municipality — Single Digital Gateway (government.nl) ↗
The government's Amsterdam page (updated 7 May 2026) says you do not need an appointment except in Weesp, while I amsterdam says to book ahead. Check amsterdam.nl before you go.
Source: Municipality of Amsterdam: registering with the municipality — Single Digital Gateway (government.nl) ↗
IN Amsterdam, at World Trade Center Amsterdam (Strawinskylaan 1767), handles registration, BSN and residence permits for staff of companies that are IND recognised sponsors. Open Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:00; phone +31 (0)20 254 7999.
Source: About IN Amsterdam — I amsterdam ↗

External links

Train from Schiphol ↗Amsterdam Travel Ticket (NS) ↗IN Amsterdam ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Getting around

Paying for GVB trams, buses, metro and ferries, and NS trains.

GVB runs Amsterdam's trams, buses, metro and ferries. Connexxion and EBS also run buses, and NS runs the trains.
Source: Public transport in Amsterdam — I amsterdam ↗
Pay with OVpay: check in when you board and check out at your destination with a contactless bank card, phone or watch. With GVB Max you pay at most €10.50 a day on GVB trips.
Source: Public transport in Amsterdam — I amsterdam ↗
GVB ferries across the IJ to Amsterdam Noord are free for pedestrians, cyclists and mopeds. The Centraal–Buiksloterweg ferry runs all night.
Source: Public transport in Amsterdam — I amsterdam ↗
The metro runs from 6:00 to 00:30, and all metro routes pass through Amsterdam Centraal.
Source: Amsterdam by metro — I amsterdam ↗
A personal OV-chipkaart costs €7.50. On NS, a single-use smartcard for single tickets and day returns costs a €1.60 surcharge.
Source: NS Prices Consumers from 1 January 2026 — NS ↗
On NS trains a bank card only works for 2nd class and without discounts. If you forget to check out you pay a €33.30 correction fee; you can claim back the excess via OVpay from six hours after the trip.
Source: Travelling with a payment card: FAQ — NS ↗
Travelling on an OV-chipkaart balance without a discount product, NS needs a €20 boarding fee on the card when you check in.
Source: Correction fee and boarding fee — NS ↗

External links

Public transport in Amsterdam (I amsterdam) ↗Paying with a bank card on NS ↗NS prices 2026 (PDF) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Settle

Home, school, doctor, bank

Neighbourhoods and renting

What rent costs, and the rules that protect tenants.

Asking rents vary widely by area. In October 2026 Huurwoningen's listings averaged €4,367 a month in Oud-Zuid and €3,134 in Centrum-West, against €1,992 in Slotervaart and €1,476 in Bijlmer-Centrum.
Source: Rental properties in Amsterdam — Huurwoningen.nl ↗
Under the Affordable Rent Act (contracts signed from 1 July 2024), homes with up to 143 points are social rent and 144–186 points are mid-rent, with a maximum rent. At 1 July 2024 price levels, mid-rent was capped between €879.67 and €1,157.95.
Source: Wet betaalbare huur voor huurders — Huurcommissie ↗
Mid-rent tenants can ask the Huurcommissie (Rent Tribunal) for a binding ruling on the maximum rent. In the free sector you can ask it to check the starting rent if you have lived there under 6 months or have a temporary contract of up to 2 years.
Source: Wet betaalbare huur voor huurders — Huurcommissie ↗
For tenancies agreed on or after 1 July 2023 the deposit is capped at two months' basic rent. Leases must be in writing, and if a letting agency is used the landlord pays its fee, not you.
Source: Do you live in rented accommodation? (Good Landlordship Act, English) — Rijksoverheid ↗
A social-rent home in Amsterdam (basic rent up to €763.47 a month) needs a housing permit. It costs €82.60, you apply through WoningNet, and you get a decision within 8 weeks.
Source: Municipality of Amsterdam: applying for an affordable housing permit — Single Digital Gateway (government.nl) ↗
Since 1 July 2026, social rents may rise by at most 4.1% (or €25 if the rent is under €350). Different rules apply to mid-rent and free-sector homes.
Source: Huurverhoging per 1 juli 2026 — Huurcommissie ↗
You can use electricity, gas and water from the day you move in, but sign up with a supplier quickly: without a contract you pay higher rates. Waternet supplies water in the Amsterdam Area.
Source: A guide to utilities in the Netherlands — I amsterdam ↗

External links

Huurcommissie: Affordable Rent Act ↗Housing permit (Amsterdam) ↗Good Landlordship Act for tenants (PDF) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Schools and childcare

How Dutch schooling works and how to find a place in Amsterdam.

Children can start primary school at 4, and must go to school from age 5. You can register your child with a primary school once they turn 3. Bring a document showing the child's BSN.
Source: Registering a child with a primary school — Government.nl ↗
Parents pay no school fees for state-funded primary education. Schools may ask a voluntary contribution, usually up to €100 a year; after-school care and lunchtime supervision cost extra.
Source: Primary school in Amsterdam — I amsterdam ↗
You can choose any primary school in Amsterdam, but you get priority at the eight schools closest to your address. The city's School Finder does not list international schools.
Source: Find the right school — I amsterdam ↗
Amsterdam allocates places at state secondary schools through a central lottery. Pupils list 4 to 12 schools, and the primary school's recommendation decides the level (VMBO, HAVO or VWO).
Source: Secondary school — I amsterdam ↗
State secondary schools charge no tuition, but parents pay for books, materials and trips, and may be asked a voluntary parental contribution.
Source: Secondary school — I amsterdam ↗
Amsterdam International Community School is a partially subsidised IB World school for ages 3 to 18. Many popular international schools have waiting lists, so plan ahead.
Source: Amsterdam International Community School — I amsterdam ↗
Most bilingual primary and secondary schools want pupils to speak Dutch before they start.
Source: Primary school in Amsterdam — I amsterdam ↗

External links

Find the right school (I amsterdam) ↗Primary school in Amsterdam ↗Secondary school in Amsterdam ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Healthcare

Insurance, your GP and who to call out of hours.

Dutch standard health insurance is compulsory for everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands. Take it out within 4 months of arriving; it is not backdated if you are late.
Source: When do I need to take out health insurance if I come to live in the Netherlands? — Government.nl ↗
The compulsory annual excess (eigen risico) is €385 in 2026. GP care, including the out-of-hours GP service, is exempt, and children under 18 pay no excess.
Source: Wanneer betaal ik een eigen risico voor mijn zorg? — Rijksoverheid ↗
The GP (huisarts) is your first stop. You need a referral to see a specialist, except for physiotherapists and midwives. Search for practices on zorgkaartnederland.nl (Dutch only).
Source: Doctors in the Amsterdam Area — I amsterdam ↗
For urgent care in the evening, at night or at weekends, call the Amsterdam out-of-hours GP service (SHDA) on 088 003 0600.
Source: Doctors in the Amsterdam Area — I amsterdam ↗
For emergency dental help in Amsterdam and surrounding cities, call 085 105 0757. For a life-threatening emergency call 112.
Source: Emergency services and healthcare helplines — I amsterdam ↗
IN Amsterdam's guide puts the average basic health insurance premium at €146 a month; it varies with optional extras.
Source: How much does it cost to move to and live in the Netherlands? — I amsterdam ↗

External links

Health insurance deadline (Government.nl) ↗Doctors in Amsterdam (I amsterdam) ↗Helplines (I amsterdam) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Banking and IDs

Your BSN, opening a Dutch account and how your money is protected.

Everyone who registers in the Personal Records Database (BRP) is automatically given a BSN. GPs, health insurers and schools use it to identify you.
Source: Citizen service number (BSN) — Government.nl ↗
If you pay tax in the Netherlands, you need a BSN to open a bank account. Banks usually ask for ID that shows your BSN, or an extract from your municipality.
Source: Heb ik een burgerservicenummer (bsn) nodig om een bankrekening te openen? — Rijksoverheid ↗
To open an account in a branch, bring your passport or ID card, proof of address such as a tenancy agreement, your BSN, and your residence permit if you are not from the EU.
Source: Opening a bank account — I amsterdam ↗
Most supermarkets only take cash or debit cards (pinpas), not credit cards. Most banks charge an annual account fee.
Source: Opening a bank account — I amsterdam ↗
If a bank turns you down, you can get a basic payment account (basisbetaalrekening). It handles normal payments, but no overdraft, credit card or savings account.
Source: Wat kan ik met een basisbetaalrekening? — Rijksoverheid ↗
Bank deposits are protected up to €100,000 per person, per bank, under the Dutch deposit guarantee scheme.
Source: Up to what amount is my money protected? — De Nederlandsche Bank ↗
Staying under 4 months? You can get a BSN through the non-residents register (RNI) at one of 19 participating municipalities. Since January 2026, non-EU nationals can no longer register for the RNI through IN Amsterdam.
Source: IN Amsterdam services for international newcomers — I amsterdam ↗

External links

Citizen service number (BSN) ↗Opening a bank account (I amsterdam) ↗Deposit guarantee (DNB) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Driving and cars

Using a foreign licence, swapping it, and bringing a car.

With a non-EU/EFTA licence you may drive for the first 185 days after you move to the Netherlands. After that you need a Dutch licence.
Source: Driving with a foreign driving licence — RDW ↗
An EU/EFTA car licence (category B) stays valid in the Netherlands for 15 years from its issue date, as long as it is valid.
Source: Driving with a foreign driving licence — RDW ↗
Only some non-EU licences can be exchanged, including those from the UK, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Israel, and the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Québec. If the 30% expat scheme applies to you, you can exchange a licence from any country.
Source: Exchanging a foreign driving licence — RDW ↗
Apply through your municipality with a passport photo, your foreign licence and, for non-EU licences, a CBR health declaration. RDW decides within 15 working days; you do not get the foreign licence back.
Source: Exchanging a foreign driving licence — RDW ↗
Speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on other roads, 100 km/h on main roads and 130 km/h on motorways, unless signs say otherwise. Always give way to trams and, at junctions, to traffic from the right.
Source: Road Traffic Signs and Regulations in the Netherlands — Government.nl ↗
If you bring your own car, you may only drive on foreign plates for a short time after registering. Ask the Tax and Customs Administration for a BPM exemption before your RDW inspection.
Source: Moving to the Netherlands and taking your vehicle with you — RDW ↗

External links

Driving with a foreign licence (RDW) ↗Exchanging a licence (RDW) ↗Bringing your vehicle (RDW) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Thrive

Work, study, belong

Jobs and work

Pay floors, work-permit salary rules and the expat tax scheme.

The minimum wage for employees aged 21 and over is €14.99 an hour from 1 July 2026, up from €14.71.
Source: Minimum wage increased on 1 July 2026 — Business.gov.nl ↗
For a highly skilled migrant permit in 2026, the gross monthly salary must be at least €5,942 (age 30+), €4,357 (under 30) or €3,122 (recent graduates and orientation year), excluding holiday pay. The EU Blue Card needs €5,942.
Source: Fees and required amounts for 2026 known — IND ↗
The salary threshold that applies is the one in force on the date of the application. The amounts change every year on 1 January.
Source: Required amounts income requirements — IND ↗
The 30% ruling lets employers pay up to 30% of salary tax-free in 2026. From 1 January 2027 the maximum falls to 27% and the income threshold rises to €50,436 (€38,388 for under-30s with a master's).
Source: 30% ruling: compensation for expats down to 27% — Business.gov.nl ↗
IN Amsterdam's fast-track procedures are open to companies in Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Almere, Diemen, Haarlem, Hilversum, Haarlemmermeer and Velsen that are IND recognised sponsors or partners.
Source: About IN Amsterdam — I amsterdam ↗
IN Amsterdam offers free career support for the partners and spouses of internationals moving to the Amsterdam Area.
Source: IN Amsterdam services for international newcomers — I amsterdam ↗

External links

Minimum wage (Business.gov.nl) ↗IND required amounts ↗30% ruling changes ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Universities and colleges

Amsterdam's universities, fees and what students must show.

The University of Amsterdam (UvA) has more than 30,000 students from over 100 countries, and nearly 200 English-taught master's and 16 English-taught bachelor's programmes.
Source: University of Amsterdam (UvA) — I amsterdam ↗
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), founded in 1880, has more than 24,000 students, about 4,000 of them international. Its campus is in the Zuidas business district, and it offers over 150 English-taught programmes.
Source: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam — I amsterdam ↗
Amsterdam University College (AUC), run jointly by UvA and VU, offers a selective three-year English-taught honours bachelor's in liberal arts and sciences at Science Park.
Source: Amsterdam University College (AUC) — I amsterdam ↗
The statutory tuition fee for 2026-2027 is €2,694. It applies to Dutch, EU/EEA, Swiss and Surinamese nationals and some residence-permit holders; others pay higher institutional fees.
Source: Tuition fees — DUO ↗
For a study residence permit in 2026, students must show €1,130.77 a month for HBO or university study (€928.58 for MBO).
Source: Fees and required amounts for 2026 known — IND ↗
INTT, the UvA's institute for Dutch language teaching, runs Dutch courses including preparation for the NT2 exam.
Source: Learning Dutch in Amsterdam — I amsterdam ↗

External links

Tuition fees (DUO) ↗University of Amsterdam (I amsterdam) ↗VU Amsterdam (I amsterdam) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Newcomer support

Free help for internationals, and where to learn Dutch.

IN Amsterdam is the city's one-stop shop for internationals: registration, BSN and residence permits. It is at World Trade Center Amsterdam, Strawinskylaan 1767; phone +31 (0)20 254 7999.
Source: About IN Amsterdam — I amsterdam ↗
ACCESS Netherlands runs a free helpdesk for internationals on healthcare, housing, learning Dutch, job hunting, childcare and money. Walk in during opening hours or book a Zoom call.
Source: IN Amsterdam services for international newcomers — I amsterdam ↗
City of Amsterdam Dutch classes are mostly free, but not everyone is eligible. Taalwijzer walk-in points in several neighbourhoods give free advice on how to learn.
Source: Learning Dutch in Amsterdam — I amsterdam ↗
The OBA public library and the city run Leef en Leer!, which lists Dutch classes and free language cafés (taalcafés) where volunteers help you practise.
Source: Learning Dutch in Amsterdam — I amsterdam ↗
EU citizens and highly skilled migrants (and their immediate family) are exempt from civic integration. Others who must integrate have three years to complete it.
Source: Civic integration — I amsterdam ↗
!WOON gives free support to tenants in Amsterdam.
Source: Move to the Amsterdam Area in 9 steps — I amsterdam ↗

External links

IN Amsterdam services ↗Learning Dutch (I amsterdam) ↗Civic integration (I amsterdam) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

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