Things you need-to-know when moving to Amsterdam

Find essential information and practical tips about Amsterdam, covering everything you need to know to navigate and enjoy the city like a local.

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We post articles drawing from our own expat experiences and client needs, so let us know if there are any other topics you'd like us to cover, and we'll gladly add them to our list.

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These are the hardware stores you need to know about

Imagine this: it’s your first morning in your new Amsterdam home. You flick the bedroom light switch, but nothing happens. Great, the bulb is out. Don’t worry! Here’s a list of lifesaving hardware stores where you can get everything you need to fix it.

Understanding rental costs in Amsterdam: A guide

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Finance

Understanding rental costs in Amsterdam: A guide

Are you considering moving to Amsterdam and curious about the rental market? The city is known for its vibrant culture and beautiful canals, but what about the cost of living? In this guide, we'll delve into everything you need to know about rental costs in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam housing expenses comprehensive guide

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Finance

Amsterdam housing expenses: A comprehensive guide

Navigating the housing market in Amsterdam can be daunting, especially with its unique pricing dynamics. From rental costs to utilities, understanding these expenses is crucial. Let’s dive into the specifics to help you plan better.

Understanding the dutch tax service for expats

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Finance

Understanding the dutch tax service for expats

Moving to the Netherlands as an expat comes with its own set of challenges, including understanding the local tax system. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Dutch tax service for expats.

Need-to-know

Understanding the dutch healthcare system: A complete guide

Navigating a foreign healthcare system can be daunting, but the Dutch have one of the most efficient systems in the world. In this guide, we’ll break down the essentials of the Dutch healthcare system so you can understand how it works and what to expect. Let's dive into the unique aspects that make it stand out.

DigiD for expats: Your guide to digital identity in the Netherlands

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Immigration

DigiD for expats: Your guide to digital identity in the Netherlands

Navigating a new country can be daunting, especially when it comes to accessing essential services. For expats in the Netherlands, understanding and using DigiD is crucial. This guide will walk you through what DigiD is and how to use it effectively.

How to get a citizen service number (BSN) and why you need it

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Immigration

How to get a social services number (BSN) and why you need it

If you're planning to live or work in the Netherlands, one of the first things you'll need is a citizen service number (BSN). This unique identifier is crucial for various administrative tasks. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to obtain a BSN and why it's so important.

Need-to-know

Marktplaats: The ultimate marketplace for buying and selling

Looking for a reliable place to buy and sell goods online? Meet Marktplaats, the Dutch marketplace that's been a favorite for years. Whether you're hunting for bargains or trying to declutter, Marktplaats has got you covered.

Understanding the Nationale Ombudsman: Advocate for Citizens' Rights

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Immigration

Understanding the Nationale Ombudsman: Advocate for Citizens' Rights

Ever wondered who ensures you're treated fairly by the government in the Netherlands? Meet the Nationale Ombudsman, your advocate for justice and transparency. Let's dive into what they do and why they're crucial.

Registering with the municipality of Amsterdam: A step-by-step guide

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Immigration

Registering with the municipality of Amsterdam: A step-by-step guide

Moving to Amsterdam? One of the first things you need to do is register with the Municipality. It might sound daunting, but don’t worry! This guide will walk you through the entire process step-by-step.

Expat housing: Your guide to finding a home in Amsterdam

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Immigration

Expat housing: Your guide to finding a home in Amsterdam

Moving to Amsterdam is exciting, but finding the right housing can be daunting. Whether you're an experienced expat or a first-timer, this guide is here to help. Let's dive into everything you need to know to secure your new home in Amsterdam.

Need-to-know

Immigration

Top schools for expats in Amsterdam

Moving to Amsterdam as an expat with school-age children? Finding the right school is crucial for a smooth transition. Here’s a guide to the top schools for expats in Amsterdam.

Need-to-know

Setting up utilities in your new home: A step-by-step guide

Moving into a new home is exciting, but setting up utilities can be daunting. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get your home up and running smoothly.

Perfect tips for hosting a memorable housewarming party

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Life & Culture

Perfect tips for hosting a memorable housewarming party

Moving into a new home is exciting, and what better way to celebrate than with a housewarming party? Whether you're inviting close friends or a large group, hosting a successful event takes some planning. Let's explore the best tips to make your housewarming party a hit!

Need-to-know

Choosing schools for your children in Amsterdam: Options and considerations

Relocating to Amsterdam and worried about schooling options for your children? The city offers a range of choices, from local Dutch schools to international institutions. Let’s dive into what you need to know to make the best decision for your family.

Dutch pension system: Essential guide for expats

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Finance

Dutch pension system: Essential guide for expats

Moving to the Netherlands comes with a lot of adjustments, and understanding the Dutch pension system is one of them. Whether you're here for the long haul or just a few years, knowing how pensions work can help you plan your financial future.

Renting an apartment in Amsterdam: essential tips for expats

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Immigration

Renting an apartment in Amsterdam: essential tips for expats

Renting an apartment in Amsterdam can feel overwhelming, especially for expats unfamiliar with the city's housing market. From navigating high rental prices to understanding Dutch rental laws, there's a lot to consider. Here's a handy guide to help you secure the perfect place.

How to open a Dutch bank account: Step-by-step guide

Need-to-know

Finance

How to open a Dutch bank account: Step-by-step guide

Moving to the Netherlands? One of the first things you'll need is a Dutch bank account. Whether you're an expat or a student, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, making it easy to get started.

Exploring Amsterdam’s Red Light District: History, culture, and controversies

Need-to-know

Life & Culture

Exploring Amsterdam’s Red Light District: History, culture, and controversies

Amsterdam’s Red Light District is one of the most famous—and controversial—neighborhoods in the world. Steeped in history, this area is known for its liberal approach to prostitution, creating a mix of intrigue and debate. Let’s dive into what makes this district so unique.

Need-to-know

A complete guide to understanding Amsterdam’s rent control laws

Amsterdam’s rent control laws play a significant role in shaping its housing market. For tenants and landlords, understanding these regulations is essential. Whether you're moving to the city or renting out property, this guide breaks down everything you need to know.

10 Smart Ways to Save Money on Groceries in Amsterdam

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Finance

10 Smart Ways to Save Money on Groceries in Amsterdam

Grocery shopping in Amsterdam can get expensive if you're not careful. But with a few smart strategies, you can make your euros stretch further. Let's explore how you can save big while shopping for your everyday essentials.

Need-to-know

Navigating the Dutch education system: A guide for expats

The Dutch education system is unique, offering many schooling options to fit different needs. Whether you’re moving with young kids or teenagers, understanding how the system works is key. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to navigate education in the Netherlands.

Need-to-know

Dutch apps to (drastically) improve your life

Let's improve your life even more. Here's a list of Dutch apps that we use on a daily basis.

Need-to-know

Finance

Life & Culture

Amsterdam Tenant Taxes: What We Wish Someone Had Told Us

"Three months into our Amsterdam rental, we received our first mysterious tax bills in the mail. Nobody had mentioned these during our apartment search, and suddenly we owed hundreds of euros we hadn't budgeted for." Sound familiar? As fellow expats who learned about Dutch tenant taxes the hard way, we want to save you from the same surprise.

Yearly rent increases in the Netherlands guide

Need-to-know

Finance

Yearly Rent Increases in The Netherlands: What Every Expat Should Know

We often hear stories of new clients whose landlords had sent rent increase notices. "Is this legal?" "Can they really raise my rent by this much?" "What are my rights?" We realized that many expats have no idea how Dutch rent increase regulations work, leaving them vulnerable to either accepting illegal increases or unnecessarily stressing about perfectly legal ones.

Amsterdam Life Homes

We help fellow expats
rent, let, and buy their home
in Amsterdam

home@amsterdamlifehomes.com

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

+31 6 1374 9944

Mon - Fri: 9 AM - 5 PM CEST

Our Amsterdam Guide

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Amsterdam Life Homes

We help fellow expats
rent, let, and buy their home
in Amsterdam

home@amsterdamlifehomes.com

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

+31 6 1374 9944

Mon - Fri: 9 AM - 5 PM CEST

Our Amsterdam Guide

Subscribe to our newsletter

If you would like to hear about great Amsterdam places to eat and drink.

We care about your data in our privacy policy.

We are proud partners of:

Amsterdam Life Homes

We help fellow expats
rent, let, and buy their home
in Amsterdam

home@amsterdamlifehomes.com

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

+31 6 1374 9944

Mon - Fri: 9 AM - 5 PM CEST

Our Amsterdam Guide

Subscribe to our newsletter

If you would like to hear about great Amsterdam places to eat and drink.

We care about your data in our privacy policy.

We are proud partners of: