Amsterdam: what to see and whether to move there

What the city lives on and who it suits

Amsterdam has more than 900,000 residents, and about 2.5 million in the metropolitan region. It runs on finance, technology, creative industries, tourism and logistics, with one of Europe's largest airports and a port nearby. International companies have headquarters and European offices here, so English is the working language in many teams.

Who it suits: professionals with an offer from a Dutch company, startup founders, families who value cycling and international schools. Who it does not suit: people looking for cheap housing or residence for passive investment - the Netherlands no longer has an investor residence route.

Districts: where newcomers settle

• Jordaan and the canal belt - beautiful and expensive, with few family-sized flats.
• De Pijp and Oud-West - lively areas with markets and cafés, popular with young professionals.
• Zuid - the business south with offices, pricey housing and good schools.
• Oost and Noord - newer areas with more space and lower prices; a free ferry runs north.
• Amstelveen - the neighbouring town where many expat families live for the international schools.

Cost of living

Rate: €1 = $1.1209, rounded up.

• One-bedroom flat on the free market - roughly €1,700-2,300 a month, about $1,900-2,600. Supply is scarce and competition high.
• Tourist tax on accommodation - among the highest in Europe, noticeable for short-term stays in the first weeks.
• Transport - most people cycle; public transport works with travel cards and bank cards.
• Health insurance - mandatory for residents, with a monthly premium for every adult.

Practicalities: transport, climate, language, money

• Transport. The bicycle comes first, plus metro, trams and trains to the airport in 15-20 minutes.
• Climate. Mild and windy, around zero in winter, +20-25 in summer, rain all year.
• Language. Dutch, but almost everyone speaks English. Permanent status requires the civic integration exam.
• Money. Euro; many shops do not take cash, and local cards are more convenient than foreign ones.

Moving and legal status

• Highly skilled migrant - a job with a recognised sponsor paying above the salary threshold, with a fast decision.
• Startup visa - a year to launch with a facilitator, a €423 fee and about €21,200 in the account per founder; more in Dutch startup visa.
• Self-employed residence - for entrepreneurs whose business serves the Dutch economy.
• Investor residence has been closed since 17 April 2024; more in what replaced it.

Russian citizens usually need a long-stay entry visa for residence, issued together with the application. Taxes reach 49.5% on the scale, with a relief on part of the salary for highly skilled migrants; more in Dutch taxes.

Work and business

• Where foreigners work - technology, finance, logistics, marketing, creative industries and European offices of international companies.
• Salaries are above the European average; tax reaches 49.5% on the scale, and highly skilled migrants get part of their salary tax-free.
• Your own business - registration with the Chamber of Commerce is quick, but for self-employed residence the business must serve the Dutch economy.
• Startups - a strong ecosystem of funds and accelerators; the startup visa gives a year to launch with a facilitator.

Family: schools and healthcare

• Schools - state schools are free; there are partly subsidised international schools and fully private ones. Waiting lists for good schools are long.
• Childcare - paid, but working parents receive a childcare allowance.
• Healthcare - basic insurance is mandatory, the GP is the entry point, and children under 18 are covered free under their parents' policy.
• A city for children - safe cycle lanes, parks and museums; many children cycle to school.

First steps after moving

1. Municipal registration - if staying more than 4 months, within 5 days of arrival. You get a citizen service number, needed for salary and a bank account.
2. Health insurance - basic cover must be taken out within 4 months of registration.
3. Digital ID for government services - needed for taxes, allowances and booking a doctor.
4. Bank - a local account is more convenient than a foreign one; many payments only work with Dutch cards.
5. Housing - registration needs an address, so choose temporary housing that allows registration.

Safety and everyday details

• Safety - the city is calm, but the centre has many pickpockets and bikes are stolen constantly, so you need a good lock.
• Rental scams - a common problem for newcomers. Do not transfer a deposit before viewing the flat and checking the owner.
• Cycling - rules are strict, with fines for riding without lights or with a phone in hand.
• Shops - open on Sundays in the centre, and cash is not accepted everywhere.

Is it worth living here

Amsterdam is one of Europe's easiest cities to live in English: an international crowd, bicycles, good schools and direct flights worldwide. The main problem is housing: finding a flat is hard and expensive. Moving makes sense with a well-paid offer or a working business. For passive income or remote work, countries with a nomad visa are a better deal.