Welcome back! In Part 1, we covered some of the biggest hidden costs expats face when moving to the Netherlands, like municipal taxes, health insurance, and rental fees. But that’s not all! There are still more unexpected expenses that can catch you off guard—especially when it comes to banking, bureaucracy, and even staying warm in winter.

Make sure to read Part 1 if you haven't already!

In this post, we’ll dive into more hidden costs to help you budget smarter and avoid financial surprises. Let’s get into it!

1. Banking & international payments

Opening a Dutch bank account is often necessary for daily life, but it can come with unexpected costs for expats.

Monthly fees: Standard Dutch banks (like ING, ABN AMRO, or Rabobank) charge €2–€7 per month for basic accounts. There's no such thing as a 'free' account in the Netherlands.
International fees: Transfers to non-EU countries or receiving payments in non-EUR currencies often involve high conversion rates and fees.
Maestro cards: Many businesses, supermarkets, and restaurants used to only accept Maestro cards, but since Mastercard announced they were phasing out the Maestro card in 2023, more places will likely accept your Visa or Mastercard.

Tip: Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Revolut are great solutions for low-fee international money transfers.

2. Dutch bureaucracy costs

Navigating Dutch bureaucracy is an unavoidable part of expat life, and it can involve both time and money.

Residence permits: Depending on your visa, costs range from €200–€400. These figures are listed under the “Fees” section on the IND official website.
Driving license conversion: If your foreign driving license is not valid long-term, you’ll need to convert it, which can add up. Exchanging an EU/EEA driving license for a Dutch license typically costs €40–€80. In some cases, if your license is not directly convertible, you may need a theory (€41) and/or practical driving test (€120), which incurs additional fees, according the CBR.
DigiD waits: While the DigiD (your digital ID for government services) is free, applying for it and receiving login credentials can take weeks.

Tip: Start your paperwork early to avoid delays and ensure a smooth transition.

3. Winter energy bills

Winters in the Netherlands can be cold, and heating costs often catch people off guard.

Higher costs: Dutch homes are not always well-insulated, and gas heating bills can double or triple during winter. Monthly energy bills can jump from an average of €100 to €300 or more.
Energy ratings matter: When renting, check the property’s energy efficiency rating (A is the most efficient, G is the least). This can make a big difference in your heating costs.

Tip: Use energy-saving tricks like insulating windows, closing doors to unused rooms, and wearing warm clothing indoors to keep costs manageable. Remember, some 'unfurnished' places in the Netherlands don't even include insulation!

Want to avoid further surprises?

The Netherlands is a fantastic place to live, with its high quality of life, excellent public services, and vibrant culture. However, hidden costs can add up quickly if you’re not prepared. By planning ahead for expenses like municipal taxes, health insurance, and winter heating bills, you can avoid financial stress and focus on enjoying your new life abroad.

One of the biggest challenges expats face is finding a rental home in a competitive market. That’s where Rentbird comes in! Rentbird automatically searches rental listings for you and notifies you of new homes that match your criteria—so you can secure a place faster, without the hassle.

Amy Worgan

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