With these tips you will find a home faster

Nestled between the global hubs of Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam lies Leiden (sometimes spelled Leyden), a city that often flies under the radar, and we don’t know why! For expats looking at a move to the Netherlands, Leiden offers a compelling alternative to the hustle and bustle of bigger cities. It’s compact, scenic, well-connected, and filled with history. If you’re looking for a place that combines Dutch charm with a practical lifestyle, Leiden might just be your perfect place to settle.

If you’ve started your search for a home in the Netherlands, you’ve probably come across something called bemiddelingskosten, AKA mediation or agency fees charged by rental agents. These costs, often a month’s rent or more, can come as a shock. But here’s the thing: in most cases, they’re not legal!

Whether you’re relocating solo for a new job or moving your whole family across borders, understanding the rules around mediation fees could save you hundreds, if not thousands, of euros. Here’s what you need to know.

If your Google search history is full of research about moving to the Netherlands, especially as an expat, there’s a good chance you’ll have come across something called the 30% ruling, sometimes called the 30% facility. Since 1990, it’s been a huge draw for highly skilled migrants to move to the Netherlands for business, even if recent changes are giving some expats pause. So what is the 30% ruling, what’s changed, and is it still worth factoring into your decision to relocate?

Choosing the right city can make all the difference when you’re living and working remotely in the Netherlands. While fast Wi-Fi and a good rental are essential, your surroundings matter just as much. Do you want a bustling city with coworking spaces on every corner, or something quieter and greener, with quick train access to the action?

The Netherlands may be small, but each city offers a unique experience for expats, and some are better suited to remote work than others. Whether you’re moving with your family or flying solo, here are our picks for five of the best cities for remote workers in the Netherlands.

The Netherlands has become one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for remote workers and digital nomads. With excellent infrastructure, fast internet, a well-connected train network, and a strong expat community, it offers the kind of stability and convenience remote professionals are looking for. English is widely spoken, the work-life balance is genuinely valued, and many Dutch cities have a thriving cafe and co-working culture.

For those relocating for work, the Dutch government also offers the 30% ruling—a tax advantage for eligible expats that can significantly increase take-home pay for their first 20 months of Dutch living. Whether you’re staying for a few months or making a longer-term move, the Netherlands combines practical benefits with quality of life. 

But before you can settle in and start working from your new base, you’ll need to find a rental that supports the way you live and work. Here’s what to look for in a home that’s truly remote work-friendly.

Signing a rental contract is a major milestone when moving to the Netherlands, but it’s also one of the easiest places to get caught off guard if you are not familiar with local practices. While Dutch rental laws offer a lot of protection for tenants, landlords often include extra clauses that can seem surprising, overly strict, or even a little odd to newcomers.

Before you put pen to paper, it is worth knowing about a few of the most common hidden conditions — and what you can do to protect yourself. Here’s what you need to know: