Key takeaways
Moving to the Netherlands as an expat family involves more than finding a job and a place to live. You're experiencing a new country, education system, healthcare, childcare, housing markets, cultural differences. The country ranks high on quality of life indexes, but settling here takes planning. Housing is competitive, especially in Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, and Utrecht. International schools are expensive. Childcare costs add up. A lot of expatriates integrate into Dutch life by enrolling their kids in local schools and supplementing with English-language programs like AP courses or College Prep from Legacy Online School.
- Housing in the Netherlands is competitive and expensive, especially in Amsterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht
- The national education system requires children aged 5–16 to attend an accredited school physically
- Childcare costs in the Netherlands are high, though subsidies are available depending on income
- Many expat parents choose international schools (€15,000–€25,000 per child annually) or Dutch schools with supplementary English programs
Contents
- 1 Moving to the Netherlands: What to Expect Before Settling
- 2 Housing: The Biggest Struggle
- 3 Education System – Local vs. International Schools
- 4 Healthcare and Childcare in the Netherlands
- 5 The Van der Meer Family of Expats in Amsterdam
- 6 Culture and Integration
- 7 Affordability
- 8 What Legacy Offers Expat Families
- 9 Top Tips from Our Expert
We are a US-accredited international online school that coexists with local schooling. Families are responsible for ensuring compliance with any local education requirements applicable to their situation.
Moving to the Netherlands: What to Expect Before Settling
The Netherlands ranks high on quality of life, thanks to the strong economy and excellent infrastructure. Also, English is widely spoken in cities.
But moving here with children? Different story.
You’re uprooting a whole family. New home, lifestyle, schools, healthcare, and culture. The transition takes planning.
According to InterNations Expat Insider 2025, the Netherlands ranks top 10 for “quality of life” but scores lower on ease of settling in, particularly for families navigating the education system.
Housing: The Biggest Struggle
Housing in the Netherlands is competitive – rental market is tight, and prices are rather high.
Amsterdam: Family apartment (3 bedrooms)? €2,000–€3,000+ per month. Central costs more than outer neighborhoods.
The Hague: €1,800–€2,500 per month. Popular with expats in international organizations.
Rotterdam: More affordable. €1,500–€2,200 per month. Growing expat community.
Utrecht: Central location. High demand. €1,800–€2,800 per month.
Finding a place takes time so you need to prepare. Landlords want proof of income (3x monthly rent), employment contract, references. Budget for deposits and first month upfront.
According to Huisly’s 2026 housing guide, average wait time for suitable family housing in major cities is 6–10 weeks.
Education System – Local vs. International Schools
Children aged 5–16 must attend an accredited school physically, as per the Leerplichtwet.
Dutch schools: Free (public) or low-cost (private). Your child learns Dutch and integrates into the culture. Otherwise, they have to deal with the language barrier if they don’t speak Dutch.
International schools: Lessons taught in English or other languages. Follow IB, British, or American curricula. Popular with expats. Cost? €15,000–€25,000 per child per year.
Many expat parents choose Dutch schools and supplement with English-language programs. Legacy offers AP courses, College Prep, part-time courses and summer school program alongside obligatory schooling.
Live lessons. US-accredited. Fraction of international school costs.
Healthcare and Childcare in the Netherlands
Healthcare: Everyone must have the national health insurance. Basic coverage costs €120–€150 per month per adult. Children under 18 covered free.
Waiting lists exist, so it is advised to apply early.
Childcare: Daycare for children under 4 runs €1,000–€1,500 per month per child. The Dutch government offers subsidies (kinderopvangtoeslag) based on income. After-school care costs €400–€800 per month per child.
Register with a GP (huisarts) after arrival. Most healthcare providers speak English in major cities.
The Van der Meer Family of Expats in Amsterdam
Laura and Tom van der Meer moved from the UK to Amsterdam in 2024. Three kids: Sophie, 15, Ben, 12, Emma, 8.
International schools for all three? Over €60,000 annually. Too much.
They enrolled the children in a Dutch public school instead. Sophie struggled with Dutch at first. Ben adapted. Emma picked it up fast.
To keep Sophie on track for UK universities, they added Legacy’s AP courses in 2025. She took AP English Literature and AP Psychology alongside her Dutch school program.
Classes ran evenings. Didn’t mess with school.
May 2026, she earned 5s on both exams.
Her Dutch school counted them as independent study. She’s applying to universities in the UK and Netherlands with strong AP credits. Total cost for both courses? Less than one semester at an international school.
Culture and Integration
The Dutch are direct. Blunt, even. Not rude – cultural. They value honesty over politeness.
Dutch kids are independent. They bike to school alone young. Birthday parties are structured and short. Parenting styles differ.
Language helps. Most locals speak English, but learning their mother tongue eases integration. Your children will pick it up faster than you.
Join expat networks, like Facebook groups, InterNations, or local parent groups. Connections do help.
Affordability
The Netherlands isn’t cheap. Here’s a budget breakdown for a family of four in Amsterdam (monthly):
- Rent: €2,500
- Groceries: €600–€800
- Utilities: €150–€200
- Health insurance: €250–€300
- Childcare: €800–€1,200
- Transportation: €200–€300
Total: €4,900–€6,200 per month, not including international school fees.
The 30% ruling helps if you qualify.
What Legacy Offers Expat Families
We’re a WASC-accredited online school founded in 2023 and serving 1,200+ students from 30+ countries.
We don’t replace your child’s Dutch education – we add to it.
AP courses. College Guidance. Summer school. Part-time courses.
Live classes, 15 learners max. Curriculum via FlexPoint Education Cloud. Qualified teachers. College Board-approved AP credits accepted by 500+ universities worldwide.
Book a trial class. Free session for your kid and a parent meeting with our admissions team.
Top Tips from Our Expert
Maya Robinson, College Prep Advisor at Legacy Online School
- Start housing search early. Rental market changes fast. Apply as soon as you have an employment contract.
- Research schools before you relocate. Local schools, international schools, or hybrid – decide what works for your family and budget.
- Join expat networks immediately. Facebook groups, InterNations, local parent groups. Connections help you settle faster.
- Budget for the transition. Moving costs, deposits, childcare, school fees – plan for 3–6 months of expenses upfront.
We are a US-accredited international online school that coexists with local schooling. Families are responsible for ensuring compliance with any local education requirements applicable to their situation.
Legacy Online School’s programs are offered as supplementary education for students in the Netherlands. Under Dutch law (Leerplichtwet 1969), children aged 5–16 residing in the Netherlands are required to attend an accredited school. Legacy Online School does not offer full-time K–12 education as a substitute for compulsory school attendance for students permanently residing in the Netherlands. Families are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with Dutch compulsory education requirements.
