Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

So you’re thinking of moving to Amsterdam? Well, you’re in for a treat! The city is full of culture, history, and opportunity. But before you make the big move, there are a few things you should know. Amsterdam is a city of cyclists. If you’re not comfortable riding a bike in traffic, you’ll quickly learn to be.

The city is also home to a large number of canals. Be prepared to do a lot of walking, as cars are not allowed on many streets. Aside from this fact, the city is divided into several districts, each with its own unique character. The Canal Ring, located in the city center, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is full of narrow streets and historic buildings.

The Jordaan district, to the west of the Canal Ring, is known for its trendy cafes and art galleries. And the Museum District, to the south of the city center, is home to some of the world’s most famous museums, like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. The city is also known for its nightlife.

However, Amsterdam has hundreds of bars, nightclubs, cafes, and coffee shops. The Red Light District is well-known worldwide as the go-to place to visit if you’re looking for a good party. If you like to walk, there are hundreds of miles worth of footpaths in parks. The Vondelpark is the city’s largest park, measuring over 90 acres.

That being said, you need to know more than just having fun in Amsterdam. In this article, we will walk you through the best areas and suburbs to live in. Not only is that, but we have compiled this article to explain the advantages of living in this area as an expat, the top-rated tourist attractions, and many others. Would you love to check what we’ve unleashed for you? Read further to understand better!

12 Interesting Facts about Living in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city that is well known for its liberal attitude and open-mindedness. If you’re thinking of moving to Amsterdam or are simply curious about some of the interesting facts about living in this vibrant city, we’ve got you covered.

People have been coming to Amsterdam for hundreds of years. It started as a small town built upon a dam near the sea and over time grew into a beautiful city with winding canals, picturesque bridges, and stunning architecture. Today, more than 1 million people live in the Dutch capital. This article will provide twelve interesting facts about living in Amsterdam.

1.    You Can Cycle Everywhere

Amsterdam is a cyclist’s paradise, and there are more than 800,000 bicycles in the city. Because cycling is such a popular mode of transport, the roads are designed to be as cycle-friendly as possible. There are bike lanes on nearly every street, and traffic lights have extra lights for cyclists. So, if you’re looking for a healthy and eco-friendly way to get around, Amsterdam is the perfect place to live.

2.    The Dutch Are Very Relaxed About Nudity

The Dutch are famously relaxed about nudity, and you’ll often see people sunbathing in their gardens or going for a swim in the canals without caring about who sees them. There are even a few nudist beaches in Amsterdam.

If you’re not used to seeing nudity, it may take some getting used to, but the Dutch don’t see anything wrong with it, and you’ll likely get used to it too. Don’t be surprised if you see people walking around the city completely naked – it’s not uncommon.

3.    You Can Buy Marijuana Legally

Amsterdam is famous for its coffee shops where you can buy marijuana legally. In fact, it’s been legal to buy and smoke marijuana in the Netherlands since 1976. Coffee shops are not allowed to sell alcohol, but you can buy snacks and drinks there. If you’re not sure where to find a coffee shop, just ask a local – they’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.

4.    It’s Easy To Get Around

The public transport system in Amsterdam is excellent, with buses, trams, and metros running throughout the city. There are also boats that can take you along the canals. Tickets are valid for all modes of transport and can be bought from machines or from the driver. You can also buy a day pass, which is a great value for money. Therefore, it’s easy to get around Amsterdam without worrying about finding a parking space.

5.    Amsterdam Is One of the Safest Cities in the World

Amsterdam is one of the safest cities in the world, and it’s very rare to hear of any serious crime happening there. The police are strict about enforcing the law, and there is a low crime rate. This makes Amsterdam a great place to live if you’re looking for peace and security. Moreover, if you live in Amsterdam, you can feel safe walking home alone late at night – there won’t be a problem.

6.    It’s A Great Place for Students

Amsterdam is known as one of the best cities in the world to be a student, and an increasing number of international students are heading there every year. The city is full of universities and colleges, the nightlife is excellent, and there are plenty of opportunities to work. The cost of living is also relatively low, which is a major plus. If you’re interested in studying in Amsterdam, be sure to check out the many universities and colleges that the city has to offer.

7.    The Dutch Are Tolerant and Open-Minded

The Dutch are known for being tolerant and open-minded people, which is evident in Amsterdam. The city is a melting pot of cultures and nationalities, and the locals are used to seeing people from all walks of life. This makes Amsterdam a very welcoming place to live, and you’ll likely make friends from all over the world. So, if you’re looking for a city that is tolerant and open-minded, Amsterdam is the place for you.

8.    There’s Always Something Going On

Amsterdam is a city that never sleeps, and there’s always something going on. The bars, clubs, and restaurants are open late, and there are always events and festivals taking place. Whether you’re into art, music, or food, Amsterdam has something to offer you.

The city is also home to some of the best museums in the world, so there’s always something new to see and do. If you’re looking for a city that is always alive and buzzing with energy, Amsterdam is definitely it.

9.    The Architecture Is Stunning

Amsterdam is home to some of the most beautiful architecture in the world. From traditional Dutch houses to grandiose palaces, the city is full of stunning buildings. Wandering around the streets of Amsterdam is a real treat for the eyes, and you’ll be able to see some amazing architecture. So, if you’re an architecture lover, Amsterdam is definitely the city for you. You’ll definitely feel inspired seeing so many masterpieces within one space.

10. It’s Easy To Find a Bargain

Amsterdam is an expensive city; however, it’s often possible to find some great bargains. Flea markets are very popular in Amsterdam and are held daily, which means that it’s easy to pick up some fantastic items at a fraction of the cost. Also, if you’re looking to buy some Dutch cheese or chocolates, be sure to head over to one of the many delicatessens that sell food items at a reduced price.

11. There Are Plenty of Green Spaces

If you enjoy walking in nature and being surrounded by greenery, Amsterdam is the perfect city for you. The city is home to a large number of parks and gardens, which are perfect for a relaxing stroll on a sunny day.

In addition, the forests that surround Amsterdam are ideal for nature lovers who want to go for a hike or do some camping. So, if you’re looking for a city with plenty of green spaces, Amsterdam is the place for you.

12. Unemployment Is Very Low

As mentioned before, it’s easy to find a job in Amsterdam, and unemployment is relatively low. This makes Amsterdam an excellent city to live in if you’re looking for work opportunities or are on a gap year and want to earn money while seeing the world.

Also, due to the low unemployment rate, living costs are relatively high. However, if you’re able to find a job in Amsterdam, you’ll be able to live comfortably and enjoy all that the city has to offer. So, if you’re looking for a city with a good job market, Amsterdam is the place for you.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance, and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

Amsterdam is the capital of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the center of the province of North Holland. It is located on the shores of the North Sea, so there is no sharp temperature drop in the city: in summer there is about +20 ° C, and in winter – up to +4 ° C.

The city has a reputation as a place where it rains constantly: statistically, Amsterdam has 182 rainy days a year. However, the weather can change several times a day.

In the popular rating of the quality of life in the cities of the world, which is made by the company Mercer, Amsterdam is in 11th place. Research by consulting companies shows that Amsterdam is the healthiest city in the world on several indicators: work-life balance, vacation days, water and air quality, and longevity.

The main disadvantage of the city is that it is falloff thousands of tourists in all 4-seasons. To make it imaginary, in 2017, 17 million tourists visited Amsterdam, with less than a million people living in the city. More and more people come to Amsterdam every year.

The city is so overcrowded with tourists that local authorities are trying to restrain their influx: for example, they imposed a fine of 95 € for drinking alcohol on central streets, and suspends the construction of hotels and souvenir shops.

Immigration to Amsterdam

Immigration to the Netherlands, also often called Holland, is a move to one of the most densely populated areas in the world, but there is always a place for confident professionals and business people. If you come to Holland from another country to live and work, Amsterdam compares favorably for immigrants from other cities in Holland

As a place of residence for expatriate foreigners, Amsterdam sets itself apart from the rest of Holland with its unique atmosphere. Although the population in the agglomeration is only one and a half million, Amsterdam has all the attributes of a modern metropolis: a large airport, a well-functioning public transport system, developed areas of trade, services, recreation and education.

If you speak English and at the same time are highly qualified in one of the professions, for example: engineer, programmer, mathematician – then all you need is to immigrate to the Netherlands and move to Amsterdam and find a job in one of the hi-tech companies of Amsterdam, or in one of the many international financial institutions that have their offices in Amsterdam. 

For business people, there is the possibility of immigration to the Netherlands by opening their own business. The residence permit for businessmen is designed primarily for those who bring investments to the Netherlands and create jobs, which implies seven-figure budgets. If your capital is more modest, then you can, for example, open a high-tech business and hire yourself as a qualified specialist. 

Of course, you can also marry a Dutch resident and obtain a residence permit in the Netherlands on this basis. However, in this case, after getting married, you will first have to learn the language and take an exam in the host country. The exam is not very difficult, but preparation will most likely take several months.

Immigration conditions

Most of the chances of getting a residence permit are from wealthy people who do not need to provide social assistance to the state.

Basically, you can immigrate to Amsterdam in the following ways:

• Through close relations for a long time (three years) with a citizen of the country, and it is not necessary to have a marriage registration;
• Living in the Netherlands for five years or more;
• Running your business successfully;
• Having received refugee status;
• Studying in Holland.

If immigration to the Netherlands takes place through marriage, then in this case it is not necessary to stay in the country without leaving the country for three years. But it is forbidden to have dual citizenship, except for those persons whose spouse is himself a citizen of the Netherlands.

New rules

Those who wish to immigrate to Holland before arriving in the country receive knowledge of civic integration and pass an exam on it. This will include watching a film featuring footage of homosexual relationships and a nude beach. Emphasis is placed on this, since this is the norm for the Netherlands. Further, at the Embassy of the Netherlands, you will need to take a test of knowledge of the language of the country.

The residence permit can be used for a year, three or five years with the possibility of renewal with good behavior. After these years, you can apply for Dutch citizenship or for an indefinite residence permit.

Emigration to Holland through marriage

A marriage may or may not have an official status. In addition, it is not necessary to reside permanently in the country in this case. It will be necessary to be in place at the time of submission of the application for obtaining citizenship. But not everything is as simple as it seems at first glance.

The authorities will check the validity of long-term close relationships. They take place in the form of numerous surveys, tests, comparing information, studying all the details, even small ones.

In the case of an unregistered marriage, there is one important nuance: when partners break up after receiving permanent residence, the citizen will be obliged to leave the country.

Obtaining permanent residence after five years of living in the country

Permanent residence in the Netherlands becomes a reality after five years of being in the country. But before leaving to live there, it is worth visiting the state as a tourist to get an idea of ​​it.

The main condition due to which the residence will be considered continuous is the annual receipt of a residence permit. If this is not done at least once, then the applicant leaves the country and starts all over again. And upon arrival in Holland next time, the countdown of five years will start anew.

In principle, nothing complicated, the main thing is not to miss the time of applying for a residence permit and to comply with the laws of the country. Sometimes, having gone to earn money once, you may want to stay there forever. And this is another opportunity to realize your desire.

Registration of a residence permit for work

A residence permit is available to anyone who comes to Holland to work. Moreover, a work visa to the Netherlands is issued to some specialists and seasonal workers under a simplified scheme. 

But each specific case is considered on an individual basis, when the level of education, language proficiency, professionalism and the demand for a particular specialty are taken into account. A residence permit is issued in this case only if there is a specific employer who wants to take a person to his job.

The minimum wage level should be:

• Those who are under 30 years old – 35,000 euros per year;
• Employees over this age have 48,000.

Immigration to the Netherlands is also possible if you open your own business there. The main thing here is to have enough funds for the implementation of this event and experience, which is recorded in an official document (diploma or extract).

Sufficient stable income will be considered to be 1000 euros per month for a year. In this case, it will be possible to obtain a residence permit after this period.

You can also buy real estate in Holland for doing business, at the same time making a profitable investment.

It falls under state protection (the law on foreign investment and private property of foreigners) and allows you to get a European multivisa.

It is important to know: buying real estate in the Netherlands to obtain a residence permit does not provide any additional grounds.

Immigration as a refugee

Going to live in Holland as a refugee is a popular and demanded way, but the authorities are quite attentive to this category. This becomes possible if there is a danger of losing life, health, or there is some kind of ethnic or sexual harassment.

The latter issue is likely to resonate with immigration officials because of its loyalty to sex minorities. Another point for a positive answer will be the problem of criminal prosecution.

If the motive is religious or political, then the process of obtaining a residence permit and permanent residence may take 6 months, or even two years. And all this time you will have to live in a special camp.

In order to obtain this status, you must ask for asylum upon arrival at the airport at the border control. A person dealing with these issues will be invited, who will need to tell his story.

But if the situation improves in the country from which the immigrant arrived, a return will follow. This status gives permission to live in the country and study. You can also apply for family reunification to live in the Netherlands.

Getting an education in Amsterdam

One of the easiest and most popular ways to live in Holland is to get a student visa. Moreover, it is not too expensive. Such permission is issued for the study period and restricts rights. Upon graduation, an applicant for permanent residence must submit a concluded agreement with an employer or leave the country.

Life in Holland today has one of the highest rates in the EU. Not everyone can boast of the minimum wages reaching the level of 1,300 euros.

The whole world considers Holland to be an agrarian country. The reason for this is the cultivation of beautiful tulips and the holding of annual auctions. But the economy in the country is post-industrial and industrial-oriented, where there are the most important industries: mechanical engineering, ferrous metallurgy, petrochemicals, textile and furniture industries.

Agriculture generates income of only 1.6 percent domestically and five percent in export exports.

Holland attracts job seekers with its attitude to freedom of morals and affordable getting a place in the sun. Religion, behavior and political trends are not imposed here, the use of light drugs is allowed. And at the same time, it has a high economic level, where it is imperative to observe the established laws and rules of conduct.

Summarizing all of the above, a foreigner who has lived continuously for five years, has passed the exam on knowledge of civic integration, has a certain material amount on hand, may well count on permanent residence in Holland. 

And after 10 years of living without interruption, the amount of income, in general, will not matter to life in the country. It remains only to live with pleasure and enjoy all the benefits and advantages of a place where there are no all sorts of prejudices in compliance with liberal laws and rules.

Where to start from?

At the moment, the most easy and possible ways to move to Amsterdam is either to study (starting from 10 thousand euros per year), or to go to work as a highly skilled migrant (“highly qualified migrant”).

For the second, you need to have a higher education in the topic and find a company that agrees to hire you with a salary of at least 3108 euros per month (minus taxes by about 30%). 

Also, the employing company must generate income, exist for a couple of years and be on a special “white” list, the inclusion in which costs 5183 euros (for 2017, and their payment does not guarantee a positive result). If something is wrong in the company’s papers, correct it and pay another 5,000 euros.

Not all companies take such a risk, but they are, and they hire from abroad, because the same developers are constantly in short supply. Engineers and scientists have a real chance to move.

Work in Amsterdam for specialists from all over the world

Work in Amsterdam for migrant-specialists is primarily available through the kennismigranten program. The program for attracting highly educated immigrants (kennismigranten, kennis means “knowledge” in Dutch) was launched in 2004 to simplify the procedure for attracting highly educated personnel from abroad.

Previously, to invite an employee from outside the European Union, it was necessary to prove the impossibility of finding such an employee in the EU countries for a long time and dreary (to publish a vacancy announcement, conduct interviews with candidates, give arguments why the candidate is not suitable, etc.) The whole process took from 3 months to six months or more.

For registration of a foreigner as a kennismigrant, there is now one criterion – wages. The amounts are indexed every year, for 2012 the numbers were as follows (salary for the year, before taxes):

• Over 30: € 51.239
• Under 30: € 37.575
• Dutch university graduates: € 26.931 in

In other words, in order to come to the Netherlands and get a job as a kennismigrant, it is necessary and sufficient to find an employer who is ready to pay you the above salary.

A Kennismigrant who turns 30 can continue to work for the same employer without having to raise his salary to “over 30” (see above). But if he decides to change his job in Amsterdam or any other city in Holland, then in the new place he is obliged to pay a salary corresponding to the age level.

More about life in Amsterdam

Housing

Rented accommodation is usually searched for on sites or in groups on Facebook: Funda, Pararius, Kamernet, Amsterdam apartments 4 rent.

Rentals are high in Amsterdam, so many people rent a room in an apartment with two or three neighbors. For example, a one-room apartment in the center with furniture will cost about 1,800 € per month. An unfurnished three-bedroom apartment on the western outskirts of the city will cost € 1,650.

Prices are highly dependent on the area and the availability of furniture in the apartment. The most expensive areas are the center and the south. In the north, housing is relatively cheap because the area is across the strait. Previously, it was possible to get to the center from there only by ferry or by a detour. In 2018, a metro was built to the north, and now prices are rising there.

Approximate housing prices in Amsterdam:

• room – 700-900 €;
• tiny studio – 1000-1200 €;
• apartment with one separate bedroom – from 1300 €;
• two-bedroom apartment – from 1500 €.

You can hire an agent who will look for suitable options and negotiate with the landlord on your behalf. The agent takes one monthly payment for the services. Many international companies provide such an agent to their new employees at the expense of the firm.

If you are looking for housing yourself, you will still meet with an agent – from the side of the apartment owner. By law, such an agent has no right to charge you any commission. Everyone ignores the rule: many agents charge a tenant 200-300 € and add 21% VAT, allegedly for completing a contract.

Banks in Amsterdam

To open a bank account for a foreigner, you need to come to any branch with a passport and BSN – the registration number of a resident of the Netherlands. It is better to make an appointment in advance so as not to wait in line and to be guaranteed to get the attention of a consultant. If there are no free employees, they will offer to come tomorrow by appointment.

The main banks in the country are ING, ABN Amro and Rabobank. The most common one is ING, almost all local residents have an account in it. ING has a convenient English application and the ability to make transfers and payments using a phone without a special push-button device. Maintaining an account at ING costs me 4.65 € (412 R) per quarter.

A foreigner can also get a credit card. You can pay with a Maestro debit card only on Dutch websites. To approve a credit card, it is usually sufficient to confirm your salary for the last three months.

Mortgage rates in the Netherlands are extremely attractive, so the Dutch prefer to buy housing right away, rather than rent: it turns out cheaper. In addition, the income tax is also reduced – due to the tax deduction on the interest on the mortgage. The down payment is not required, you can take a mortgage for all 100% of the cost of housing.

Average mortgage rates for February 2019:

• for 5 years – 1.7-2.2%;
• for 10 years – 2.2-2.57%;
• for 20 years – 2.65-3.4%.

It is quite possible for a foreigner not even from the EU to get a mortgage. The key to its approval is an open-ended contract with the employer as confirmation of the source of income in the future. Also, many banks give foreigners a maximum of 90% of the cost of housing.

Pros of moving to Amsterdam

Do you doubt whether it is worth moving to Amsterdam? Or do you think what it is like to live abroad? Let’s get it started.

• Salaries without envelopes

Holland is one of the most developed countries in Europe, located in the Eurozone, the Schengen area and the European Union. There is practically no financial stratification among the population. Income depends on the number of hours worked, education, age and employment. The size of the salary is indicated for the year before taxes are paid. The tax authorities control: the higher the income, the higher the tax, comparing living conditions and highlighting the middle class. The minimum tax is 37%, the maximum is 52%. Anyone can find a job, the unemployment rate as of January 2019 was 3.6.

• Mortgage vs rental housing

The cost of renting an apartment depends on the location, in Amsterdam – from 1,600 € without utilities. Mortgage is cheaper – about 1,100 € per month, without utilities. The interest of payments for 2019 is 1.4 – 2.6, and depends on the volume of the first installment.

• Punctuality of public transport.

In Holland, if the train is five minutes late, NS pays compensation to the passengers. To get from point A to point B, you need to make transfers, and a transport delay of two minutes plays a role. Any public transport is modern: there are phone chargers and Wi-Fi access. There is an incentive system of discounts: for example, for 50 € they sell a 40% discount on travel on trains not during rush hour, and provide this discount to four more passengers (if there are passes) who travel with you.

• Go to Paris for the weekend

Holland is located on the border with other European countries: to Belgium by car 2.5 hours, to the nearest cities in Germany – 3, in five you will reach the north of France. The Netherlands has five airports: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Eindhoven, Maastricht and Groening.