New to the Netherlands, or planning the move? This is our starting point for internationals. It links to our topic guides on money, housing, healthcare, transport and citizenship, plus the practical articles most newcomers need in their first months: getting DigiD, understanding the Dutch school system, saving on groceries and avoiding scams.
Last updated: 28 September 2026.
Our topic guides
- Taxes, Salary & Money in the Netherlands – salary, the 30% ruling, tax returns and benefits.
- Housing in the Netherlands – renting, buying, rent rules and energy.
- Healthcare in the Netherlands – insurance, the eigen risico and finding a GP.
- Transport in the Netherlands – trains, OVpay, driving and bikes.
- Dutch Citizenship, Inburgering & Learning Dutch – naturalisation, exams and language tips.
First steps after arriving
- DigiD, MijnOverheid & Toeslagen in the Netherlands: The Complete Newcomer Guide 2026 – DigiD, MijnOverheid, BSN and benefits for newcomers.
- Net Salary Calculator Netherlands – estimate your take-home pay.
- How to Find a Huisarts in the Netherlands 2026: Closed Lists, How to Register – register with a GP as soon as you can.
- Scam Alert 2026: AI Voice Cloning & “Bank Helpdesk” Fraud Targeting Expats – scams that target newcomers and how to spot them.
Family, study and everyday life
- The Dutch School System Explained 2026: A Strategic Guide for Expat Parents (VMBO, HAVO, VWO) – the Dutch school system for expat parents.
- Study in Netherlands 2026: The Ultimate Guide to Deadlines, Costs & Visas – studying in the Netherlands: deadlines, costs and visas.
- Cheapest Supermarket Netherlands 2026: AH, Jumbo, Lidl or Dirk? (Price Comparison) – which supermarket is cheapest.
- Social Trust in Netherlands 2026: CBS Report on Rudeness, Directness & Regional Divides – Dutch directness and social trust.
- When Do the Clocks Go Back in the Netherlands in 2026? – when the clocks change.
Politics, rights and culture
- Dutch Government 2026: The “Jetten I” Era & Ultimate Expat Guide – the current government and what it means for internationals.
- Dutch Local Elections 2026: The Complete Guide for Expats and International Residents – who can vote in local elections and how.
- LGBTQ+ in the Netherlands 2026: The Ultimate Expat Guide – LGBTQ+ rights and life in the Netherlands.
- Dutch Festival Guide 2026: Carnival, King’s Day & Pride (The Ultimate Party Calendar) – carnival, King’s Day, Pride and the yearly calendar.