Amsterdam
You Are Up!

So… you’re moving to Amsterdam. Congrats! You’ve officially chosen a city where:

• your commute may involve a ferry (casual),

• parking is a mythical creature,

• and “just a 10-minute bike ride” can mean 10 minutes of wind, rain, and character development.

This guide is your big, practical, expat-friendly cheat sheet to:

• where to live (and why),

• where kids can go to school (international + Dutch options),

• and what to do in your first days so you can start living instead of endlessly “administrating”.

  
  
  

Finding Your Tribe: Amsterdam’s Best Neighbourhoods for Expats

• De Pijp — “I moved to Amsterdam for the food, vibes, and terraces”

If you want city energy without living inside tourist Amsterdam, De Pijp is a classic. Great cafés, Albert Cuyp market, parks nearby, easy tram connections.

Pros: walkable, social, international crowd, lots happening
Cons: apartments tend to be smaller; noise + busy weekends

• Oud-West — “I want charm + calm + still be near everything”

Oud-West is that sweet spot: cool but not chaotic. Think good bakeries, Vondelpark access, and solid transit links.

Pros: neighbourhood feel, parks, good “everyday” living
Cons: popular = competitive housing

• Jordaan — “I want postcard Amsterdam”

Canals, boutique streets, peak Amsterdam aesthetics. Also: price tags that match the vibe.

Pros: gorgeous, central, great for strolling and café life
Cons: expensive; can be touristy around hotspots

• Oost (Indische Buurt / Watergraafsmeer) — “More space, more green, still city”

Amsterdam Oost is underrated for expats: greener, more residential, still excellent connections. Watergraafsmeer is especially popular with families.

Pros: family-friendly, parks, generally more space
Cons: depends street-by-street; viewings move fast

• Zuid (Buitenveldert / near Zuidas) — “Family base with international school access”

If you’re working around Zuidas or want a calmer, residential vibe, parts of Zuid (especially Buitenveldert) are practical and popular.

Pros: quieter, greener, good amenities, expat-heavy
Cons: expensive; can feel less “Amsterdam cute”

• Centrum / Canal Belt — “I want to live in the movie”

Yes, it’s possible. No, it’s not always convenient.

Pros: everything close; beautiful; endless culture
Cons: tourists, noise, small steep stairs, premium rents

Beyond the Ring: Best Commuter Towns Near Amsterdam (Expat Favorites)

Sometimes the Amsterdam housing market nudges you into a very sensible decision: live nearby and commute.

• Amstelveen — “Family classic”

Super popular with expat families, close to Zuid/Zuidas, lots of international infrastructure.

• Haarlem — “Beautiful city, real neighbourhood life”

Charming, lively, and train-connected. Great if you want a “smaller city” feel but still easy Amsterdam access.

• Diemen — “Close, practical, more affordable”

Often a smart compromise: short commute, more space.

• Zaandam — “Fast train + more house for your money”

Not for everyone, but excellent connections and often better value.

• Hoofddorp — “Schiphol convenience”

Great if you travel frequently or work near the airport.

(Commuter life tip: test the commute at rush hour before signing anything. Your future self will thank you.)

Schools, Childcare & Universities in and around Amsterdam

Moving to Amsterdam with kids (or planning to study here yourself) quickly turns into one big question: how does the Dutch education system actually work—and where do international options fit in?

Below is a practical, expat-friendly overview from daycare to university, plus the key decisions that will shape your next few years.

Childcare in Amsterdam (0–4): Daycare, Childminders & After-School Care

In the Netherlands, childcare is usually called kinderopvang. For expat families in Amsterdam, the two biggest realities are: high demand and planning ahead—especially in popular neighbourhoods.

Common childcare options:

• Daycare (kinderdagverblijf / dagopvang) for children aged 0–4

• Childminder (gastouder): smaller group care, often in a home setting

• After-school care (BSO / buitenschoolse opvang) for children aged 4–12 outside school hours
  

Important: if you want to qualify for childcare support (kinderopvangtoeslag), your provider generally needs to be registered in the Dutch childcare register (LRK). Many families check registration before committing, then apply for benefits (if eligible) once work/contract situations are clear.

Tip: If you already know where you’ll live, start contacting childcare providers early. Availability can vary by area and by day of the week.

The big decision: International vs Dutch education

Most expat families choose between international schools and Dutch schools. There’s no universal “best” choice—it depends on how long you plan to stay and how old your child is.

International school can be a better fit if:

• you expect to move countries again

• your child is older and switching language would be tough

• you want curriculum continuity (IB / UK / US style)

Dutch school can be a better fit if:

• you plan to stay longer

• your child is younger (language learning tends to be much easier)

• you want deeper local integration

A common approach in Amsterdam is: Dutch school for younger kids, international school for older kids, but many families do the opposite depending on timing, language, and availability.

Primary school (Basisschool): ages 4–12

Dutch primary school is called basisschool. Children typically start around age 4 and attend for 8 years (Groep 1 to Groep 8).

What to expect:

• A structured, community-based school experience

• Strong emphasis on routine, independence, and social development

• In the final years, schools guide families toward the next step: secondary education

Primary schools can differ a lot in educational style, class size, and the “feel” of the community, so it’s worth visiting (if possible) and asking practical questions about language support, school hours, and after-school care partnerships.

Secondary school (Voortgezet onderwijs): tracks, profiles & pathways

Secondary education in the Netherlands is called voortgezet onderwijs. After primary school, students typically move into one of several “tracks” based on academic advice and development.

The main tracks you’ll hear about:

• VMBO (more vocationally oriented)

• HAVO (general secondary, often leading to applied sciences)

• VWO (pre-university route)

These tracks can later lead to different forms of further education, and many students still have options to move between pathways over time. The system is designed to match learning style and pace, not just grades—though the structure can feel unfamiliar if you’re coming from a single-track system.

For expat families arriving with teenagers, the key question is often language: switching into Dutch secondary education can be challenging depending on age and previous schooling. In those cases, international schools (or bilingual routes, where available) may be worth exploring early.

International schools in and around Amsterdam

Amsterdam and the surrounding area offer several well-known international school options. These schools typically teach in English and follow international curricula, often including the International Baccalaureate (IB) or UK/US frameworks.

Commonly considered options include:

• International School of Amsterdam (Amstelveen) – known for IB programmes across age groups

• Amsterdam International Community School (AICS) – an IB school offering programmes across the full IB continuum

• British School of Amsterdam – UK-style curriculum structure across multiple age groups

One thing to plan for: waitlists. Depending on year group and timing, admission may require early applications and flexibility on start dates.

Higher education in Amsterdam: HBO vs WO (and where universities fit)

Dutch higher education is often described as a two-path system:

• HBO: Universities of Applied Sciences (practical, profession-oriented)

• WO: Research Universities (theory, research, academic focus)

Amsterdam is a major student city with internationally recognized institutions and a wide range of English-taught programmes.

Well-known options include:

• University of Amsterdam (UvA) – a large research university with many English-taught programmes

• Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) – research university with a broad international offering

• Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA) – a leading applied sciences institution in the city

For international students, the application process depends on your previous education, nationality, and programme requirements—so it’s wise to shortlist programmes early and check deadlines well ahead of the academic year start.

Practical takeaways (so you don’t get stuck later)

• Childcare is often the first bottleneck: start early if you can, especially for daycare and BSO.

• International vs Dutch schooling is a lifestyle decision as much as an academic one: think about length of stay, integration goals, and your child’s age.

• Dutch secondary education is structured differently: understand the track system early if your child is close to 11–13.

• Amsterdam is a strong university city with both research and applied sciences routes, and many English-taught options.

FAQ

How fast do I need to register in Amsterdam after arriving?
Generally within 5 days of arrival if you’re moving from abroad for longer than 4 months.

Do I need a BSN to start life in Amsterdam?
You’ll need BSN for many essentials (work, banking, health insurance, etc.).

How long do I have to take out Dutch health insurance?
No later than 4 months after arrival (and ideally ASAP).

Is the 30% ruling still a thing?
Yes—there’s an expat tax facility with conditions, and current rules include details like the 150km requirement and changing percentages over time.

Your Amsterdam Adventure Starts Now

Amsterdam can be intense at first—mostly because everything is popular (homes, schools, brunch spots, even bike lanes). But once you get the basics handled, it becomes one of the easiest cities in Europe to actually live in.

Bookmark NetherGuides and check these next:

Residence Types and Registration Process

How to Open a Bank Account in the Netherlands

Health Insurance in the Netherlands

Housing types and finding a home

Expat Starter Pack

Amsterdam Noord: The “New City” Feeling

• Noord (NDSM / around the ferry lines)

Noord has been transforming for years—industrial cool, creative spaces, newer buildings, more room.

Pros: more space; fun scene; quick ferry routes
Cons: you’ll ferry/metro more often; some areas still feel “in development”

More Space, Less Stress: “Amsterdam-ish” Neighbourhood Options

• IJburg / Zeeburgereiland — “Modern housing + families + breathing room”

If you want newer builds and more space, these areas are often on the shortlist for families.

Pros: newer homes, water views, family vibe
Cons: not everyone loves the “modern” feel; commute depends on your work location

• Zuidoost (parts of Bijlmer area) — “Value-for-money + good transport”

Some parts offer larger places for your budget and solid transit links.

Pros: more space; often better value
Cons: pick carefully—micro-location matters a lot

What is in this article:

• Best neighbourhoods for expats (Amsterdam)

• Family-friendly areas + more space options

• Amsterdam Noord & “new Amsterdam”

• Cheaper-but-smart choices (still Amsterdam-ish)

• Best commuter towns near Amsterdam

• Schools: International vs Dutch (and how to choose)

• First-week checklist: registration, BSN, health insurance, transport

First-Week Checklist: Amsterdam Edition (Do this, then relax)

1) Register with the municipality (and get your BSN)

If you move to Amsterdam from abroad for more than 4 months, you must register at a City Office within 5 days of arrival.
After registration you receive a BSN, which you’ll need for basics like work, banking, and health insurance.

If you’re staying less than 4 months, you may need RNI registration instead.

2) Arrange Dutch health insurance (don’t delay)

If you come to live/work in NL, you need Dutch health insurance as soon as possible and no later than 4 months after arrival.

3) Transport: set up your daily movement

Amsterdam is built for:

• bike + public transport (tram/metro/bus/ferry),

• and “walking everywhere because it’s faster than thinking.”

Get your routine sorted early (work commute, school run, rainy-day backups).

4) Housing admin (the un-fun but necessary part)

You’ll typically need a BSN + address registration for many essentials. So the order often becomes:
temporary stay → registration → long-term housing → the rest of life begins.