Expat in Holland is an independent guide for internationals living and working in the Netherlands. We cover the practical realities of Dutch life — banking, healthcare, taxes, housing, and administration — clearly and without jargon.
The Netherlands is one of Europe's most popular destinations for international workers and their families. It has excellent infrastructure, a high standard of living, and a large English-speaking population. It also has a bureaucratic system that can be baffling when you first arrive: the BSN, the DigiD, the eigen risico, the 30% ruling, iDEAL. The goal of this site is to explain these things clearly, so you can get settled and get on with your life.
We write for people who have just arrived or are about to arrive. We try to be practical rather than comprehensive — covering the things you actually need to know, not every possible edge case. We update our guides when rules change.
We have no affiliation with any bank, insurer, estate agent, or government body. We do not receive referral fees or commissions. Our only interest is in the guides being accurate and useful.
We do our best to keep information current, but Dutch regulations change regularly — particularly in areas like the 30% ruling, health insurance premiums, and tax thresholds. Always verify critical financial, tax, or legal decisions with an official source or a qualified professional before acting on them. This site is a starting point, not a substitute for professional advice.
If you spot an error, have a question, or want to suggest a topic, please get in touch.