Girl next to the ferris wheel at Scheveningen

Live in South Holland

Discover the high quality of life and what your daily life as international could look like in The Hague, Rotterdam, Delft and Leiden. Find everything you need to know about moving to the Netherlands.

95 %

of the Dutch speak English - the highest level for non-native countries globally

7 th

happiest people - with the happiest children worldwide

25 mil

bikes in the Netherlands. We love to bike!

65 km

of sandy coastline in South Holland

Enjoy a high quality of life

Choosing where to move is about more than a job. It is about feeling at home. Join people from all over the world who have already decided to build their lives in in South Holland's dynamic international cities: The Hague, Rotterdam, Delft and Leiden.

Ranked as the world's best cities for quality of life and among the happiest countries in the world, so daily life here comes with short commutes, everyday cycling, and services that work for internationals from day one. English is spoken everywhere and a welcoming international community makes it easy to build a network, with three International Centres ready to help you settle in.

Work-life balance isn't a slogan but a habit, with room for family, sports, and downtime. Whether you move on your own, with a partner, or with your family, South Holland gives you the opportunity to enjoy an ambitious career with impact and a good quality of life.

Why live and move to South Holland?

Life is about more than work. Discover why people from all over the world already chose to build a great life in The Hague, Rotterdam, Delft and Leiden.

Healthy work-life balance

People on a terrace in Rotterdam — Robin Utrecht

Grow your career and quality of life together with reasonable working hours, flexible ways of working and long paid holidays. Time outside work is respected and valued.
Experience Dutch work culture: low hierarchy, trust, and open, direct communication, with real responsibility given in informal teams.

Enjoy a high quality of life

Enjoy museums, concerts, sports, diverse food and time outdoors in one of the greenest regions around, with beaches and parks always close by.
The Netherlands ranks among the world's happiest countries, where things simply work: strong social protection, high quality healthcare, transport and fast, digital public services.

Safe, open and inclusive

A safe, stable and democratic country with strong social security, individual freedoms and equal opportunity for everyone.
A direct, egalitarian culture with flat hierarchies, where people generally say what they mean and you can be yourself.

Feel at home as international

At desk in The Hague International Centre

English works everywhere. Daily life, healthcare, banking and most workplaces are accessible before you speak Dutch.
Meet people from day one through networking events, sports clubs, cultural activities and volunteering, in cities with a large international community.
he Hague, Rotterdam and Leiden International Centre support international newcomers settle in and help you feel at home.

Family-friendly lifestyle

Family-friendly society where children grow up in a safe environment and parents are supported at every stage, with affordable, high quality childcare, healthcare and schools, including free public education and 20 international schools with room for 10,000 international children.
English-friendly and inclusive, with support for spouses to find work, build networks and settle into daily life.

Compact and connected

Compact cities with excellent infrastructure where you can cycle or train everywhere, with short commutes, close by.
The Hague, Rotterdam, Delft and Leiden are all within 30 minutes of each other and Amsterdam by train, with international trains and two airports putting the rest of Europe and the world within easy reach.

All you need to know about living in South Holland

Immigration

Apply for the right residence and work permits before you move, live, work, study or start a business in the Netherlands as non-EU/EEA national.

Check your permit options

Cost of living

Know what to expect before you move. From rent to groceries, we help you plan a realistic budget for your new life in South Holland.

Plan your budget

Registration

Register with your municipality after you arrive. This gives you a BSN, the number you need for a job, a bank account, healthcare and almost everything else.

Get your BSN

Housing

Finding a home takes time, especially in a country with high demand. We help you understand the Dutch housing market and where to start your search.

Start your home search

Healthcare

The Netherlands has one of the best healthcare systems in Europe. Learn how it works, and what health insurance you are required to arrange.

Arrange your insurance

Transport

Getting around South Holland is easy, by train, bike or car. Find out how to travel between cities and settle into daily Dutch commuting life.

Getting around

Education and childcare

Choose from international, bilingual and Dutch schools, plus a wide range of childcare options. We help you find the right fit for your family.

Find a school

Taxes and finance

Understand the Dutch tax system, including 30 per cent tax ruling, and get started with a Dutch bank account.

Sort your finances

Language and culture

You can get by in English, but learning Dutch opens doors. Discover language courses and everyday tips to help you settle in faster.

Start learning Dutch

Social life

Meeting people and building a network make all the difference. Find clubs, communities and events to help you feel at home.

Find your community

Explore South Holland and find out about the different cities, neighbourhoods, schools and landmarks,

Go to map

International centres to help you settle in

The Hague, Rotterdam and Leiden International Centre support international newcomers feel welcome and at home in South Holland. The International Centre offers a one-stop-shop service to take care of essential paperwork upon arrival like your registration and BSN. They help you move and settle in by sharing information and advice, organising events and recommending international-friendly service providers.

The Hague

Supporting international newcomers and their employers in The Hague, Delft, Rijswijk, Leidschendam-Voorburg and Wassenaar. All services are free of charge.

Registration appointment at Rotterdam International Center

Supporting international newcomers and their employers in Rotterdam. All services, except BSN registration and immigration, are free of charge.

Registration appointment at Leiden International Centre

Supporting international newcomers and their employers in Leiden, Voorschoten and Zoeterwoude. All services, except BSN registration appointments, are free of charge.

Live in South Holland

Enjoy a high quality of life