Moving to a new country can feel like stepping into a whole new world. It’s exciting, but also a bit overwhelming at times. After you’ve sorted out the basics, like housing and paperwork, there come the next questions: where do you actually find your people, your places, your little corner of comfort?
The good news for those moving to the Netherlands is that this country offers plenty of spaces and communities where expats can connect, learn, and feel at home whether online or in real life. There are cultural hubs and language cafés, volunteering projects and international networks, many ways to build a life that feels a little less foreign and a lot more yours. Adapting to a new country is a work in progress, and each journey is unique. You need to check what things are the right ones for you, which community would help you with the direction you’re interested in.
I’ve put together a list of spaces and communities that are interesting for expats in the Netherlands, to help you get the most out of your first years in this country.
ACCESS Netherlands
A volunteer-run non-profit offering support, information, and courses for internationals. They also run workshops, provide career support, and parenting resources.
If you’ve just landed and feel a little lost, ACCESS is one of the best places to start. This non-profit is run by volunteers (many of them expats themselves) and has been supporting internationals in the Netherlands for decades. They offer everything from practical guidance on navigating Dutch bureaucracy to workshops, career coaching, and parenting support. You will find comprehensive information on their website, but they also have expat centres in several cities (The Hague, Amsterdam, Utrecht and Leiden), so if you’ve got questions about settling in, you can address these centres for free. Occasionally, they organise welcome events for new-comers.
Access also has a network of counselling and training, and works with companies that want to recruit internationals.
IamExpat platform
One of the largest online resources for internationals in the Netherlands, with news, events, housing, and job postings.
If you’re looking for a one-stop hub for expat life in the Netherlands, IamExpat is hard to beat. It’s a website packed with news, practical guides, events, and job listings tailored specifically for internationals. No matter what you need, you can be sure you will find the information on IamExpat.
They also host webinars, career fairs, and networking events, making it easier to meet other expats and professionals in your field. Many newcomers find that simply browsing the site every week gives them a sense of connection and confidence in their new environment. Even long-term residents keep coming back for updated guides, insider tips, and event listings (I can vouch for that!). I still remember how happy I was in my first years in the Netherlands when I’ve seen my own blog listed on their website! It was a great way to connect with other expats throughout the years.
Every year, IamExpat organises the IamExpat Fairs, where companies come to connect with expats in the Netherlands. The fairs take place in Amsterdam, The Hague and Eindhoven. If you’re early, you can get a free ticket; otherwise, pay 5 euros (or 10 at the entrance). This small sum will bring you face-to-face with companies that are of interest to you, and you can attend workshops and presentations or connect with other expats.
I think it’s interesting to know that they expanded their presence in Germany and Switzerland as well, so if you’re interested in information about those countries, check out the websites. For expats who want to stay informed, meet people, and navigate life in the Netherlands without feeling overwhelmed, IamExpat is an essential go-to. Make sure to bookmark it, because you’ll probably end up checking it more than once a week!
Expat Centers (Gemeente Services)
Most major cities in the Netherlands, including Amsterdam, Utrecht, Leiden, Eindhoven, and The Hague, have expat centers that make settling in much easier. These are official municipal offices that help internationals with everything from registering their residence to answering questions about healthcare, taxes, and permits. Many also host events, workshops, and cultural activities. It’s a practical first stop, but it’s also a place where you can meet other expats and feel part of a community from day one.
InterNations Netherlands
InterNations is one of the largest expat networks globally, and the Dutch chapters are very active. They organize regular social gatherings, professional networking events, and special interest groups in cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Eindhoven. InterNations is a great way to meet people, learn about the local scene, and even get insider tips on jobs, housing, and cultural events.
Meetup Groups (City-Based)
When it comes to finding new friends or just trying out hobbies, Meetup is a goldmine. Every major Dutch city has dozens of active groups for internationals: language exchanges, hiking and cycling clubs, photography walks, book clubs, startup meetups. The nice thing about Meetup is that you can try different groups until you find your vibe. It’s especially handy for expats who don’t want to wait months to start building a social circle. Many people say their closest Dutch friendships actually started with a simple Meetup coffee or city walk.
Women’s Business Initiatives
For international women looking to build a business or career in the Netherlands, there are several supportive initiatives worth exploring. One of the most established is Women’s Business Initiative International (WBII) in The Hague, which offers workshops, mentoring, and networking opportunities in a professional yet social setting. Female Ventures runs events across Dutch cities to inspire and empower women at different stages of their careers. They have a good selection of events throughout the year. Lean In Netherlands is another cool initiative, which organises events and also provides circles where women can share experiences and grow together. These communities not only open doors to professional opportunities but also create spaces for friendship and mutual support.
Libraries (OBA in Amsterdam and others)
Dutch libraries are much more than places to borrow books. The Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam (OBA) and other city libraries host language cafés, workshops, lectures, exhibitions, and even co-working spaces. They’re perfect for expats looking for a quiet place to work, meet others, or attend social and cultural events. Many libraries also have English-language collections and programs, making them very accessible for internationals.
Language Cafés
Language cafés pop up in almost every Dutch city, usually hosted by local libraries or community centres. They’re informal, social meetups where you can practice Dutch while meeting locals. These are excellent ways to improve your Dutch, build friendships, and integrate naturally into Dutch society, all in a friendly, low-pressure environment.
Volunteer Opportunities
Getting involved as a volunteer is one of the best ways to meet people, practice Dutch, and feel part of local life. Many organizations in the Netherlands welcome internationals, like: NL Cares, Serve the City, VluchtelingenWerk Nederland (Dutch Council for Refugees), Volunteer The Hague.
International Schools and Cultural Institutes
Places like the Alliance Française, Goethe-Institut, and British School in the Netherlands are more than just schools: they’re hubs for cultural events, workshops, and social gatherings. Expats often find that attending a lecture, exhibition, or class at these institutes is a great way to meet locals and other internationals who share similar interests.
This list is by no means exhaustive, but it’s a good starting point for anyone looking to feel at home, make friends, and connect with the broader expat community in the Netherlands. I hope it helps you find information and community, and please let me know which one was the most helpful for you.
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