Moving to the Netherlands from Italy: what you actually need to know

Italy and the Netherlands share more than you might expect: a love for good food, strong family ties, and a deeply rooted sense of regional identity. But the practical realities of daily life, from how you pay taxes to how you find an apartment, are genuinely different. Every year we help Italian professionals, couples, and families settle into Dutch life, and the questions that come up follow a clear pattern.

This guide covers the steps that matter most: registration, housing, healthcare, banking, and taxes. We have kept it specific to Italians because the details, especially around tax treaties, driver's licences, and healthcare portability, are different from what other EU nationals face.

Why Italians choose the Netherlands in 2025

Italy's economy has recovered unevenly since the pandemic. Youth unemployment remains above 20 percent in several southern regions, and mid-career salaries in fields such as tech, finance, and engineering still lag behind northern European averages. The Netherlands offers a compelling alternative for many Italians, and the reasons tend to cluster around a few themes.

Higher salaries attract a large share of movers. The average gross salary in the Netherlands sits around EUR 44,000 per year compared with roughly EUR 31,000 in Italy. In tech and finance roles the gap can be even wider, especially when factoring in the 30 percent ruling tax benefit available to qualifying skilled migrants.

English-friendly workplaces make the transition smoother than in many other EU countries. Around 93 percent of the Dutch population speaks English, and most international companies operate entirely in English. This removes one of the biggest barriers Italian professionals face when considering moves to Germany or France.

EU freedom of movement means no visa or work permit is required. You can move, start working, and register without any sponsorship process. This is a major practical advantage, especially compared with countries outside the EU.

University tuition for EU nationals is capped at EUR 2,530 per year, making the Netherlands one of the most affordable options for Italian students looking at English-taught master's programmes. Several Dutch universities rank in the global top 100.

Quality of life is consistently rated highly. The Netherlands regularly appears in the top five of global liveability indices, with excellent public transport, cycling infrastructure, and access to green space, even in the Randstad.

In our experience, the Italians who thrive here are those who arrive with realistic expectations. The Netherlands is not a Mediterranean country: winters are long and grey, social life takes time to build, and bureaucracy, while different from Italy's, has its own frustrations.

Biggest challenges Italian expats face in 2025

Housing

This is the number one pain point for every Italian expat we work with. The Dutch rental market is extremely competitive, especially in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht. Average rents for a one-bedroom apartment in Amsterdam range from EUR 1,800 to EUR 2,500 per month. Supply is limited and landlords can afford to be selective.

Italian guarantors are not always accepted by Dutch landlords. Many require a guarantor with Dutch income or a Dutch bank account. If your parents in Italy want to act as guarantors, some agencies will accept this if all documents are translated and notarised, but it is not guaranteed.

We see many Italian expats underestimate the time and effort required to find housing. A standard search can take two to six months. Working with a relocation service or tapping into off-market networks can bring this down to two to six weeks, but it comes at a cost.

Healthcare

Every resident in the Netherlands must take out basic Dutch health insurance (basisverzekering). This costs approximately EUR 140 to EUR 170 per month. On top of that, there is a mandatory annual deductible (eigen risico) of EUR 385 before your insurer covers non-GP costs.

If you are used to the Italian SSN (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale), the Dutch system will feel different. GPs act as gatekeepers and you cannot go directly to a specialist without a referral. Wait times for specialists can be several weeks. Emergency care is excellent, but the day-to-day experience requires some adjustment.

Before your Dutch insurance starts, you can use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC/TEAM) for temporary cover. Once you are registered and employed, switch to Dutch insurance within four months.

Weather and social life

This sounds trivial but it is one of the most cited reasons Italians consider returning home. The Netherlands averages around 1,650 sunshine hours per year compared with 2,500 or more in central and southern Italy. Winters are dark, wet, and long.

Socially, the Dutch can come across as direct and reserved compared with Italian norms. Building close friendships takes time. In our experience, the Italians who integrate most successfully are those who join clubs, sports teams, or community groups early on rather than relying solely on the expat bubble.

Bureaucracy

While the Netherlands is generally well-organised, the municipality registration process (registratie bij de gemeente) requires a specific set of documents and an appointment. Getting a BSN (burgerservicenummer, the Dutch equivalent of a codice fiscale) depends on successful registration, and without a BSN you cannot open a bank account, start health insurance, or sign most employment contracts.

We recommend booking your gemeente appointment as early as possible after arrival, as slots in Amsterdam and other major cities can be booked out weeks in advance.

Cost of living comparison (2025)

Below is a side-by-side comparison of typical monthly costs in Amsterdam versus Milan, the two cities most Italian expats compare. All figures are approximate and based on 2025 data.

The headline is that Amsterdam is more expensive for housing and daily costs, but higher Dutch salaries and potential tax benefits (especially the 30 percent ruling) often more than compensate. Outside Amsterdam, cities like Eindhoven, Groningen, and Maastricht offer significantly lower rents while still providing good job markets in specific sectors.

Step-by-step relocation checklist

Before you leave Italy

1. Secure a job offer or university admission. While not legally required for EU citizens, having employment lined up makes every subsequent step easier, especially housing.
2. Gather your documents. You will need a valid passport or ID card, birth certificate (with apostille for some processes), proof of employment or admission, and your Italian codice fiscale. If you have a partner or children, bring marriage and birth certificates too.
3. Request a certified extract from your Italian municipality (certificato di residenza) if your landlord or employer asks for proof of previous address.
4. Apply for temporary housing. Book a serviced apartment, apart-hotel, or short-stay rental for your first four to eight weeks. This gives you a registered address to work with while you search for permanent housing.
5. Notify the AIRE (Anagrafe degli Italiani Residenti all'Estero) at your local Italian consulate. This is legally required within 90 days of establishing residence abroad and affects your Italian tax position.

First two weeks in the Netherlands

1. Register at the gemeente (municipality). Book your appointment at the municipality of the city where you will live. Bring your passport or ID card, proof of address (rental contract or a landlord's consent letter), and birth certificate. You will receive your BSN at this appointment.
2. Open a Dutch bank account. With your BSN in hand, visit ING, ABN AMRO, or Rabobank. Most banks allow you to start the process online but may require an in-branch verification. Having a Dutch bank account is essential for receiving salary, paying rent, and setting up insurance.
3. Arrange Dutch health insurance. You are legally required to have basic Dutch health insurance within four months of starting work or registering. Compare providers at independer.nl or zorgwijzer.nl. In our experience, CZ and Zilveren Kruis are popular choices among expats for their English-language support.

First one to three months

1. Find permanent housing. Start your search immediately. Use Funda, Pararius, and local Facebook groups. Consider working with a relocation agent if your budget allows, especially in Amsterdam and Utrecht where competition is fiercest.
2. Exchange your Italian driving licence. EU licences are valid in the Netherlands, but if you plan to stay long-term, exchanging it at the RDW simplifies things. The process requires a valid Italian licence, a passport photo, and a small fee. No driving test is required for EU licence holders.
3. Set up your DigiD. This is the Dutch digital identity system used for tax returns, healthcare declarations, and many government services. You can apply at digid.nl once you have a BSN.
4. Register with a GP (huisarts). Finding a GP who accepts new patients can take some effort, particularly in Amsterdam. Register as soon as possible rather than waiting until you need medical care.

First three to six months

1. File any required tax notifications. If you arrived partway through the year, you may need to file a partial-year tax return (aangifte inkomstenbelasting). If you qualify for the 30 percent ruling, your employer should have applied for this through the Belastingdienst.
2. Consider Dutch language classes. While not required, even a basic level of Dutch (A2) makes daily life significantly more comfortable and shows good faith to Dutch colleagues and neighbours. Many municipalities offer subsidised language courses for EU citizens.
3. Build your network. Join Italian expat groups, professional meetups, and local clubs. The transition from Italian social warmth to Dutch social norms takes time, and having a support network makes a real difference.

Tips from Italian expats (2024–2025)

Over the past year we have worked with dozens of Italian expats settling in the Netherlands. Here are some of the most consistent pieces of advice they share with newcomers.

• Do not skip temporary housing. Almost every Italian who tried to find a permanent apartment from Italy before arriving ended up either scammed or disappointed. Arrive, settle into a short-stay, and search in person.
• Budget more than you think for the first three months. Between deposits (usually two to three months' rent), health insurance, and setting up a household, the upfront costs add up quickly. A buffer of EUR 5,000 to EUR 8,000 on top of your first month's salary is realistic.
• Get used to the Dutch directness. It is not rudeness; it is a cultural norm. When your colleague tells you your presentation needs work, they are trying to help, not insult you.
• Buy a good bike immediately. This is not a joke. A reliable city bike (around EUR 300 to EUR 500 for a decent second-hand one) will save you money and time compared with public transport for most daily trips.
• Do not rely on Italian food shops for everything. Dutch supermarkets like Albert Heijn and Jumbo have improved their international sections significantly. For the rest, the Italian shops in Amsterdam (like Ferrara on Haarlemmerdijk) and online stores fill the gaps.
• Register with AIRE early. We see many Italians procrastinate on this. Do it within the first 90 days. Failing to register can create complications with your Italian tax obligations and with voting rights.
• Join a sport or hobby group. The fastest way to make Dutch friends is through structured activities. Football (calcetto) groups, running clubs, and even board game nights are far more effective than trying to socialise at bars.
• Expect a transition period of six to twelve months. Almost every Italian expat we work with goes through a phase of questioning the decision around the three-to-six-month mark. This is normal. It usually resolves once housing is settled, routines are established, and a few genuine friendships form.