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Key takeaways
1.With its solid economy and high standard of living, the Netherlands is a sought-after destination for expats. 2.Applying for a residence permit and securing employment in the Netherlands requires careful research and planning. 3.This step-by-step guide helps you navigate the Dutch residence permit process and smoothly transition into your new home.
Ciao! Are you an Italian planning to move to the Netherlands for work, study, or a better quality of life? You are not alone: over 30,000 Italians already live here, and the number keeps growing every year.
As EU citizens, Italians can move freely without a visa, but the practical side of relocation still requires planning: housing, registration, banking, healthcare, and adjusting to a different lifestyle.
This guide is based on real data from hundreds of Italian expats we have assisted, official Dutch and Italian sources (CBS, ISTAT, Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken, Eurostat 2025, Numbeo 2025), and the most common questions we receive daily.
Why Italians Choose the Netherlands in 2025
The Netherlands remains one of the top destinations for Italians, especially young professionals and students.
Main reasons:
- Higher salaries and better work-life balance: Average gross monthly salary in the Netherlands: €3,800–€4,500 (Eurostat 2025) compared to around €2,500–€2,800 in Italy. Sectors where Italians are particularly in demand: IT, engineering, design, architecture, finance, logistics, and hospitality.
- Top universities: Leiden, Utrecht, University of Amsterdam (UvA), Erasmus Rotterdam, Delft, and Wageningen rank consistently in the global top 100. Many programs are fully in English and tuition for EU students is €2,530 per year (2025-2026).
- High quality of life Excellent public transport, cycling infrastructure, safety, and healthcare. English proficiency is 90%+ (EF EPI 2024), so you can live comfortably without speaking Dutch at the beginning.
- Family-friendly policies Generous parental leave (up to 26 weeks paid for partners in 2025), childcare subsidies (kinderopvangtoeslag), and good international schools.
- Proximity to Italy Direct flights from Milan, Rome, Naples, Catania, etc. take 2–2.5 hours and cost €40–€120 round-trip with Ryanair, easyJet or ITA Airways.
Most popular cities among Italians: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, Eindhoven, and Groningen.
Biggest Challenges Italian Expats Face in 2025
- Housing crisis (the #1 problem): The Netherlands has a shortage of approximately 390,000–400,000 homes (Ministerie van BZK 2024–2025). In Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Rotterdam you often compete with 50–300 other applicants for one rental. Average rent 2025:
- Studio/1-bedroom: €1,100–€1,800
- 2-bedroom apartment: €1,800–€2,800
- Outside Randstad (e.g. Zwolle, Arnhem, Tilburg): €900–€1,500
- Strict landlord requirements: Most landlords or agencies require:
- Employment contract with gross salary at least 3.5–4× the rent
- Or a guarantor living in the Netherlands/EU with sufficient income
- Many do not accept only Italian parents as guarantors or large savings without Dutch income
- Pet restrictions: Around 65–70% of rental properties do not allow pets (Pararius 2025 data).
- Cultural adjustment: Dutch directness, smaller living spaces (average apartment 70 m² vs 90–100 m² in Italy), rainy weather, and high income tax rates (37.1%–49.5%).
- Bureaucracy for mixed-nationality families: If your partner or spouse is non-EU, they will need a separate residence permit (even if you are EU).
Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Overall, living costs in the main Dutch cities are 15–25% higher than in Milan or Rome.
Step-by-Step Relocation Checklist
- Before leaving Italy
- Get your European Health Insurance Card (TEAM/Tessera Europea Assicurazione Malattia) – valid for emergencies
- Prepare apostilled birth/marriage certificates (needed for registration if you bring family)
- Start searching for housing 2–3 months in advance
- First week in the Netherlands
- Register at the municipality (gemeente) within 5 days of arrival → get your BSN (Burgerservicenummer)
- Required documents: passport/ID, rental contract or declaration from main tenant, apostilled birth certificate (for non-EU family members or marriage registration)
- Open a Dutch bank accountING, ABN AMRO, or Rabobank. You need BSN + address registration.
- Health insurance (mandatory)You must take out Dutch basic insurance within 4 months (€130–€160/month in 2025). Popular providers for expats: Zilveren Kruis, CZ, VGZ.
- Tax and social securityIf you work in NL, you pay taxes here. Italy–Netherlands double taxation treaty prevents paying twice. Apply for zorgtoeslag (healthcare allowance) and possibly huurtoeslag (rent subsidy) if your income and rent qualify.
- Driving licenceItalian licence is valid for 185 days after registration. After that you must exchange it (no test required for EU licences).
- PetsEU pet passport + rabies vaccination + microchip mandatory. Register the chip in Dutch database (NDG) within 2 weeks.
Tips from Real Italian Expats (2024–2025)
- Start housing search early and be flexible on location (Haarlem, Amstelveen, Zaandam, Leiden are 15–30 min from Amsterdam and much cheaper)
- Join Facebook groups: “Italians in Amsterdam”, “Italians in Nederland”, “Housing in Amsterdam (serious only)”
- Use multiple platforms: Funda, Pararius, Kamernet, Stekkies, Huurwoningen
- Consider temporary accommodation (Airbnb, Booking, or serviced apartments) for the first 1–2 months
FAQ – Italian Expats Moving to the Netherlands
Can my Italian parents be guarantors?
Sometimes yes, but many landlords prefer Dutch/EU guarantors with Dutch income. Some agencies accept foreign guarantors if documents are translated and notarised.
Do I need to speak Dutch?
No for daily life and most jobs in international companies. Yes if you want to integrate fully or work in local companies/government.
How long does it take to find housing?
With standard search: 2–6 months. With professional help or off-market networks: 2–6 weeks.
Can I bring my pet?
Yes, but you must specifically search for “huisdieren toegestaan” properties (only ~30% allow pets).
Will I pay Italian taxes if I work in the Netherlands?
No. Once you are tax resident in NL (registered + working), you declare and pay taxes only in the Netherlands thanks to the bilateral treaty.
Ready to make the move? The Netherlands offers opportunities that are hard to find in Italy today. With good planning, your relocation can be smooth and successful.
Article by
Claire Krechting
Claire Krechting is an expat relocation and housing expert in the Netherlands, assisting over 20 international households per month with securing rental and purchase properties.
Her clients include professionals relocating through multinational companies such as ING, Nike, Tata Steel, and IMC. Claire works exclusively within the Dutch expat housing market and is fully specialized in relocation and residential real estate for expats and international professionals.
