Amsterdam Cost of Living, Salary & Rent (2026)

NHS → Local healthcare

The Netherlands uses mandatory private insurance (Zorgverzekeringswet). Everyone must buy a basic package (basispakket) — ~€130–€170/month — from competing insurers. Employers contribute ~50% via payroll. Quality is excellent with short waits. The system is more like regulated private insurance than the NHS. GHIC covers emergency tourist care only. S1 form gives UK pensioners access to the Dutch system. The €385/year eigen risico (deductible) applies to most care except GP visits.

Buying property post-Brexit

Dutch banks lend generously: non-EU residents can get 80–90% LTV with Dutch employment income. Without local income, expect 50–70% LTV. No foreign-buyer surtax. Transfer tax (overdrachtsbelasting) is 2% for primary residences, 10.4% for investment properties. Notary fees add ~0.5–1%. Dutch mortgage interest is tax-deductible (hypotheekrenteaftrek) for 30 years — a significant benefit. Rates: 3.5–4.5% fixed.

UK pension portability

The Netherlands accepts QROPS transfers to qualifying Dutch pension schemes. The 25% OTC position is complex post-Brexit. UK state pension is paid in the Netherlands with full annual uprating (Withdrawal Agreement covers pre-2021 movers; post-2021 arrivals rely on the UK-Netherlands bilateral agreement). The Dutch pension system (AOW + occupational) provides substantial benefits — AOW builds at 2% per year of residence. The UK-Netherlands totalization agreement combines NI years for AOW eligibility.

CGT on your UK home

The 5-year non-residence rule applies for UK property. The Netherlands doesn't tax actual capital gains for residents — instead it taxes a deemed return on net assets (Box 3: 1.2–5.5% fictional return taxed at 36%). Your UK property's market value counts toward Box 3 assets. Credit for UK CGT paid on UK property disposals.

Double taxation treaty

The UK-Netherlands Double Taxation Convention (2009) covers income, pensions, and gains. UK government pensions: taxed only in the UK. Private pensions: generally taxable only in the Netherlands once resident. The 30% ruling gives qualifying expat employees a 30% tax-free allowance for up to 5 years — effectively reducing the top rate from 49.5% to ~35%.

Getting EU mobility back

After 5 years of continuous legal residence, apply for EU Long-Term Resident status or a permanent residence permit. Dutch citizenship requires 5 years of residence, passing the civic integration exam (inburgeringsexamen), and — critically — renouncing other nationalities. The Netherlands generally does not allow dual nationality (exceptions exist for birth-right or spouse cases). This is a significant consideration for UK citizens.

Tax situation

The Canada-Netherlands treaty prevents double taxation. The 30% ruling gives qualifying expats a 30% tax-free allowance for up to 5 years — effectively dropping the top rate to ~35%. Worth structuring for if you're employer-sponsored.

Healthcare swap

The Netherlands uses mandatory private insurance (~€130–€170/month). Quality is excellent. No reciprocal agreement with Canada.

How to get in

The Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant) visa is the main entry point for employed professionals. Self-employed route exists but is harder to qualify for.

Working Holiday Visa

The Netherlands has a WHV agreement with Canada. Age limit: 18–30. Duration: 12 months.