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7 Best Places To Retire In The Netherlands

7 Best Places To Retire In The Netherlands.

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Introduction

Find out why The Netherlands might be the ideal country to spend your golden years as you read on to learn about the best places to retire in The Netherlands.

The Netherlands is a popular retirement destination for expats because it provides a number of advantages for those approaching retirement.

There are many social service programs across the nation that benefit the elderly as they start to age and experience an increase in medical conditions, and there are noticeably lower tax rates, particularly in the area of capital gains tax. 

Here are the 7 best places to retire in The Netherlands.

7 Best Places To Retire in The Netherlands

1. Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a vibrant melting pot of cultures with residents from over 180 different nationalities, making it one of the best places to live in all of Europe. It embodies the Dutch way of life with its lovely canals, tall buildings with recognizable facades, and a lot of bicycles.

Numerous activities are available in Amsterdam. There are charming parks, coffee shops, cafés, world-class museums, and a renowned nightlife scene just outside your door, so you’ll never get bored.

Numerous cultural festivals occur all year long, providing nonstop entertainment. Due to its popularity as a place to live, this city has the highest housing costs in the Netherlands.

2. The Hague

Being the political hub of the country, The Hague is the ideal location to observe Koningsdag. It also achieves the perfect harmony between the city and the urban environment because it is centred on mature woods.

Given that it is home to important embassies and international organizations, it should come as no surprise that the global community is thriving.

It is one of the best places to retire in The Netherlands, especially for retired employees of international organizations.

Due to its proximity to Scheveningen’s wide beaches and recognizable piers, this city is a favourite among beach lovers.

7 Best Places To Retire In The Netherlands
Plein Square, The Hague. Photo from Wikimedia Commons

3. Rotterdam

Rotterdam exudes a decidedly contemporary vibe thanks to its streamlined architecture. Being the second-largest city in the country and possessing the biggest seaport in all of Europe, it naturally attracts a sizable number of workers from all over the world. Because of the trendy dining options and the abundance of parks and greenery, it’s a desirable place to live.

It may be challenging to find a place to live in the city centre due to the low availability and high rent, even though there are typically more housing options in and around Rotterdam than in Amsterdam.

4. Utrecht

Utrecht, a Dutch medieval city, has a fantastical feel to it that is why it is one of the best places to retire in The Netherlands especially for lovers of the Old World.

This historical district is frequently referred to as “Little Amsterdam” because it is made up of charming old houses, bridges, and canals that all curve outward from the central Dom Tower.

The student scene is thriving in this humming university town. In addition to the fantastic restaurant scene, the Oudegracht is lined with numerous terraces. Due to the fact that it hosts more cultural events each year than Amsterdam, Utrecht is a well-known entertainment hotspot.

7 Best Places To Retire In The Netherlands
De Oudegracht (Old Canal), Utrecht. Photo from Flickr

5. Haarlem

The small city of Haarlem has a quaint, rural atmosphere. Monthly fairs, cobblestone streets along the Spaarne River, and two urban forests make this a great place to live.

Although its location in the Amsterdam metropolitan area makes it increasingly popular with immigrants, it’s a quiet place for families to live.

6. Eindhoven

Despite its unsightly appearance, Eindhoven is currently the centre of technological innovation. It is the greenest of the major Dutch cities, with parks occupying one-third of its public spaces.

The Stratumseind, the country’s longest café and bar street, is located in Eindhoven, a favorite vacation spot for those who enjoy a few beers. Everywhere in Eindhoven is fun; that’s why it is one of the best places to retire in The Netherlands.

If you’re an impatient modern nomad, the nearby airport will be a huge benefit.

7. Groningen

The largest city in the northern Netherlands, Groningen is inexpensive, has a sizable student population, and is located in the country’s north. It seems to exist independently because of its active calendar of cultural festivals and thriving student nightlife scene. It’s 2.5 hours by train from Amsterdam, but as an outlying city, it’s less welcoming to English speakers.

7 Best Places To Retire In The Netherlands
Groningen, The Netherlands. Photo by Bert Kaufmann on Flickr

Retiring in The Netherlands

For foreigners looking to retire in Europe, the Netherlands is not the most obvious choice. Spain, Portugal, and France, three neighbours with more sunshine, deserve that distinction.

The Netherlands does, however, have a very high standard of living and a good healthcare system. If you are considering relocating abroad, these factors alone are important to take into account.

The 2020 OECD Better Life Index revealed that the Netherlands performed exceptionally well. achieving a work/life balance score that tops the table and having above-average housing, well-being, and health status ratings.

Additionally, the nation performed well on the 2021 Natixis Global Retirement Index. After all, it moved up from 10th in 2019 to take 5th for the second year in a row. Although the nation came in third for mental health, its financial standing was only mediocre—28th.

Eligibility to Retire in The Netherlands

You don’t need a visa or a Machtiging to Voorlopig Verblijf (MVV) to enter the Netherlands if you’re a citizen of one of the member countries of the European Union (EU) or the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

You must nonetheless register with your local council. Your information will be stored in the Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP).

You will need the following to live in The Netherlands:

  • A valid passport
  • Proof of health insurance
  • Sufficient funds

These funds may originate from assets, pensions, or inherited money. Your total annual income must be at least as much as the Dutch minimum wage. The Dutch minimum wage will be €1,725 per month as of January 2022.

If your income is lower than this amount, however, you will have to show that you will have enough money to support yourself.

Since you won’t be performing paid work in the Netherlands, you’ll also need to sign a declaration stating that you’ll be “economically inactive.”

Some nationals do not require an MVV to enter the Netherlands, but if they intend to stay for more than 90 days, they will need a residence permit.

These are Andorra, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, San Marino, South Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vatican City.

You might require both an MVV and a residence permit if you’re from another nation.

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