Is Amsterdam a good place for Americans to move to?

It's easy for newcomers and expats to settle in, given the city's cosmopolitan spirit, rich cultural life and large international community – combined with a compact size to make getting around a breeze. Many consider Amsterdam one of the best places to live in the Netherlands.



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The 30% ruling is a tax advantage for highly skilled migrants working in the Netherlands. In a nutshell, the taxable amount of a gross Dutch salary is reduced from 100% to 70%, meaning 30% of the wage is tax free. Visit our 30% ruling page to learn more about its purpose, duration, benefits and how to apply.

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The Dutch government's notoriously tolerant drug policies almost certainly help to keep crime rates down as well. Cannabis, for example, has been effectively decriminalised since the 1970s which means that convictions related to possession or use are exceptionally uncommon.

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If you want to stay in the Netherlands for longer than 90 days, you may need a residence permit. In many cases you will also have to apply for a long-stay visa before you travel to the Netherlands. This visa is also called an authorisation for temporary stay (MVV).

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Yes, the tap water in Amsterdam is safe to drink according to international standards. According to many Dutch people it's among the best in Europe. The local water provider Waternet continuously monitors water quality to ensure it meets high safety standards.

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Everyone is welcome to visit the Red Light District, although, always be respectful and never take photographs or record videos. Please note it's prohibited to drink alcohol and smoke cannabis in public. This behaviour will not be tolerated and will result in fines.

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The Dutch capital's center is very walkable as it's so compact – perhaps a little too much as it tends to get very crowded.

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