Netherlands expat demographic shifts from temporary to long stay

Expats in the Netherlands are now planning to stay indefinitely and live like the locals.

The Netherlands’ explosion of popularity amongst expats from most corners of the world has resulted in a good number deciding to stay long-term. At first, the small country was besieged by highly-skilled expats looking to find a niche to occupy, but the demographic is changing as those who’ve not quite got it right are moving on to the latest ‘find’. It’s now estimated that round 50 per cent of those who arrived over the past two years are happy to become long-stay residents for five years or more, continuing with either their new businesses or in jobs they enjoy.

It’s not difficult to adapt to living life as do the Dutch, with living like a local now the accepted way in the expat community. Long-stayers are now sending their children to Dutch schools and at least 38 per cent of recent arrivals are planning on biting the bullet and learning the Dutch language. Amsterdam is still the favourite destination for expatriates, especially for its job opportunities with companies relocating from the UK pre-Brexit.

Housing is still a problem due to a shortage of suitable properties, and prices remain high for both renters and buyers, with enterprising construction companies vying to provide affordable solutions for expatriate needs. At present, developers are concentrating on apartment blocks for newcomers intending to rent until they’ve found their feet, with some long-stay apartments being sold fully furnished and serviced. Developers are also hoping to link up with relocation companies in an attempt to corner the market in company employees moving to the Netherlands along with their formerly UK-based employers.