Moving to The Hague

The Hague is the seat of government in the Netherlands, and one of the most popular destinations for foreign nationals, apart from Amsterdam.

Expats moving to the Hague will join a healthy international community - currently there are more than 50,000 foreigners residing in this amazing city, and many more continue to make the nation's third-largest metropolis home.

Though the city may not have the edginess and busy congested lifestyle of Amsterdam, it provides residents a more sedate, conservative and sophisticated take on living.

Picturesque buildings constructed during the medieval, renaissance and baroque periods; a great expanse of greenways; beautiful beaches and generally wider spaces, allow one to breath easy and indulge heartily. Not to mention, entertainment opportunities abound in the form of museums, shopping streets, restaurants and theatres.

Expats moving to the Hague will find plenty of job opportunities in lieu of the large number of international companies and organisations located within the city. There are websites that advertise positions for non-Dutch speakers, such as Blue Lynx Employment and the Undutchables.

Not to mention, the government has established Xpat Desk, a local program designed to benefit all expats living and working in the area. This serves as a fantastic jumping-off point for many to create a network of contacts and to meet others within the community.

Expats with children need not worry about quality education, as The Hague has several good international schools and universities, such as, the American School in Hague; The International School of The Hague; The British School; and The Hague University.

The city is fairly compact, making it pedestrian-friendly in case the very efficient public transport system isn't your cup of tea. Furthermore, local and international destinations such as Cologne, Berlin, Frankfurt, Prague, Moscow, Basel and Copenhagen are within easy reach by train. Trams, buses and taxis are also available throughout the city.

The locals of The Hague are warm and amiable people, that enjoy the city’s many attractions and beautiful architecture. Unlike in Amsterdam, the more conservative residents of The Hague frown upon any displays of ostentatious behaviour. Yet, the  diversity of every expat community is very much respected and accepted.

On the downside, as The Hague is a premiere destination for both locals and expats, space is very limited, and the cost of housing is on the high side. But compared to other cities in Europe, such as London, the cost of living in The Hague is still more reasonable.

Expats moving to the Hague will certainly find they've stumbled upon a quality cosmopolitan life.