10 Frustrations Expats Have When Moving to the Netherlands

As is the case when moving to any new place, adapting to life in the Netherlands is not free of its frustrations. Although the Netherlands is, of course, a great country, knowing about these can help you overcome them more easily and appreciate everything the country has to offer.

1. The Weather: rain, rain, go away

Let’s tackle the elephant in the room first. The Dutch climate can be a downer. There’s no way to sugar coat it. Prepare for plenty of rain, wind, and long, grey days, mostly during the fall and winter. This can affect your mood and restrict outdoor activities.

Solution: Adopt the Dutch “gezelligheid“ – coziness. Invest in quality rain gear, take up some indoor hobbies, and visit warm, cozy cafes. The Dutch have perfected living indoors, and you can, too. Make trip arrangements to sunnier weather destinations.

2. Language Barriers: More Than Basic Dutch

While most Dutch people are great English speakers, using English exclusively will prevent you from being able to relate to the locals on a more personal level. Interaction on a day-to-day basis, navigating Dutch bureaucracy (have you seen letters from the ‘Gemeente?’), and understanding cultural cues is more challenging when you don’t know any Dutch.

Solution: Invest in learning some basic Dutch. This sets the groundwork for later on. Download apps like Duolingo or Babbel, and attend courses at a local language school, where you’ll find interactive lessons that put you in the environment you’ll use them in. Free lessons are available to some. Don’t worry about stumbling and getting it wrong – people will value your attempt.

3. Healthcare System: GPS and Paracetamol

The Dutch healthcare system is effective, but it can also be confusing to outsiders. Its use of General Practitioners (GPS) as gatekeepers to get a referral to a specialist or to have surgical procedures, and the tendency to prescribe paracetamol for almost everything, can be infuriating. Understanding what is and isn’t covered under insurance can also be a hassle.

Solution: Get to know the system. Be proactive in getting concerns addressed by your GP, and don’t worry about asking about all options on the table.

4. Planning Ahead: Decreased Spontaneity

The Dutch have a reputation for being planners, sometimes to an overly cautious extent. Spontaneity can become a thing of the past once a tight routine and appointments booked weeks in advance set in.

Solution: Adopt the Dutch planning style—it will reduce stress in the long term. Acquire the habit of organizing your activities in advance. Attend more spontaneous events with your fellow expats.

5. Outrageous Housing Prices: The Pinch is Real

Finding low-cost housing is a nightmare, particularly in larger cities like Amsterdam. With high demand and the housing supply constricted by strict rules on landlords, the cost of renting and buying has risen to astronomical levels, requiring significant earnings to secure a reasonable place. As of early 2025, the average price for a house in Amsterdam was around 600,000€. Lenders usually allow for borrowing of up to four and a quarter times annual salary. This means you need to earn around 120k—not an everyday salary.

Solution: Be persistent and patient in your search. Expand the search to neighboring towns and cities with more affordable housing opportunities. Use a real estate professional familiar with your chosen area.

6. Direct Dutchness and Pragmatism: No nonsense

The Dutch communicate directly and pragmatically, and at times, their manner may appear blunt or insensitive to individuals from cultures that are more indirect and polite.

Solution: Recognize that directness isn’t meant to sound condescending but rather to demonstrate honesty and efficiency. Acquire a sense of appreciation for the straightforwardness and frankness of the Dutch attitude in communication. Never hesitate to put forward your views assertively, but politely.

7. Limited Information in English: Lost in Translation

While many Dutch sites and facilities provide English versions, official and crucial data, particularly concerning the government, healthcare, and the law, are typically only available in Dutch. This can prove difficult and alienating to foreigners.

Solution: Use translation tools and seek support from expats or locals. Learn Dutch to improve access to resources and facilities.

8. Difficulty in Establishing a Social Network: Handling Loneliness

Moving to a new country can be exhilarating, but it can also be lonely. Expats here in the Netherlands struggle to find their way into existing groups, particularly if they are not native speakers. It may be isolating at first, with friends and family absent and a new culture to navigate. Even in an extensive urban environment, you can feel alone.

Solution: Be open to new experiences. The country has a thriving expat community—join clubs, sports teams, or other general interest groups. Language courses can serve as a social hangout, and volunteering is a fantastic way to meet people while giving back. Creating new social networks takes time. Don’t be impatient and keep putting yourself out there. In no time, you’ll have your own social network of friends.

9. Administrative and Registration Delays: A Sea of Paperwork

Coming to the Netherlands, most expats anticipate hitting the ground running—only to find they are ensnared in a maze of paperwork and appointments. From registering at the ‘Gemeente’ to obtaining a BSN number, organizing health insurance, or opening a bank account, the sheer number of forms can be daunting. Chuck in some language barriers, and it’s easy to feel like you’re sinking in bureaucracy quicksand.

Solution: The secret to navigating Dutch bureaucracy is preparation and early help. Do your research beforehand: find out what paperwork you’ll need, register for a registration appointment in advance, and keep copies of everything. And don’t forget that every previous expat got through it, so look to online forums or social media groups for advice and reassurance. With a bit of prep and the right advice, you’ll be out of the red tape in no time, ready to make the most of your new life.

10. Dental Frustrations: A Pain in the… Mouth

Dealing with the Dutch dental system can be a major source of frustration for expats. This typically encompasses convoluted insurance arrangements, confusing T&Cs and a shortage of open and available information. On top of that, coverage is not usually 100%—extras always creep in.

Solution: Finding a dentist you trust and feel comfortable with can be challenging, especially when you’re new to the country. Language barriers, unfamiliarity with Dutch dental practices, and concerns about the quality of care can add to the anxiety.

This is where Lassus Tandartsen comes in. Lassus has several offices in Amsterdam, as well as in Tilburg and Lelystad. With English, German, French, and Spanish-speaking dentists, the journey from first treatment to payment will be seamless. They help you determine what you need to know, so you can select an insurance plan that meets your needs. They don’t suggest, decide or try to influence you, but instead give you the facts so you can choose. While Lassus can’t solve the weather, they can help with your dental frustrations.