Moving from London to the Netherlands is one of the most straightforward international moves a UK resident can make. Amsterdam is just a short Eurostar or flight away, the Dutch population speaks excellent English, and the Netherlands has a well-developed infrastructure for welcoming international professionals and families. Whether you are moving to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague or Utrecht, this guide covers everything you need to plan your move from London with confidence.
Why the Netherlands Is a Top Choice for London Expats
The Netherlands has long been one of the most popular destinations for UK nationals moving to Europe — and that trend has only grown since Brexit, as many London-based professionals sought a European base. Key attractions include:
- English widely spoken — the Netherlands consistently ranks as one of the best non-English-speaking countries for English language proficiency
- Strong economy — Amsterdam and Rotterdam are major European business hubs, with large concentrations of tech, logistics, finance and creative industries
- Excellent cycling infrastructure and public transport — many Dutch cities are highly cycle-friendly, making car ownership optional
- Proximity to London — Amsterdam is under 4 hours from London by Eurostar, making it easy to maintain ties with the UK
- International communities — Amsterdam and The Hague host significant expat populations, with well-established English-speaking services and social networks
Post-Brexit: What You Need to Move to the Netherlands
Since January 2021, UK nationals moving to the Netherlands must comply with Dutch immigration rules as non-EU citizens. Key requirements:
For stays longer than 90 days:
- You need a Dutch residence permit (verblijfsvergunning)
- Most permits require a confirmed employment contract, proof of self-sufficiency or family connection to a Dutch resident
- Register with the Basisregistratie Personen (BRP) at your local municipality within 5 days of arrival
For employment:
- Your Dutch employer typically sponsors your residence permit application
- Highly skilled migrants may qualify for the Kennismigrant (Knowledge Migrant) scheme, which offers an expedited permit process
For your belongings:
- Household goods moving from the UK to the Netherlands are subject to EU customs procedures
- Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief applies — your goods can be imported duty-free provided you meet the standard conditions (owned and used for 6+ months, genuine permanent relocation)
- Easy Move handles all customs documentation as part of our removals to the Netherlands service
Planning Your Move from London to the Netherlands: Timeline
10 weeks before
- Research and request quotes from removal companies
- Start your Dutch residence permit application if required (can take several weeks)
- Begin decluttering — the Netherlands has generally smaller living spaces than the UK
6 weeks before
- Confirm your removal booking with a fixed price
- Gather documents: UK proof of residency, Dutch address confirmation, passport
- Open a Dutch bank account if possible — ING, ABN AMRO and Bunq offer English-language services
3 weeks before
- Begin packing non-essential items
- Register your interest with the Dutch municipality’s BRP if your new address is confirmed
- Notify UK utility providers, HMRC and your GP
Moving week
- Label all boxes with room and contents
- Keep important documents and valuables with you
- Confirm delivery time with your Dutch contact or landlord
Cost of Moving from London to the Netherlands
The Netherlands is one of the closer European destinations from London, which helps keep transport costs competitive.
| Service type | Estimated cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Part-load (shared) | £400 – £850 | Studios, 1-bed flats, small shipments |
| Full-load (dedicated van) | £1,100 – £2,400 | 2-bed+ homes, full households |
| Professional packing add-on | £200 – £600 | Full household packing by our team |
Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht and The Hague are all served by Easy Move’s weekly UK departures. For a fixed, all-inclusive price, get a free quote for your removals to the Netherlands.
London to the Netherlands: Transit Times
| Destination | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|
| Amsterdam | 1–2 working days |
| Rotterdam | 1–2 working days |
| The Hague | 1–2 working days |
| Utrecht | 1–2 working days |
| Eindhoven | 2–3 working days |
The Netherlands is one of the closest European destinations for UK removal services, making it one of the fastest routes in our network.
Living in the Netherlands: What to Expect
Housing: The Dutch housing market — particularly in Amsterdam — is competitive. Rental prices in Amsterdam are high compared to other Dutch cities. Many expats start in Rotterdam or Utrecht where rents are lower, before relocating within the country later.
Healthcare: The Netherlands has a mandatory private health insurance system. You must take out a Dutch health insurance policy (zorgverzekering) within 4 months of registering as a resident. Basic premiums are around €130–160 per month.
Tax: The Netherlands offers the 30% ruling for qualifying highly skilled migrants — a significant tax benefit that exempts 30% of your salary from income tax for up to 5 years. Check eligibility with your employer or a Dutch tax adviser.
Cycling: Dutch cycling culture is not a cliché — it is infrastructure. Invest in a good bike early; it will transform your daily life.
Tips for a Smooth London to Netherlands Removal
Account for smaller Dutch rooms. Many Dutch apartments, particularly in older Amsterdam buildings, have narrow staircases and smaller rooms than equivalent UK properties. Measure your furniture before moving and be prepared to leave oversized items behind.
Check your removal company’s EU customs process. Post-Brexit, all UK-to-Netherlands moves require customs documentation. Ensure your removal company handles this in-house rather than outsourcing to a third-party customs agent.
Arrange temporary storage if needed. If your Dutch apartment is not ready when your UK tenancy ends, Easy Move offers short-term storage solutions so your moving dates do not have to be perfectly aligned.
Ready to Move? Get a Free Quote Today
Easy Move offers professional, fully insured door-to-door removals to the Netherlands with weekly departures from London and all major UK cities. We handle EU customs documentation, professional packing and direct delivery across Holland.
👉 Get your free, no-obligation quote for removals to the Netherlands
Frequently Asked Questions: Moving from London to the Netherlands
Do I need a visa to move from London to the Netherlands?
UK nationals can visit the Netherlands for up to 90 days without a visa. For longer stays — to live and work — you need a Dutch residence permit. The process depends on your circumstances: employment, self-sufficiency or family reunification. Your Dutch employer will typically assist with the application.
How long does a removal from London to the Netherlands take?
The Netherlands is one of the closest European destinations from London. Transit typically takes 1–2 working days, making it one of the fastest routes in Easy Move’s network.
Is Amsterdam expensive compared to London?
Amsterdam is expensive by European standards, but generally more affordable than central London — particularly for housing outside the city centre. Rotterdam, Utrecht and The Hague offer a lower cost of living than Amsterdam while remaining well-connected.
Do Dutch people speak English?
Yes — the Netherlands consistently ranks as one of the world’s best non-English-speaking countries for English proficiency. In Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague you will rarely encounter a language barrier in everyday life. That said, learning Dutch will significantly improve your social integration and career prospects.
Can I bring my bicycle when moving from London to the Netherlands?
Yes — bicycles can be included in your removal shipment. Let your removal company know in advance so it can be properly wrapped and protected during transit.
Ready to move? Our team handles the full process: packing, customs and delivery.