The Hague (Den Haag) is one of Europe’s most internationally minded cities — home to the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, Europol, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), and dozens of other international institutions. It is the seat of the Dutch government and parliament (though Amsterdam is the formal capital), the location of many multinational corporate headquarters, and one of the Netherlands’ most liveable cities for international professionals and families. For UK nationals relocating to work in international law, diplomacy, government, security and defence sectors, The Hague is the destination of choice in the Netherlands.
Why UK Nationals Move to The Hague
- International institutions — The Hague hosts more international organisations than any other city in the world except New York and Geneva. The ICJ, ICC, OPCW, Eurojust, the European Patent Office and dozens of others are based here
- Highly international community — approximately 100 nationalities are represented in The Hague. English is widely spoken at a very high level across professional and daily contexts
- More affordable than Amsterdam — rental prices in The Hague are typically 20–35% lower than equivalent properties in Amsterdam, while quality of life is comparable
- Proximity to the coast — The Hague borders the North Sea. Scheveningen and Kijkduin beaches are within the city limits; the coastal neighbourhood of Scheveningen has a substantial expat community
- Good transport links — direct intercity trains to Amsterdam Central (50 minutes), Rotterdam (25 minutes), Utrecht (45 minutes), Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (35 minutes)
- International school provision — The Hague has one of the Netherlands’ strongest international school ecosystems, with multiple international primary and secondary schools serving the diplomatic community
The Hague Neighbourhoods: Where to Live
Statenkwartier — one of The Hague’s most desirable residential neighbourhoods. Beautiful late 19th and early 20th century architecture, wide tree-lined streets, independent shops and restaurants. Popular with professionals and families. Close to the embassies and international organisations.
Benoordenhout — upmarket, quiet residential area. Large detached properties, close to Haagse Bos forest. Popular with ambassadors, senior diplomats and wealthy expats. More expensive than most other areas.
Bezuidenhout — modern, increasingly popular neighbourhood adjacent to the government and business district. Good value, young professional demographic. Well connected by public transport.
Scheveningen — the beach neighbourhood. Lively, touristy in summer, with a genuine residential community for those who value the North Sea lifestyle. Popular with expats who want seaside living within the city. Apartment supply is good; prices are moderate.
Archipelbuurt / Willemspark — the embassy district. Formal, elegant, close to international organisations. Expensive but highly convenient for those working in the international institutions cluster.
Laak / Moerwijk — more affordable central districts, popular with younger expats and those on international organisation salaries that don’t stretch to Statenkwartier rents. Good public transport, less prestigious but practical.
Voorburg / Leidschendam — suburban municipalities immediately adjoining The Hague. Quieter, more family-friendly, lower rents. Good option for families with children attending schools in the area. Still well connected to The Hague centre by tram.
Cost of Living in The Hague
The Hague is significantly cheaper than Amsterdam and broadly comparable to Rotterdam.
| Category | Monthly cost (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment (Statenkwartier) | €1,400 – €2,000 |
| 1-bedroom apartment (Bezuidenhout/Laak) | €1,100 – €1,600 |
| 2-bedroom apartment (city centre) | €1,800 – €2,800 |
| Family house (3-bed, suburban) | €2,200 – €3,500 |
| Monthly public transport (OV-chipkaart) | €80 – €120 |
| Groceries (one person) | €250 – €400 |
Post-Brexit: Visa and Residency for UK Nationals
UK nationals moving to the Netherlands for more than 90 days require a Dutch residence permit. The process:
1. MVV (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf) — Entry Visa Most UK nationals need an MVV before entering the Netherlands for residency purposes. Applied for through the Dutch embassy or consulate in the UK. Processing time: 4–12 weeks. Exceptions apply for certain categories (highly skilled migrants with employer-sponsored applications; EU family members).
2. Residence Permit Application (IND) After arriving in the Netherlands, register with the IND (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst) for your full residence permit. Categories relevant to The Hague:
Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant) — for employer-sponsored moves. Employer must be IND-recognised (most international organisations in The Hague qualify). Minimum salary threshold: €4,752/month (under 30: €3,484/month, 2025 figures). This is the most common route for UK professionals moving to international organisations.
EU Blue Card — for highly qualified workers in occupations with talent shortages. Minimum salary €5,670/month.
Orientation Year Permit (Zoekjaar) — for recent graduates or those who completed a degree in the Netherlands. 1-year permit to search for employment.
Self-Employed / Entrepreneur — for freelancers and business owners establishing in the Netherlands.
3. BSN (Burger Service Number) Register at the municipality (gemeente Den Haag) to obtain your BSN — the Dutch equivalent of a National Insurance number. Needed for banking, healthcare, employment and practically every official interaction.
The 30% Ruling: Tax Benefit for International Professionals
The Hague, as a major hub for international organisations and multinationals, has a high concentration of workers who may qualify for the Netherlands’ 30% ruling.
The 30% ruling allows qualifying highly skilled migrants employed by a Dutch entity to receive 30% of their gross salary as a tax-free allowance (representing reimbursement for extraterritorial costs), reducing effective income tax significantly.
Key conditions:
- Recruited from abroad (more than 150km from the Dutch border before starting employment — this includes all UK residents)
- Salary above the threshold: €46,107/year (2025; lower threshold €35,048/year for those under 30 with a master’s degree)
- Employer must be registered in the Netherlands and file the application with the Belastingdienst (Tax Authority) within 4 months of the start date
Duration: Currently 5 years (reduced from the previous 8 years by 2024 legislative change; transitional arrangements apply for those already in the scheme).
For international organisation employees: some positions within the UN, ICC and similar institutions have their own diplomatic or international civil servant tax arrangements that may differ from the 30% ruling. Confirm your specific tax position with a Dutch tax adviser (belastingadviseur).
International Schools in The Hague
The Hague has excellent international school provision:
The British School in the Netherlands (BSN) — one of Europe’s largest British curriculum international schools. Multiple campuses. Pre-prep through A-levels. Highly regarded.
The International School of the Hague (ISH) — IB curriculum. Well-established, serving the diplomatic and international business community.
The American School of the Hague (ASH) — American curriculum. Located in Wassenaar, 10 minutes north of the city.
Lyceum Scheveningen / Haags Montessori Lyceum — Dutch secondary schools with strong reputations and English support for international students.
All major international schools have waiting lists. Apply as soon as your move is confirmed — ideally 6–12 months in advance.
Shipping Your Belongings to The Hague
Easy Move operates regular groupage services from London and across the UK to the Netherlands. Transit time from London to The Hague is typically 1–3 working days — one of the shortest international transit times available.
Get a free quote for removals to the Netherlands
Note on Dutch properties: The Hague’s older residential properties — particularly in Statenkwartier, Benoordenhout and Archipelbuurt — have the same notorious Dutch staircase problem as Amsterdam. Staircases are steep, narrow and designed for a different era. Large furniture (sofas, wardrobes, beds) may not fit up the internal stairs and requires hoisting via the upper window using a buitenlift (external lifting system). Confirm this before your move and ensure your removal company is experienced with Dutch apartment logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions: Moving to The Hague from the UK
Is The Hague or Amsterdam better for UK expats?
It depends on your priorities. Amsterdam is larger, more cosmopolitan and has more cultural offerings, but is significantly more expensive and more competitive for housing. The Hague is more manageable, has a very strong international community centred on the international organisations, is cheaper and has better beach access. For families with children, The Hague’s international school provision and lower rents are often decisive.
Do I need to speak Dutch to live in The Hague?
For professional purposes in international organisations, no — English is the working language. For daily life, Dutch is useful but not essential; The Hague is one of the most English-friendly cities in the world outside the UK and Ireland. Long-term, learning Dutch significantly improves integration and is appreciated by Dutch colleagues and neighbours.
Can I use the 30% ruling as a UK national moving to The Hague?
Yes, provided you meet the criteria: recruited from abroad (UK qualifies as more than 150km from the Dutch border), salary above the threshold, and your employer files the application within 4 months of your start date. Confirm your eligibility with a Dutch tax adviser.
How long does it take to ship belongings from the UK to The Hague?
Easy Move’s typical transit time from London to The Hague is 1–3 working days — one of the quickest routes in our network. EU customs documentation is included as standard.
What is the housing market like in The Hague?
Competitive but less extreme than Amsterdam. The Hague rental market has tightened considerably in recent years, but properties remain available at shorter notice than in Amsterdam. International schools and international organisation employers maintain housing networks that can help with the search.
Ready to move? Our team handles the full process: packing, customs and delivery.