Moving to Amsterdam with Children: What to Expect as an Expat Family
Family Life in Amsterdam: A Child-Friendly City
Amsterdam consistently ranks as one of Europe’s most family-friendly capitals. The city is compact, safe, and designed for daily life with children. Cycling infrastructure, green parks and traffic-calmed neighbourhoods make independent mobility realistic even for young families. Local culture strongly supports work–life balance. Parents benefit from flexible working arrangements, generous parental leave policies and a strong emphasis on outdoor play. For expats, this often translates into a smoother adjustment for children compared to larger, car-dependent cities.
That said, family life in Amsterdam requires planning especially when it comes to housing availability and school admissions.
Schools in Amsterdam: International vs Dutch Education
Education is often the top priority when moving to Amsterdam with children. Expat families typically choose between international schools and Dutch public schools.
International schools offer continuity for globally mobile families. Popular options include International School of Amsterdam and British School of Amsterdam, both offering internationally recognised curricula.
Dutch public schools, while primarily Dutch-language, are known for their high educational standards and inclusive approach. Younger children often adapt quickly through language immersion, especially if the family plans a long-term stay.
Waiting lists are common for both systems, making early registration essential.
Housing for Families: Space, Location and Budget
Finding suitable family housing is one of the biggest challenges for expats. Larger apartments and family homes are limited, particularly within the city ring.
Family-friendly neighbourhoods such as Buitenveldert, IJburg and parts of Amsterdam Noord offer more space, green areas and access to good schools. These areas are especially popular among expat families seeking a balance between city access and liveability.
Budget expectations should be realistic. Family homes typically command higher rents, and competition is strong. Working with a specialised expat housing agent can significantly reduce stress and search time.
Healthcare and Child Services
The Dutch healthcare system is efficient, well-regulated and accessible. All residents must register with a local GP (huisarts), who acts as the first point of contact for children’s healthcare.
Preventive care is strong, with regular child health check-ups and vaccinations organised through local health centres. English-speaking medical professionals are widely available, which reassures many expat parents.
Childcare options include daycares, preschools and after-school care (BSO). Availability varies by area, so early applications are strongly advised.
Daily Life with Children in Amsterdam
Daily family life in Amsterdam is practical and well-organised. Children grow up cycling, using public transport independently and playing outdoors in local playgrounds.
Extracurricular activities from sports clubs to music lessons are widely accessible and affordable compared to many other global cities. Museums, libraries and cultural venues actively cater to children of all ages.
While Dutch directness can feel unfamiliar at first, most expat families appreciate the transparency and straightforward communication over time.
In short, moving to Amsterdam with children offers a high quality of life, excellent education options and a supportive family environment. The transition is easiest for families who plan ahead and understand the local systems. With the right preparation, children often adapt faster than expected, making Amsterdam not just a place to live but a place to grow. Start preparations early, especially for schools and housing. Engage local experts who understand the expat family market and can guide you through registration, neighbourhood selection and long-term planning.
Planning a family move to Amsterdam? Speak with a specialised expat housing advisor to find a home that truly fits your family’s needs.