Moving to Amsterdam from the UK: your 2026 relocation guide

Amsterdam has long been a magnet for UK professionals drawn by its thriving tech scene, world-class quality of life, and near-universal English.

But since Brexit, moving to Amsterdam means navigating a new set of immigration rules, a notoriously tight housing market, and the infamous 'BSN catch-22' that can leave you in limbo before you've even unpacked.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the whole process, from securing a residence permit and registering with the municipality to setting up your finances across pounds and euros, and we'll show you how we can help your move with a Revolut travel money card.

16+, T&Cs apply.

Moving to the Netherlands from the UK after Brexit

Living in the Netherlands post-Brexit is still very much possible, but the rules have changed. Since the UK left the EU, British citizens are treated as third-country nationals. You can visit the Netherlands visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period under the Schengen agreement, but if you want to live, work, or study there, you'll need an Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) residence permit.

So, can UK citizens move to Amsterdam?

Yes, but only with the right permit. Here are the main routes:

Highly skilled migrant visa

The main route for UK professionals is the highly skilled migrant (kennismigrant) visa. Your employer, who must be a recognised IND sponsor, applies for your permit. In 2026, the gross monthly salary thresholds (excluding holiday allowances) are:

• €5,942 for those aged 30 and over
• €4,357 for those under 30
• €3,122 for the reduced criterion (recent graduates)

Salary must be paid into a Dutch bank account, which is why getting your banking sorted early matters.

Self-employment/DAFT

If you're moving to the Netherlands without a job and want to start a business, be aware that the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) route is only available to US citizens.

UK citizens instead apply for a self-employment residence permit, which the IND scores on a points-based system across 3 categories, with a minimum of 300 points required. There's also a startup visa for those with an innovative concept and an approved facilitator.

Student visas

If you're studying, your Dutch educational institution acts as your sponsor and applies for your residence permit. You'll need proof of enrolment and sufficient funds to support yourself.

Family reunification

If you have a partner or family member who's a Dutch resident or citizen, you may be eligible for a family reunification permit, subject to income and relationship requirements.

Heads up on new entry rules: the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) is being rolled out to replace passport stamping, and the ETIAS travel authorisation will apply to visa-exempt non-EU travellers. Once it's live, you'll register biometrics at the border and you may need to complete a quick online authorisation before short trips. These don't change your long-stay visa requirements, but they're worth factoring into your travel planning.

Step-by-step checklist for moving from the UK to the Netherlands

Once you've secured your visa route, here's the practical sequence for moving from the UK to the Netherlands.

1. Gather essential documents

Before you leave the UK, get your paperwork in order. You'll need:

• a valid passport
• an apostilled birth certificate and, if applicable, marriage certificate (legalised with an apostille from the FCDO)
• your employment contract or business documentation
• recent UK bank statements and proof of income

Dutch authorities often require apostilled documents, and getting them can take a few weeks, so start early.

2. Secure employment or business sponsorship

For the highly skilled migrant route, your employer must be a recognised IND sponsor and must apply for your residence permit before you arrive. Confirm your salary meets the 2026 threshold, and that your employer is listed in the IND's Public Register of Recognised Sponsors. If you're self-employed, start your IND points-based application or startup visa process.

3. Find accommodation in Amsterdam

This is the single biggest hurdle for moving from the UK to Amsterdam. The Netherlands, and the Randstad region (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague) in particular, face a structural housing shortage. Listings disappear within days, income requirements are high, and competition is fierce.

Make sure you find your flat via a reputable platform, and budget realistically. A single expat in Amsterdam typically needs €2,800–3,800 per month all-in. Beware of scams and illegal sub-lets that don't allow registration, because without a registered address you can't get your BSN.

4. Municipal registration (Gemeente) and getting your BSN

You must register with the municipality (Gemeente) within 5 working days of arriving at your new address. In Amsterdam, this is done at a City Office (Stadsloket). You don't always need an appointment, but during busy periods the wait can be 2–4 weeks, so book online the moment your rental contract is signed.

At registration, you'll receive your Burgerservicenummer (BSN), your citizen service number. You need a BSN to work legally, open a bank account, take out health insurance, and apply for benefits. Bring your passport, rental contract or proof of address, and apostilled documents.

The BSN catch-22: you need a registered address to get a BSN, and many traditional Dutch banks want a BSN and proof of address before they'll open an account. New arrivals can get stuck in this loop, especially while still house-hunting. This is where having a multi-currency account you can set up before you arrive can be helpful (more on this below).

5. Arrange Dutch health insurance

Dutch basic health insurance (Basisverzekering) is mandatory for all residents. You must arrange cover within 4 months of registering with the Gemeente, or you'll face a fine. Premiums run roughly €150–160 per month for the basic package, with optional extras for dental and physiotherapy. Shop around each year, as insurers compete on price and the excess you choose affects your monthly premium.

Cost of living in the Netherlands vs the UK

Living in the Netherlands isn't cheap, but Amsterdam compares more favourably to London than you might expect, especially on rent. Here's how the everyday costs stack up:

Amsterdam city centre rent is broadly comparable to or slightly cheaper than London, while groceries, eating out, and transport are reasonably priced. The big expenses are housing and energy, with energy bills averaging around €160 per month.

Managing your money when moving from the UK to Amsterdam

Moving to the Netherlands from the UK means handling 2 currencies and 2 banking systems. Here's how to make it as smooth as possible.

Overcoming the 'BSN catch-22'

As we mentioned earlier, traditional Dutch banks often require a BSN and proof of a registered local address before they'll open a full current account. But you need a registered address to get a BSN, and you may still be house-hunting in those first weeks. This can be frustrating for new arrivals who need to receive a salary, pay a deposit, or cover everyday spending before their Dutch account is up and running.

A practical workaround is to set up a multi-currency account before you leave the UK, so you can hold, convert, and spend in euros from day one without waiting for a BSN.

Setting up your EUR account before you arrive

With a Revolut account, you can hold and exchange 30+ currencies, including GBP and EUR, in-app at the Revolut rate. You can open a EUR balance and get a virtual and/or physical card (delivery fees may apply) before you complete your municipal address registration, so you're ready to pay for accommodation, groceries, and transport from the moment you land.

If you need cash, you can use your Revolut card to withdraw euros from ATMs across the Netherlands at competitive exchange rates with no fees from us during market hours and within your plan limits.¹

Tip: use Pockets in your Revolut app as separate spaces to store your spending. Allocate your relocation budget, your everyday spending, and your savings to their own Pockets, in both GBP and EUR. Hold euros ready for a deposit or a month's rent, keep pounds for financial commitments in the UK, and convert between them in-app whenever suits you.

Living in Amsterdam: practical tips for expats

Public transport and cycling culture

Amsterdam is built for getting around without a car. The public transport network (GVB) covers trams, buses, metros, and ferries, all loaded onto a single OV-chipkaart that you top up and tap in and out of every journey. A monthly pass runs roughly €50–100, depending on your zones.

But the real Amsterdam experience is cycling. Buying a bike is a rite of passage, with second-hand options widely available.

2 things to know: invest in a serious lock (bike theft is common), and learn the local cycling etiquette. Hand signals, bell rings, and right-of-way rules are strictly observed.

Working in the Netherlands as a UK citizen

The Netherlands ranks among the top countries globally for English proficiency, so you'll manage comfortably in English from day one. Dutch communication tends to be direct and pragmatic, which can feel blunt at first but is efficient once you're used to it.

Getting a job in the Netherlands means embracing this directness in the workplace, too. Learning basic Dutch isn't essential for getting by, but it helps with integration, official paperwork, and connecting with locals. Many municipalities offer free or subsidised language courses for new residents.

Set up a Revolut account to help you emigrate from the UK to Amsterdam

If you're planning your move, getting your Revolut account set up early means your money's ready to go when you are. Here's how to get started:

1. Download the Revolut app: available on the App Store and Google Play. You'll need your UK phone number and a form of ID (passport or driving licence) to verify your identity.
2. Open a Personal account: follow the in-app steps to set up your account. Verification usually only takes a few minutes.
3. Add money in GBP: top up your account from another UK bank account or by card. You'll hold your balance in pounds to start with.
4. Add euros and start converting: open a EUR balance and convert between GBP and EUR at competitive exchange rates. You can schedule a currency exchange in advance or convert on the spot.
5. Order your Revolut card: get a physical card delivered to your UK address (delivery fees may apply), and a virtual card you can start using right away for online shopping or in-person via your Apple Pay or Google Pay.
6. Spend and withdraw in Amsterdam: use your Revolut card to pay in euros in shops and restaurants, or withdraw cash from ATMs in the Netherlands.
7. Use Pockets to budget: create separate spaces for your relocation fund, rent, and day-to-day spending, in either currency, to keep your move organised.
8. Send money internationally: make international transfers in-app to move money between your UK and Dutch accounts, or to send money to family back home.

16+, T&Cs apply. Exchange fees, fair-usage limits, and weekend fees may apply.

¹No ATM withdrawal fees within plan limits on a monthly basis. Out-of-network ATM withdrawals are subject to a 2% fee for Standard customers, and a 2% fee for Premium and Metal customers once their plan limits are exceeded. Third-party providers may charge a withdrawal fee. Currency and ATM fair-usage fees apply. Weekend markups on currency exchange will apply.

The information provided is accurate as of 1 September 2026.

The content of this page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. If you have any questions about your personal circumstances, please seek professional and independent advice. Revolut is not a financial adviser.