Netherlands
The Hague
Diplomatic capital with the Netherlands' densest international school cluster, beach access in Scheveningen, and cleaner family logistics than Amsterdam
Family budget at a glance
The all-in range matches the FAQ answer for "How much does a family typically need per month here?" The other cards are single-line benchmarks — they don't add up to that total (school fees and other costs are separate).
All-in / month (family of 4)
~$6,000–$8,500 / month
3-bed family home
~$2,800 / month
Dinner for 2 (mid-range)
~$80
Nanny
~$18 / hr
The Hague (Den Haag) is the seat of the Dutch government, the International Court of Justice, the ICC, and dozens of embassies and international organizations — meaning Holland's densest concentration of international schools and an established expat infrastructure. Family neighbourhoods cluster in Benoordenhout, Statenkwartier, and Wassenaar (a wealthy commuter suburb). The trade-offs are housing tightness in family districts, the wet maritime climate, and the slower pace of Dutch bureaucracy compared to Amsterdam.
Explore more family guides in Netherlands →
Action checklist
Concrete steps to make this move happen, in order.
Click any step to jump to that section ↓
- 1EU/EEA citizens: enter the Netherlands visa-free indefinitely. Within 5 days of arrival, register at your local gemeente (The Hague city hall) for a BSN (Burgerservicenummer — Dutch citizen service number, the equivalent of a tax/ID number)
- 2Non-EU citizens: apply for a Dutch residence permit — Highly Skilled Migrant (kennismigrant) sponsored by your employer, DAFT visa for US citizens, or family reunification — at the Dutch consulate BEFORE travelling. Processing 2–4 weeks
- 3Apply for the BSN at The Hague gemeente immediately upon arrival — required for opening a bank account, signing a long-term lease, registering with a doctor, and accessing healthcare
- 4Start your housing search 8–12 weeks before your move — Benoordenhout, Statenkwartier, Wassenaar, Voorburg, and Scheveningen residential are the main international-family districts. 3-bed flats run ~$2,200–$3,500/month
- 5Apply to international schools 12–18 months before your start date — The Hague has the densest international school cluster in the Netherlands (American School, British School, ISH) with multi-year waitlists
- 6Open a Dutch bank account at ABN AMRO, ING, or Rabobank — bring passport, BSN, and proof of address. Most banks have English-language onboarding for expat staff
- 7Sign up for mandatory Dutch health insurance (zorgverzekering) within 4 months of registering — required by law. Major providers: CZ, Zilveren Kruis, VGZ. Family policies typically $300–$500/month for the basic package
- 8Apply for a kinderopvang (Dutch daycare) place via your employer's kinderopvang partner or the Belastingdienst kinderopvangtoeslag (childcare allowance) system — heavy subsidies available for working parents
Family fit
Great for
- Families relocating with diplomatic missions, the EU Eurojust, the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, the OPCW, or major embassies — The Hague is built around the international institutional community
- Families relocating with Shell (HQ in The Hague), other multinational corporates, and international NGOs — strong English-speaking corporate community with established expat infrastructure
- Families wanting more space and beach access than Amsterdam — The Hague offers larger family homes, the Scheveningen beach 15 minutes from central districts, and a quieter, more residential pace
- Families wanting the Netherlands' densest international school cluster — American School of The Hague, British School in the Netherlands, International School of The Hague, plus French Lycée, German School, and Japanese School
Watch out for
- Housing in international-family districts is competitive — flats in Benoordenhout, Statenkwartier, and Wassenaar often go to viewing within 24–48 hours. Most landlords prefer applicants with a Dutch employment contract or institution affiliation
- Dutch bureaucracy at gemeente level is moderately slow — BSN application, gemeente registration, and zorgverzekering enrollment can take 4–8 weeks each. Allow 8–12 weeks for everything to settle
- The Hague weather is wet and maritime — annual rainfall is around 800mm, frequent overcast days from October through April, mild but rarely warm summers. Pack for North-Sea-coast climate
- International school fees are among Europe's highest — $25,000–$40,000/year is typical at the American School, British School, or ISH. Public Dutch schools (Vrije School, Montessori, regular openbaar onderwijs) are free and high quality but require Dutch language commitment
Climate & seasons
Monthly normals (2001–2020) · MERRA-2 (NASA POWER)
Rainy-day counts are approximate (from monthly rainfall).
- HottestJul · 28°Cmean daily high
- CoolestJan · -3.6°Cmean daily low
- WettestAug · 86.8 mmmonth total
- DriestApr · 38.1 mmmonth total
- Low
- -3.6°C
- Rain
- 76.9 mm
- Wet days
- ~6
- Low
- -2.8°C
- Rain
- 65.2 mm
- Wet days
- ~5
- Low
- -1.2°C
- Rain
- 55.2 mm
- Wet days
- ~5
- Low
- 1.7°C
- Rain
- 38.1 mm
- Wet days
- ~3
- Low
- 5.1°C
- Rain
- 56.4 mm
- Wet days
- ~5
- Low
- 9.2°C
- Rain
- 62.1 mm
- Wet days
- ~5
- Low
- 12.1°C
- Rain
- 78.4 mm
- Wet days
- ~7
- Low
- 12.4°C
- Rain
- 86.8 mm
- Wet days
- ~7
- Low
- 9.6°C
- Rain
- 69.6 mm
- Wet days
- ~6
- Low
- 4.9°C
- Rain
- 79.4 mm
- Wet days
- ~7
- Low
- 1.5°C
- Rain
- 80.7 mm
- Wet days
- ~7
- Low
- -1.9°C
- Rain
- 85.2 mm
- Wet days
- ~7
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Rain (total) | Rainy days (~) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 10°C | -3.6°C | 76.9 mm | 6 |
| Feb | 10.3°C | -2.8°C | 65.2 mm | 5 |
| Mar | 14.3°C | -1.2°C | 55.2 mm | 5 |
| Apr | 18.9°C | 1.7°C | 38.1 mm | 3 |
| May | 22.1°C | 5.1°C | 56.4 mm | 5 |
| Jun | 25.7°C | 9.2°C | 62.1 mm | 5 |
| Jul | 28°C | 12.1°C | 78.4 mm | 7 |
| Aug | 27.6°C | 12.4°C | 86.8 mm | 7 |
| Sep | 24.2°C | 9.6°C | 69.6 mm | 6 |
| Oct | 19.9°C | 4.9°C | 79.4 mm | 7 |
| Nov | 14.8°C | 1.5°C | 80.7 mm | 7 |
| Dec | 11.1°C | -1.9°C | 85.2 mm | 7 |
Family notes
- Warmest month on average: Jul (mean daily high ~28°C); coolest: Jan (mean daily low ~-4°C).
- Most rainfall on average: Aug (~87 mm total); driest: Apr (~38 mm).
- Winter nights can dip near freezing (Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov, Dec) — reliable home heating and warm layers for school commutes matter for children.
These values are long-term monthly climatologies from NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis) for the nearest model grid cell to these coordinates — not a single city-centre weather station. Spatial resolution is about 50 km; coastal belts, hills, and dense urban cores can differ. Precipitation is corrected MERRA-2 rainfall; rainy-day counts are approximated from monthly totals.
Grid cell used: 52.077°, 4.299° (WGS84)
Visa options
Reviewed May 2026
Reviewed May 2026
EU/EEA citizens move freely to the Netherlands — only gemeente registration is needed. Non-EU families most commonly arrive via the Kennismigrant (Highly Skilled Migrant) employer-sponsored permit. Self-employed routes are complex and require specialist advice.
Tap the ? next to a term for a quick definition.
EU / EEA citizens
Move freely to the Netherlands with no visa. Register at your gemeente within 5 days to get your BSN.
Kennismigrant (Highly Skilled Migrant)
Employer-sponsored permit for highly skilled non-EU workers. Employer applies to the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service). Most common route for tech and corporate expat families.
Schengen Tourist (non-EU)
Valid for a scouting trip. No right to work, no extensions.
EU / EEA citizens — what to do after arriving in Amsterdam
- No visa or permit required — EU/EEA passport holders have full freedom of movement in the Netherlands.
- Register at your local gemeente (municipality office) within 5 days of arrival — you will receive your BSN (Burger Service Nummer), the Dutch citizen service number needed for everything.
- The BSN is required for: health insurance, bank account, school enrolment, tax, and childcare allowance. Get it on day one.
- After 5 years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for permanent residency (duurzame verblijfsvergunning).
Kennismigrant — employer-sponsored route
- Your employer must be an IND-recognised sponsor (erkend referent) — large tech companies and multinationals typically qualify.
- Salary threshold (2025): approximately $4,950/month for workers aged 30+; $3,630/month for workers under 30.
- Your employer files the application with the IND — processing typically takes 2–4 weeks for recognised sponsors.
- Your family members (spouse and children) receive a dependent residence permit automatically on the same application.
- After 5 years you can apply for a permanent residence permit. After 5 years of continuous residence and a civic integration exam, you can apply for Dutch citizenship.
Schengen Tourist — scouting trip only
- 90 days maximum in any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area.
- No right to work — this includes remote work for a foreign employer.
- Cannot be converted to residency from inside the Netherlands — apply for your Kennismigrant permit before travelling.
- Good use: 1–2 weeks scouting Oud-Zuid, Amstelveen, and international school options before your official move.
Register at your gemeente within 5 days of arrival — the BSN you receive is the key to healthcare, banking, and childcare allowance.
Gemeente registration & BSN
Reviewed May 2026
Reviewed May 2026
- Within 5 days of arrival, register at the gemeente (The Hague city hall — Spui 70, central The Hague) and apply for a BSN (Burgerservicenummer — Dutch citizen service number, the equivalent of a tax/ID number used for every transaction). Bring passport, rental contract, apostilled birth certificate, and identity documents for all family members. Issued same-day at the appointment.
- Non-EU residents: apply for a Dutch residence permit (verblijfsvergunning) at the IND (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst — the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service) within 90 days of arrival. The IND has a service desk in central The Hague.
- Register with a Dutch GP (huisarts) once your BSN is issued — this is your gatekeeper to specialist referrals via the Dutch healthcare system. Most family districts have multiple huisarts practices accepting new patients.
- Children's school enrolment requires the BSN, proof of vaccination, and apostilled birth certificate — international schools have their own application processes; public schools are assigned by district.
- Apostille every birth and marriage certificate before you leave home — the Dutch state requires apostilled originals for almost every step, and apostille services in the Netherlands can take weeks.
The BSN (Burgerservicenummer — Dutch citizen service number) is the gateway to almost everything else — register at the The Hague gemeente in your first week. Without a BSN, you cannot open a bank account, sign a long-term lease, or register with a doctor.
Banking
- ABN AMRO (HQ in Amsterdam, strong international banking presence in The Hague), ING (the Netherlands' largest retail bank), and Rabobank are the three banks most used by The Hague families. All have English-language online banking and English-speaking branch staff.
- To open an account you need: valid passport, BSN, and proof of Dutch address (rental contract). Most ABN AMRO and ING branches in central The Hague have dedicated international/expat onboarding services.
- Wise and Revolut are widely used in The Hague — most Dutch shops, restaurants, and cafes accept Revolut transfers. Useful as a bridge while waiting for your Dutch account.
- The Netherlands uses the euro (EUR) — monthly rents and salaries are quoted in EUR. The Netherlands is one of the most cashless countries in Europe — most shops, restaurants, and cafes only take card or contactless. Some still take cash but it's increasingly rare.
- Most rental contracts and employer payroll require a Dutch IBAN — automatic monthly bank transfer (SEPA-overschrijving) from a Dutch account is the standard once your account is open.
ABN AMRO, ING, and Rabobank all serve The Hague. ABN AMRO has the most expat-friendly onboarding given its strong international corporate banking presence in The Hague.
Housing
The Hague's family-friendly areas cluster in northern districts (Benoordenhout, Statenkwartier, Archipelbuurt) and the wealthy commuter towns of Wassenaar and Voorburg. Scheveningen residential offers beach access. International school commute determines most family housing decisions.
Where to search
These are local rental platforms — this is where residents rent long-term housing (cheaper than Airbnb).
Search 'Den Haag' or 'The Hague' or the district name (e.g. 'Benoordenhout', 'Statenkwartier', 'Wassenaar') inside each platform to filter local listings.
Tip: arrive in The Hague with a short-stay Airbnb or serviced apartment booked for the first 4–8 weeks — flats in international-family districts go fast (often 24–48 hours) and most landlords show in person.
Typical monthly rents
- 1-bed apartment, central The Hague or Bezuidenhout: ~$1,200–$1,800 / month
- 2-bed apartment, Statenkwartier or Archipelbuurt: ~$1,800–$2,500 / month
- 3-bed apartment/house, Benoordenhout, Statenkwartier, or Voorburg: ~$2,400–$3,500 / month
- 4-bed family home, Wassenaar (premium commuter town): ~$3,500–$6,500 / month
- Short-stay serviced apartment (first 4–8 weeks): ~$2,500–$4,500 / month
Best areas for families
What you need to rent
- Valid passport plus BSN (Dutch citizen service number) once issued
- Employment contract or 3 months of bank statements proving income — most landlords want monthly income at least 3.5–4× monthly rent
- 1–2 months deposit (waarborgsom) plus first month's rent is standard. Dutch law sets no maximum deposit but 2 months is the typical norm
- Most rental contracts are 1 year minimum (residential law makes longer-term security strong). Confirm break clauses (huurbeëindiging) before signing
- Some landlords request a Dutch Schufa-equivalent credit reference — new arrivals can substitute employer letter, larger deposit, or Dutch employer guarantee
Schools
The Hague has the Netherlands' densest international school cluster — American School, British School, International School of The Hague, plus French Lycée, German School, Japanese School. Public Dutch schools are free and high quality.
Public system
Dutch public schools (openbaar onderwijs) are free for all residents and consistently rank in the top OECD countries for PISA results. Strong tradition of pedagogical diversity — Vrije School (Steiner), Montessori, Dalton, Jenaplan all available within the public system. Realistic for long-stay families with children willing to learn Dutch; the Dutch state offers free Newcomer (nieuwkomers) language classes for school-age children.
International options
The Hague's main international schools include the American School of The Hague (largest, in Wassenaar), British School in the Netherlands (Voorschoten campus), International School of The Hague (IB curriculum), Lycée Français Vincent van Gogh, Deutsche Internationale Schule den Haag, and Japanese School The Hague. IB Diploma, IB Primary Years Programme, AP, Cambridge IGCSE / A-Level, and full national curricula. Annual fees: $25,000–$40,000/year typical. Apply 12–18 months in advance.
Language notes
Public schools teach in Dutch. International schools teach in English (American, British, IB), French, German, or Japanese depending on school. Dutch is moderately accessible for English-speaking children — most reach conversational fluency in 6–12 months in immersion settings. Newcomer Dutch-language classes are free for school-age newcomers.
If you're with an embassy, international institution, or major multinational, apply to the American School, British School, or International School of The Hague in parallel — all three have multi-year waitlists for popular year groups, and applying to multiple as backup is standard.
Education options
American curriculum schools
American School of The Hague is the largest and best-established American school in the Netherlands, located in Wassenaar. AP (Advanced Placement) tracks. Many embassy and corporate families.
British curriculum schools
British School in the Netherlands (Voorschoten campus, plus Junior School in The Hague). Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level pathway. Strong with families on multi-country UK or international circuits.
IB curriculum international schools
International School of The Hague is the city's main IB Diploma plus IB Primary Years Programme school. Located in central north The Hague.
Dutch public schools (openbaar onderwijs)
Free for all residents. Top-tier results internationally. Realistic for long-stay families with children willing to learn Dutch, supported by free Newcomer language classes.
Childcare
The Netherlands has a heavily subsidised childcare system for working parents — the kinderopvangtoeslag (childcare allowance) reimburses 33–96% of childcare costs depending on income. Quality is high and most family districts have multiple options.
Daycare & nurseries
- Kinderopvang (Dutch for daycare — accepts children from 6 weeks to 4 years) is the standard early-childhood structure. Quality is regulated by the GGD (Gemeentelijke Gezondheidsdienst — local public health authority). Most kinderopvang centres open 7am–6pm
- Kinderopvang fees: typically $1,800–$2,800/month for full-time before subsidy. Working families apply for kinderopvangtoeslag (childcare allowance) via the Belastingdienst (Dutch tax authority) — reimburses 33–96% of costs based on family income. Net cost can be $300–$1,500/month per child
- International kinderopvang (English-speaking or bilingual) charges similar fees pre-subsidy and tends to cluster in international-family districts (Benoordenhout, Wassenaar). Used by many expat families for continuity with later international school enrolment
- Buitenschoolse opvang (BSO — after-school care for ages 4–12) is widely available and also covered by kinderopvangtoeslag. Most BSO centres pick children up directly from school
Nanny & au pair
- Full-time nannies typically charge $16–$22/hr in The Hague — the rate reflects strong Dutch labour rules around household employment
- Most expat families use nannies through an agency that handles payroll, taxes, and contracts (gastouder via a registered host-parent agency, or full nanny via Care.com Netherlands or local agencies). Payroll tax compliance is taken seriously
- Au pair arrangements are common with English-speaking au pairs from the UK, Ireland, or Eastern Europe — typically ~$500–$700/month stipend plus room and board, with a registered au pair agency programme (formal au pair visa programme for non-EU)
- Start your nanny or au pair search 6–10 weeks before arrival — the international community has a structured network and good candidates with English skills go quickly
Where to find childcare
- Care.com Netherlands — large platform for nannies, babysitters, and household help with The Hague listings
- Search 'The Hague Expats Parents' or 'Den Haag International Families' on Facebook — community groups with personal recommendations and au pair introductions
- International schools' parent networks (especially American School, British School, ISH) have extensive informal childcare-sharing arrangements — ask the school office during enrolment
- Local au pair agencies — Travel Active, Smaller Earth, and Au Pair International all run programmes for The Hague area
Healthcare
Reviewed May 2026
Reviewed May 2026
- The Netherlands' healthcare system is mandatory and based on private health insurance (zorgverzekering) regulated by the Zorgverzekeringswet. All residents must register with one within 4 months. The basic package (basisverzekering) is identical across all providers and runs ~$140–$170/month per adult. Children under 18 are covered free under their parents' policies.
- Quality is excellent — the Netherlands consistently ranks at the top of European healthcare outcomes. Major providers: CZ, Zilveren Kruis (Achmea), VGZ, ONVZ. ONVZ is popular with international families given strong English-language support.
- GP and specialist access: register with a huisarts (general practitioner) of your choice in your district — your huisarts is your gatekeeper to specialist referrals. GP visits are free (covered by zorgverzekering) but a yearly deductible (eigen risico, currently ~$430) applies to specialist and hospital care.
- The Hague's main hospitals: HMC (Haaglanden Medisch Centrum — Westeinde, Antoniushove, and Bronovo locations) and HagaZiekenhuis. The Juliana Children's Hospital (Juliana Kinderziekenhuis) is The Hague's main paediatric hospital with English-speaking staff.
- International private medical insurance (IPMI) is rarely needed long-term — Dutch zorgverzekering is comprehensive and high-quality. IPMI is useful for the first 4 months while waiting for zorgverzekering registration to take effect.
Sign up for mandatory Dutch health insurance (zorgverzekering) within 4 months of registering with the gemeente — required by law for all residents. Major providers: CZ, Zilveren Kruis, VGZ.
Optional insurance option
Some families prefer to have private international medical coverage for the first period abroad. SafetyWing is one option to check if you want a flexible plan while relocating.
Check SafetyWingAlways confirm that any insurance you choose matches your visa, residency, and healthcare needs.
Safety
- Violent crime is rare in family residential areas — Benoordenhout, Statenkwartier, Wassenaar, Voorburg, and Archipelbuurt are all very low-risk districts for everyday family life
- Pickpocketing is occasional in tourist-heavy areas (Den Haag Centraal Station, Plein, Spui) — keep bags secure but the city overall is safer than Amsterdam or Rotterdam
- Some northern and southern districts (parts of Schilderswijk, Transvaal) have higher petty-crime rates — these are not where expat families typically live and should be navigated carefully after dark. International family districts are well-separated from these areas
- Cycling is the dominant transport mode and bike-vs-pedestrian and bike-vs-bike conflicts are common — Dutch cycling culture is fast and rule-bound. Helmets and high-visibility gear are standard for school-commuting children, especially given the dark winter months
- Family residential districts (Benoordenhout, Statenkwartier, Wassenaar) are well-lit, active, and feel safe for evening walks. Strong neighbourhood culture in international-family districts with active community life around international schools, sports clubs, and embassy events
FAQ
Is The Hague good for families?
Yes — The Hague is one of Europe's best family destinations for international staff. The densest international school cluster in the Netherlands, beach access in Scheveningen, established expat infrastructure (ACCESS, embassy networks), and a quieter family pace than Amsterdam. Trade-offs: high housing costs in family districts, wet weather, and Dutch bureaucracy.
How much does a family typically need per month here?
Budget $6,000–$8,500/month for a family of four. Rent for a 3-bedroom in Benoordenhout, Statenkwartier, or Wassenaar runs $2,400–$3,500/month. International school fees of $25,000–$40,000/year are the largest additional cost — but Dutch public schools are free and high quality.
Is housing hard to find here?
Competitive in international-family districts (Benoordenhout, Statenkwartier, Wassenaar). Flats often go in 24–48 hours and most landlords want monthly income at least 3.5–4× rent plus a Dutch employment or institution contract. Budget for a furnished serviced apartment for the first 4–8 weeks while you search.
Do children need international school here, or can local schools work?
International school is the standard for short-term stays. The Hague has the densest international school cluster in the Netherlands (American, British, IB, French, German, Japanese) at $25,000–$40,000/year. Public Dutch schools are free, top-tier, and offer free Newcomer language classes — realistic for long-stay families.
Is healthcare easy to access as a newcomer?
Yes, once you sign up for zorgverzekering (mandatory Dutch health insurance) — required by law within 4 months of arrival. Quality is excellent. ONVZ has the strongest English-language support for international families. The eigen risico (yearly deductible, ~$430) applies to specialist and hospital care.
Do you need a car in The Hague?
Useful but not essential. The Hague has a metro network, trams, buses, and excellent regional rail. Most families in central districts (Benoordenhout, Statenkwartier) cycle and use public transport plus occasional taxi. A car becomes useful in suburban Wassenaar or for weekend trips into Belgium and Germany.
How difficult is the paperwork and bureaucracy after moving?
Moderate. BSN application at the gemeente takes 1–4 weeks; zorgverzekering enrollment takes 4–6 weeks. Allow 8–12 weeks for everything to settle. The Hague gemeente is professional and English-fluent — ACCESS Netherlands runs free orientation seminars that walk newcomers through every step.
What usually surprises families after arrival?
How dominant the international institutional community is — embassies, EU agencies, the ICJ, the ICC, and dozens of NGOs all base here, creating a uniquely diverse expat community. How beach-accessible daily life is — Scheveningen is 15 minutes from central districts. And how rule-bound Dutch cycling culture is — adapt fast or face many bell-rings.
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Sources
Community
Expat groups and community forums. Use the search buttons below to find them.
Search 'The Hague Expats' on Facebook — large active community for housing, school, and settlement advice
Search: “The Hague Expats Facebook group”Search on GoogleSearch 'ACCESS Netherlands The Hague' on Google — non-profit information service for international newcomers, with parent groups and free orientation seminars
Search: “ACCESS Netherlands The Hague”Search on Google
