The deepest job market, the largest Indian community — and the highest cost of living.
Amsterdam is the default landing spot for most Indians moving to the Netherlands. It has the deepest job market, the largest Indian-origin community, and the country's busiest international airport on its doorstep. It is also the most expensive place to live in the Netherlands, so running the numbers carefully matters more here than anywhere else.
Amsterdam anchors the Dutch tech and finance economy. Booking.com, Adyen and Uber's EMEA headquarters employ thousands of international software engineers, and the city is a magnet for fintech, data and product roles. Most Indian professionals arrive on a Highly Skilled Migrant (kennismigrant) permit sponsored by one of these employers.
Expect a one-bedroom flat to cost roughly €1,700–2,200 a month at market rates. Indian families overwhelmingly settle in Amstelveen, just south of the city — it has international schools, Indian grocery stores and restaurants, and a direct tram into town. Amsterdam-Zuidoost (the Bijlmer), Diemen and commuter towns like Almere and Hoofddorp are common, more affordable alternatives.
The Amsterdam region is home to the largest Indian-origin population in the Netherlands, layered on top of the long-established Surinamese-Hindustani community — Dutch citizens whose ancestors emigrated from India generations ago. Diwali and Holi are widely celebrated, Indian groceries are easy to find in Amstelveen and Zuidoost, and the city has an active cricket scene. Amstelveen in particular functions as the social and practical hub for Indian professional families.
Amsterdam is the most expensive Dutch city across the board — rent, eating out and childcare all run above the national average. The 30% ruling, if you qualify, makes a far bigger difference to your take-home here than in cheaper cities, so it is worth checking your eligibility before you accept an offer.