Top 10 cities in the Netherlands with cheap property: where it is profitable to buy a home

Home » Blog » Top 10 cities in the Netherlands with cheap property: where it is profitable to buy a home

Real estate in the Netherlands is traditionally associated with high prices, dense development and frantic demand. Outside Amsterdam and Rotterdam lies another market – more stable, affordable and promising. Dutch cities with cheap property offer a real alternative to overheated metropolises. Here, buying a home offers not only benefits, but also freedom of choice: more square metres, a quieter environment, reliable rental income.

1. emmen: space, ecology and economy

Emmen occupies a key position among destinations with attractive housing costs. The average price per square metre of around €2,100 makes it particularly accessible to first-time investors. This figure remains 40-50 per cent lower than in Rotterdam or Utrecht, and the quality of housing and urban planning remains high. The development of the city is focused on sustainability, with an emphasis on low-carbon transport, energy-efficient neighbourhood redevelopment and the creation of green public areas.

The region is actively developing co-operation with the German border regions. This provides additional population flows, employment in cross-border projects and rental demand. Industrial zones and logistics centres offer jobs, and educational programmes at local colleges strengthen Emmen’s position as a centre of attraction for young people. Dutch cities with cheap property rarely combine sustainability, dynamic development and stable capital growth at once.

2. Heerenveen: sport, stability and logistics

Heerenveen is not only a sporting symbol of the Netherlands, but also a city with a well-developed infrastructure and a balanced price policy. The cost per square metre is kept at around €2,400, while the city administration continues to invest in roads, digital infrastructure and support for small businesses. Sporting events and academies provide a steady stream of temporary tenants, while logistics companies are developing warehouse properties within the city limits.

The proximity to the major administrative centres of Groningen and Leeuwarden generates sustained economic activity. The urban layout provides convenient connections to neighbouring regions, making Heerenveen a strategic place to live and invest.

3. Venlo: industry, border, benefit

Venlo is strategically located on the eastern border of the country and is actively using this factor to attract investment. The average cost of housing is around €2,200 per square metre, making the market accessible to both local buyers and international investors. The city is developing as an important logistics hub – there are large distribution centres, warehouses and transport companies oriented to the whole of Benelux and Germany.

The border location allows to attract tenants from different countries. Venlo creates a multicultural environment in which demand for housing remains high all year round. Local authorities are investing in landscaping, modernising roads and simplifying building regulations. Dutch cities with cheap property and access to cross-border business form a unique profile – strong demand, fast tenant turnover and the potential for above-average price growth.

4. tilburg: student drive and cultural dynamics

Tilburg demonstrates a vibrant combination of academic energy, a creative environment and a stable rental market. The university, cultural clusters and festivals form a continuous flow of temporary residents – students, young professionals and teachers. The cost per square metre remains at 2,600 euros, which compares favourably with similar educational centres in the country.

Price growth in Tilburg is uniform – 5-8% per year, due to the interest in investments in compact housing. New neighbourhoods are targeted at a young audience, offering studio flats, public spaces and convenient transport accessibility. The city does not depend on seasonal tourism, which makes the rental market predictable. \

5. Zwolle: administrative stability and silence

Zwolle retains its status as a reliable centre in the north-eastern part of the country. The average cost per square metre – around €2,500 – remains lower than in Utrecht, while the city offers high social stability and a clean environment. As the capital of the Overijssel province, Zwolle manages regional institutions, educational centres and hospitals, which creates a constant demand for renting and buying homes.

Municipal programmes support housing renewal, green renovation of neighbourhoods and affordable housing for families. A well-developed infrastructure and balanced planning make the city a convenient place to live and invest. Where to buy a house cheaper in the Netherlands and still retain all the elements of urban energy – Zwolle holds a strong position among such destinations.

6. Apeldoorn: parks, silence and safety

Apeldoorn offers a quiet and measured life away from the tourist noise. The average price per square metre of €2,400 is combined with high environmental standards, well-developed social infrastructure and security. The town forms an attractive environment for those seeking privacy, stability and clean air.

Demand is fuelled by families, older Europeans and government employees. Apeldoorn is home to parklands, museums, cultural centres and lacks the pressure of mass tourism. This makes housing liquid and resistant to fluctuations in demand. Dutch cities with cheap property rarely combine such quietness with real investment appeal.

7. Leeuwarden: student centre and budgetary choices

Leeuwarden occupies a key place in the educational map of Friesland. The city is actively developing the infrastructure around universities, colleges and research centres. This factor consistently generates a high demand for renting and buying housing. The price per square metre starts from 2,200 euros, and the offer covers a wide range – from small-sized flats to two-storey townhouses.

The city focuses on creating an accessible environment for young professionals and students, combining cultural initiatives, start-up programmes and improved public transport. Leeuwarden offers the opportunity to buy a home with a low entry threshold and a quick income through daily or long-term rentals.

8. De Fenter: history, logistics and growth

De Fenter offers a rare combination of historical atmosphere and industrial pragmatics. The city retains its medieval architecture, cosy centre and active business area. The cost per square metre – between €2,600 and €2,700 – is showing moderate growth, driven by the influx of logistics and retail companies.

The municipality is modernising waterfronts, developing river ports and investing in transport interchanges, which strengthens the city’s position as a logistics hub in the eastern part of the country. Property investments offer stable returns and the possibility of further growth through redevelopment of older neighbourhoods.

9. Oss: an industrial city with potential

Oss is among the hidden favourites among small industrial centres. The city is actively developing the pharmaceutical, chemical and transport sectors, which creates a steady demand for housing from factory and office workers. The average price of €2,300 per square metre makes this city a favourable entry point to the market. The market here is not prone to overheating and allows you to invest without the risk of overvaluation. Dutch cities with cheap property located outside the tourist destinations form a stable tenant base, especially in the long-term rental segment for workers and professionals.

10. Sittard-Gellen: a multicultural cluster

Sittard-Gellen is a border town with a distinctly international character. The cost per square metre – around €2,100 – makes it one of the most affordable in the country. The geographical position between Belgium and Germany allows for the free flow of labour, capital and business connections. This is fuelling interest from expatriates, freelancers and digital specialists.

Dutch cities with cheap property: conclusions

Dutch cities with cheap property form the second layer of the market, where rationality triumphs over hype. They are suitable for those who build their investment strategy thoughtfully: they evaluate not advertising but parameters, not metres but potential. These cities offer more for less – from a square metre to the standard of living.

Naturalization Citizenship: How Does It Work in the Netherlands

The Netherlands, known for their openness and high standard of living, attract many immigrants from around the world. For many of them, the ultimate goal is to obtain Dutch citizenship through naturalization, which opens up wide opportunities and full equality. However, the process has its nuances and strict requirements. In this article, we will discuss this topic in detail.

Naturalization Citizenship: Conditions in the Netherlands

Every foreigner must meet the following conditions to obtain citizenship:

A minimum of five years of legal residence with a residence permit or permanent residence permit. Evidence includes registration with the municipality and a permanent address (domicile).
Knowledge of the Dutch language at least at level A2. Confirmation is through the state exam “Inburgeringsexamen.”
Passing an integration test, including knowledge of history, traditions, and basic societal life.
No criminal record in the last four years.
Financial stability – having a legal income or employment, confirmed by employment documents.
Mandatory oath of allegiance and renunciation of previous citizenship (with exceptions).

Violation of at least one condition results in automatic rejection. However, residency of less than five years is permissible if the person was born in the country, married a citizen, or obtained refugee status.

How to Obtain Citizenship through Naturalization

The mechanism for obtaining citizenship is strictly structured. The IND (Immigration and Naturalization Service) in the Netherlands registers and processes each application within 12 months. Document collection starts at the municipality – it is where the initial application is submitted. The applicant needs:

passport;
valid residence permit;
language certificate and exam;
income statements;
proof of residence;
documents showing no criminal record.

The final step is submitting the application to the IND and awaiting a decision. A positive response is accompanied by a ceremony where the applicant swears allegiance to the state. This marks the end of the path to naturalization in the Netherlands, but a new legal reality begins.

Who Chooses This Path More Often

According to CBS data, over 30,000 people undergo the naturalization procedure annually. Among them are students, IT specialists, entrepreneurs, and participants in integration programs. Turkish, Syrian, and Iraqi citizens make up about 40% of the total number of new citizens.

Qualified professionals from India, the USA, and Russia show particular dynamics – these categories most often obtain citizenship in the Netherlands through employment and long-term residence.

Naturalization Checklist in the Netherlands

A step-by-step algorithm helps structure the process and eliminate errors at each stage. Compliance with all points significantly increases the chances of successful naturalization in the Netherlands:

Assess residency status – having a legal residence permit or permanent residence permit.
Check the length of residency – a minimum of 5 years of residence.
Prepare documents: passport, rental contract or mortgage (proof of domicile), income and employment statements, no criminal record.
Pass language and integration exams.
Submit the application to the municipality.
Await IND decision (up to 1 year).
Attend the oath ceremony.
Receive the passport and acquire civil rights.

The checklist is universal for any foreigner, regardless of their original citizenship and immigration goals.

Exceptions to the Rules

Naturalization norms are not universal – certain categories of applicants may be eligible for a simplified procedure. The law provides for exceptions that take into account family and humanitarian circumstances.

Dutch legislation allows for simplified naturalization in the following cases:

Individuals married to a citizen of the country can apply after 3 years of cohabitation.
Children of migrants automatically acquire citizenship through naturalization if one of the parents went through the procedure before they reached adulthood.
Refugees and stateless persons benefit from preferential conditions, including a reduced residency period of 3 years.

Such preferences reduce barriers to integration for the most vulnerable groups. However, each case requires documentary evidence and compliance with basic conditions.

Challenges in Obtaining Citizenship through Naturalization

Even when meeting the basic naturalization requirements, the outcome is not guaranteed. In practice, most rejections are due not to intentions but to details overlooked during the preparation stages.

Failures occur more often for formal reasons:

Issues with income verification (gray wages, unofficial contracts).
Unsuccessful exam attempts (average pass rate is around 65%).
Non-compliance with residency periods (gaps, extended stays abroad).
Suspicions of sham marriages or data inaccuracies.

Legal errors or document negligence are a direct path to rejection without the possibility of appeal. Therefore, obtaining citizenship as a foreigner requires not only willingness but also meticulous preparation.

Integration as a Criterion of Loyalty

Integration is not a test but a way of life. The Dutch system values participation in public life, volunteering, education, and honest tax payment. In 2021, the Ministry of Justice noted an increase in positive decisions on applications where the candidate demonstrated activity: working on local projects, participating in cultural initiatives, social involvement.

The “Kennisland” program advises newcomers not to limit themselves to basic adaptation but to engage in community life. This approach builds a reputation that influences the naturalization outcome as much as documents do.

Cost of Becoming a Citizen

The financial aspect of the process requires as much attention as the legal one. Expenses include not only government fees but also mandatory additional costs for preparation.

The cost of the procedure directly depends on the applicant’s category:

adult – €970;
family application – €1242;
child under 18 years – €143.

Additional costs may include translator services, certified language courses, exams, and notarization of documents. On average, the path to citizenship ranges from €1600 to €2500 for self-application and up to €5000 with the assistance of an immigration lawyer.

Why Choose the Netherlands

Reasons for seeking citizenship through naturalization go beyond social guarantees and freedom of movement within the EU. The country offers:

one of the most stable labor markets in the European Union;
flexible tax policies for expatriates (30% ruling);
an efficient education system with international schools;
safety, high trust in the police, and low corruption levels;
a balance between personal freedom and legal discipline.

This combination of conditions creates an attractive environment for living and development. Therefore, citizenship through naturalization in the Netherlands is increasingly seen not just as a goal but as a strategic decision.

Investments as an Accelerator: Legal Way without a Queue

An alternative to obtaining citizenship through naturalization is investing in real estate. The program for major investors involves:

Investing from 1.25 million euros in an approved asset.
Obtaining a long-term visa and permanent residence permit for 5 years.
Reducing the period to citizenship – just three years with active integration and language proficiency.

The Netherlands may not be Malta or Vanuatu, but an investor with transparent funds and reputation gains a politically correct and fast way to become a full-fledged member of society.

Conclusion

Citizenship through naturalization in the Netherlands is confirmation that a foreigner has undergone the path of adaptation, mastered the language, demonstrated resilience, and loyalty to society. The law requires not only procedural compliance but also meaning – a willingness to share the country’s values. The fast track through real estate investments provides an advantage, but it also requires responsibility and legal precision.

August 26, 2025

Hoe een verblijfsvergunning in Nederland te krijgen: de weg naar een nieuw leven in 2025

Nederland is een land met een hoge levenskwaliteit, een stabiele economie en veel doorgroeimogelijkheden. Veel mensen dromen ervan om naar het Koninkrijk der Nederlanden te verhuizen, en de vraag hoe je hier een permanente verblijfsvergunning kunt krijgen wordt steeds relevanter. In 2025 blijft de procedure relatief toegankelijk voor mensen met verschillende statussen, of ze nu professionals, ondernemers of studenten zijn. Om succesvol te immigreren, moet je zorgvuldig het type visum kiezen, de documenten opstellen en aan alle vereisten voldoen.

Nederland: een land met gunstige kansen voor immigranten

Nederland is een staat met een hoog niveau van sociale ondersteuning. Het land staat steevast hoog op de wereldranglijst van kwaliteit van leven, wat niet alleen toeristen aantrekt, maar ook mensen die een stabiele baan, goede medische zorg en goede omstandigheden voor het opvoeden van kinderen willen vinden. Het land biedt aantrekkelijke programma’s voor immigranten, waaronder werkvisa, opstartformules en studentenprogramma’s.

Om in 2025 naar Nederland te verhuizen en een permanente verblijfsvergunning te krijgen, is het belangrijk om te begrijpen welke voordelen er in het verschiet liggen:

Onderwijs van hoge kwaliteit: het land heeft toegankelijk onderwijs van hoge kwaliteit op alle niveaus. Veel instellingen, zoals de Universiteit van Amsterdam en de Universiteit Utrecht, leiden studenten op en geven diploma’s die in Europa en daarbuiten worden erkend.
Medische zorg is beschikbaar voor alle burgers en inwoners. De kwaliteit van de gezondheidszorg staat op het hoogste niveau.
Winstgevende werkgelegenheid: Nederland trekt actief specialisten aan in informatietechnologie, geneeskunde en wetenschap. Werkgevers bieden hoge salarissen en uitstekende arbeidsomstandigheden, en de belastingen op beroepsinkomsten zijn relatief laag (vergeleken met andere Europese landen).

Nu ze alle voordelen van verhuizen naar het Koninkrijk kennen, beginnen mensen zich af te vragen hoe ze in 2025 een permanente verblijfsvergunning in Nederland kunnen krijgen, omdat dit proces de deur opent naar sociale uitkeringen en het recht om in de EU te werken.

Hoe krijg je een verblijfsvergunning in Nederland: 5 stappen van visum tot staatsburgerschap

Het pad omvat verschillende belangrijke fasen die moeten worden doorlopen om voet aan de grond te krijgen in het land en vervolgens een volwaardig burger te worden. Laten we eens kijken naar een gedetailleerd vijfstappenplan dat je zal helpen deze procedure succesvol te doorlopen.

Stap 1: Het juiste visum kiezen

Een cruciaal punt, want verschillende visa bieden verschillende mogelijkheden om in Nederland te wonen en te werken. Laten we eens kijken naar een paar van de populairste categorieën:

Werkvisum: de beste keuze voor hoogopgeleide professionals met diploma’s en ervaring in veelgevraagde vakgebieden. Nederland trekt actief ingenieurs, IT-specialisten, medische professionals en wetenschappers aan.
Visum voor starters en ondernemers: de overheid biedt uitstekende voorwaarden voor de registratie van bedrijven. Er zijn speciale visa waarmee buitenlanders een bedrijf kunnen openen in het land en kunnen investeren in de economie.
Studentenvisum: jongeren kunnen een tijdelijke verblijfsvergunning krijgen om in Nederland te studeren. Na afronding van hun studie kunnen ze een verlenging van de vergunning aanvragen en in het land blijven terwijl ze werken in hun specialisme.

Elk type heeft zijn eigen vereisten en regels, en het is belangrijk om vooraf uit te zoeken welke categorie geschikt is voor individuele behoeften.

Stap 2: Registratie van een verblijfsvergunning

Zodra het vereiste type visum is gekozen, is de volgende stap het aanvragen van een verblijfsvergunning. Hiervoor moet een pakket documenten worden samengesteld:

Een paspoort dat minimaal 6 maanden geldig is.
Bewijs van financiële solvabiliteit (bijv. bankafschriften of arbeidscontract).
Bewijs van het doel van de reis (bijvoorbeeld een contract met een werkgever of een bewijs van studie aan een Nederlandse instelling).
Ziektekostenverzekering.

In dit stadium is het belangrijk om je documenten zorgvuldig voor te bereiden, omdat een fout of ontbrekend certificaat het moeilijker maakt om een verblijfsvergunning in Nederland te krijgen.

Stap 3: Werk en belastingen

Een baan in Nederland versnelt het proces om een permanente verblijfsvergunning te krijgen aanzienlijk. Het land ondersteunt arbeidsmigratie actief en biedt aantrekkelijke voorwaarden voor gekwalificeerde specialisten. Het gemiddelde salaris in het Koninkrijk is hoger dan in andere Europese landen en de belastingen op inkomen zijn relatief laag. Om een permanent verblijf in Nederland te verkrijgen, is het belangrijk om een stabiel inkomen te hebben, bevestigd door een arbeidscontract of een contract met een werkgever.

Het is ook belangrijk om aandacht te besteden aan het belastingstelsel, dat vrij loyaal is aan buitenlandse specialisten, vooral in sectoren als IT en wetenschap.

Stap 4: Verblijf en integratie in de samenleving

De volgende belangrijke stap is integratie in de Nederlandse samenleving. Dit omvat:

Nederlands leren. Zonder deze kennis zal het extreem moeilijk zijn om een baan te vinden, sociale banden aan te knopen en succesvol te integreren in de maatschappij.
Kennismaking met cultuur en tradities. Nederland is een land met een rijke geschiedenis en veel gebruiken die belangrijk zijn om in ere te houden en te respecteren.
5 jaar in het Koninkrijk verblijven zonder de wet te overtreden…

Stap 5: Burgerschap verkrijgen

Het proces om het staatsburgerschap in Nederland te verkrijgen na registratie van een verblijfsvergunning duurt 5 jaar. Maar het vereist:

Tijdens deze periode in het land verblijven zonder overtreding.
Nederlands kennen op B1-niveau (gemiddeld niveau).
Doe taal- en cultuurtests.
Bevestig financiële onafhankelijkheid.

Er moet aan worden herinnerd dat permanent verblijf in Nederland niet automatisch leidt tot burgerschap: om het te verkrijgen, is het nodig om een aanvraag in te dienen en te slagen voor een reeks tests die de integratie in de samenleving bevestigen.

Conclusie

Om naar Nederland te verhuizen en een permanent verblijf in het land te krijgen, moet je een proces in meerdere fasen doorlopen dat zorgvuldigheid en voorbereiding vereist. Het begint met het kiezen van het juiste visum en de juiste documentatie, vervolgens het afsluiten van een arbeidscontract en de integratie in de Nederlandse samenleving. Zo kun je deze weg afleggen en alle voordelen ontdekken van het leven in dit prachtige Koninkrijk.

June 11, 2025