Top 10 Cities in the Netherlands with Affordable Real Estate: Where to Invest in 2025?

The Netherlands attracts people from all over the world with its interesting cities, high quality of life and well-thought-out infrastructure. From vibrant Amsterdam to tranquil Utrecht, there is something for everyone.

In this article we will look in detail at the best cities in the Netherlands for living and find out in which of them you should buy property.

Amsterdam is a dynamic capital city with an outlook

The capital city of Amsterdam is renowned for its developed infrastructure, cultural opportunities and stable property market. The city offers the best standard of living, making it an ideal location in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is also the country’s largest economic and cultural centre with many opportunities for work and career development. Key advantages include an excellent transport network, including an extensive system of trams and cycle paths.

Transport Infrastructure:

1. Trams and buses run every 10-15 minutes.
2. A developed network of bicycle paths with a length of more than 500 kilometres.
3. A train system that allows you to reach other cities in less than an hour.

Taxes and utilities:

1. Property tax is about 0.05% of the value.
2. Utility bills – on average 150-200 euros per month, including water, electricity and gas.

Cost of living and property prices

The cost of living in Amsterdam is higher than in other Dutch cities, but it is compensated by the convenience and high quality of services. The average price of a flat in Amsterdam is about 5000-6000 euros per square metre, depending on the area. The closer to the centre, the higher the price, but investing in Amsterdam real estate remains a profitable and promising option.

Property prices:

1. In central areas: from 6000 euros/m².
2. In neighbourhoods on the outskirts: from 4500 euros/m².
3. Average rent per flat: 1500-2000 euros per month.

Additional Costs:

1. Property purchase tax: 2% of the property value.
2. Legal services and formalisation: about 2000-3000 euros.

Areas of greatest interest to the Russian-speaking community

For the Russian-speaking population, Amsterdam also offers plenty of amenities and attractive neighbourhoods. One of the most popular is Zeiderham, where there are internationally orientated schools and many cultural facilities. This makes Amsterdam the best city in the Netherlands to live in with a large Russian community where Russian speakers can feel at home. Also popular are the neighbourhoods of De Pape and Oosterdok, offering a combination of tranquillity and affordability.

Rotterdam – an innovation centre with affordable housing

Rotterdam is considered an ideal place for young professionals and entrepreneurs due to its cosy atmosphere and affordable housing. The city is actively developing and attracts people from different countries. The largest port in Europe is located here, which contributes to the development of logistics and maritime business. Young professionals choose Rotterdam as the best city in the Netherlands to live for work due to the many start-ups and favourable conditions for career development.

Jobs and Careers:

1. Port and logistics companies are actively hiring.
2. The IT and startup sector is growing rapidly.
3. Support programmes for young entrepreneurs, including subsidies and grants.

Housing costs and investment prospects

One of the main advantages of Rotterdam is affordability. The average cost of property here is lower than in Amsterdam and ranges between 3000-4000 euros per square metre. A great place for those who want to start investing in property. The Netherlands’ best cities to live in with affordable housing offer great opportunities to buy a flat for the future, and Rotterdam is definitely on the list.

Property prices:

1. Flats in the centre: from 3500 euro/m².
2. On the outskirts: around 3000 euros/m².
3. House rent: 1000-1500 euros per month.

Investment Opportunities:

1. Projected property value growth: 5-7% per year.
2. High rental demand among students and young professionals.

Developed infrastructure and social life

Rotterdam is known for its cultural diversity and active social life. Numerous museums, festivals and exhibitions make the city attractive to people of all ages. The metropolis is also characterised by a well-developed environment: the transport system is clear and modern residential complexes include everything you need for a comfortable life. This makes Rotterdam the best city in the Netherlands to live in, with a well-developed infrastructure where there is something for everyone.

Utrecht – cosiness and tranquillity in the heart of the Netherlands

Utrecht is located in the heart of the country and is considered a great place for family life and for those who want to enjoy a peaceful retirement. One of the best cities in the Netherlands for retirement living, it is cosy, with plenty of parks and a beautiful historical centre where life flows at a leisurely pace. Here you can find many places for recreation and walks, as well as take advantage of quality medical services.

Security and crime rates

Utrecht has one of the lowest crime rates in the Netherlands. The city administration actively takes care of the safety of residents by installing CCTV cameras and developing police liaison systems. Everyone can feel comfortable walking the streets here, even at late hours.

Safety Measures:

1. CCTV cameras have been installed in most public places.
2. Active engagement programmes with local police stations.
3. Neighbourhood watch programmes and community support.

Social and cultural life

Utrecht is famous for its cultural events and festivals that take place here throughout the year. Many museums, theatres and cafés make the metropolis a truly attractive city in the Netherlands for those who appreciate cultural and social life. The beautiful canals and old architecture create an atmosphere of tranquillity and cosiness.

Conclusion

The Netherlands is a country with a rich selection of cities, each offering a unique living environment. Therefore, before making a choice, it is important to carefully weigh all factors and find the place that best suits your needs.

Many people are concerned about how to obtain Dutch citizenship in 2025. The answer lies not in the glamour of Amsterdam, but in following the legal requirements and providing facts from your immigration history. Every path to citizenship is not a formality, but a calibrated sequence of actions where there is no room for chance. The conditions may have changed, but the system’s approach remains the same: strict but clear. If you have the necessary data, have taken the necessary steps and have serious intentions – the goal is achievable. We will go through each method in detail, focusing on the key requirements and steps.

Legal start: through naturalisation

Naturalisation is the classic way of obtaining Dutch citizenship. It is suitable for most migrants who have undergone long-term adaptation.
Prerequisites:

• continuous residence for at least 5 years under a Dutch residence permit, including residence in the Kingdom for at least 80% of the time;
• Successful completion of a language, culture and constitutional exam;
• no criminal record;
• renunciation of previous civil status, with few exceptions.

As of 1 January 2025, the integration exam has been modernised. It is fully digitalised. It includes listening, a written part and an interview. The average level of requirements is B1, according to the CEFR. The result is Dutch citizenship, with all the rights of an EU citizen.

Option: shortcuts for “their own”

The optatisation procedure is not an indulgence, but a recognition of the rights of persons historically linked to the Netherlands. It is one of the least known but realistic ways of obtaining Dutch citizenship.
Those who can take advantage of it are:

• persons who were born in the country and have lived there for at least 3 years;
• children whose parents are Dutch;
• former subjects of the kingdom who have lost their passport for technical reasons.

The opt-in process is a pure formality: registration in the municipality, submission of an application, confirmation of facts. The passport is issued after 3-6 months. The principle of confirmation, not proof, applies here.

By birth and by blood: transfer by law

It is possible to acquire Dutch citizenship by birthright if one of the parents is a Dutch citizen. Act No. 305 (ed. 2022) preserves this right regardless of the territory of birth. When you are born in the country from foreign parents, you are not granted a passport of the country. But after 3 years of residence it is possible to apply for an option. Adoption by a Dutch citizen gives the right to formalisation, subject to international norms.

How to obtain Dutch citizenship through marriage

Marriage to a Dutch citizen does not automatically entitle you to Dutch citizenship, but it does open the way to citizenship through naturalisation. One of the key conditions is a minimum of 3 years of living together in the Netherlands or 5 years outside the Netherlands. The marriage must be intact at the time of application. The IND immigration office carefully checks the authenticity of the relationship. It looks at the presence of common children, shared household, photographs, correspondence and financial ties. In 2024, 12 per cent of applications were rejected because of suspected sham marriages. Preparation for filing should be as thorough as possible, focusing on the real facts of living together.

Dual nationality: strictly but with reservations

If you are thinking about obtaining a Dutch passport, it is important to consider the prohibition on dual Dutch citizenship. The law requires you to relinquish your former passport upon naturalisation.

Exceptions apply if:

• the country does not allow refusal (e.g. Iran);
• the applicant is married to a Dutchman;
• civilian status obtained by option;
• the loss of the first passport will result in damages;
• the person was born with two citizenships.

In 2024, the IND approved 23 per cent of applications with retention of previous citizenship. The decision depends on the circumstances and the level of integration.

Immigration and residence permit: transition to citizenship status

Any path to Dutch citizenship starts with legal status. Immigration to the Netherlands is by labour, study, family or humanitarian status. A permanent or long-term residence permit for the Netherlands is needed to go through the naturalisation procedure. Temporary residence permit is not taken into account. The steps include selecting a category, applying to the IND, possible MVV, registration, annual renewal. Since 2025, migrants follow the process through the DigiD online office.

Examination, language and culture: compulsory stage

The main filter on the way to how to get Dutch citizenship is the Inburgering exam. It includes:

• understanding, speaking and writing in Dutch;
• Knowledge of laws and social norms.

Until 2021 – A2 level, from 2022 – B1 level. In 2025 it is planned to strengthen to B1+ with the addition of digital skills. The integration course is compulsory. The municipality sends it to an accredited centre. The duration is up to 18 months. Without the course, refusal is inevitable, even if all other conditions are fulfilled. For children under 16 years of age, a simplified scheme is in place: the written part is adapted and the oral part is removed altogether.

How to build a path to legalisation and naturalisation

Emigration to the Netherlands is not just a change of country, but a strategic decision that opens the way to permanent residence. The initial step is to choose a solid migration base. One of the most attractive options is participation in the EU Blue Card programme. It provides a residence permit with the prospect of obtaining a permanent residence permit after three years, rather than the standard five. There is a special type of visa for innovative entrepreneurs. Called startup visa, issued with the support of one of the 36 recognised facilitators relevant for 2025.

Determining the basis for migration

The most common legal avenues are:

• employment under contract with a Dutch employer;
• training at accredited universities or research institutes;
• Family reunification or partnership with a national/resident of the country.

Financial planning

Living in the Netherlands requires a stable income and a clear budget:

• rent starts from 950 € per month (depending on the city and type of property);
• food costs – minimum 300 € per person per month;
• additional expenses: transport, mobile communications, utilities, leisure activities.

Analysing key areas

Before moving, it’s important to research:

• the labour market for your profession or business niche;
• health care system: compulsory insurance, choice of family doctor, registration with GGD;
• education: entry conditions, types of schools, language support for children and students.

Drawing up of mandatory documents

Legal residency requires:

• conclude a health insurance contract (basic policy is compulsory for all residents);
• open a bank account in a Dutch bank to receive your salary, pay your rent and other daily expenses;
• get a BSN (personal taxpayer number) – the key to accessing all state services.

Each of these steps is a brick in the foundation of your new life. The more thoroughly you work through the preparatory phase, the more confident you will feel as a new resident of the Netherlands. Start with the right strategy and it will only be a matter of time before you are on the road to citizenship.

How to obtain Dutch citizenship: conclusions

Obtaining Dutch citizenship is a process that requires careful planning and strict adherence to regulations. Each path available consists of sequential steps that go far beyond mere formality. Citizenship status cannot be achieved without proven integration into society, proficiency in the national language and demonstration of strong ties to the country.

Although the immigration system is transparent, it requires the active participation of the applicant at every stage. Only by completing all the necessary procedures legally can you gain access to a Dutch passport, the full range of rights of an EU citizen and a wide range of opportunities that are not limited by national borders.