Leiden
Surviving in Leiden
Expat in Leiden
LEIDEN AREA
Leiden, Leiderdorp, Oegstgeest, Voorschoten, Zoeterwoude
- European City of Science in 2022
- 93% of expats stay longer than 1 year
- Where the first Dutch tulip was planted
- Home to the largest life sciences cluster in the Netherlands
Leiden is a cosy, vibrant city which will quickly feel like home. There is plenty to explore, from hidden courtyards to independent boutiques and award-winning national museums. Then there’s the many canals that can be enjoyed by boat, or from one of the water-side bars and restaurants. Leiden University, Leiden Bio Science Park and many international businesses are based here, and there are great travel connections to other major Dutch cities and Schipol airport.
Want to escape the city life? The beach towns of Noordwijk and Katwijk, as well as the classic Dutch polder landscape of windmills and lakes, are all within biking distance.
You can find more information about the Leiden Area in Expat Survival Guide 2024!
Stats and facts
fACTS AND FIGURES
Helping you
How can we help you in Leiden?
Employment
Help for Expat Families. If your partner or family is looking to get a job in the Netherlands, the EURES advisers are here to help. EURES is an initiative from the European Commission to help citizens from in- and outsite the European Economic Area te successful wherever they live in the EU.
UWV / EURES
GMW is based in The Hague, between the sea and the international zone (where many international organizations of law and peace are located). Clients choose our firm because of our legal quality and specialist expertise. We have particular expertise in litigation. We can offer our services in the following languages: Dutch, English, Turkish, French, Spanish, Sarnami Hindi or German.
GMW Lawyers
Within the Netherlands and abroad, Mynta Law has an excellent reputation as running a very knowledgeable, experienced, and sincere immigration and nationality law practice. We are thorough in our analysis of your question, realistic in our advice, and very goal-oriented in everything we do.
Mynta Law
Van den Heuvel Juristen is an office specialized in Dutch and European employment law, and alien/immigration law. We further deliver mediation services. Our office delivers services to both Dutch and foreign workers as well as to employers. We assist migrants and expats in their applications for residency, for purposes of work or family, vis-à-vis the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service.
Van den Heuvel Arbeidsjuristen
Karen Gordon is a Certified Career & Team Coach. In her practice, Karen coaches and trains individuals and groups both for companies and privately. Services include:, Career Planning, CV Optimisation, Job seeking, Interview preparation in English, Face to face or online workshops, Leadership & Team Coaching.
KGT Consulting
Relocation
Relocating to the Netherlands? Plans to move here? ACCESS, a local not-for-profit organisation, managed by volunteers – who moved here themselves – is here to help. We answer any questions you have about moving to, living in and leaving the Netherlands. Questions internationals have when navigating new circumstances, while living here.
ACCESS
Leiden International Centre (formerly Expat Centre Leiden) is a non-profit organisation supporting international newcomers and their employers in the Leiden region. We provide BSN registration appointments, organise free informative and social events and have a helpdesk for questions.
Leiden International Centre
We are an independent notary office in The Hague with expertise in family law, real estate, and business law, where customization and efficiency are paramount. We can act as an impartial notary or advisor for wills, living wills, home and mortgage, cohabitation agreements, prenuptial agreements and legalization of documents.
Van Buttingha Wichers Notaries
Utility Direct is the only independent relocation platform aimed at completely unburdening customers during a move to or within the Netherlands. With years of experience and partnerships with all the biggest providers we will help you settle comfortably in your new home. From arranging your insurance, furniture rental, bank account and moving services, to setting up all your household utilities.
Utility Direct
Within the Netherlands and abroad, Mynta Law has an excellent reputation as running a very knowledgeable, experienced, and sincere immigration and nationality law practice. We are thorough in our analysis of your question, realistic in our advice, and very goal-oriented in everything we do.
Mynta Law
25 years of tradition meets innovation in our expat services, removing any potential roadblocks on your path! Energized by Empowerment and Empathy, we offer Immigration Aid, 30% Tax Ruling, Government Compliance (BSN2, Bank, Car Import, Driving License Exchange), Relocation Care, Daycare&School Search, Home-Finding, Payroll&Employment for Non-Eu nationals and more. Your adventure, our dedication!
PIR GROUP
Balancing a digital and human approach, Expat Management Group offers a wide range of personal and corporate immigration, relocation, and settling-in services for expats and their dependents in Benelux, Germany, and beyond. With the solid base and experience of a large firm and the flexibility and commitment of a small one. Seamlessly. Frictionless. Human first. Every step of the way.
Expat Management Group
We provide advice to those who wish to work and live in the Netherlands and also to (overseas) companies who do business in the Netherlands. We are familiar with all the specific rules and regulations and we can provide a wide range of tailor-made services ranging from relocation – housing tax services (rental and purchase), residence/working permits, settling-in services in the Netherlands.
Tulip Expats Services
We do it all. Starting at guiding you through the world of relocation and immigration issues, tax and insurances, and housing and mortgages, up to school enrolment, medical registration, cleaning services, joining sport & social clubs and home decoration. We cover every aspect for expats moving to The Netherlands…and back.
PAS BMS
Housing
Our highly qualified team is ready to give you their utmost support in finding the right place (rent or purchase) without any worries and with good results. We are personally involved during the whole process and we will provide you with professional, friendly and honest service. After-sale advice is part of our service.
Lindy Nikken Real Estate
Pararius is the largest independent website for rental properties in the Netherlands. Pararius brings together tenants and landlords. Hundreds of professional organisations offer their available rental properties on Pararius. Visitors of Pararius can easily search the large selection of rental properties and then contact them by email or simply just by calling.
Pararius
De Raad Woonmakelaars is there for you if you are looking for a rental property in The Netherlands. We are a small team, which enables us to have a personal approach which is tailor made to your wishes.
De Raad Makelaars
We are an independent notary office in The Hague with expertise in family law, real estate, and business law, where customization and efficiency are paramount. We can act as an impartial notary or advisor for wills, living wills, home and mortgage, cohabitation agreements, prenuptial agreements and legalization of documents.
Van Buttingha Wichers Notaries
We understand how complex it can be to find and secure a place that meets your needs. Our expertise, top-notch service, and dedicated team are sure to make your relocation a breeze. It’s our goal to help you find the long-term rental of your dreams anywhere in the Netherlands. Furnished, unfurnished, modern, classic, vibrant, or calm – we make sure to find a home that fits with your lifestyle.
Corporate Housing Living
Metropole Makelaardij is de makelaar voor de Metropoolregio Leiden-Den Haag-Rotterdam en biedt haar klanten een intensieve en persoonlijke begeleiding bij zowel de aankoop van uw droomwoning, als de verkoop van uw huidige woning.
Metropole Makelaardij
ServicedApartments.nl is your go-to platform for temporary housing. Serviced apartments offer a more comfortable alternative to hotels, by offering travellers independence, space and a taste of local living. Whether you’re managing your company’s travels, you’re a relocator, individual business traveller, or moving abroad with your family; we are ready to find your perfect apartment.
ServicedApartments.nl
We provide advice to those who wish to work and live in the Netherlands and also to (overseas) companies who do business in the Netherlands. We are familiar with all the specific rules and regulations and we can provide a wide range of tailor-made services ranging from relocation – housing tax services (rental and purchase), residence/working permits, settling-in services in the Netherlands.
Tulip Expats Services
Our goal is to keep expats happy. We are at their service 24/7. We offer top-quality residences in the best locations in all major Dutch cities and we do our best to truly take care of expats. Our quality of service is second to none. We also take care of the expat. Our expat state of mind is not limited to finding them a nice place to live, we also offer a wide range of support services.
Hello Housing
Finance
The TaxSavers is an ambitious and fast-growing organization where the customers are always put first. The TaxSavers has been set up to assist clients with the increasing demand in filing their tax returns. Especially in more complex situations, such as after buying or selling a house, in years of migration, or the financial results of other impactful life events.
The TaxSavers
A&H Finance is specialized in helping expats who want to buy a house in the Netherlands. We guide you through the entire mortgage process. Our aim is that you buy a house which you may enjoy for many years, with a mortgage that fits your personal situation.
A&H Finance
Creative entrepreneurs seeking an all-round financial coach can find guidance in a constantly evolving world with our tailored financial and tax advice. Our comprehensive approach, based on both your business and personal situation, ensures that you gain control over your finances, both now and in the future.
NAHV Belastingadviseurs
Leave your mortgage worries behind! Our efficient process ensures your mortgage is completed in no time. Experience our exceptional value, affordable pricing, and 5-star service. Schedule your appointment today at one of our locations in Amsterdam, The Hague or Utrecht, or if you prefer, set up a video-based appointment from the comfort of your own home.
Easy Mortgage
We know the Dutch tax system is a complicated one, and as an expat filing taxes in Holland can be overwhelming. Suurmond Tax consultants is a Dutch tax company with an international perspective. Whether it concerns the income tax return, 30%-ruling request, international tax planning, we know how to handle it in your best interest. We are prepared to go that extra mile to obtain the best results.
Suurmond Tax Consultants
We provide advice to those who wish to work and live in the Netherlands and also to (overseas) companies who do business in the Netherlands. We are familiar with all the specific rules and regulations and we can provide a wide range of tailor-made services ranging from relocation – housing tax services (rental and purchase), residence/working permits, settling-in services in the Netherlands.
Tulip Expats Services
File your Dutch income tax return for € 149, or together with your partner for only € 199. The income tax filing process is simple, straightforward, affordable, completely online and in plain English. Our service is also available to expats with the 30% ruling. Blue Umbrella: specialist in Dutch tax matters, reliable, accurate and affordable. The best choice for internationals.
Blue Umbrella
Education
Whether you’re an expat and want to master Dutch or you’re interested to acquire another language, at Regina Coeli you learn to communicate more effectively in a foreign language. At every Regina Coeli training programme’s core: Personal attention, Face-to-face lessons with native speakers, Full focus on learning the language, Intensity: learn a foreign language in a short time
Language Institute Regina Coeli
Over the past 50 years, Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) has firmly established its reputation as one of Europe’s most international and innovative business schools. We aim to improve the practice of business and management through our research, our education, and our engagement with alumni and corporate and societal partners.
Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University
The Board of Tests and Examinations (CvTE) is responsible for the organisation and development of the State Exam Dutch as a second language (Nt2). This is the national language proficiency exam for non-native speakers looking to study or work in the Netherlands. The diploma is officially recognized by the Dutch government. Find more information on our website and subscribe to our newsletter!
College voor Toetsen en Examens
Ready to go from overwhelmed to confident in daily Dutch situations? At Vivo Dutch, you’ll learn Dutch in a streamlined, flexible, and structured way – in just 8 weeks. How? Completely online, mostly self-paced, and including personal feedback on pronunciation, and speaking/writing skills. Your teacher Vivian is a certified teacher, native speaker, and former integration exam assessor. Are you in?
Vivo Dutch
Discover TaalBoost – the ultimate Dutch language school for internationals in Amsterdam! Experience the joy of learning Dutch with our expert instructors who make every class engaging and interactive. Whether you prefer in-class sessions or online learning, we’ve got you covered. Join TaalBoost and embark on an unforgettable Dutch language learning journey! Enrol today and level up your Dutch!
TaalBoost
Flowently provides language courses for growing companies and busy people. Happy employees will stay with your company. We therefore welcome internationals with exclusive language training and integration programmes; Basic Dutch, Business English, Local Culture Sessions and Intercultural Awareness, for individuals and groups. With proper relocation, expats deliver higher performance faster.
Flowently
Learn Dutch with a personal touch! Specializing in beginners up to A2, Anouk offers something different than you get at the big schools. Small class sizes, personal support, engaging lessons, and a teacher dedicated to your success – that’s Active Dutch. Her group courses (in-person/online), private lessons, and in-company classes are designed to get you speaking Dutch quickly and confidently.
Active Dutch
Webster University, a worldwide institution, ensures high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence. Our vision is to be a premier U.S-based international university setting a distinct standard for global education. Now, the University engages thousands of individuals living and working worldwide.
Webster Leiden Campus
New2NL is a specialized education consultancy for international families living in or moving to the Netherlands. Through our research background in Intercultural Conflicts at Work, a Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology, jobs at multinationals and working in Italy, we have a thorough understanding of the (educational) challenges faced by international families in the Netherlands.
New2NL
Families
Help for Expat Families. If your partner or family is looking to get a job in the Netherlands, the EURES advisers are here to help. EURES is an initiative from the European Commission to help citizens from in- and outsite the European Economic Area te successful wherever they live in the EU.
UWV / EURES
You’ve been able to rely on professional childcare since we opened our first childcare centre in 1984. Every day, more than 700 Partou childcare centres welcome over 70,000 children and 9,000 members of staff. This means we are the biggest childcare organisation in the Netherlands and we are proud to say that we have a lot of experience with children.
Partou Childcare
GMW is based in The Hague, between the sea and the international zone (where many international organizations of law and peace are located). Clients choose our firm because of our legal quality and specialist expertise. We have particular expertise in litigation. We can offer our services in the following languages: Dutch, English, Turkish, French, Spanish, Sarnami Hindi or German.
GMW Lawyers
We are an independent notary office in The Hague with expertise in family law, real estate, and business law, where customization and efficiency are paramount. We can act as an impartial notary or advisor for wills, living wills, home and mortgage, cohabitation agreements, prenuptial agreements and legalization of documents.
Van Buttingha Wichers Notaries
Within the Netherlands and abroad, Mynta Law has an excellent reputation as running a very knowledgeable, experienced, and sincere immigration and nationality law practice. We are thorough in our analysis of your question, realistic in our advice, and very goal-oriented in everything we do.
Mynta Law
New2NL is a specialized education consultancy for international families living in or moving to the Netherlands. Through our research background in Intercultural Conflicts at Work, a Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology, jobs at multinationals and working in Italy, we have a thorough understanding of the (educational) challenges faced by international families in the Netherlands.
New2NL
Setting up home
Utility Direct is the only independent relocation platform aimed at completely unburdening customers during a move to or within the Netherlands. With years of experience and partnerships with all the biggest providers we will help you settle comfortably in your new home. From arranging your insurance, furniture rental, bank account and moving services, to setting up all your household utilities.
Utility Direct
Healthcare
Healthcare for internationals (H4i) is a non-profit network of organisations that aim to close the gap between Dutch healthcare and the needs and expectations of patients with an international background. The network has members and projects in 5 regions across the Netherlands.
Healthcare for Internationals
transport
Bring your car along when relocating or returning to the Netherlands! With 25 years of experience, VDS Auto Import has helped expats import their cars or motorcycles from around the globe. Whether you’re leaving Dubai, the States, Japan, or any other country. We’ll take care of the entire process; from pick-up at your home abroad, to port transport, Dutch registration, and everything in between.
VDS Auto Import
Are you looking for a used car? When you buy a car from Bynco, you don’t run any risks, neither during the purchase nor while driving. That’s because we take all the risks from you.
Bynco
Leisure & clubs
Relocating to the Netherlands? Plans to move here? ACCESS, a local not-for-profit organisation, managed by volunteers – who moved here themselves – is here to help. We answer any questions you have about moving to, living in and leaving the Netherlands. Questions internationals have when navigating new circumstances, while living here.
ACCESS
DutchNews.nl provides Dutch news and current affairs in English for an international audience. Some 70,000 people read DutchNews.nl every day, either online, through our daily digital newsletter or via our social media channels.
Dutch News
The British Society organises events with a British flavour. A very social club, we’re open to people of every nationality who are English speakers looking to meet new friends, play sports and socialise. BritSoc as the society is known is a pro-active and multi-cultural organisation which is run by its members for its members.
The British Society
The Women’s Business Initiative International (WBII) is an international not-for-profit association. We are a community for women business owners, sharing knowledge and experience. We offer a wide variety of events and opportunities to connect, support and grow your business. The pro-activeness of our members enriches and enhances the value of the network.
Women’s Business Initiative International
The ICN was set up to support the objective of allowing the growing number of Irish people settling in the Netherlands to maintain contact with each other and to provide support for sporting and cultural activities. Along with its monthly e-newsletter, the club is organised both on a national basis and with Local Activity Groups.
ICN – Irish Club Netherlands
ExpatsHaarlem is the broadest international community & media platform in the Haarlem area and is about easing and enriching the life of internationals. We provide news, information and articles and organize events for expats – and Dutchies too-. We arrange special offers and discounts for our readers.
Expats Haarlem
Whether you’re temporarily overseas or ‘going Dutch’, Democrats Abroad Netherlands brings us all together to keep connected to the political process back in the US. In Dutch, there’s just one word (stem) for ‘vote’ and ‘voice’. And we couldn’t agree more. Your vote is your voice — and we’re here to make sure you’re heard!
Democrats Abroad
A home for expatriate life stories! The Expatriate Archive Centre collects and preserves the life stories of expatriates worldwide for future research. We are located in The Netherlands but our outreach is global. We are here to serve researchers around the world!
Expatriate Archive Centre
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