Moving to Rotterdam Guide For Expat Families

MOVING TO ROTTERDAM

Welcome to our moving to Rotterdam guide, an essential resource for families looking to relocate to this exciting, modern, and culturally diverse city. Here, you’ll find useful information about what it’s like to live in Rotterdam as an expat, covering everything from visas and activities for children to the outstanding education on offer at Nord Anglia International School Rotterdam (NAISR).

YOUR GUIDE TO EXPAT LIVING IN ROTTERDAM

Rotterdam is a flourishing city with a large population of expat families and a welcoming multicultural vibe.

Known as the gateway to Europe, Rotterdam is located in the south of the Netherlands. It’s the country’s most dynamic city – a place where history, culture, and modernism combine. It’s also a fantastic city for children, thanks to its family focus and laidback atmosphere.

Moving to Rotterdam, you’ll discover streets filled with art, peaceful green spaces, and striking architecture. You’ll also join a city that’s committed to innovation and global business, where almost everyone speaks great English.

BEFORE YOU MOVE TO ROTTERDAM

Moving to Rotterdam with your family is exciting but does require some planning. We’ve highlighted a few things you’ll need to consider before you relocate.

Visa requirements

One of the first things you’ll need to do before moving to Rotterdam is investigate the Netherlands' visa and residence permit requirements.

Visa requirements

If your family is from an EU/EEA member country (or Switzerland), you won’t need a visa to enter the Netherlands. However, if you’re planning to stay for more than three months, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit through your local town hall.

Relocating to Rotterdam from outside the EU/EEA? You’ll need to apply for a visa before you arrive and then obtain a residency permit within three working days. If you have a job in place, then your employer will usually arrange this for you.

If you’re unsure whether you need a visa to visit or live in the Netherlands, we recommend using the government’s visa requirement check service.

Types of visa

The Netherlands offers many different visa options. The most common among families relocating to Rotterdam, however, is the MVV.

Long-stay visas (MVVs)

Also known as an authorisation for temporary stay, an MVV is a provisional residence permit granting the right to stay in the Netherlands for up to 90 days.

An MVV is a stepping stone to long-stay residence in the Netherlands. To stay longer, you’ll need to apply for a Dutch residence permit within these 90 days.

Moving to Rotterdam Guide For Expat Families | NAIS Rotterdam - Feature Cards Pattern

Finding a place to live

From spacious houses in residential neighbourhoods to apartments in central areas, Rotterdam offers accommodation options for all tastes and budgets.

Find a place to live

Choosing the right neighbourhood and type of accommodation is crucial when moving to Rotterdam.

Do you see yourself renting an apartment in Rotterdam Centrum, close to everything the city has to offer? Or maybe you’d prefer to settle your family into a house in Hillegersberg, a peaceful residential community close to Nord Anglia International School Rotterdam (NAISR)?

Whatever your preference, Rotterdam offers housing options for everybody.

Neighbourhood guide

Hillegersberg is a picturesque residential neighbourhood positioned between a cluster of small lakes and the river Rotte. One of the best places to live in Rotterdam, Hillegersberg has great transport links, with two metro stations that provide quick access to the city centre and The Hague, as well as proximity to the highway. The area is also home to NAISR.

Kralingen is one of the most popular neighbourhoods for expat families. Known for its green spaces, stylish homes, and lively social scene, the area offers a fantastic balance between urban living and access to nature.

Schiebroeck is a charming, leafy suburb surrounded by parks and recreational areas. The northern part of Schiebroeck is particularly attractive, with plenty of family homes and a laidback feel.

Prinsenland is a more modern neighbourhood, which features a mix of family homes and apartment buildings. Easily accessible from the city centre via the metro, Prinsenland is home to a vast park with great amenities for younger children, teenagers, and families.

Some families choose to live slightly out of the city, in villages such as Bergschenhoek and Berkel en Rodenrijs. Others commute in from further afield, including towns and cities like Schiedam, Vlaardingen, Maassluis, Dordrecht, Delft, Voorburg, The Hague, Breda, Wassenaar, and Zoetermeer.

Renting or buying a home

Your first port of call when looking to rent (‘te huur’) or buy (‘te koop’) a house is NAISR. The school works closely with three excellent external real estate agents, and you can enlist their support by contacting our Admissions Team.

Popular property websites, such as Funda, also provide a good overview of available housing. You can find helpful information on the Rotterdam International Centre website, too.

Health insurance

Health insurance is compulsory in the Netherlands, and it’s essential you arrange cover for your family before you move to Rotterdam.

Health insurance

Health insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands. To buy insurance, you’ll need a BSN (the Dutch equivalent of a social security number), which you can get from your local ‘gemeente’ (municipal town hall) or via the Rotterdam International Centre (a one-stop-shop for overseas residents and businesses).

The Dutch government regulates how much insurance companies can charge and what must be covered, but it’s important to do your research before buying.

You can find comprehensive information about health insurance on the excellent Access NL website.

Looking for work

Rotterdam is a global city that offers excellent employment opportunities, particularly within the maritime, logistics, tech, and creative industries.

Looking for work

Rotterdam has a booming job market. The second biggest city in the Netherlands, Rotterdam offers expats exciting opportunities across an array of industries.

There are many English-speaking jobs in Rotterdam. The city’s strategic position (home to the largest seaport in Europe), multilingual workforce, and international appeal make Rotterdam an attractive proposition for global businesses. This is particularly true across the logistics, maritime, tech, and creative sectors.

If you’re looking for a job in Rotterdam, we recommend the following resources:

LIVING IN ROTTERDAM

Our guide to living in Rotterdam as an expat covers transport, activities for your family, and more, ensuring you have all the information you need to settle into life in the city.

Moving to Rotterdam Guide For Expat Families | NAIS Rotterdam - Feature Cards Pattern 1

Getting around

Rotterdam’s compact size and efficient public transport system make getting around with children quick and easy. The city’s many bike lanes offer a healthy, fun, and eco-friendly way of navigating the Centrum and surrounding districts, too.

Getting around

Relocating to Rotterdam, you’ll discover a city that’s incredibly pedestrian and cycle friendly, with excellent public transport links.

Public transport

Rotterdam has a well-integrated public transport system that consists of buses, trams, and a metro. Tickets purchased on one form of transit can often be used across multiple modes on the same journey.

The Rotterdam metro has five lines serving 70 stations.
Nine tram lines operate permanently in the city, with three special or seasonal lines.
Buses in Rotterdam are useful for reaching areas not served by the metro or tram.

Cycling

The Dutch are renowned for their love of cycling. Living in Rotterdam, you’ll find that buying a bike – or using an e-bike hire scheme – is an easy and convenient way to get around. It’s also a great way to get some exercise and fresh air.

Walking

Rotterdam is a pedestrian-friendly city, with lots of delightful neighbourhoods to walk around. The ‘Rotterdam Walks 2025’ initiative has further improved walkability through safer crossings, better sidewalks, and expanded pedestrian zones.

Taxis

There are two options for taking a taxi in Rotterdam: by road or by water.

You can hail regular taxi cabs on the street throughout the city or use a ride-sharing app like Uber or Bolt. Rotterdam also has water taxis, which traverse the Maas River. These are a fun and speedy way to get around, stopping at around 50 points across the city.

Trains

Rotterdam Centraal is a major rail hub, offering excellent connectivity for both regional and international travel. Domestic routes connect you to cities like Amsterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht, while international services such as Thalys and Eurostar link Rotterdam to Antwerp, Brussels, and Paris.

Driving

Rotterdam’s public transport system and well-developed cycling infrastructure make it easy to get around the city without a car. In fact, the government actively discourages driving, with measures such as expensive parking and zero-emission zones in place to deter the use of private vehicles.

If you do decide to drive, you’ll need to check your current driver’s licence is valid in the Netherlands. When purchasing a vehicle, be sure to take the tax, fuel, and parking costs into account.

Things to do with children

Life for expat families in Rotterdam is varied and exciting, and there’s always something new to do or explore. From shopping and parks to open-air festivals and child-friendly museums, the city offers something for everyone.

Things to do with children

Rotterdam’s charm lies in its ability to cater to so many people and preferences, providing a rich tapestry of experiences that makes living here so fulfilling.

Living in Rotterdam, you’ll explore the city’s docks, marvel at the Cube Houses, and spend time both by and on the river. You’ll discover hidden treasures in Museumpark and cultural areas between Central Station and Kop van Zuid. And you’ll eat and shop in Chinatown and the commercial areas of Witte de Withstraat, New Binnenweg, and Delfshaven.

Below, we’ve listed some of the best things to do in Rotterdam:

Visit the Maritime Museum: Fascinating for both children and adults, the museum features historic ships, interactive exhibits, and child-focused zones like Professor Plons’ play area.
Climb the Euromast: Enjoy panoramic views of Rotterdam and have a go on a zip line.
Bike Around Kralingse Bos and Plas: This large, forested park has a lake, petting zoo, playgrounds, and plenty of picnic spots.
Check out Rotterdam Zoo (Diergaarde Blijdorp): This zoo is spacious, well-designed, and includes a large Oceanium. Perfect for a day trip.
Play at Plaswijckpark: This family amusement park features a mix of playgrounds, water fun, a mini zoo, and indoor play areas. Especially great for younger kids.
Visit the Kinderdijk Windmills: Head 20km east to the charming village of Kinderdijk, where you’ll discover 19 canal-side windmills that form a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Culture and language

The unofficial 'Gateway to Europe', Rotterdam is rich in culture, history, and tradition. Your family will also experience a modern city with a global outlook, where people speak multiple languages and truly celebrate difference.

Culture and language

Rotterdam is a unique, vibrant city, which is both modern and rich in history.

Moving here, you’ll discover a vibrant arts scene and diverse culinary landscape. The street art scene, with murals that tell stories of the city's diverse communities, reflects Rotterdam’s creative side. The city is also committed to sustainability and innovation, which is evident in its rooftop gardens and floating neighbourhoods.

Home to more than 180 nationalities, families living in Rotterdam will rub shoulders with people from across the world every day.

Languages

You’ll find that people speak a very high level of English in the Netherlands. Most people living in Rotterdam are fluent in Dutch and English. English-speakers can converse quite easily with practically everyone. Menus and signs are often printed in both Dutch and English, too.

Learning Dutch will, however, help you make friends and integrate with locals. Speaking the language will improve the quality of your day-to-day life, social scene, and connection with the city.

DISCOVER NORD ANGLIA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL ROTTERDAM

Nord Anglia International School Rotterdam (NAISR) is renowned for its warm, inclusive, and closeknit global learning community, where every student gets the care and attention they need to thrive.

We’re a school where everyone is welcome, and where every learner is supported and challenged to be the best they can be. Our holistic approach, led by compassionate and committed teachers, empowers our students to achieve academic success and develop into principled global citizens, ready to change the world for the better.

MORE ABOUT NAIS ROTTERDAM

NURTURING YOUR CHILD’S UNIQUE POTENTIAL

At NAISR, we embrace individual strengths, passions, and ambitions to ensure that every child learns in a way that unlocks their true potential.

Curriculum

Taught in small classes and personalised to individual needs, our bespoke international curricula – which include the IB Diploma – create pathways to the world’s best universities.

FIND OUT MORE

Teachers

Our caring international teachers bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to our classrooms, moulding our students into curious, principled, and independent learners.

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Trips and activities

NAISR students enjoy exceptional learning experiences beyond the curriculum, an array of extra-curricular clubs, and life-changing expeditions that shape their futures.

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Wellbeing

Student health, happiness, and wellbeing are our top priority at NAISR, ensuring that every child is supported, listened to, and empowered thrive.

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Facilities

Our imaginatively designed learning spaces, spacious sports facilities, and technology-enriched classrooms and labs bring education to life.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

Is the cost of living in Rotterdam high?

While some parts of the Netherlands are expensive, Rotterdam’s cost of living is comparatively low. Living in Rotterdam, you’ll enjoy a very good quality of life without the high price tag attached to cities like Amsterdam.

Is it easy to connect with other expats living in Rotterdam?

Yes, it is! Rotterdam is home to more than 170 nationalities, as well as extremely friendly locals. The city’s diversity is one of its big draws, bringing people together from across the world.

You’ll find expat groups for all ages and interests, from sports to photography. The Dutch love clubs and associations, too, and joining one is a great way to integrate into the community.

Is English widely spoken in Rotterdam?

English is commonly spoken across the city, particularly in business, tourist, and international education settings. Learning Dutch, however, will not only help you navigate daily life more easily, but it will also open doors to meeting locals. Language classes often have a mix of expats, giving you a chance to bond with others in similar situations.

Is Rotterdam a safe place for families with children?

Yes, Rotterdam is a safe place for families and their children, with low crime rates and a high safety index. Violent crime is low, although, like in all big cities, some areas are less safe than others.

The districts to the north and east of Rotterdam, including Hillegersberg, where NAISR is located, are considered the safest.

What is the weather like in Rotterdam?

Like most of the Netherlands, Rotterdam has a temperate oceanic climate, although its position on the coast means it has slightly milder weather than cities further inland. Summers (June to August) are warm to mild, and you can use the long, sunny days to head to the beach or explore the city’s waterfront areas.

The temperature cools as autumn gives way to winter, although it stays mild. Late autumn and early winter (October to December) tend to be the wettest months, while April and May are the driest.