Expat Communities in the Netherlands: Where to Find Your Tribe

Moving to a new country can be both exciting and overwhelming. While the Netherlands is a fantastic place for expats, finding a sense of community is key to making your new home truly feel like home. Luckily, the Netherlands has a vibrant and diverse expat scene with many communities catering to different interests and nationalities. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best expat communities in the Netherlands and give you concrete tips on where to find them.

1. Online Expat Communities & Forums

Before you even arrive, you can start connecting with other expats online. Many expat communities in the Netherlands are highly active on social media and forums, making it easy to ask questions, get advice, and even make friends.

Where to Find Them:

• Facebook Groups: Some of the most popular include Expats in Amsterdam, Expats in The Hague, Dutch International Parents, and Expats in Rotterdam.

• Meetup.com: Search for expat groups in your city. From social gatherings to business networking, you’ll find a wide range of events.

• InterNations: One of the largest global networks for expats, hosting networking events and social activities.

• Reddit r/Netherlands & r/Amsterdam: A great place to ask questions and share experiences.

2. International & Nationality-Based Communities

Sometimes, it’s comforting to connect with people who share your background and understand your cultural references. The Netherlands has numerous communities based on nationality.

Where to Find Them:

American/Dutch Community: The American Women’s Club of Amsterdam (AWCA) and Netherlands Fulbright Alumni Association.

British Expat Groups: The Netherlands British Society and The Anglo-Dutch Society.

Spanish & Latin American Groups: Latin World NL organizes events for the Spanish-speaking community.

French Expat Communities: La Maison des Français à l'Étranger offers help for French expats.

Indian Expat Network: INNL (Indian in the Netherlands) organizes meetups and cultural events.

Chinese & Asian Communities: Many WeChat and WhatsApp groups cater to Chinese-speaking expats.

3. Professional & Business Networks

If you’re a working professional, joining a business or industry-specific network can be a great way to meet like-minded people while advancing your career.

Where to Find Them:

Holland Expat Center South: Offers professional networking events and advice for highly skilled migrants.

Women’s Business Initiative International (WBII): A support network for female entrepreneurs.

Young Professionals in the Netherlands: Various groups like Young Expat Professionals Amsterdam and The Hague International Network.

LinkedIn Groups: Search for industry-specific expat groups in your area.

4. Social & Hobby-Based Communities

One of the best ways to make friends in a new country is through shared interests. Whether you love sports, music, or the arts, there’s a group for you.

Where to Find Them:

Sports Clubs: Join an international football (soccer) club, running group, or expat-friendly gyms like TrainMore or Fit For Free.

Book Clubs: The Amsterdam Book Club and The Hague International Book Club are great for literature lovers.

Music & Arts: Check out local expat theatre groups like STET in The Hague or attend open-mic nights in Amsterdam.

Language Exchange Meetups: Tandem Language Exchange or Dutch Language Cafés help expats improve their Dutch skills while meeting new people.

5. Family & Parenting Support Groups

If you’re moving to the Netherlands with kids, finding a supportive community can make all the difference. Many expat parents find comfort in groups dedicated to family life abroad.

Where to Find Them:

Dutch International Parents Facebook Group: A go-to resource for parenting tips in the Netherlands.

International Schools: Schools like The British School in The Netherlands or the International School of Amsterdam have active parent-teacher associations.

Playgroups & Activities: The Amsterdam Mamas group organizes meetups and kid-friendly events.

6. Religious & Spiritual Communities

For those who practice a religion or seek spiritual connection, the Netherlands offers many faith-based expat groups.

Where to Find Them:

International Churches: The English Reformed Church in Amsterdam, St. James Church in The Hague, and Hillsong Netherlands.

Mosques & Islamic Centers: Mosques like the Blauwe Moskee in Amsterdam and various expat-friendly Islamic organizations.

Jewish Community: The Liberal Jewish Community in Amsterdam welcomes international members.

Buddhist & Hindu Temples: The Netherlands has various temples, including the Sai Mandir in The Hague and Buddhist centers in major cities.

Final Tips: How to Find the Right Expat Community for You

Try Different Groups – Attend a few different meetups and events to see where you feel most comfortable.

Engage on Social Media – Join discussions in expat groups to stay informed and connected.

Don’t Be Afraid to Reach Out – Expats know what it’s like to be new; they’re often happy to help.

Join Local Events – Participate in Dutch cultural festivals and activities to meet both locals and expats.

Use Expat-Focused Websites – Platforms like Expatica and IamExpat list upcoming events and community opportunities.

Finding your tribe as an expat in the Netherlands takes time, but with so many vibrant communities to choose from, you’ll soon feel right at home. Whether you’re looking for career support, social gatherings, or simply people who understand the expat journey, the Netherlands has something for everyone!