Amsterdam popular among expats

Amsterdam popular among expats

De Haan expat moving company has been successfully handling hundreds of expat relocations annually for decades, serving the most reputable companies and government organizations across various sectors.Amsterdam is one of the most sought-after destinations for potential expats worldwide. The city ranks second on a recent list of dream destinations, just behind London.

This ranking is based on a survey of employees from 188 countries, asking where they would most like to live and work if they were to move abroad. The study was conducted by consulting firms Boston Consulting Group, The Network, and The Stepstone and included responses from over 150,000 participants.

The results indicate that the global market of people considering working as expats comprises approximately 800 million individuals.

London remains the favorite, Amsterdam close behind

Since 2014, London has consistently held the top position, thanks in part to the English language and the city's international character. Amsterdam follows in second place, with 8% of respondents indicating they would like to relocate to the Dutch capital. This is the same position the city held last year.

The complete top ten for 2024 is as follows:

Top 10 Cities for potential expats

(Percentage of respondents who want to move to the city)

1. London (9%)
2. Amsterdam (8%)
3. Dubai (7%)
4. Abu Dhabi (7%)
5. New York (6%)
6. Berlin (5%)
7. Singapore (5%)
8. Barcelona (5%)
9. Tokyo (5%)
10. Sydney (4%)

The Netherlands as a country does not rank in the top ten dream destinations, but Australia tops that list, followed by the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany. Other popular countries include Japan, Switzerland, Singapore, France, and Spain.

What attracts expats the most?

The primary reason employees consider moving abroad is the quality of job opportunities in other countries. Additionally, the standard of living and climate play a significant role in their decision.

Tax benefits and the cost of living are also frequently mentioned factors. Other common reasons for relocating include safety and stability, an inclusive culture, family-friendly amenities, the possibility of gaining citizenship, a good healthcare system, innovation, and favorable visa policies.