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Amsterdam Week One: The Expat Checklist | City Retreat

Amsterdam Week One: The Expat Checklist | City Retreat

Just arrived in Amsterdam? This week-one checklist covers BRP registration, bank accounts, healthcare sign-up and the admin nobody warns you about.

Spring in Amsterdam: What Expats Should Do First | City Retreat

Spring in Amsterdam: What Expats Should Do First | City Retreat

Arrived in Amsterdam in spring? Here's what to experience first — from canal-side terraces and blossom routes to the practical steps of settling in.

Living in Amsterdam

Living in Amsterdam in 2026: The Honest Guide | City Retreat

What living in Amsterdam actually looks like in 2026 — rents, housing shortage, bikes, bureaucracy and everything else, with real numbers rather than travel-guide optimism.

Amsterdam Property Market 2026: Data & Analysis | City Retreat

Amsterdam Property Market 2026: Data & Analysis | City Retreat

Amsterdam's rental market in 2026: average rents, listing volumes, the impact of new regulations, and what it means for expats and professionals arriving in the city.

Dutch Tax Returns for Expats: What You Need to Know

Dutch Tax Returns for Expats: What You Need to Know

A practical guide to Dutch tax returns for expats — who needs to file, key deadlines, the 30% ruling, common deductions, and whether to DIY or hire help.

renting your home

How to Rent Out Your Home in Amsterdam Legally | City Retreat

Going away for a while? Here's how to rent out your Amsterdam home without falling foul of municipality rules — permits, notice periods and what landlords need to know.

Dutch Winter Recipes: An Expat's Guide to Eating Like a Local

Dutch Winter Recipes: An Expat's Guide to Eating Like a Local

Stamppot, erwtensoep, oliebollen — a practical expat guide to the Dutch winter food staples worth knowing, with recipes and where to find the best versions in Amsterdam.

moving to amsterdam

Moving to Amsterdam: The Practical Guide for New Arrivals

Everything you need to sort when moving to Amsterdam: housing, BRP registration, healthcare, banking, transport and the things most guides forget to mention.

Amsterdam Healthcare for Expats: The Complete Guide

Amsterdam Healthcare for Expats: The Complete Guide

How to navigate Dutch healthcare as an expat — finding a GP, choosing health insurance, understanding the zorgverzekering system and registering after you arrive.

Getting Around Amsterdam: Public Transport Guide for Expats

Getting Around Amsterdam: Public Transport Guide for Expats

Trams, metro, buses, ferries and bikes — how Amsterdam's public transport system works, OV-chipkaart explained, and the fastest routes from the city's expat neighbourhoods.

Amsterdam Canals & Waterways: The Complete Guide | City Retreat

Amsterdam Canals & Waterways: The Complete Guide | City Retreat

Amsterdam's canal network explained — the best waterways to explore, boat hire options, canal etiquette and what expats living near the water need to know.

ENERGY SUBSCRIPTION

Setting Up Gas & Electricity in Amsterdam | City Retreat

How to set up a gas and electricity account in Amsterdam: which providers to use, what to expect on costs, and why City Retreat tenants don't need to bother.

Verified and Managed Apartments in Amsterdam | City Retreat

Verified and Managed Apartments in Amsterdam | City Retreat

City Retreat apartments are inspected before every tenancy, professionally cleaned, and managed by our Amsterdam team while you live there.

Amsterdam Utility Costs 2026 | City Retreat

Amsterdam Utility Costs 2026 | City Retreat

What gas, electricity, water and internet actually cost in Amsterdam in 2026, and how all-inclusive furnished apartment pricing compares to managing utilities yourself.

Amsterdam Neighbourhoods Guide for Expats 2026 | City Retreat

Amsterdam Neighbourhoods Guide for Expats 2026 | City Retreat

Where to live in Amsterdam as an expat — Jordaan, De Pijp, Zuidas, Centrum, Oud-West and more. Rents, character, transport links and who each neighbourhood suits.

Rental Agreement in Amsterdam | One Month's Notice | City Retreat

Rental Agreement in Amsterdam | One Month's Notice | City Retreat

The City Retreat rental agreement in plain English: what you sign, what the monthly rent covers, the deposit, BRP registration and one calendar month's notice.

Amsterdam Co-Working & Office Guide 2026 | City Retreat

Amsterdam Co-Working & Office Guide 2026 | City Retreat

The best co-working spaces and offices in Amsterdam in 2026, by neighbourhood, price and working style, plus tips for expats working remotely from a furnished apartment.

Amsterdam Residential Bills Explained for Expats | City Retreat

Amsterdam Residential Bills Explained for Expats | City Retreat

A breakdown of Amsterdam residential taxes and bills: gemeentelijke belastingen, water board tax, and what expat tenants in furnished apartments actually need to pay.

How to Rent an Apartment with City Retreat

How to Rent an Apartment with City Retreat

Live availability, all-inclusive pricing, and a response within 24 hours. Browse, request and confirm a City Retreat apartment in Amsterdam in minutes, with no hidden fees.

Amsterdam's Best Museums: The Expat & Resident Guide

Amsterdam's Best Museums: The Expat & Resident Guide

The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House and beyond: Amsterdam's best museums ranked for expats and residents, with skip-the-queue tips.

Why Employees Are Rejecting Job Offers in Amsterdam | City Retreat

Why Employees Are Rejecting Job Offers in Amsterdam | City Retreat

Amsterdam's rental crisis is quietly killing job offers. This 2026 analysis explains why candidates disengage after signing — and what HR and mobility teams can do about it.

Parking in Amsterdam: The Complete Guide for Residents

Parking in Amsterdam: The Complete Guide for Residents

Everything about parking in Amsterdam — permit zones, hourly costs (up to €9/hr in the centre), residential permit applications and the cheapest alternatives.

How to Register in the BRP in Amsterdam | City Retreat

How to Register in the BRP in Amsterdam | City Retreat

Step-by-step guide to registering your Amsterdam address in the BRP: appointments, documents and timelines. Your BSN follows from registration.

Property Management for Amsterdam Landlords | City Retreat

Property Management for Amsterdam Landlords | City Retreat

City Retreat manages furnished apartments in Amsterdam for property owners: fully managed lettings, tenant sourcing, compliance and maximum income without the workload.

Move-In Ready Furnished Apartments in Amsterdam | City Retreat

Move-In Ready Furnished Apartments in Amsterdam | City Retreat

Every City Retreat apartment is fully furnished, deep-cleaned and connected before you move in. Utilities in our name, Wi-Fi active. Just bring your suitcase.