The Hague at a Glance
- Population: 550,000 (city proper)
- Expat population: approximately 90,000 — one of the highest concentrations of international residents in the Netherlands relative to city size
- Main languages spoken: Dutch, English (widely spoken especially in international and government circles), French, Arabic, and numerous diplomatic community languages
- Key industries: national government, international law and justice, European and UN institutions, defence
- Average commute: 20–30 minutes by tram or bike
The Hague is the seat of the Dutch government and the location of the Dutch royal house, as well as the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, and dozens of other intergovernmental organisations. This gives it a character unlike any other city in the Netherlands — more formal, more internationally minded in a diplomatic sense, and with a very well-established expat infrastructure built over decades.
If you are coming to the Netherlands on an assignment with a government body, an international law firm, or an NGO, The Hague is almost certainly where you will land. But it is also increasingly popular with expats working in tech and professional services who want lower rents than Amsterdam with good rail connections.
The city sits 25 minutes from Rotterdam by train and has a coastline — Scheveningen is a proper North Sea beach, not just a strip of sand by a river. That combination is reasonably rare in the Netherlands.
Cost of Living
The Hague is more affordable than Amsterdam but more expensive than Rotterdam, and the cost gap has narrowed in recent years as demand has grown.
| Item | Estimated monthly cost |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment (private rental) | €1,100–€1,350 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | €1,400–€1,750 |
| Monthly OV public transport pass | €98–€120 |
| Groceries (single person) | €280–€370 |
| Dinner out (mid-range, two people) | €55–€80 |
| Gym membership | €25–€50 |
The Archipelbuurt and Statenkwartier command the highest rents in the city. Areas further from the centre — Laak, Moerwijk — are substantially cheaper but less commonly chosen by international arrivals. Scheveningen is a premium address given the beach access.
Use the Housing Budget Checker to work out what your budget can realistically cover here.
Best Neighbourhoods for Expats
Bezuidenhout — The most popular neighbourhood for expats working in the international institutions along the Johan de Wittlaan corridor. Walking or cycling distance to the Peace Palace and the main ICC/ICJ offices. Well-maintained, green, and with good schools including the American School of The Hague and the International School of The Hague nearby. A 1-bedroom runs €1,200–€1,450.
Scheveningen — The coastal neighbourhood, about 5 km from the city centre. More seasonal in character than the rest of the city but increasingly popular as a year-round address. Rents are €1,150–€1,400 for a 1-bedroom; sea view apartments command a premium.
Statenkwartier — Elegant streets, independent shops, and a distinctly settled feel. Popular with diplomats and senior professionals. 1-bedroom average €1,300–€1,600. The rental market here is competitive.
Archipelbuurt — Close to the ministries and international organisations. One of the most sought-after addresses in the city, with a mix of large apartments and converted houses. Expect €1,350–€1,700 for a 1-bedroom.
Working in The Hague
The dominant employer is the Dutch national government — ministries, parliament, and supporting agencies. If you are a Dutch-speaking professional in policy, law, or public administration, the job market here is substantial. For international arrivals, the intergovernmental sector is the main draw: the ICJ, ICC, OPCW (Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons), Europol, Eurojust, and around 200 other international organisations are based in or around the city.
Beyond government and international law, The Hague has a growing tech sector. Siemens, T-Mobile Netherlands, and Tata Consultancy Services all have significant presences here. The Hague Tech is the main coworking hub and also functions as a startup ecosystem, hosting around 200 companies. Day passes run €20–€30; monthly memberships from €200.
For expats arriving on diplomatic or assignment status, the International Service Centre The Hague provides dedicated registration and arrival support — worth checking whether your employer has an arrangement there.
For salary benchmarking use the Salary Checker or read the Working in the Netherlands guide.
Getting Registered
Registration is handled by the Gemeente Den Haag. Appointments are available online at the main city hall (Spui) and district offices. Waiting times are typically 1–3 weeks.
Expats arriving on assignment through an international organisation should check whether their employer has a dedicated registration pathway — many of the larger institutions have agreements with the municipality that streamline the process. The International Service Centre on Catsheuvel handles arrivals specifically for this group.
Standard documentation: passport, rental contract, employment contract or proof of sufficient funds. BSN is issued on the day of registration.
Use the BSN Planner to prepare your documents in advance.
Healthcare & Insurance
The main hospitals in The Hague are HMC (Haaglanden Medisch Centrum, two campuses), Reinier de Graaf (Delft, close to the city), and the Bronovo hospital (now part of HMC). For specialist treatment, Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC) is about 20 minutes away by train.
English-speaking GPs are well established in The Hague given the international population. The International Health Centre Den Haag caters specifically to expats. Several practices in the Bezuidenhout and Statenkwartier areas have English-language capacity. Registration waiting lists are typically 2–5 weeks.
Health insurance is mandatory from your first day as a Dutch resident. Expats on certain diplomatic statuses may have different arrangements — check with your employer. For standard arrivals, premiums start around €130/month with a €385 eigen risico. Use the Health Insurance Wizard to compare options.
Transport
The Hague’s tram network is one of the most extensive in the Netherlands, operated by HTM. Most of the city is accessible by tram, and cycling infrastructure is good. The coastal tram line runs along the North Sea coast — a useful and somewhat scenic option if you live in Scheveningen or further north.
By rail, The Hague Centraal connects to Amsterdam (50 minutes), Rotterdam (25 minutes), and Leiden (15 minutes). The Intercity Direct from Amsterdam also stops at The Hague HS (Hollands Spoor), which is the second main station in the city.
For a full guide to OV travel, see the OV-chipkaart guide for expats.
