Whether you are a new arrival or long-term resident, there is always a lot to learn about life in the Netherlands. This month’s edition of the IamExpat Fair in Amsterdam aims to answer many of your questions.

Find a dentist, get motivated to improve your career, learn Dutch, book a holiday, buy a second-hand car, get ‘groovy’ gifts for the kids, join a football club of like-minded players, lease a bike… the list of companies exhibiting at this year’s IamExpat Fair is endless.

In fact, the 12th edition of the IamExpat Fair promises to be the most comprehensive yet, says cofounder Nikos Nakos. ‘We are very excited about this fair because it is going to be the biggest we have ever organised, and we have a really wide range of service providers coming.’

Changing needs

Not only has the number of stand holders grown again, but no fewer than 30 workshops have been included in the event programme – covering a broad range of topics, from making the most of your money to having a baby.

‘Expats are no longer coming to the Netherlands for a few years and then moving on,’ says Nikos, who originally came to the country as a student. ‘As your life changes, so do your needs, from finding a house or job, or a school for your kids, to choosing an accountant or a legal advisor, or giving your career a boost with an MBA.’

The market for expat-related services has been growing steadily since IamExpat burst on the scene 15 years ago. The first fair took place 12 years ago and has grown into a family-friendly one-day event designed to connect and support the expat community all over the Netherlands.

In the special careers section, for example, visitors will find recruitment agencies, companies looking for new staff and career coaches to help you make the most of your options. ‘And if you think an MBA would help, we’ve got them as well,’ says Nikos.

Leading event

Covid aside, the Netherlands has consistently remained one of the top places for expats to relocate because it is such an easy place to come and start a new life, as well as being high on international rankings for competitiveness and innovation.

‘Expats here feel empowered to get on with their lives, and that starts as soon as they arrive,’ Nikos says. ‘They evolve. They might come for a job but they move on. They start in rental housing and then buy a place. They are single but then find a partner. And this country has made it easy for expats to stay here and build a new life.’

At the IamExpat Fair visitors can find all the services and businesses they need in a single location, get tips on navigating life in the Netherlands at free workshops and presentations and can meet up with other expats, organisations and the international community.

Child friendly

There will also be supervised daycare to keep the children amused while you get the lowdown on possible schools, daycare, or even a coding course!

The 2023 edition of the IamExpat Fair will take place at Gashouder Westergas in Amsterdam on Saturday April 22. Entrance is free with an online registration and tickets are limited so be sure to sign up in plenty of time.