Explore Eindhoven
Restaurants
Cafes
Bars
Museums
Attractions
Parks
Coworking
Neighborhoods
Day Trips
Healthcare
Schools
Shopping
Eindhoven is the technology capital of the Netherlands. Home to ASML – the most important semiconductor company in the world – Philips, DAF and one of Europe’s most vibrant design ecosystems, it has transformed from an industrial city into one of the most dynamic innovation hubs on the continent.
Population
240,000
Expat residents
40,000+
1-bed rent (central)
1,100-1,600/mo
Train to Amsterdam
70 minutes
Train to Utrecht
50 minutes
Airport
Eindhoven Airport
The city
Why Eindhoven
Eindhoven’s transformation has been remarkable. The former Philips factory complex at Strijp-S is now one of the most interesting creative and cultural districts in the Netherlands, with design studios, restaurants, galleries and event venues in beautifully repurposed industrial buildings. Dutch Design Week, held annually in October, is the largest design event in northern Europe.
The expat community in Eindhoven is large, young and heavily skewed towards tech and engineering. ASML alone employs thousands of international workers. The city has adapted well to this – English is widely spoken, there are good international schools and the infrastructure for expat life is well developed.
Housing is more affordable than the Randstad cities and the pace of life is more manageable. Eindhoven is a good choice for expats who want a high-quality, affordable life in a dynamic city without Amsterdam prices.
Practical info
Getting around and settling in
Getting around: Good bus network. Eindhoven is increasingly cyclable. Train to Amsterdam 70 minutes, Utrecht 50 minutes.
Language: English very widely spoken given the large international tech community.
Cost of living: More affordable than the Randstad. See our cost of living guide.
Healthcare: Dutch health insurance mandatory. Register with a GP on arrival. See our health insurance guide.
Just arrived
Your first two weeks in Eindhoven
1
Register at the Eindhoven gemeente and get your BSN
Essential first step. Gemeente guide and BSN guide.
2
Open a Dutch bank account
ABN AMRO, ING and bunq are the most expat-friendly. Full guide.
3
Arrange health insurance within four months
Mandatory and backdates to arrival. Full guide.
4
Set up your DigiD
Required for all Dutch government services. Full guide.
5
Join the expat community
Eindhoven has active expat networks, particularly around ASML and the design community.