Networking
in the Netherlands
Explore networking opportunities that help you meet people, build connections, and feel more at home.
Making new friends
1- Join Meetup Groups (most popular for expats)
Meetup
Making new friends in the Netherlands can feel effortless with platforms like Meetup, which helps people connect through shared interests and local events. Whether you’ve just arrived or want to expand your social circle, Meetup offers endless possibilities to find and build real communities. From language exchanges and sports groups to creative workshops and weekend adventures, it’s a great way to meet new people, learn new things, gain support, and step outside your comfort zone. By joining these activities, you can pursue your passions together and build meaningful friendships across the Netherlands.
📍 Netherlands
2- Sports Clubs & Fitness Communities
Midnight Runners
Making new friends in the Netherlands becomes easy and fun when you join the Midnight Runners, a volunteer-led running community that transforms weekly workouts into social, urban adventures. Designed for all fitness levels, Midnight Runners blend exercise with community by hosting high-energy group runs powered by music, speakers, and a party-like atmosphere that moves through the city streets. It’s the perfect way to stay active, meet friendly people, and connect with others who enjoy combining fitness with socializing. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a total beginner, everyone is welcome — and it’s one of the most exciting ways to build real friendships in the Netherlands.
🔗 Website
https://www.midnightrunners.com/
📍Location
Multiple Locations
📍 Amsterdam
3- Hobby Workshops, Classes, Clubs
Rembrandt van Wine
Two hours of painting, creativity, and fun in the dark
Trying something new and meeting new people can feel a little nerve wrecking at first. With friendly guidance from their host and a professional art instructor, they create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere where everyone can enjoy a creative painting workshop and leave feeling positive and inspired.
Guided painting workshop led by a professional artist
Open to all levels — no painting experience required
Choose to recreate the artwork of the day or design your own piece
All painting materials are provided, including an apron
Drinks included — enjoy wine or soft drinks while you paint
Perfect for solo visitors as well as groups
Take your finished canvas home as a personal memory
🔗 Website
https://www.rembrandtvanwine.nl/
⭐ Editor's personal favourite
📍Location 1
Amsterdam Zuid: Parnassusweg 126, 1076AT
📍 Amsterdam - Multiple locations
📍Location 2
Amsterdam Amstel: Spaklerweg 4, 1096BA
D&D Workshops Amsterdam
Home Decor Jesmonite Workshops 🕯️
Create your own candle holder & tray in a fun and guided 2.5-hour session.
All materials are included and no experience needed.
Also a great activity gift for a friend!
The instructors are creators of beautiful Soul Of Us which is handmade home décor and candle brand born in Amsterdam.
A true experience worth trying!
🔗 Follow on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/ddamsterdam_workshops/
https://www.instagram.com/soulofusofficial/
⭐ Editor's personal favourite
📍Location varies per workshop
📍 Amsterdam
Club Foos
Join the foosball community
Welcome to Club Foos, a dedicated foosball club for everyone who loves the fast-paced game of table football. The community brings together passionate players who enjoy competing, improving their skills, and sharing their enthusiasm for foosball. Whether you’re an experienced player or just starting out, Club Foos offers a friendly place to learn, play, and experience the excitement of foosball. Join them and be part of a growing foosball community.
One of the best activities to get out of your comfort zone and meet new people.
🔗 Website
https://clubfoos.com/
⭐ Editor's personal favourite
📍Location 1
Club Foos Amsterdam, Hostel Clinknoord in the Zincbar, Badhuiskade 3
📍 Multiple locations
📍Location 2
Club Foos Amersfoort, at the Eemcafé, Grote Spui 23
📍Location 3
Club Foos Haarlem, at cafe De Lange Heer, Lange Herenstraat 6
4- Volunteering
Vrijwilligers Centrale Amsterdam
'We believe volunteer work is essential to keeping Amsterdam strong and vibrant.'
Their mission is to support volunteering in Amsterdam by helping people find meaningful opportunities, connecting volunteers with local organizations that need support, and sharing practical resources for getting involved. By highlighting the impact of volunteer work, they aim to strengthen the city’s community and encourage more people to contribute to Amsterdam’s society in a positive way.
No volunteering experience is required.
Tip: If you are also looking for an opportunity to improve your Dutch and integrate more in the community, this is the one for you.
🔗 Website
https://www.vca.nu/english/
⭐ Editor's personal favourite
📍 Amsterdam - Multiple locations
Professional Networking
Meet up - Career & Business
Professional networking in the Netherlands becomes much easier with Meetup’s Career & Business events, which connect you with like-minded professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry experts. Through workshops, talks, and networking sessions, you can expand your business network, gain fresh insights, and discover new career opportunities. Whether you're looking to improve your skills, collaborate on projects, or simply meet ambitious professionals, Meetup offers a wide range of events that help you grow both personally and professionally. It’s one of the most effective and accessible ways to build a strong professional network in the Netherlands.
📍 Netherlands
IAMEXPAT FAIR
THE LEADING EXPAT FAIR IN THE NETHERLANDS
The IamExpat Fair, launched in Amsterdam in 2015, has quickly evolved into the leading fair for internationals in the Netherlands.
Since its launch, the IamExpat Fair has connected more than 600 companies with more than 35.300 visitors from 160 countries around the world, and run more than 330 workshops and information sessions, making it the leading fair for internationals in the Netherlands.
The IamExpat Fair takes place three times a year at iconic and central locations – Amsterdam’s Beurs van Berlage, the Grote Kerk in The Hague and the Klokgebouw in Eindhoven.
📍 Netherlands
🔗 Website
https://www.iamexpatfair.nl/