Networking
in the Netherlands
Click any category to discover the best options.
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
Rembrandt van Wine
2 Hours of painting, creativity & fun in the dark
Both meeting new people and doing something completely unexpected can be nerve wracking. With the right guidance from our host and art instructor we make sure to take away any nerves and create a super positive experience! For everyone.
-Workshop is guided by a professional artist
-All painting levels are welcome, no skills required
-Either repaint the painting of the day (see above) or get creative yourself
-All painting equipment is included, we also give you an apron
-Drinks are on us, have as many glasses of wine or soft drink as you want while painting
-Solo friendly: You are more than welcome to come alone
-You get to take home your canvas afterwards
🔗 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
4- Volunteering
Vrijwilligers Centrale Amsterdam
We believe volunteer work is essential to keeping Amsterdam strong and vibrant.
We strengthen voluntary efforts so that everyone can make the best possible contribution to Amsterdam’s society. We do this by helping volunteers discover meaningful opportunities, connecting them with local organizations in need of support, offering practical resources about volunteering in Amsterdam, and showcasing the value of volunteer work to key stakeholders.
🔗 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/