Nijmegen
Urban RiverfrontNijmegen often gets confused with other Dutch cities, but it stands apart as the Netherlands' oldest city, with roots stretching back to Roman times. Situated along the Waal River in the eastern province of Gelderland, it's a mid-sized urban center that blends medieval architecture with contemporary culture. The city's compact center features narrow streets, historic churches, and the imposing Valkhof fortress overlooking the water. Unlike the flat, canal-dominated character of Amsterdam or Rotterdam, Nijmegen has genuine topography—the land actually rises and falls—giving it a different spatial feel. The riverside location has shaped everything from its economy to its identity; locals and visitors alike are drawn to the waterfront parks and cycling routes that follow the Waal. The city hosts a major international four-day walking event each summer that draws tens of thousands of participants. Nijmegen functions as a regional hub for education, healthcare, and commerce, with a significant student population that keeps the cultural scene active. The surrounding region offers access to nature reserves and the Rhine-Meuse delta landscape.
BlueCross BlueShield Global SolutionsGet Quote
BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions (BCBS) offers global health plans for international assignments or trips lasting 6 months or longer. With access to over 1.7M medical providers in 190 countries around the world, BCBS provides members with solutions and industry-leading digital services - ensuring top-quality coverage to people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
BlueCross BlueShield Global SolutionsBlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions (BCBS) offers global health plans for international assignments or trips lasting 6 months or longer. With access to over 1.7M medical providers in 190 countries around the world, BCBS provides members with solutions and industry-leading digital services - ensuring top-quality coverage to people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote
Visa & Residency
The process of obtaining a residency in the Netherlands varies depending on the type of visa and the applicant's circumstances. For expats, the Highly Skilled Migrant Visa is a common choice. This requires an employment contract with a Dutch employer who is recognized by the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) as a sponsor. The employer must also meet the salary criteria set by the IND. The Self-employed Visa is another option, which involves a point-based system assessing the viability of the business and its value to the Dutch economy. The Startup Visa is for entrepreneurs with an innovative business idea, and it requires mentorship from a recognized Dutch facilitator. For digital nomads, the Orientation Year Visa for Highly Educated Persons is popular. It is designed for those who have completed higher education and wish to look for work or start a business within the Netherlands. This visa is valid for one year and does not require a sponsor, but applicants must have graduated from a top 200 university in the last three years or have completed a research project in the Netherlands. The application process generally involves gathering the necessary documents, such as a valid passport, birth certificate, and proof of health insurance, and submitting them to the IND. Depending on the visa type, additional documents like a business plan or an employment contract may be required. The IND then assesses the application, which can take from a few weeks to several months. Some visas, like the Highly Skilled Migrant Visa, can be expedited through the fast-track Orange Carpet Programme if the employer is a recognized sponsor. Overall, while the process can be bureaucratic and requires careful attention to detail, the Netherlands offers a variety of visas to suit different needs, and the process is generally considered average in terms of difficulty compared to other countries. Applicants are advised to start the process well in advance of their intended move date and to ensure they meet all the specific criteria for their chosen visa type.
Cost of Living
Living costs in Nijmegen are reasonable compared to major Dutch cities like Amsterdam or Utrecht, though prices have climbed in recent years as the city has become more popular. Rental apartments and property purchases remain more affordable than in the Randstad region, while groceries, dining, and utilities track close to national averages. The city's status as a university town keeps some service costs competitive.
Weather
Nijmegen experiences a temperate maritime climate with cool, wet winters and mild summers; rainfall is fairly consistent throughout the year.
Healthcare in Nijmegen
Radboud University Medical Center, one of the Netherlands' leading academic hospitals, anchors healthcare in Nijmegen with comprehensive services including trauma, oncology, and specialized surgery. The facility operates as both a teaching hospital and primary regional provider, ensuring access to advanced diagnostics and treatment. General practitioners and outpatient clinics distribute across the city, integrated into the Dutch primary care system.
Schools in Nijmegen
Nijmegen has limited but functional international options. Montessori Nijmegen offers IB curriculum through secondary level, while several schools provide English-language instruction tracks aligned with Dutch national standards rather than full international curricula.
Dutch-English bilingual education is available at select primary schools, with instruction split between languages. Most bilingual programs operate within the standard Dutch education system rather than as separate international tracks.
Local Schools
Restaurants in Nijmegen
