Moving to Amsterdam as an expat woman brings exciting opportunities alongside unique challenges. Building meaningful social connections becomes particularly important when you’re navigating a new culture, establishing your career, and creating a fulfilling life abroad. The right social groups can transform your Amsterdam experience from isolated to integrated, offering everything from professional networking to genuine friendships. These five communities provide different pathways to connect with like-minded women who understand the expat journey.
1. Female Ventures – professional growth meets community
We focus on empowering women through leadership development and entrepreneurship across major Dutch cities, including Amsterdam. Our organisation creates a supportive environment where international women professionals can overcome networking barriers and integration challenges within Dutch professional circles.
Our events range from workshops on career transitions to networking sessions designed specifically for women from diverse cultural backgrounds. You’ll find mentorship programmes that connect you with experienced professionals who understand the unique hurdles of building a career abroad. Our community-driven approach addresses the biggest challenges international talent faces when restarting their careers in the Netherlands.
What sets us apart is our focus on women’s leadership development across various industries and career stages. Whether you’re stepping into greater responsibility or navigating the challenges of working abroad, our programmes provide practical support alongside genuine community connections.
2. Amsterdam Expat Women – your gateway to local connections
This Facebook-based community serves as your digital gateway to Amsterdam’s expat women network. With thousands of active members, the group facilitates regular meetups, cultural activities, and informal networking opportunities throughout the city.
The beauty of Amsterdam Expat Women lies in its accessibility and variety. You’ll find everything from weekend brunches to museum visits, book clubs to professional networking events. The group’s organisers understand that building connections takes different forms for different people, so they create diverse opportunities to meet like-minded women.
Members regularly share practical advice about living in Amsterdam, from housing tips to career opportunities. This makes it particularly valuable as a business network for women who are establishing themselves professionally while building personal connections in their new city.
3. International Women’s Club of Amsterdam – established elegance
Founded decades ago, the International Women’s Club of Amsterdam offers a more traditional approach to expat networking. This established organisation focuses on cultural activities, charitable work, and refined social events for international women living in Amsterdam.
Monthly gatherings typically feature guest speakers, cultural presentations, and networking opportunities in elegant venues across the city. The club’s charitable initiatives also provide meaningful ways to contribute to your new community while meeting women who share similar values.
Membership benefits include access to exclusive events, a comprehensive newcomer’s programme, and connections with women from diplomatic and international business communities. The club attracts women who appreciate structured networking in sophisticated settings, making it ideal for those seeking more formal professional and social connections.
4. Women in Tech Amsterdam – where innovation meets networking
Amsterdam’s thriving tech scene has created space for Women in Tech Amsterdam, a community supporting women in technology careers. This group combines professional development with networking through workshops, speaker events, and industry-specific gatherings.
Regular events include technical workshops, career development sessions, and networking meetups at various tech companies across Amsterdam. You’ll connect with women at all stages of their tech careers, from recent graduates to senior executives, creating opportunities for mentorship and collaboration.
The community addresses specific challenges women face in technology, from imposter syndrome to career advancement strategies. It’s particularly valuable for expat women entering Amsterdam’s competitive tech market, offering both professional guidance and personal support from women who understand the industry’s unique dynamics.
5. Expat Mamas Amsterdam – balancing motherhood and career
Expat Mamas Amsterdam recognises that motherhood abroad presents distinct challenges requiring specialised support. This community serves expat mothers through playgroups, professional networking for working mothers, and resources for navigating parenthood while living away from extended family support systems.
Regular activities include family-friendly meetups, children’s playgroups, and mothers-only networking events that allow for adult conversation and professional connections. The group understands that expat mothers need both practical support and meaningful adult relationships.
What makes this community special is its dual focus on motherhood and career development. Members share everything from childcare recommendations to job opportunities, creating a comprehensive support network that addresses the unique challenges of raising children while building careers in a foreign country.
Start building your Amsterdam network today
Each of these communities offers different pathways to connection, from professional development to cultural activities to parenting support. The key is identifying which groups align with your current priorities and comfort level, then taking that important first step of attending an event or joining the conversation.
Remember that building meaningful connections takes time and consistent effort. Start with one or two groups that genuinely interest you, participate regularly, and be open to the relationships that develop naturally. Your Amsterdam network will grow stronger through authentic engagement rather than trying to be everywhere at once.
Ready to transform your expat experience through meaningful connections? Consider joining our community or exploring our upcoming events designed specifically for international women professionals building their careers and lives in the Netherlands. Which community will you explore first?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I overcome social anxiety when attending my first expat women's meetup in Amsterdam?
Start with smaller, structured events like workshops or book clubs rather than large networking gatherings. Arrive early when crowds are smaller, prepare a few conversation starters about your background or interests, and set a realistic goal like meeting just one or two people. Most expat women understand the nervousness of being new and are genuinely welcoming to newcomers.
What should I expect in terms of time commitment when joining these communities?
Most communities offer flexible participation levels. You might attend one monthly event or workshop, with optional additional activities. Female Ventures typically hosts 2-3 events per month, while groups like Amsterdam Expat Women offer daily online interaction plus weekly meetups. Start with monthly commitment and increase involvement as your schedule and interest allow.
Are these groups suitable for women who don't speak fluent Dutch?
Absolutely. All five communities primarily operate in English and specifically cater to international women. Amsterdam's expat-friendly environment means most professional and social activities are conducted in English. These groups actually provide excellent opportunities to practice Dutch with other learners in a supportive, non-judgmental setting.
How can I maintain connections with these communities if I work full-time or have irregular hours?
Many communities offer evening and weekend events to accommodate working schedules. Join online groups first to stay connected through digital platforms, attend virtual events when available, and prioritize one in-person event monthly. Female Ventures and Women in Tech often host after-work networking sessions, while weekend brunches and family activities work well for busy schedules.
What's the typical age range and professional background of women in these communities?
Most groups attract women aged 25-45, with diverse professional backgrounds ranging from tech and finance to creative industries and entrepreneurship. Female Ventures tends to attract mid-career professionals and entrepreneurs, while Amsterdam Expat Women has the broadest age and professional range. Each community welcomes women at different career stages and life phases.
How quickly can I expect to form genuine friendships through these networking groups?
Building authentic friendships typically takes 3-6 months of consistent participation. Focus on quality over quantity by regularly attending the same group's events and following up with women you connect with outside of organized meetups. Suggest coffee dates, collaborate on projects, or invite others to explore Amsterdam together to deepen relationships beyond networking events.
What if I'm planning to stay in Amsterdam for only 1-2 years - are these communities still worth joining?
Definitely. Short-term expats often benefit most from immediate community connections for both professional opportunities and social support. These networks can provide valuable local insights, career connections, and friendships that often extend beyond your Amsterdam stay. Many members maintain international connections long after relocating, creating a global professional network.