Getting Your First Tattoo in The Hague: A Complete Guide for Expats
Moving to the Netherlands and thinking about getting your first tattoo? Or maybe you have been living in The Hague for a while and finally feel ready to go for it. Either way, getting tattooed in a new country comes with questions, and this guide answers all of them.
From choosing the right studio to understanding Dutch tattoo culture and caring for your new ink in the local climate, here is everything you need to know before you book that appointment.
Choosing a Studio: What to Look For
Not all tattoo studios are equal. When you are looking for a studio in The Hague, there are some clear things to check before you commit.
Portfolio quality: Look at the artist’s actual work, not just the studio’s Instagram highlights. Does the line work look clean? Does the shading look smooth? Does the healed work still look good? Ask to see healed photos, this is where quality really shows.
Hygiene standards: The studio should look clean. Needles should always be single-use. Ink caps should be fresh for each client. If you cannot see evidence of proper hygiene practices, walk away.
Licensing: In the Netherlands, tattoo studios must register with the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA). A legitimate studio will be able to confirm this registration.
Communication: Can you clearly discuss what you want? Do they listen? A good artist asks questions and takes notes. They push back if something will not work well, but they explain why.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Prices that seem too low. Pressure to book immediately. No consultation process. Artists who cannot show you healed work. Studios that skip the aftercare conversation. Any of these should make you pause.
The Full Process: From Idea to Healed Tattoo
Step 1: Consultation
The process starts with a consultation. At a good studio like Tat2Holics, this is a real conversation, either in person at Lekstraat 227 or online. You bring your ideas, reference images, and any specific placement in mind. The artist gives feedback, tells you what will work well, and often suggests refinements you had not thought of.
Step 2: Design
For custom work, your artist creates the design after the consultation. Some artists show you a draft beforehand; others work it out on the day. Either way, you will get to review and approve the design (often as a stencil placed on your skin) before any permanent work begins.
Step 3: The Appointment
On the day, come well-rested and well-fed. A good meal beforehand helps maintain your blood sugar, which makes the session easier. Wear clothing that gives easy access to the placement area.
The artist prepares the area, applies the stencil, and confirms you are happy with the placement. Then the tattooing begins. Smaller pieces take under an hour. Larger work is done over multiple sessions.
Step 4: Aftercare
This is where many people go wrong. Follow your artist’s aftercare instructions exactly. At Tat2Holics, we give you clear written aftercare guidance. The basics: keep it clean, keep it moisturized, avoid sun exposure during healing, and do not pick at any peeling skin.
Legal Requirements in the Netherlands
Getting tattooed in the Netherlands requires you to be at least 18 years old. No exceptions, studios are legally required to verify age, and any reputable studio will ask for ID if there is any doubt.
If you are 16 or 17, you can be tattooed only with written parental consent and with a parent or guardian present. In practice, most professional studios in The Hague prefer to wait until clients are 18, as the legal liability is significant.
Bring a valid ID, a passport, EU ID card, or Dutch residence permit (BSN card) all work fine.
Language: No Barrier at Tat2Holics
Worried about the language barrier? At Tat2Holics, we speak English fluently. All our artists and studio staff can handle your entire consultation, appointment, and aftercare conversation in English, no awkward Google Translate moments.
The Netherlands is generally very English-friendly, especially in The Hague, which has a large international community. But it is always reassuring to know that the studio you are booking with can communicate clearly with you in your language.
Cultural Notes About Tattoos in the Netherlands
Tattoo culture in the Netherlands has shifted significantly over the past decade. Tattoos are widely accepted across age groups and professions. You will see heavily tattooed people working in offices, hospitals, and schools without any social issue.
That said, some traditional or conservative environments (certain law firms, government roles, hospitality sectors) still have informal preferences around visible tattoos. It is worth thinking about placement if this is relevant to your career.
Dutch people tend to be direct. If you walk into Tat2Holics with a design that an artist thinks will not translate well to skin, they will tell you honestly, and explain why. This directness is a feature, not a bug. You end up with better work.
Aftercare in the Dutch Climate
The Netherlands has a wet, grey climate for much of the year, which is actually not bad for tattoo healing. The biggest risks are sun exposure and dry indoor heating in winter.
During summer, keep your healing tattoo out of direct sunlight. Once it is healed, use SPF 30 or higher on sun-exposed tattoos. UV is the number one cause of fading over time.
In winter, central heating can dry out skin quickly. Keep your healed tattoo moisturized year-round. A fragrance-free lotion works well.
Avoid swimming in pools or open water during the healing phase (typically 2 to 3 weeks). The Scheveningen beach is lovely, but it will have to wait.
Why Expats Love Tat2Holics
Tat2Holics is located at Lekstraat 227 in The Hague, a neighborhood with great public transport links and close to the city center. We work with a diverse international clientele and understand that expats often have different needs than local clients.
You might be visiting The Hague short-term and want to get something done before you leave. You might be newly arrived and looking for a studio you can trust for years to come. Either way, we have got you covered. Multilingual, professional, and genuinely passionate about the craft.
FAQ: First Tattoo in The Hague for Expats
Do I need to speak Dutch to get a tattoo in The Hague?
Not at Tat2Holics. We are fully English-speaking and work with international clients every day. You will not need a single word of Dutch.
How far in advance should I book?
For custom work, book at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance to allow time for the design process. For flash or smaller pieces, you can sometimes get in sooner. Check our booking page for current availability.
What should I bring to my first tattoo appointment?
A valid ID, a good meal beforehand, comfortable clothing that allows access to the tattoo area, and your reference images or design ideas. If you have existing tattoos, photos of them can be helpful context for your artist.
Is it safe to get tattooed in the Netherlands as a foreigner?
Absolutely. Dutch health and safety standards for tattoo studios are strict. At Tat2Holics, we use single-use needles, sterile equipment, and medical-grade ink. You are in safe hands.
Can I get tattooed if I am only visiting The Hague for a few days?
Yes, for smaller pieces. Book as early as possible, as walk-ins are not always available. For custom work, the design process takes time, contact us in advance and we can often arrange something during a short visit.
Book Your First Tattoo Consultation
Ready to take the step? Book a consultation at Tat2Holics at Lekstraat 227, The Hague. We will talk through your idea, match you with the right artist, and make the whole process easy and enjoyable, from first conversation to healed tattoo.