How Many Tattoo Studios Are in Amsterdam? | Vadelma Tattoo
Are There Really So Many Tattoo Studios in Amsterdam?
Hello Everyone!
In today’s blog, I’d like to share some of my recent thoughts on the tattoo scene in Amsterdam — or at least how I perceive it after more than a year of running Vadelma Tattoo here. Amsterdam is a beautiful and unique city, and naturally it attracts many people: tourists, museum lovers, explorers, people curious about Dutch culture (and yes, even those who want to try fries with mayonnaise). And of course — tattoo artists.
Very often, I hear customers say:
“There are millions of tattoo studios in Amsterdam.”
But is that really true? Let’s take a closer look.
Amsterdam: A Tattoo Capital?
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is internationally recognized and home to roughly one million residents. It’s also a city that attracts an enormous number of tourists every year. This combination makes Amsterdam appealing not only to visitors but also to tattoo artists.
Many tattooers choose Amsterdam for guest spots, short stays, or aggressive online advertising — especially during the tourist season. If you look closely at social media ads, you’ll notice that many of them are actually run by artists from France, Germany, the UK, or other countries. Interestingly, many of these ads are targeted at people living in the Netherlands — encouraging them to travel abroad for tattoos instead of choosing a local studio.
This creates the impression that the tattoo market in Amsterdam is extremely competitive and oversaturated. But impressions are not the same as reality.
How Many Tattoo Studios Are Really in Amsterdam?
Exact numbers are difficult to obtain, so take the following as an estimation rather than absolute truth.
According to the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK), as of January 1st, 2024, there were 3,940 tattoo-related businesses registered in the Netherlands. However, this number includes a wide range of business types — including permanent makeup (PMU) artists, who are registered under the same category.
Another important detail:
Most tattoo artists register as individual businesses, even if they work inside a studio. This means the number of registered tattoo artists is much higher than the number of physical tattoo studios.
A realistic estimate suggests that there are roughly 2,500 legally registered tattoo artists in the Netherlands.
Tattoo Artists in Context
Let’s put this into perspective by comparing tattoo artists to other professions in the Netherlands:
-
1 dentist per ~885 people
-
1 general doctor per ~385 people
-
1 tattoo artist per ~8,000 people
Seen this way, tattoo artists are far from overly common.
Are There Too Many Tattoo Studios in Amsterdam?
It’s estimated that there are just over 100 tattoo studios in Amsterdam.
Is that a lot?
Maybe — but the real issue is not the number. It’s something psychologists call “choice anxiety”. When people are faced with too many options, decision-making becomes harder, and satisfaction often decreases. Social media amplifies this effect massively.
Twenty-five years ago, you discovered tattoo studios by walking through the city. Today, you scroll through endless feeds filled with artists from all over the world. This creates the illusion that “everyone else is better” or that the market is impossibly crowded.
But is “from abroad” always better than local?
And does that logic really apply to a personal, professional service like tattooing?
Why Looking Local Makes Sense
The Amsterdam tattoo scene is full of talented, professional artists who are deeply committed to their craft and their clients. Local artists live in the city, understand its rhythm, and build long-term relationships with their customers.
Choosing a local tattoo artist means:
-
easier communication
-
easier follow-ups and aftercare
-
real accountability
-
a more personal experience
And yes — if needed, you can easily come back.
At Vadelma Tattoo, we strongly believe in quality over hype, personal connection over algorithms, and long-term thinking over trends.
You can learn more about our approach here:
https://vadelma.eu/faq-vadelma-tattoo/
or contact us directly:
https://vadelma.eu/contact
Conclusion
So, are there really “millions” of tattoo studios in Amsterdam?
No — not even close.
While online advertising and social media can make the scene look overwhelming, the reality is far more balanced. The local tattoo community is strong, diverse, and full of skilled artists who care deeply about their work.
My advice?
Look beyond trends. Explore your local scene. Choose an artist whose work truly speaks to you — not just the one who appears most often in your feed.
You might find the perfect artist much closer than you think.
FAQ – Tattoo Studios in Amsterdam
How many tattoo studios are in Amsterdam?
Estimates suggest a little over 100 registered studios.
Why does it feel like there are so many?
Social media ads and guest spot promotions create the illusion of oversaturation.
Are local tattoo artists as good as international ones?
Absolutely. Many local artists are highly skilled and deeply experienced.
Is it better to choose a local tattoo studio?
Often yes — especially for communication, aftercare, and long-term satisfaction.
Can I book a tattoo at Vadelma Tattoo?
Yes, by appointment only: https://vadelma.eu/contact
Support Our Art
If you’d like to support our work beyond tattooing, you can visit our art print store featuring Natalie’s original artworks:
https://vadelmaprints.com/
Are There Really So Many Tattoo Studios in Amsterdam?
Hello Everyone!
In today’s blog, I’d like to share some of my recent thoughts on the tattoo scene in Amsterdam — or at least how I perceive it after more than a year of running Vadelma Tattoo here. Amsterdam is a beautiful and unique city, and naturally it attracts many people: tourists, museum lovers, explorers, people curious about Dutch culture (and yes, even those who want to try fries with mayonnaise). And of course — tattoo artists.
Very often, I hear customers say:
“There are millions of tattoo studios in Amsterdam.”
But is that really true? Let’s take a closer look.
Amsterdam: A Tattoo Capital?
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is internationally recognized and home to roughly one million residents. It’s also a city that attracts an enormous number of tourists every year. This combination makes Amsterdam appealing not only to visitors but also to tattoo artists.
Many tattooers choose Amsterdam for guest spots, short stays, or aggressive online advertising — especially during the tourist season. If you look closely at social media ads, you’ll notice that many of them are actually run by artists from France, Germany, the UK, or other countries. Interestingly, many of these ads are targeted at people living in the Netherlands — encouraging them to travel abroad for tattoos instead of choosing a local studio.
This creates the impression that the tattoo market in Amsterdam is extremely competitive and oversaturated. But impressions are not the same as reality.
How Many Tattoo Studios Are Really in Amsterdam?
Exact numbers are difficult to obtain, so take the following as an estimation rather than absolute truth.
According to the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK), as of January 1st, 2024, there were 3,940 tattoo-related businesses registered in the Netherlands. However, this number includes a wide range of business types — including permanent makeup (PMU) artists, who are registered under the same category.
Another important detail:
Most tattoo artists register as individual businesses, even if they work inside a studio. This means the number of registered tattoo artists is much higher than the number of physical tattoo studios.
A realistic estimate suggests that there are roughly 2,500 legally registered tattoo artists in the Netherlands.
Tattoo Artists in Context
Let’s put this into perspective by comparing tattoo artists to other professions in the Netherlands:
-
1 dentist per ~885 people
-
1 general doctor per ~385 people
-
1 tattoo artist per ~8,000 people
Seen this way, tattoo artists are far from overly common.
Are There Too Many Tattoo Studios in Amsterdam?
It’s estimated that there are just over 100 tattoo studios in Amsterdam.
Is that a lot?
Maybe — but the real issue is not the number. It’s something psychologists call “choice anxiety”. When people are faced with too many options, decision-making becomes harder, and satisfaction often decreases. Social media amplifies this effect massively.
Twenty-five years ago, you discovered tattoo studios by walking through the city. Today, you scroll through endless feeds filled with artists from all over the world. This creates the illusion that “everyone else is better” or that the market is impossibly crowded.
But is “from abroad” always better than local?
And does that logic really apply to a personal, professional service like tattooing?
Why Looking Local Makes Sense
The Amsterdam tattoo scene is full of talented, professional artists who are deeply committed to their craft and their clients. Local artists live in the city, understand its rhythm, and build long-term relationships with their customers.
Choosing a local tattoo artist means:
-
easier communication
-
easier follow-ups and aftercare
-
real accountability
-
a more personal experience
And yes — if needed, you can easily come back.
At Vadelma Tattoo, we strongly believe in quality over hype, personal connection over algorithms, and long-term thinking over trends.
You can learn more about our approach here:
https://vadelma.eu/faq-vadelma-tattoo/
or contact us directly:
https://vadelma.eu/contact
Conclusion
So, are there really “millions” of tattoo studios in Amsterdam?
No — not even close.
While online advertising and social media can make the scene look overwhelming, the reality is far more balanced. The local tattoo community is strong, diverse, and full of skilled artists who care deeply about their work.
My advice?
Look beyond trends. Explore your local scene. Choose an artist whose work truly speaks to you — not just the one who appears most often in your feed.
You might find the perfect artist much closer than you think.
FAQ – Tattoo Studios in Amsterdam
How many tattoo studios are in Amsterdam?
Estimates suggest a little over 100 registered studios.
Why does it feel like there are so many?
Social media ads and guest spot promotions create the illusion of oversaturation.
Are local tattoo artists as good as international ones?
Absolutely. Many local artists are highly skilled and deeply experienced.
Is it better to choose a local tattoo studio?
Often yes — especially for communication, aftercare, and long-term satisfaction.
Can I book a tattoo at Vadelma Tattoo?
Yes, by appointment only: https://vadelma.eu/contact
Support Our Art
If you’d like to support our work beyond tattooing, you can visit our art print store featuring Natalie’s original artworks:
https://vadelmaprints.com/
