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Seasonal depression in the Netherlands: what to do when feeling SAD

Kavana Desai
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Seasonal depression in the Netherlands: what to do when feeling SAD

It’s that time of the year — let’s talk about seasonal depression in the Netherlands. Mental health in the Netherlands is a topic that we discussed before, but today we want to focus on Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD.

Before we dive into the topic of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), please consider contacting your GP as soon as you can if you or someone you know is exhibiting very serious symptoms of a breakdown or could potentially harm themselves or people around them.

You can also call these helplines:

  • Suicide prevention Netherlands: 0800 – 0113
  • Samaritans: 0602 222 88

We can also understand the nervousness and anxiety you must feel when moving to a new country with an already existing mental or physical health issue.

If you want to know everything about healthcare and health insurance in the Netherlands, check out our guide. You can also find out everything you need to know about mental healthcare in the Netherlands here.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (or SAD)

Have you ever had the feeling that you’re entering into hibernation mode during the winter months, where you sleep either too much or too little, eat way too much or too little, and avoid social gatherings because you seriously lack the energy to get out of your house?

photo-of-sad-woman-depression-sitting-on-her-couch-couch-isolating
An aspect of depression can be isolation and loneliness. Image: Freepik

You might tell yourself that you just can’t be bothered to go out because it’s too cold, or that you prefer your own company. Even running necessary errands like going to the grocery store becomes a chore, and the things on your to-do list just keep getting longer.

If you feel like this in the colder months of the year, then you might have Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD for short.

woman-walking-in-dutch-city-during-the-cold-months-dealing-with-seasonal-affective-disorder
If you relate to these symptoms, you may have Seasonal Affective Disorder. Image: Depositphotos

Although it’s different from depression, it is more common among those with a pre-existing depressive disorder. People with SAD usually show symptoms during late autumn or early winter and resume normal mental health during the spring and summer.

There are also cases where the symptoms begin in spring or summer. This disorder makes the person exhibit mild to moderate depressive symptoms, which start to get more severe as the season continues.

Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder

According to Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of SAD include, but are not limited to:

  • Feeling depressed for most of the day on most days
  • Lack of motivation or interest in doing things you once enjoyed
  • Lack of energy
  • Lack of sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much
  • Eating too much or too little
  • Fatigue
  • Finding it hard to focus
  • Feelings of hopelessness or guilt
  • Suicidal thoughts or thoughts about death

Some symptoms are specific to winter and autumn depression and may include:

  • Oversleeping
  • Change in appetite and craving more carbohydrate-rich foods
  • Gaining weight
  • Feeling tired all the time

Other symptoms are specific to summer and spring depression and may include:

  • Insomnia
  • Loss of appetite leading to weight loss
  • Restlessness or anxiety

What causes SAD?

SAD was first mentioned in medical literature as early as 1845 and was dubbed as such only in the 1980s. The causes of this disorder are yet to be established. However, there is a correlation between SAD and a lack of light.

Without getting bogged down with too much medical terminology, the important terms to know about are the hypothalamus, the part of your brain that maintains hormonal balance; melatonin, the hormone which monitors your sleep cycles; and serotonin, the brain chemical or neurotransmitter which affects your mood.

The lack of light during Dutch winter can impact your internal biological clock. Reduced light is linked to a drop in serotonin levels, which are related to symptoms of depression.

Melatonin levels are also affected by the change in seasons, where darkness produces more of the hormone, making us more sleepy.

In the summer or spring, the body could have exhausted the hypothalamus during the winter months, thus leading to the improper functioning of this part of your brain.

Who is more likely to suffer from SAD?

This disorder has been diagnosed more in women than in men, and it affects younger adults more than older adults. The risk of having the disorder increases if you have a blood relative who has this disorder or another form of depression.

If you have major depression or bipolar disorder, your symptoms can worsen during the same time of the year.

woman-taking-a-nap-on-her-brown-sofa-after-a-long-day-swearing-jeans-and-a-blazer-in-the-afternoon
Lack of sleep or too much sleep are both symptoms of SAD. Image: Depositphotos

If you have or are at risk for any of the above-mentioned factors, be sure to tell your doctor or the mental health professional who’s treating you.

What can be done to help with SAD?

If you are exhibiting mild symptoms, the following tips may help. But seek medical help as soon as possible before it starts to severely affect your work and quality of life.

Maintaining a healthy sleep schedule

As mentioned before, it can get difficult to wake up in the morning or get to bed at night because of changes in your hormone and brain chemical levels.

If it’s only mild symptoms that you are exhibiting, try to get to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Be sure to get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep between the same times. This may seem silly, but sleep affects much more than we realise.

Woman-sleeping-comfortably-in-bed-maintaining-a-healthy-sleep-routine-taking-care-of-her-mental-health-with-orange-pillows-and-candles-and-a-plant-in-the-background
Maintaining a healthy sleep schedule can help your mental health. Image: Freepik

Be sure not to use your computer, stare at your phone screen right before bed, or stimulate your brain too much. Make your room as dark as possible by closing the curtains so that no streetlights keep you up.

To make yourself sleepy as your bedtime approaches, you can take a relaxing shower, have a cup of tea, or get your to-do list together for the next day.

READ MORE | 27 ways to thrive in the gloomy Dutch weather

Bonus points if you want to write down a few good things that happened to you that day! Being depressed can make you feel like nothing is going right, but this can make you realise it’s not all bad. Even if some good things are very small, it’s better than nothing!

Dust off your gym clothes

Exercise, even when your brain tells you not to. Start off small: start with a walk. Remember: anything is better than nothing.

Do this for a week, increasing your distance slowly. Slowly build up your stamina by turning your walks into jogs, and try to keep increasing the distance you cover.

photo-of-woman-doing-yoga-at-home-online-in-her-living-room-doing-corpse-pose
You can even try to do yoga at home. Image: Depositphotos

If jogging is not your thing, geen probleem! Your bike is there when you need it. You can also join the gym, take up yoga, try Zumba, salsa, kickboxing, or even rock climbing! Basically, any physical activity is good for you. It is up to you to decide what kind.

Light therapy

Yes, there is something called a SAD lamp (or the more positive “happy lamp”, they both mean the same thing), and you can buy it on Bol! It’s basically a lamp that emits light which mimics sunshine.

Portable sizes can be bought, and you can keep one in your office and use it throughout the day while you work away at your computer. But be sure to consult your doctor so that it is the most effective for you.

“Sunshine” vitamin supplements

The lack of sunlight can also be linked to vitamin D deficiency. When there is no natural source of vitamin D, like the sun, it is important to incorporate it into your diet.

The foods which are rich in this vitamin are dairy products like milk (soy milk for the vegans), cheese, and citrus fruits like oranges. Consult your doctor for more options and to consider adding vitamin D supplements to your routine. They can help you determine the dosage.

Rely on your support system

Your support system is the group of people who you can always rely on to take care of you when you cannot take care of yourself.

Living as an expat, especially if you have recently arrived, can be extremely lonely. It is understandable if you feel like you do not have anyone like this in the country yet.

It becomes difficult to be social if your symptoms are really severe, and that is a point you do not want to reach. Moving to a new country is all about breaking out of your shell, right?

a-group-of-friends-drinking-hot-chocolate-at-a-christmas-market-in-the-netherlands
Gather some friends and find something fun to do with them! Bonus points if you find a Christmas market. Image: Depositphotos

You can build that support system by going to classes (this is where that physical activity tip also comes into good use) and meeting people with similar interests. Invite your co-workers out for lunch, or have them over for dinner.

Or turn that around if you know someone who is new and does not know a lot of people. You know how hard it is to be the new kid on the block. Use your experience so that it’s a little bit easier for the newbies. We are all in this together, after all!

Seasonal depression can be very challenging sometimes. When it starts to get tough, it can help to go back to the very basics: sleep, food, movement, and loved ones.

But, if none of these tips helps you, contact your GP and get help because mental health sometimes needs additional help.

Have you experienced seasonal depression in the Netherlands before? Do you have more tips? Let us know in the comments below!

Skip the World Cup, kick America out of NATO, and more: Dutch experts call to “Boycott USA”

Kriti Swarup
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Skip the World Cup, kick America out of NATO, and more: Dutch experts call to “Boycott USA”

Authorities and experts in the Netherlands are beginning to realise… We don’t need the United States of America. 

“Throw the USA out of NATO!”, “Blacklist FIFA!”, “Stop exporting semiconductors to the States!” These are some of the sentiments spreading across Dutch media this week. 

Renowned Dutch voices are speaking up against America, following Trump’s aggressive threat of an additional 10% tariff on all European nations sending troops to Greenland.

The Netherlands, being one of them, is outraged. 

And since Trump still can’t seem to grasp that Greenland isn’t a piece of real estate up for grabs from Denmark, here is how the Netherlands are actually responding, according to AD. 

A call to kick the US out of NATO

While McDonald’s has already snuck its way into every corner of the globe, according to the experts, the real issue isn’t just America’s cultural omnipresence. It’s the fact that we’ve allowed one orange man to bend international law to his every whim.

Rob de Wijk, a geopolitics columnist for Trouw, has urged European NATO members to expel the United States from the alliance.

Calling Trump’s leadership in NATO “useless,” the writer rallied for the now-former European allies to regroup. 

Critical of Europe’s dependence on America, de Wijk wrote: “I constantly hear the mantra that we can’t do without America. Nonsense. It’s a matter of will.”

Stop selling ASML chips to the US

Similarly, the former Commander of the Dutch Armed Forces, Dick Berlijn, rallied for a more strategic approach. 

“I think Europe needs to be more vocal about our position,” Berlijn tells NRC. “For example, ASML should no longer be allowed to supply American companies.”

ASML is a Dutch tech giant that holds a near-monopoly on the lithography machines essential for making the world’s most advanced microchips. 

Boycott the World Cup 

Over the weekend, Bernard Welten, former chief commissioner of Amsterdam, wrote a LinkedIn post calling to boycott the World Cup, which is to be held in the US next summer. 

Now a member of the police’s scientific advisory board, Welten advocates for a symbolic action because “silence is no longer a neutral position.” 

Welten is sounding the alarm on Trump’s bullying tactics, insisting it’s high time for the allies to step up and tell the White House: enough is enough.

Volkskrant columnist Bert Wagendorp went so far as to compare Donald Trump at the World Cup to Adolf Hitler at the Berlin Olympic Stadium. 

He writes, “That would be a scene that still makes sports blush with shame; never before has it sold its soul so unashamedly and allowed itself to be turned so easily into a dictator’s propaganda vehicle.”

But why shove politics into sports? Some might rebut. 

Welten argues that Trump and FIFA have already crossed that line. 

Aside from FIFA’s “peace prize” invented especially for Trump (turning football into MAGA bootlicking), America’s strict travel bans would prevent fans from at least 17 countries, including Brazil and Senegal, from supporting their team. 

As experts and idealists finally speak out against Trump’s chokehold on the world, we stand to witness the beginning of a long-repressed EU versus US duel. 

Dig what you’re reading? Get more of it! Join our WhatsApp channel or Instagram broadcast to get the latest news straight to your pocket.

Dutch politicians thrash Trump’s tariffs and threats over Greenland

Abuzer van Leeuwen 🇳🇱
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Dutch politicians thrash Trump’s tariffs and threats over Greenland

Donald Trump’s latest tantrum has Dutch politicians calling him out for what it is: blackmail. The American president is threatening eight NATO allies, including the Netherlands, with punishing tariffs unless they help hand over Greenland to the US.

It seems that the Dutch and the rest of the EU aren’t having it this time.

Trump announced he’ll slap an additional 10% import tariff (potentially rising to 25%) on eight European countries that dared to participate in Denmark’s Arctic military exercise.

The crime? Sending soldiers to Greenland, which Trump has decided belongs to America, despite it being part of NATO ally Denmark.

The Netherlands sent two military personnel to Greenland, which Trump apparently considers a nuisance to his imperialist ambitions.

“This is blackmail,” says Dutch minister

Outgoing Minister of Foreign Affairs David van Weel didn’t mince words when he appeared on WNL op Zondag. He called Trump’s threats “blackmail” and a “ridiculous proposal,” according to RTL Nieuws.

“This is not how allies treat each other,” Van Weel said, adding that the next two weeks must be used to get Trump’s tariff threats off the table entirely. If that doesn’t happen? “All options are open.”

Despite the threats, Van Weel confirmed the Netherlands won’t be withdrawing its two military personnel from the mission.

Originally, only one naval officer was being sent, but a logistics planner has now been added to the team.

For context, these proposed tariffs would come on top of the existing 15% import levy already in place on most EU goods. So Trump wants to pile an extra 10% to 25% on top, potentially making Dutch exports to America significantly more expensive.

We’ve seen this playbook before when Trump’s tariffs were first announced last year.

Eight nations stand together

The Netherlands isn’t facing this alone. Eight NATO countries issued a joint statement condemning Trump’s threats: the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Finland, and Denmark.

Outgoing Prime Minister Dick Schoof posted the statement on X, declaring that the tariff threats “risk undermining” relations between Europe and the US. The statement emphasises that the Arctic exercise is a “shared trans-Atlantic interest” and “poses no threat to anyone.”

Political leaders unite against Trump

D66 leader Rob Jetten, the next PM, and CDA leader Henri Bontenbal, who are currently in negotiations to form the next Dutch government together with the VVD, were equally scathing in their criticism.

Jetten called it “unprecedented” for America to take such measures against its allies, whilst Bontenbal used the word “ridiculous.” Both leaders welcomed the EU’s announcement of counter-measures, reports the NOS.

Interestingly, both defend the decision to form a minority government during such turbulent international times.

According to them, it’s more important to quickly establish a new cabinet that can participate in European decision-making rather than spending another six months on coalition negotiations.

Bontenbal notes that “This makes it clear that a cabinet needs to come quickly, and that you can’t spend another six months forming one.”

VVD leader Dilan Yeşilgöz, the third party leader in negotiations, declined to speak to the press before heading into a next round of negotiations.

Wilders didn’t say anything about Trump but did find time to mock Moroccans, which basically says everything.

What do you think of Trump’s tariff threats? Should the Netherlands hold firm or find a diplomatic way out? Let us know in the comments below.

The ultimate guide to pensions in the Netherlands in 2026

Lyna Meyrer 🇱🇺
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The ultimate guide to pensions in the Netherlands in 2026

If there is one topic that is both super important and utterly unsexy, it is pensions in the Netherlands. 

Whether you’re an international or not, your pension situation in the Netherlands can have a huge impact on your future income, especially if you don’t end up staying here for 50 years. 

Understanding how the system works now means fewer surprises later. It also means more money for your future self, who will hopefully be sipping wine on a terrasje and not worrying about AOW percentages.

So grab a coffee and let’s break down the Dutch pension system. 

How the Dutch pension system works

The Netherlands uses a three-pillar pension system. It sounds complicated, but it is one of the more straightforward frameworks in Europe once you unpack it.

The three pillars are:

  1. The state pension, known as AOW
  2. The pension you build up through your employer
  3. Voluntary pension schemes or long-term savings you arrange yourself

Together, these determine how much money you will receive once you leave the workforce.

Most Dutch residents rely on at least two of these three pillars. For internationals, the mix can vary a lot depending on how long you stay in the Netherlands, what jobs you have, and whether you are employed or self-employed.

Many internationals simply opt to arrange a pension for themselves, through financial services like Brand New Day.

graphic-comparing-three-pillars-of-pension-system-in-the-netherlands
The holy trinity of Dutch pensions. Image: DutchReview

Pillar 1: Dutch state pension (AOW)

What is AOW?

The AOW, or Algemene Ouderdomswet, is the basic state pension provided by the Dutch government. It is paid by the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB) and acts as a financial baseline for everyone who has lived or worked in the Netherlands.

READ MORE | Dutch savings accounts: Best interest rates in the Netherlands in October 2026

Unlike many countries, where your state pension depends on your salary, the Dutch system works on residency. You earn AOW rights simply by being insured under the Dutch social security system, which usually means living or working here legally.

How does AOW accrual work?

Every year you are insured in the Netherlands equals roughly 2% of your total AOW entitlement. You need 50 years of insurance to get the full amount.

A simple example:

  • 10 years in the Netherlands means around 20% of full AOW
  • 25 years means around 50%
  • 40 years means around 80%

This is why internationals often receive a partial AOW unless they stay in the Netherlands for decades.

If you spend years abroad or arrive in the Netherlands later in life, your AOW may be lower. In some specific situations, you may be able to voluntarily insure yourself for missing years, but this depends on age and timing.

When do you receive AOW and how much?

Your AOW age is linked to Dutch life expectancy projections and is calculated based on the day you were born.

This means the retirement age shifts gradually, so always check the most recent update on the SVB website. You can calculate your AOW pension age online.

The amount of your AOW pension depends on your living situation and how many years you were insured under the AOW scheme.

graphic-showing-AOW-build-up-over-time-pensions-in-the-netherlands
The longer you’re insured under the AOW scheme, the more you build up. Image: DutchReview

The AOW is designed as a basic minimum income (it roughly follows the statutory minimum wage), so most people need an occupational and/or private pension on top if they want a comfortable retirement.

As of 1 January 2025, a full gross monthly AOW pension for someone living alone is €1,580.92, while partners who both receive AOW each get €1,081.50 gross per month.

These amounts are adjusted twice a year, so always check the latest figures on the SVB site.

Example scenario 1: short stay in the Netherlands (5 years)

Let’s say you live in the Netherlands for five years and then move away. That gives you about 10% of full AOW. You also keep any employer pension you built during those five years. 

In retirement, the Netherlands pays your small AOW slice plus any pension fund contributions from your time here.

AOW and expats who leave the Netherlands

If you leave the country before reaching retirement age, you keep whatever AOW percentage you already earned. You do not get it automatically, though. If you live abroad when you reach pension age, you must apply for AOW through the SVB.

Your right to AOW may be affected by the country you move to. Some countries have treaties with the Netherlands, while others do not. Always check early if you plan to retire internationally.

Pillar 2: Occupational pension

If you are employed in the Netherlands, there is a good chance your employer is paying into a pension fund on your behalf.

These pensions are managed by collective funds or insurance companies and usually include both employer and employee contributions.

How do occupational pensions work?

Your Dutch employer often contributes a percentage of your salary to the pension fund each month.

teacher-in-the-netherlands-working-hard-for-her-pension
Part of your pension is paid by your employer. Image: Depositphotos

You may contribute as well, depending on the company scheme. Over time, these contributions build up a significant portion of your retirement income.

Occupational pensions are a major part of Dutch retirement planning and often much larger than AOW.

READ MORE | Finding a job in Amsterdam: the ultimate guide in 2026

Not every employer offers a pension plan, though, and some smaller companies do not have one. Always check your employment contract and ask your HR department how your pension is arranged.

What happens if you change jobs?

Because the Netherlands has many pension funds, each job may contribute to a different fund. You can keep pensions from multiple funds without issue.

The Netherlands does not combine them into one pot, but your pension overview tool (more on that below) shows them together.

You can also sometimes transfer pension rights from one fund to another, a process known as value transfer. Whether it is advisable depends on investment performance, fees, and fund health.

Example scenario 2: changing employers several times

Let’s say you work in the Netherlands for 12 years, across three different companies. That earns you about 24% AOW and three small employer pension pots. They may look tiny individually, but together they form a meaningful part of your retirement income.

What happens when you move abroad?

You do not lose any rights to your occupational pension if you move to another country. The pension either stays invested in the Dutch fund or pays out once you reach pension age.

Transfers abroad are sometimes possible, but they can have tax consequences. It is often better to leave the pension in the Netherlands.

Your UPO pension statement

Every year, you receive a Uniform Pensioenoverzicht (UPO) for your occupational pension. This is a statement that shows:

  • the pension you have built up
  • the pension you are expected to receive
  • what happens in case of disability
  • what your partner may receive if you die

It is very wise to save your UPO statements. If you ever leave the Netherlands, these documents make your future pension administration much easier.

Pillar 3: Private and voluntary pensions

This pillar is where you can add flexibility and security to your already existing pension scheme(s). Private pension options include:

  • lijfrente (annuity products)
  • private pension accounts
  • long-term investment products
  • tax-advantaged pension savings

People usually choose these plans to cover gaps, add extra retirement savings, or benefit from tax incentives. We recommend Brand New Day, a supplementary pension that is very well-suited for expats in the Netherlands.

Woman-setting-up-her-pension-as-a-freelancer-in-the-netherlands
Freelancers are their own employers, so they often opt to set up a private pension. Image: Freepik

Why internationals often need a private pension

If you:

  • arrive in the Netherlands later in life
  • plan to stay only temporarily
  • work for an employer without a pension plan
  • are self-employed

then a private pension is extremely useful, as the Dutch state pension (AOW) and many employer schemes won’t fully cover your retirement needs. 

In these situations, a private pension gives you control and the chance to make up for missing or limited pension accrual in the Dutch system.

Example scenario 3: arriving later in life

Let’s say you move to the Netherlands at 50 and stay until retirement. You build up about 34% AOW plus any employer pension. Because your AOW will be quite low, many internationals in this situation choose to set up private pension savings to fill the gap.

Pension options for freelancers (ZZP’ers)

Freelancers in the Netherlands do not automatically build up an occupational pension via an employer. They still accrue the state pension (AOW), but any extra pension on top of that is their own responsibility.

To make up for this, many ZZP’ers set up their own long-term investment accounts, sometimes with tax benefits.

You can also look into annuity products or other private arrangements. Because the responsibility lies entirely with you, it is worth researching early.

Example scenario 4: freelancing in the Netherlands

You work as a ZZP’er for seven years. You build about 14% AOW, but you do not get an employer pension. Without arranging a private pension or investment plan yourself, your retirement income will be very limited.

How to check your pension in the Netherlands

The most helpful tool in the whole Dutch pension universe is mijnpensioenoverzicht.nl. This national platform shows your complete pension picture in one place.

retired-people-in-the-netherlands-looking-at-their-pension-income
You can check your Dutch pension at any time. Image: Depositphotos

It includes:

  • your AOW accrual
  • your occupational pensions
  • estimated future income after retirement
  • estimated partner benefits

You simply log in with your DigiD and get access to everything. 

Pro tip: If you ever leave the Netherlands, download your full pension report. It makes international retirement planning much easier later on.

How are Dutch pensions taxed?

Pension income in the Netherlands is treated the same way as regular income, which means it is taxed in Box 1 once you start receiving it. The exact amount depends on your total pension income and whether you live in the Netherlands or abroad at the time.

If you retire in the Netherlands, your AOW and occupational pensions are taxed under the lower “pension” tax brackets for seniors. 

belasting-dienst-letter-on-dutch-doorstep-taxing-pension-income
Yep, the Belastingdienst wants its fair share too. Image: Dreamstime

If you retire outside the Netherlands, tax treaties determine where you pay tax and how much. Some countries tax Dutch pensions locally, while others allow the Netherlands to tax first.

Private pension products, like lijfrente, also follow specific tax rules. You usually receive a tax benefit while saving, and then pay tax on the payout later.

It is not the most thrilling part of retirement, but it is worth checking how your future income will be taxed before you make long-term plans.

What’s changing for the Dutch pension system

Like many other countries, the Netherlands is currently in the process of shifting to a new pension system. 

The so-called Future Pensions Act is the biggest pension reform in decades.

Why is the system changing?

The old pension system relied heavily on collective formulas that worked well decades ago but did not align with modern careers. People change jobs more often, work flexibly, or switch sectors, and the old rules sometimes create imbalances between age groups.

The new pension system aims to fix this. It is:

  • more transparent, so you can actually see how much of your pension is yours
  • more personalised, with growth that better reflects your own contributions
  • more linked to real investment returns, instead of slow, collective smoothing
  • fairer for younger and older workers, so gains and risks are shared more evenly

In other words, the system shifts from a “one size fits all” approach to one that follows your individual pension pot more closely.

What the reforms mean for you

Your pension fund may switch to a new structure over the next few years. You might see:

  • changes in how your money is invested
  • clearer personal pension pots
  • slightly more fluctuation in expected payouts
  • updated communication from your pension fund

The transition is gradual and varies by fund. 

You usually don’t need to take action yourself, but do read messages from your pension fund carefully — in some schemes you may be asked to choose or confirm certain options during the transition.

What you can do now to prepare for retirement in the Netherlands

Even if retirement feels far away, a little planning helps.

READ MORE | 11 money-saving hacks for life in the Netherlands

Here is a simple checklist:

  • Log in to mijnpensioenoverzicht once a year
  • Save your UPO statements and payslips
  • Ask your employer how your pension is arranged
  • Consider a private pension if you expect gaps
  • Track your total years in the Netherlands for AOW
  • Keep your DigiD updated
  • Read any messages from your pension fund

You do not need to become a pension expert, but having a general overview now will save a lot of confusion in twenty or thirty years.

Dutch pension vocabulary explained

TermMeaning
AOWThe Dutch state pension.
SVBThe organisation that pays AOW.
PensioenfondsA collective pension fund.
LijfrenteA private annuity pension product.
UPOAnnual pension statement.
JaarruimteYour tax-free pension saving allowance per year.
ReserveringsruimteExtra catch-up allowance for pension savings.
PensioenpremieThe contribution paid into your pension.

The Dutch pension system may seem confusing at first, but it is built to provide a stable foundation for life after work. 

Retirement might still be far away, but your future self will be grateful that you took the time to understand things today.

Do you have any questions about Dutch pensions? Leave them in the comments!

Do I lose my pension if I leave the Netherlands?

Can I retire in the Netherlands as a foreigner?

What happens if I worked in more than one country?

How much pension will I receive?

Do I need to apply for my pension?

Are Dutch pensions taxed?

What if I lose my DigiD before retiring?

Will my partner receive a benefit when I die?

Dutch Quirk #72: Put a hook on old buildings to move furniture

Cara Räker 🇩🇪
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Dutch Quirk #72: Put a hook on old buildings to move furniture

Picture this: you’re taking a stroll through the picturesque streets of any given Dutch city, the sun glistening on the canal water, boats sailing past you in the breeze, you marvel at the unique Dutch architecture…

…and all of a sudden, there is a 150 kg washing machine dangling on a rope right above your head!! 😱

No, we’re not evoking some comedic scene from a graphic novel where some unfortunate soul gets crushed by a piano somehow falling from the heavens.

Instead, this is about the everyday scenario of Dutchies trying to figure out how on earth to move large objects — we’re talking sofas, ovens or, well, pianos — through the impossibly narrow doorways, staircases and windows of Dutch canal houses.

The solution? Hoisting hooks!

What is it?

If you’re a keen observer of Dutch architecture, you might have already noticed that at the very top of most buildings, there are old, wooden hoisting hooks.

Why is that? Back in the day, the value of a property was determined by its width. To save money, as is Dutch custom, many property owners would save space by building narrow but long and high houses, as we know them today.

And the hooks? They serve as a means to transport furniture and other items to higher levels. A simple wheel-and-rope mechanism helps to hoist any desired object into the air.

During the ‘Golden Age‘, when many Dutch cities became wealthy through trade in colonial goods, the upper stories of canal houses often served as storage units to keep valuable spices or fabrics out of reach of potential flooding.

Why do they do it?

Well, because they have to.

Incredibly narrow, steep stairs make it virtually impossible to get anything larger than a chair through the front door.

Moving companies also use this somewhat medieval technology, and some experienced movers will have a rope lying around at home.

Luckily, technology has somewhat advanced, and you see large ramps propped up against windows to transport objects upstairs. 😬

Not sure you want to test its durability by heaving a hundred-something-kilo fridge or oven into the air for another couple of decades.

Why is it quirky? 

Just observing a manoeuvre like that can make your heart sink.

It certainly doesn’t look very safe. Or easy. Or even particularly practical. Exhibit A. 👇

To be fair, it does seem very stereotypically Dutch. Just lean back, see what happens, and don’t be so dramatic.

Or, in other words: doe normaal, man.

Should you join in? 

If you’re considering moving to the Netherlands and purchasing a nice apartment in a Dutch canal house, you might not even have a choice.

What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below!

What your favourite Dutch FEBO snack says about you

Ellen Ranebo
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What your favourite Dutch FEBO snack says about you

You are what you eat. That means the greasy junk food you shove directly into your mouth from a FEBO wall must be a correct representation of your innermost personality.

Don’t worry, we jest, we jest. 

But still, it cannot be denied: even when being blinded by starvation hysteria, it takes a special kind of person to opt for plain patat, as opposed to a freaky frikandel, or a classy kaasoufflé.

So let’s find out what your favourite FEBO order reveals about your personality in this highly scientific article.

🍟 Patat/friet (fries)? You avoid food poisoning at all costs

pile-of-french-fries-against-peach-to-indigo-gradient-background
Fingers crossed they’re unsoiled. You’re getting the sweats just thinking about it. Image: Canva/DutchReview

You’ve been burned before. Maybe all it took was a seemingly harmless little shrimp. Next thing you knew, you had set up camp in a toilet stall for 24 hours so you could projectile vomit at five-minute intervals. 🤢

Whatever your haunting encounter with food poisoning looked like, one thing is for sure: you sure as heck aren’t going to risk having a repeat at this sketchy fast food wall. Nuh-uh. 🙅‍♀️

@febo_nl Onze frieten zijn ook wel heel verleidelijk 😌. #FEBO #friet #foryou ♬ yes and – chan

So, you warily edge around the foods that are trapped inside their steel cages and ask the kassa for a sauceless portion of good ole’ fright-less frites.

READ MORE | ‘Friet’ or ‘patat’? The ultimate guide to Dutch fries

Your friends call you a coward, but one day they’ll pay the price, and when that day comes, you won’t hold their hair back while they puke. 😈

🤐 Frikandel? You don’t eat and tell  

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Doesn’t that look so appetising? Image: Canva/DutchReview

Ooh, a vegetarian late-night slip-up, perhaps? You’ve got a hoodie pulled down over your face in an attempt at anonymity as you tiptoe your way through the dimly lit snack bar and reach for a cheeky, chewy frikandel. 

To be fair, a frikandel’s contents are so ground up that it barely counts as meat anymore, no? 👀

@lillylikesamsterdam You really cant beat FEBO in Amsterdam 🍔#Meme #MemeCut #CapCut #FEBO #ams #amsterdam #netherlands #fyp #dam #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #amsterdamlocal #amsterdamtips #amsterdamguide #nederland #fypage ♬ orijinal ses – 🦢

Still, no one can ever know you were here, understood? You’re a healthy, disciplined human (with a TikTok account dedicated to meat-free meal prep) who eats home-cooked, noncarcinogenic dinners six nights a week. 

It’s not your fault that your inner snack demon possessed you to come here. You might even go as far as to ask the store manager to delete security camera footage of you entering. Is that so wrong? 🤫

👨‍🍳 Kaassoufflé (cheese soufflé)? Pretending you’re in France

dutch-febo-snack-kaassouffle-vertically-placed-on-white-paper-plate-against-blue-gradient-background
Expectations versus… Reality 🤪 . Image: Canva/DutchReview

“What can I get for you?” asks the man behind the counter. (You hate using the weird locker thingies.)

“Kaasouffllé,” you reply airily, then clasp the dish in your silk-gloved fingers. 💁

An accent over the ‘e’ goes a long way. When you close your eyes and bite into the soft pillow of melted cheese, you imagine you’re eating off a porcelain plate on a Parisian terrace, as opposed to a soggy paper sheet outside a FEBO wall in the rain.

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #32: Eat a lot of very questionable snack food

Regardless of what went down at the stinky rave you just attended, you like to approach any “hangover cure” with prestige and class. Besides, “cheese pastry” just doesn’t have the same ring to it.

🍔 A standard burger? Welcome to NL. You must be new around here

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Burgers: even when they’re bad, they’re still pretty good, right? Image: Canva/DutchReview

“Bitter balls”? Feeling nauseous, you back away from the menu’s fine print with your hand clenched over your mouth in horror. 

It’s been five hours since you got off the plane at Schiphol Airport for a weekend of degenerate, British-style stag fun. Now that you’ve been thrown out of many a bar for your “lad” antics, you could demolish a slice of pizza, a kebab, or a hot dog. 😋

READ MORE | What the frick is a frikandel?

But helaas, you are met with the hardship of dodgy Dutch cuisine, which your stomach doesn’t have the capacity to deal with (yet). You know this city wanted you to “Stay Away,” but given these food options, it’s like they’re trying to kill you! 😲

Your eyes scan the cubbies for something familiar until they land on what appears to be a plain old burger. Thank God those taste the same everywhere.  

🐔 Kipburger (chicken burger)? You’re a gym bro on a cheat day

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Grrr. So much protein, your muscles are expanding just looking at it. Image: Canva/DutchReview

You grunt while completing minor tasks because it allows you to demonstrate what a strong alpha male you are. 💪

That is why you find yourself flexing your biceps performatively as you tap your card, purchasing a dry kipburger from the FEBO. Then you sprinkle a bit of extra protein powder on top for good measure. 

READ MORE | What your favourite Dutch supermarket says about you

“It’s my cheat day. I’ve been bench-pressing 140 kilos all week, so it’s time for me to eat 10 of these little burgers,” you hear yourself explain in a loud voice, to no one in particular, before scurrying out of there. 👉 👈

😮‍💨 Kipkorn (chicken stick)? Do you have the munchies?

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You may or may not wake up in 13 hours with one of these stuck to your face. Image: Canva/DutchReview

Could the fact that you’re inspecting all the snacks with a foolish smile plastered across your face have something to do with you being, well, a little geblunt (stoned) tonight? Don’t worry, your secret is safe with us. 🥦

Captivated by the bright neon lamps outlining the wall, you float toward the FEBO like a bloodshot-eyed moth to a flame. 

There, catching the fluorescent light and glistening in all its greasy glory, you see it: the love of your life, the only thing that ever understood you.

A kipkorn. You nibble at it slowly, savouring each delectable bite, before mindlessly devouring the rest of the FEBO wall’s contents until the staff kicks you out. 🤤

🧆 Rundvleeskroket (beef croquette)? You’re not trying to impress anyone

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Is it even possible to eat these elegantly? Image: Canva/DutchReview

Hobbling lopsidedly because you lost a shoe and donned a shirt that wasn’t yours, you march toward the first snack shack you see. 🥴

READ MORE | A romantic film about FEBO? Yep, it’s a thing

Then you thrust loose change into the cubbyhole as if it’s a casino slot machine, and after snatching the rundvleeskroket, you cram it into your mouth at once, not stopping to chew.

Mascara was already streaked down your cheeks, but now crumbs and sticky sauce have been added to the mix. 

But so what if other customers stare at you like you’re mauling a small animal? You’re too sick and tired to care anymore. Plus, you’re so drunk you likely won’t remember this shameful moment! 😃

@dutchreview Nothing like a dry stick of amalgamated meat 😍 #fyp #dutchreview #netherlands #nederland #frikandel ♬ original sound – I Green Screen Things

How accurate was this list? Do you feel “seen” or misrepresented? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 

Major explosion rocks Utrecht neighbourhood, leaving homes destroyed and four injured

Kriti Swarup
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Major explosion rocks Utrecht neighbourhood, leaving homes destroyed and four injured

Several buildings in Utrecht’s historic city centre have collapsed in the blast, and it was a stroke of luck that no one was home during the explosion. 

The Visscherssteeg, an alley between the Stadsbuitengracht and the Oudegracht canals, was hit by one or more explosions yesterday afternoon, reports RTL Nieuws. 

A routine weekday afternoon turned into a scene of rubble, sirens, and distressed residents.  

“It’s truly shocking,” Mayor Dijksma told RTL Nieuws, adding that the residents must have had “an angel on their shoulders.”

What happened, and when

At around 3:30 PM on January 15, an explosion was reported in Visscherssteeg, in the centre of Utrecht. 

The blast was powerful enough to demolish parts of several buildings and trigger a fire, which firefighters could only extinguish by mid-evening. 

An eyewitness sitting at a nearby restaurant when the explosion took place, told RTL Nieuws: “It felt like the whole building lifted two or three centimetres.”

Due to the risk of further collapse, a large area was instantly barricaded. 

Counting the casualties

In the aftermath of the explosion, four people were lightly injured, one person was rushed to the hospital, and a bystander felt unwell at the scene.  

Meanwhile, emergency services confirmed that no residents were home at the time of the explosion. 

One resident, who is normally always home on Thursdays, happened to be away. “A miracle,” neighbours said.

As firefighting efforts continued into the night, displaced residents stayed at the Karel V Hotel or with friends and family. 

As residents began to process the initial shock later that evening, a Dutch Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team arrived with sniffer dogs to sift through the debris. 

Their search continued through the night, though as of this morning, no victims have been located.

Gas smell, but no clear cause

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation. 

While a gas leak was detected in the vicinity, authorities have yet to determine if it triggered the blast or occurred as a result of it. 

Although foul play is considered unlikely, investigators are determined to leave no stone unturned.

As a precaution, gas and electricity have been disconnected for 40 nearby residences, and the Springweg parking garage remains closed.

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The Netherlands backs NATO’s Greenland mission with two senior naval officers

DutchReview Crew
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The Netherlands backs NATO’s Greenland mission with two senior naval officers

Following the continued threats from the Trump administration of a US takeover of the island, NATO members are sending their best and brightest military officials to Greenland for a reconnaissance training.

As announced on X by Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans, the Netherlands will be sending two high-ranking naval officials to join NATO’s planned military exercise in the Arctic region. 

Oof, that’s a lot of pressure on two men. Let’s hope they’re up to the task.

UPDATE: While the initial announcement by the Dutch defence minister stated that they would only be sending one officer, he has since announced that the Netherlands will be doubling its manpower.

A whole two officers will be travelling to Greenland.

Why only two?

Well, according to the BBC, NATO’s entire operation in Greenland consists of only a few dozen personnel total. 

This mission will help NATO plan and design further exercises in the region, so large numbers of troops are not required (yet). 

For instance, Finland is sending only two officers. 

The goal is likely also symbolic: NATO members coming together to demonstrate strength and to show that they do not take Trump’s threats of a takeover by force lightly. 

It’s not entirely clear that the message is getting across, however. Some Dutchies are finding the meagre deployment a bit of a joke…

Comment
byu/gilllesdot from discussion
inthenetherlands

Let’s just say it’s more of an intimate gathering than a festival. And everyone’s hoping the guest of honour doesn’t show up. 

Larger deployment possible

As Brekelmans announced, this current mission is largely explorative.

“A larger deployment within NATO (Arctic Sentry) is a possible next step,” his X post reads. 

So while one soldier suffices for now, the Dutch military is by no means naive about the reality. 

They are prepared to send more officers if need be, but let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. 

Trump’s response

Surprise, surprise, he still wants Greenland. 

Speaking of Trump’s reaction to the news, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on Thursday that these actions would not “impact his goal at all.”

The Netherlands’ stance is clear, however: no Trump in Greenland. 

What are your thoughts on the latest developments? Let us know in the comments! 

Why the Netherlands might ban Elon Musk’s Grok AI 

Kriti Swarup
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Why the Netherlands might ban Elon Musk’s Grok AI 

Celebrities, children, and members of parliament are being digitally stripped or set on fire. This isn’t innovation in artificial intelligence. It’s abuse. 

The newest model of Elon Musk’s chatbot, Grok 4.1 AI, which was rolled out in November 2025, is a breeding ground for racism, sexual harassment, and extreme violence.

Justice Minister Foort van Oosten is urgently considering a ban in the Netherlands, calling the practices “extremely reprehensible,” reports AD.

Grok is an accomplice 

Despite claims that violent or sexual content is blocked, Grok appears more than eager to help users stoop to a lower level. 

An investigation by AD caught the chatbot making explicit suggestions such as “choose a revealing silhouette” for a video that undresses a young girl. 

On Grok, public figures can be digitally undressed, covered in warts, or even set on fire (with their charred remains shown). 

Using a celebrity’s face, or prompts of this kind, is at the moment impossible on ChatGPT and Google Gemini.

Children are impacted too

The most vulnerable victims of this technology are children. 

Dutch schools are reporting AI-generated bullying videos where students cry, scream, or are made to look “stupid.” 

Public ICT partner Kennisnet notes complaints about the creation or distribution of unwanted images in primary schools.

Police figures echo the trend. Reports of online sexual abuse rose by 46% last year, many involving deepfakes.

Offlimits, an online abuse expertise centre, saw a 260% spike in AI-related reports alone.

Enforcement is difficult 

Creating fake nude images (and anything about minors) is already illegal in the Netherlands, but enforcement struggles to track perpetrators who hide behind anonymous accounts and American tech giants. 

The infamous X, the home platform of Grok, is accused of responding poorly to takedown requests.

Meanwhile, Indonesia and Malaysia have already blocked Grok. The UK is investigating. The Netherlands may soon follow.

The road ahead 

The Netherlands’ Minister of Justice, Foort van Oosten, acknowledged the enormous impact that online sexual abuse has on its victims and their families. 

Yet, “The issue is complex and unfortunately has no quick solution,” he stated. 

Director of online abuse expert agency Offlimits, Robert Hoving, tells AD:

“We talk a lot about genocide and violence against women, but at the same time, we turn a blind eye to all of this.”

A systemic hatred against women and minorities flourishes on Grok, while Elon Musk looks the other way. 

Perhaps his apathy is underwritten by xAI’s boom in investments last week — bringing the questionable app up to $20 billion. 

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Drinking tap water is off-limits in certain parts of the Netherlands: here’s why

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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Drinking tap water is off-limits in certain parts of the Netherlands: here’s why

Several regions in Amersfoort and its surroundings are under a “boil-water advisory”, after enterococci bacteria were found at a drinking water production site.

According to water provider Vitens, the bacteria were first discovered during an inspection of one of their storage cellars on January 12.

Areas supplied by the contaminated water include parts of Amersfoort, Achterveld, Bunschoten-Spakenburg, Hoogland, Hooglanderveen, Leusden, Soest, Soesterberg, Stoutenburg, and Stoutenburg-Noord.

While the storage cellar has now been taken out of service, Vitens is hesitant to lift the boil-water advisory until the supplied area is clear of bacteria.

Boil your water for three minutes, says experts

As of January 15, the provider is “working hard to identify the source of the contamination and eliminate it”. In the meantime, a boil-water advisory applies.

But what exactly is a boil-water advisory? And what does it mean for you?

This warning is pretty much exactly what it says on the tin: your drinking water is contaminated, so you’re advised to boil it before use.

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There’s no need to stock up on bottled drinking water, says the provider. Image: Freepik

On their website, Vitens advises boiling your water for three minutes before drinking it, preparing food or drinks with it (such as tea or coffee), and brushing your teeth.

READ MORE | Can I drink tap water in Amsterdam?

However, if you’re showering or washing your hands, you can still use regular tap water.

Is my water affected?

If you’re living in or near Amersfoort, there’s a high likelihood that you’re in one of the postcodes affected.

At present, the warning applies to the following postcodes: 3768 MP, 3812 EV, 3812 NL, 3812 NM, 3812 PK, 3812 PL, 3812 PM, 3812 PN, 3812 PR, 3812 PS, 3812 PT, 3812 PV, 3812 PW, 3812 PX, 3812 PZ, 3812 RB, 3812 RC, 3812 RD, 3812 RE, 3812 RG, 3812 RH, 3812 RJ, 3812 RK, 3812 RL, 3812 RM, 3812 RP, 3812 RR, 3812 RT, 3812 RV, 3812 RW, 3812 RZ, 3812 SV, 3812 SW, 3812 SX, 3812 SZ, 3813 TE, 3813 TW, 3813 TZ, and 3828 AP.

Living in the Isselt district, instead? You’re in luck, because the boil-water advisory doesn’t apply to your area.

Other Amersfoort residents can expect an update on the advisory by January 20, as Vitens continues testing the drinking water supply.

Helaas, this isn’t the first time Vitens has had a run-in with enterococci bacteria. The last contamination affected around 125,000 homes across Utrecht in November 2025.

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