Say doei to endless delays and hoi to stress-free travel: the NS has a new plan for the Hague-Rotterdam route, and it’s shaping up to be a game-changer for all commuters. 🙌
Last Monday, a sprinter left The Hague Central Station in full celebration mode, complete with a red carpet, important ProRail figures, and a crowd of government officials.
A train nearly every few minutes? We’ll take it
Previously, we had 22 trains an hour. Now, however, we’ve got a fleet of 28, with eight intercity and six sprinter trains running in each direction.
“It is almost becoming a kind of metro system,’’ NS CEO Wouter Koolmess told AD.nl, and honestly, he has a point.
With thousands using the rail network daily and 400,000 more future commuters expected by 2030, this upgrade couldn’t have come sooner.
Right now, peak-hour trains are often packed tighter than a suitcase after a Ryanair flight. Hopefully, these new trains will give us some very welcome elbow room. 🤞
Six years, one big glow-up
This is the first of seven major rail upgrades to hit the finish line. And what a journey it’s been!
Since 2018, Rijswijk’s tracks were doubled from two to four, Delft got a new tunnel, and Schiedam dusted off forgotten rails. 🧹
Even Rotterdam Central saw platform upgrades so intercity trains could turn around more efficiently.
Wait, did someone say fish?
This glow-up definitely had its quirks.
In addition to fish being gently relocated to make way for progress (yes, really 👀), the ‘t Haantje level crossing, located on the edge of Delft and Rijswijk, also said goodbye after 174 years of service.
And speaking of innovation, Delft went all in — think escalators, tunnels, and even disaster-response drills.
Adding one more trophy to its shelf, Delft Campus is now the Netherlands’ first energy-neutral station, fully finished in March 2024. Sustainable? We approve. 💚
So, will this make you ditch the car or embrace the train life between The Hague and Rotterdam? Let us know in the comments! 😉
The Netherlands is gaining international attention this week. Is it NATO-related news? Is it Max Verstappen? Nope, it’s because of good old Dutch fish. 🐟
On Monday, comedian John Oliver spent a full ten minutes of his show, Last Week Tonight, talking about the Utrecht fish doorbell, and we’re still laughing about it.
We’re not alone, either — after the show aired, the website received four times its usual visitors, according to NU.nl.
Help a fish out
The segment appeared on an episode about Trump’s tariffs because the doorbell is (apparently 👀) wonderful enough to distract people from the chaos of US politics.
So, what’s this fish doorbell powerful enough to make you forget about democracy ending?
Well, it’s actually an underwater livestream in front of the Utrecht Weerdsluis lock. If you see a fish, you can press the virtual lock and let the fish in.
And that’s your good deed of the day done. 😉
‘Show me your Netherlands’
Oliver got very excited about the cause, but he also offered some constructive criticism.
He thought there was not enough excitement to be seen on the underwater camera.
Thankfully, he’s a man of action, so he invited the hit R&B singer Mario to sing a song to “help fish get in the mood” — proving that sex sells (even if it’s fish sex).
He also set up his own website, showmeyournetherlands.com, where people can press the fish doorbell or be redirected to the official Utrecht site.
“You can only dream of this kind of beautiful attention,” said ecologist and creator of the fish doorbell, Mark Van Heukelum, to the NOS.
It helps that the attention wasn’t just beautiful, but also hilarious: “I was laughing my head off. It was bizarre and above all a very positive story,” thought Mark.
Did you know about Utrecht’s fish doorbell? Let us know in the comments!
Getting a Dutch driving licence isn’t just a rite of passage — it’s an investment. And a pricey one at that! But how much does a driving licence cost in the Netherlands?
I recently got my Dutch driving licence and was quite surprised by the cost. It turns out that the Netherlands is the second-most expensive country in the world to get a driver’s licence, with the average cost sitting at €3,125, according to the CBR (Central Office for Motor Vehicle Driver Testing).
But don’t panic just yet! If you’re an expat with previous driving experience, your total cost could be much lower, especially if you pass the exams on the first go.
(Psst! Want to know all there is about getting your Dutch driver’s licence? Read our ultimate guide. )
Overview of driving licence costs in the Netherlands
Between lessons, exams, and application fees, the total cost of a Dutch driving licence varies. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Item
Approximate cost
English theory exam
€55
Theory exam preparation materials
€40 to €125
Health declaration
€45.25
Driving lessons with an instructor
€650+ (Based on 10 hours of lessons at an average price of €65 to €70)
Practical exam
€138.50 to €195 + additional driving school fees of approximately €138.50
Driver’s licence fees
€52.10 + cost of passport photos
On average, expect to pay between €750 and €3,500, depending on your driving experience and how many lessons you need.
Image: DutchReview
Cost breakdown of getting a Dutch driving licence in 2026
The overall cost of your Dutch driving licence is made up of the following.
Driving lessons (€65 to €70 per lesson)
Driving lessons are the biggest expense, with most people needing about 40 hours of lessons before taking their practical exam.
However, if you’re an experienced driver, you might only need 10 to 20 hours of lessons, significantly reducing your costs.
Things that affect your lesson costs:
Driving school rates: Prices vary, so compare schools and choose one which appears honest and not just interested in selling you as many lessons as possible. You can check driving school success rates online.
Your skill level: If you’re a seasoned driver, you’ll need fewer lessons.
Package deals: Some schools offer discounts for bulk lesson purchases.
Theory exam and preparation materials (€55)
Before you can hit the road, you need to pass the CBR theory exam. The exam fee is €55, but preparation materials can cost anywhere from €40 to €125, depending on whether you buy books or take an online course.
Don’t underestimate this test! The CBR reports that in 2023, only 38.6% of people passed their theory test on the first attempt. That means many people had to pay for a resit.
Health declaration (€45.25+)
Submitting your health declaration is an essential part of your Dutch driver’s licence. It’s a series of questions about your health and costs just under €50 to submit.
However, if any of your answers are flagged, you might need to pay to attend specialists to get clearance for driving in the Netherlands.
Practical driving exam (€138.50 to €350)
The driving test itself isn’t cheap. Booking a practical exam through the CBR costs €138.50, but most people take their test through their driving school — which adds extra costs.
What you’ll pay:
CBR practical exam fee: €138.50
Driving school car rental for exam: Approx. €138.50 + VAT, but some schools might charge more
Cost of applying for a Dutch driving licence (€52.10 – €75)
Passed your exams? Time to apply for your Dutch licence! The standard fee for a Dutch driving licence is €52.10, but if you need to hit the road fast, an urgent application costs €75.
You’ll also need passport photos, so add an extra €10 to €20 if you don’t have them ready.
Cost of exchanging a foreign driving licence
If you’re lucky, you can simply exchange your foreign licence for a Dutch one, meaning you might not need to go through this process at all.
Who can exchange their licence?
EU/EEA citizens: Easy swap, no extra tests needed.
Expats with the 30% ruling: Can often exchange their home licence for a Dutch one.
Some non-EU licences: Depends on agreements between countries and the Netherlands.
Exchanging your licence costs about €52, and processing time varies per municipality.
Ways to save money on your Dutch driving licence
Looking a bit pricey? Here’s how to keep those costs down:
Choose a driving school with a high pass rate – The national average pass rate is 50%, but you can check individual school rates.
Book lessons in bulk: Many schools offer discounts for 10+ lesson packages.
Ace your theory test: The fewer times you take it, the less you spend.
Common mistakes to avoid when getting a Dutch driving license
If you’re looking to save some pennies, make sure not to become a victim of the following mistakes:
Failing the theory exam: Too many people underestimate this test (remember that 38.6% pass rate!). Study properly to avoid retaking it.
Choosing the wrong driving school: A bad instructor can lead to more lessons than necessary.
Skipping package deals: Single lessons add up quickly, whereas a package might include everything (lessons + exams + car rental).
A Dutch driving licence is expensive, but planning ahead can help keep costs in check.
Expect to pay anywhere from €750 to €3,500, depending on how many lessons you need.
Expats with driving experience will likely pay less, especially if they pass the exams on the first try. Do your research, choose a reputable driving school, and check for package deals to save money.
Did you get your driving licence in the Netherlands? Share your experience in the comments!
When Dutch veterinary assistant Joke van der Post moved to Egypt to run a shelter for donkeys and horses, she never expected to end up in jail for defending the animals she came to protect.
But after witnessing a young man brutally beating a donkey, she felt compelled to act.
Time to take matters into her own hands
Unable to ignore the violence, Joke physically intervened to stop the abuse. The confrontation was captured on video and quickly spread across social media.
Speaking with NOS, she recounted the moment that led to her arrest:
“I see a lot of animal abuse every day, this time it was a young man of 22 who was beating the donkey out of boredom.’’
Joke explained that when she asked him to stop, he responded with insults and escalated the beating.
A potential prison sentence
Joke was released after spending two nights in jail. However, she now faces a possible three-year prison sentence and deportation.
Despite the looming consequences, she remains firm in her convictions and moved by the support she has received from the online community: “If I had known this would have such an impact, I might have done it sooner.”
What do you think of Joke’s actions? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
If you live in the Netherlands, complaining about NS trains is a favourite pastime of Dutchies and internationals alike. So strap in, because we’re diving into this topic. 🚆
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (more commonly known as the NS) is the railway system responsible for train transport within the Netherlands.
I remember my first NS complaint: ’twas a Thursday in September when some fellow DutchReviewers and I were stranded far from home for over three hours due to a major NS outage.
Let’s generally attribute this quirk to having plans. Everyone has them when they set foot out their front door.
For plans to be disrupted in any way, shape, or form is a complaint-worthy cause.
Why is it quirky?
We truly believe the Dutch are in a complicated love/hate relationship with the NS: publicly infatuated, but secretly they’ve been sleeping in separate beds for a while.
Proof? Check on a Dutch person right after their return from abroad. They probably missed the NS since many of our neighbours (who shall not be named) can’t run a proper train. 🙄
Reason why I love the Netherlands #2: integrated rail and bike-share. To the point that the NS journey planner now reports the number of OV fiets bicycles available at your destination station.
Have you been unexpectedly stranded somewhere, thanks to the NS? Welcome aboard the NS wail: it’s a collective hoot.
However, let’s not forget to spread some NS love sometimes in the spirit of paying it forward. We really can’t always cycle everywhere in the Netherlands — no matter how hard we try. 🚴🏻♀️
What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below! 👇
The critically acclaimed British miniseries, Adolescence, is set to become part of the Dutch education curriculum.
Following in the footsteps of the United Kingdom, the Netherlands will use the global hit to engage students in conversations about social media and peer pressure.
The study materials will become available in Dutch secondary schools for students aged 12 and up.
A widespread discussion
Adolescence follows 13-year-old Jamie, who is suspected of murdering one of his classmates, Katie. The show goes beyond being a crime thriller and dives into darker territory.
It tackles issues such as the negative influence of certain online spaces on men, the normalisation of male rage, and the real-world consequences of misogyny and peer pressure.
Its impressive cinematography and storytelling have sparked a widespread discussion — and now, it’s becoming a conversation starter in classrooms.
From screen to syllabus
According to NOS, the decision to bring Adolescence into the school system will help shine a light on topics that parents and teachers struggle to address.
In collaboration with Netflix, Beeld en Geluid (Sound and Vision) will develop teaching material that uses the show as a mirror to open up dialogue around unspoken tensions and risks for teenagers both online and offline.
In a press release, director of Beeld en Geluid, Eppo van Nispen tot Sevenaer, describes Adolescence as “eminently suitable for starting a conversation with young people about the role of media in their lives.”
Have you seen the show yet? What do you think? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
Starting today, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management have announced a new 130km/h daytime speed limit on certain Dutch roads.
While there are currently only three highways with the new limit in place, there are plans to expand across the country in the coming months.
Which roads?
Some Dutch cities might be reducing speed limits, but now 117 kilometres of Dutch highway are doing the opposite. 👇
Here’s where you can legally speed up to 130km/h all day long:
A7-Afsluitdijk, between Stevinsluizen and Lorentzsluizen,
A7, between the Winschoten junction and German border,
A6, between Lelystad-Noord and the Ketelbrug.
Preparations are underway to include the A37, between the Holsloot junction and Zwartemeer junction, before the summer.
Fast and flexible
According to the Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management, Barry Madlener, this change reflects how dependent people and businesses are on cars for getting around.
“This offers flexibility, speed and comfort,” says Madlener. He also emphasises that “you do not have to drive 130, you are also allowed to drive 100 in the right lane.”
Op 3 stukken snelweg is de maximumsnelheid overdag verhoogd naar 130 kilometer per uur! Het is de eerste stap, maar houden de vaart erin: we werken door aan de invoering van 130 km per uur. 🚗https://t.co/yg1zDT1ITTpic.twitter.com/iqhYAVPWR6
Translation: On 3 stretches of highway, the maximum speed during the day has been increased to 130k/h! It is the first step, but keep up the momentum: we are continuing to work on the introduction of 130km/h.
What about the environment?
The gradual speed build-up is intentional as the government makes considerations for noise and nitrogen emissions.
They want to gather more research on the environmental impact of the increase before expanding to other highways in the country.
Over 76,000 Dutch defence employees received an ‘Order of the Day’ (Dagorder) last week, which outlined the military’s newest goal —to be ready for deployment faster.
The order was written by the Netherlands’ highest military officer, Onno Eichelsheim, and is meant to “emphasise urgency once again”, reports the NOS.
Civilians will notice a change, with more uniforms and military transport in the streets.
Preparing for action
Busy weeks are ahead for Dutch soldiers, with urgent calls for educating and training all units to the required level to be a priority.
Soldiers must “examine their personal readiness”, for example, checking if their vaccinations are in order, and what shape their basic skills are in.
Purchasing drones, weapons, combat clothing and comms equipment is also picking up speed.
Eichelsheim recognises that faster deployment is a challenge, but believes the times call for it. ⏳
Why the acceleration?
The order mostly responds to Russian aggression in Ukraine, aimed at deterring Russia and ensuring the Netherlands stays on alert.
Eichelsheim explains, “nothing has changed drastically” regarding the Russian threat, “but I have seen that we can accelerate.”
He outlines two possible scenarios for the Dutch army. First, if a ceasefire is reached between Russia and Ukraine, the Netherlands must be ready to help facilitate peace.
The second, much gloomier scenario, would include an “operational plan” in case NATO territory is threatened — the concern here is mostly for the Baltic states.
How do you feel about the plans for faster Dutch military deployment? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
If you’re an international who is looking to settle down and get a mortgagein the Netherlands, you’ve probably come across the term Nationale Hypotheek Garantie (NHG). While you may not know what it means, trust us: it’s very important.
Especially if you want to take the leap and buy a home with a few extra safety nets attached. What do we mean? Let’s get into it.
What is the Nationale Hypotheek Garantie or NHG?
The Nationale Hypotheek Garantie translates to the National Mortgage Guarantee.
The NHG is a guarantee on your mortgage that’s available in the Netherlands. It offers protection against any remaining debt if you can’t pay your mortgage due to involuntary unemployment, divorce, or an inability to work.
What is the NHG? The National Mortgage Guarantee will help you protect yourself should you be unable to pay your mortgage. Image: Freepik
Should anything like this happen, the people at the NHG and your bank will try to find solutions so that you are able to stay in your house (instead of selling it).
If you are forced to sell your house and have to sell it for less than your mortgage balance, the NHG will cover the debt that’s left. Phew! 😅
In 2024, the NHG will cost you 0.6% of the mortgage amount. However, it comes with great benefits and is a popular option among hopeful Dutch and international homeowners in the Netherlands.
Good news! In 2025, taking out a mortgage with the NHG will cost you 0.4% of the mortgage amount instead of 0.6%.
What are the requirements for taking out a mortgage with the NHG?
It’s important to know that the NHG is not available to everyone. In fact, there are a number of requirements that need to be met in order to benefit.
Whether you are eligible for a mortgage with the NHG depends on a number of personal factors:
There are a number of requirements you need to meet in order to benefit from the Nationale Hypotheek Garantie (NHG). Image: Freepik
What type of employment contract do you have?
If you have a permanent contract, your gross annual income will be taken into account. If you have a temporary contract, you must be able to show a letter of intent for an indefinite contract from your boss.
If, however, you have a flexible contract or you can’t get the required intent for an indefinite contract, the average income over the past three calendar years will be taken into account. Hopeful buyers should also note that a probation period must have been passed first.
That’s right, you do not need a permanent contract in order to qualify for the Dutch National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG)!
Are you a freelancer?
If you own a freelance business, you must prove that you have earned an income from the business over the past three calendar years, and you must be registered at the Dutch Chamber of Commerce.
However, there are also other ways to meet this requirement.
Sometimes it’s possible to show just one calendar year of your business’s earnings plus showing the earned income from the same type of work as an employee in the two years before.
There is a price cap on mortgages that you can get an NHG on. Image: Freepik
Do you have any debt?
Debt can also have an impact. If you have a personal loan, credit line, overdraft or any other financial obligation such as a private lease car or mobile phone contract, your loan-to-income range will be affected. Ground lease and leasehold payments will also be taken into account.
The purchase price of the house, including renovations, must not exceed the NHG limit. 👇
What is the Dutch NHG limit?
When it comes to applying for an NHG mortgage, it’s important to note that there’s a price cap on the expense of the home you wish to take out a mortgage on.
There is a limit to how high of a mortgage you can take out with the Dutch National Mortgage Guarantee. Image: Freepik
In 2024, the NHG is only available for houses that sell for a maximum of€435,000. However, in 2025, the NHG limit will increase to €450,000.
That being said, there is one exception to this rule: if you want to take measures to make the home more sustainable, then the mortgage value can be raised to 106% of the value of the home.
This means that, in 2024, if you want to get an NHG mortgage on a house worth €435,000 but want to take measures to make it more sustainable, then the borrowing limit will be raised to €461,100.
In turn, this means that in 2025, this borrowing limit will increase to €477,000 if you plan on making sustainable renovations to the home, such as installing solar panels or better insulation.
Are internationals in the Netherlands eligible for the NHG?
In short, yes! If you are eligible for a mortgage in the Netherlands and meet the above requirements as well as the following, then you are just as eligible for a Dutch mortgage as a born and bred Nederlander.
So, what extra steps must internationals take to be eligible for a mortgage with the NHG?
If you’re from the EU
As always, it’s a bit easier if you’re from the EU. In this case, the NHG doesn’t discriminate based on nationality, just whether or not you are able to finance the loan.
Internationals can also benefit from the Dutch National Mortgage Guarantee. Image: Freepik
If you’re not from the EU
If you’re a non-EU citizen — including someone from Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein — you will need a permanent residence permit.
However, it’s not end-game if you don’t have this.
You can also be eligible for a Dutch mortgage if you have an EU residence permit for long-term residents, or a ‘Permanent Residence Permit for Citizens of the Union’, or a residence permit in the Netherlands for a purpose of stay that is not temporary within the meaning of Article 3.5 of the Aliens Decree.
For instance, being a highly-skilled migrant (so-called kennismigrant) is considered a non-temporary stay.
Why should you opt for a mortgage with the NHG?
There are many reasons why you should consider taking out a National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG) as an international in the Netherlands.
Firstly, lenders offer much lower interest rates if you opt for the NHG when sealing the deal on your Dutch mortgage. Lower interest rates mean lower monthly payments — leading to more money in your back pocket.
There are many reasons why you should consider a mortgage with the National Mortgage Guarantee. Image: Freepik
On top of this, the 0.6% of the housing cost that goes towards the NHG is tax deductible. In this case, you’re not only getting back some of your money but also spending less each month due to lower interest rates.
In short, with the NHG, your monthly mortgage costs will be lower, you’re protected in the worst-case scenario, and you can deduct the cost from the taxman!
Will you be making use of the NHG in the Netherlands? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
What is the NHG? Frequently asked questions
What is the Nationale Hypotheek Garantie (NHG) limit?
In 2024, the NHG can be used to take out a mortgage on a house worth up to €435,000. However, in 2025, this limit will rise to €450,000.
If you intend on making sustainable renovations to the home, 106% of the value of the house can be borrowed, increasing the limit to €461,100 in 2024, and €477,000 in 2025.
Can internationals take out a mortgage with the NHG?
Yes, internationals may also be eligible to take out a mortgage with the Dutch National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG). You must meet a number of requirements, however if you meet these, you are just as eligible for the NHG as a Dutch person.
Is taking out a mortgage with the NHG mandatory?
No, taking out a mortgage with the NHG is not mandatory. However, if you are eligible for it, there are many benefits to taking out a mortgage with the NHG.
Do I need a permanent work contract to qualify for the NHG?
No, you don’t need a permanent work contract to qualify for the Dutch National Mortgage Guarantee. Instead, your average earnings over the past three years can be calculated and used to determine whether or not you are eligible for the NHG.
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