We may be well into 2025, but the New Year’s fireworks debate is still blazing hot, with yet another Dutch party backing a full ban. 🧨
That brings the total number of Dutch MPs opposing loud bangs to a very respectable 94, reports the NOS.
Doei doei, Dutch tradition
Support for a national fireworks ban has rapidly increased in the House of Representatives since last New Year’s, when over 8,000 attacks on police and emergency services were reported.
The newest recruit in the anti-fireworks brigade is the coalition party NSC, previously undecided due to the cherished Dutch tradition of blowing stuff up.
Now that they have decided to prioritise police and emergency services’ safety, the only important remaining opponents are the PVV, BBB, and SP — but that’s not enough to block the ban.
Will we see a complete fireworks ban?
Well, we’re likely to see an almost complete ban on the personal use of fireworks, as the finer details are still to be worked out in Thursday’s parliamentary debate.
What we do know so far is that the government wants to extend the ban to the second category (F2) of fireworks available on the Dutch market. These include fonteintjes (little fountains) and grondbloemen (ground flowers), among others.
The most dangerous categories of fireworks (F3 and F4) have been banned since 2020.
A change in policy means that only F1-rated fireworks (such as sparklers and certain firecrackers) would be allowed to be sold.
And what if you love ringing the new year in with a bang? Lucky for you, official fireworks shows will likely still be organised. 🎇
Just when you thought US politics couldn’t get louder abroad: American embassies have sent letters to European companies urging them to ditch their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes.
Waarom? Because America said so! Refuse, and say goodbye to those juicy US government contracts. 👋
The DEI crackdown goes global
The letters trace back to an executive order from Trump’s first presidency, banning DEI initiatives in the US federal government, reports Trouw.
US embassies are now exporting that drama overseas, reshaping HR policies via diplomatic pressure.
America has always cheated itself out of accelerate progress, innovation and economic value by discounting the contributions of non-white, non-male talent. The anti-DEI wave is this country’s attempt to default to coddling white men at the expense of collective progress.
According to French newspaper Les Echos (which has the letters), the ban affects all US government contractors, “regardless of their nationality or place of establishment.”
Recipients are asked to sign a certification of compliance with the US federal Anti-Discrimination Act, via an English-language form attached to the letter.
Want a US government contract? You’ve got five days to fill out a form swearing you don’t promote DEI. Should you decline, you’d best prepare to explain yourself to American lawyers. Gezellig. 😬
Dutch reaction: “Wait, what?”
Dutch Minister of Foreign Trade, Reinette Klever, called the move “worrying” and warned it could bring “more uncertainty for Dutch companies.”
So far, not a peep from firms like Philips or Boskalis about receiving that letter. 🤐
Meanwhile, the US embassy in The Hague isn’t spilling any tea, giving the classic: “We do not respond to private correspondence.”
I wonder if it has occurred to him that in Europe, Americans are foreigners – WE are the DEI hires. Eliminating DEI in France wouldn’t be “America First”, it would be “France First”.
It’s an awkward clash, as the Netherlands has had a gender diversity law since 2002, while the U.S. seems to say “nah, we’re good.” Mixed signals, anyone?
More than just policy: It’s about people
In conversation with Trouw, Professor Jojanneke van der Toorn uses her research to address how diverse workplaces matter to underrepresented folks (shocking, right?). Without them, people aren’t just quitting jobs — they’re quitting the country.
She says, “What do you lose if you do not implement an inclusive policy? Then you run the risk of missing out on talent.”
And it’s not just the Dutch side-eyeing — France and Belgium aren’t thrilled either. As the Belgian Minister of Finance put it: “We have a culture of non-discrimination in Europe and we must continue that.’’
He followed that up with a rather cutting put-down of the current US president, stating that the country has “no lessons to learn from the boss of America.”
Seriously, who invited Uncle Sam to the EU office party? 🙄
Mental healthcare is more important than ever in the Netherlands, with more and more people coming forward to talk about their struggles with their mental health.
Anyone can suffer from mental health issues, and we should all be able to seek help and get support to heal and improve our well-being.
It’s important to know that you don’t have to go through it alone. We understand the difficulty of wanting to seek help and not knowing where to start or how to do it.
Here’s all you need to know about mental healthcare in the Netherlands.
If you or someone you know has suffered from a breakdown or needs help, then contact a GP as soon as possible. This is especially important if it concerns suicidal thoughts or self-harming.
You will then be referred to a crisis intervention team. In the case of an emergency, the following phone numbers are available:
Once you’ve done this, you must register with a huisarts (general practitioner). This way, you can easily make appointments to be seen by a doctor or physician.
Visiting your GP for mental healthcare in the Netherlands
It’s recommended that you visit your GP, as they’ll be the ones who will refer you to a mental health specialist (especially if you have a complex mental health condition).
However, if your symptoms are mild, you can usually just get treated by the GP.
Online mental healthcare in the Netherlands
If you feel like you’re not yet ready to go to see a GP, you can also find support online or from an online mental health specialist.
This is especially recommended if you find it hard to go outside or find social situations difficult and prefer to remain anonymous.
Plenty of options are available if you’re uncomfortable meeting in person. Image: Depositphotos
Workplace mental healthcare in the Netherlands
Some workplaces have a company doctor or welfare support you can visit if you seek professional help about a (mental) health issue.
All in all, it’s important to note there is always someone there to help, and we strongly recommend that you see or talk to at least one person if you are struggling with mental health problems.
Will my basic healthcare insurance cover mental healthcare?
According to the Dutch government’s website, health insurance has to cover all or part of mental health care costs. However, it depends on the insurance company you’ve signed with and the policy you have.
For example, if you have a more severe mental health condition that may need additional treatment, your insurer might not cover all of your primary or secondary care.
Make sure to read up on your insurance policy before undergoing any treatment. You might end up having to pay for additional mental healthcare alongside your basic healthcare insurance.
When you are first referred to a mental healthcare specialist by your GP, you will have a meeting to discuss your treatment.
From this, your total cost of treatment will be estimated.
Upon your arrival in the Netherlands, getting your health insurance sorted sooner rather than later is better. Image: Depositphotos
If your insurance does not cover your mental health treatment, it’s essential to note that you won’t be able to pay per session.
Since doctors can’t know exactly when you will get better, a total bill will be calculated at the end of your recovery journey.
If your mental health is severe and you are admitted to a mental health institution, your insurance will cover the first three years of your hospital stay under the Long-term Care Act. After that, it’s at your discretion.
The difference between primary and secondary mental health care in the Netherlands
There are two different types of mental health care services in the Netherlands, primary and secondary care.
Primary care
If your mental illness is seen as too complex for your GP’s (or another doctor’s) level of training, you will be referred to a primary mental healthcare service.
Primary mental healthcare is for people with mild to moderate mental health issues, but whose issues are too severe to be treated without intervention.
Your mental illness doesn’t need to be considered severe for you to seek help. Image: Depositphotos
It consists of services such as online mental health support and counselling services with a psychologist, psychotherapist, or psychiatrist. Sometimes, you can have both, depending on the severity of your illness.
Secondary care
If your mental illness is seen as too severe for the GP’s (or another doctor’s) level of training and is more complex than primary care, then you will be referred to a secondary mental healthcare service.
These include psychiatrists or clinical psychologists working in a mental health institution, hospital or private practice.
This service is for very serious disorders, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Borderline Personality Disorder, and Schizophrenia, to name but a few. This care will be different and may require hospital stays.
What happens if you are admitted to a mental health institution in the Netherlands?
You may be admitted to a mental health institution if you have a complex and very serious mental illness.
You will be admitted without consent in serious incidents where you are a danger to yourself or others around you.
In usual circumstances, though, it is voluntary, and there is a meeting with everyone to discuss if this is the right course of action for you.
A long-term plan is sometimes created to provide supported accommodation to ensure that the patient is independent and in a safe environment.
What is mental health support like for young people in the Netherlands?
You may have a child or friend under the age of 18 who’s struggling with mental health problems, and you’re wondering what options are available for them to get help.
Well, the system for youngsters is generally the same as it is for adults. They should first go to their GP and get referred for additional help.
Young people in the Netherlands can access the same help as adults. Image: Depositphotos
They will usually obtain help from the pediatric mental health services (Jeugd GGZ), who specialise in child psychological development and associated parenting and behavioural problems.
Will I come across any issues with mental healthcare in the Netherlands?
Overall, getting help for your mental health problems shouldn’t be difficult if you’re living in the Netherlands.
The main issue you might encounter is a language barrier if you’re not fluent in English or Dutch.
The Netherlands has quite a notorious reputation when it comes to providing health care. Some say the country is known for its amazing healthcare, while others say it’s seriously lacking in this area.
However, the Dutch tend to be very laid-back and down-to-earth people when it comes to mental health. In fact, they’re pretty open-minded about mental health issues.
With that being said, don’t hesitate to seek help if you have any mental illness — whether that be anxiety or depression, an eating disorder, or PTSD.
We should continue to fight the stigma surrounding mental health issues and spread awareness about the importance of mental health to society.
What are your experiences with mental healthcare in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below! 👇
Update: Hold your horses and look at the publishing date. Hope you had a good laugh, and we’ll catch you next April Fool’s — and remember, always check your sources. 🤭
The souring of Dutch-US relations since the election of Donald Trump has finally hit a breaking point. The Dutch have decided to enforce old legal documents and take New York back.
This decision comes as a consequence of Trump’s recent acquittal of New York mayor Eric Adams for corruption charges.
The straw that broke the camel’s back
The Department of Justice dropped all corruption charges against Adams this February, in a move many see as blatant quid pro quo for supporting Trump, reports The Guardian.
“Adams’ acquittal shows us the US has gone too far,” says the leader of the Nieuw New Amsterdam (NNA) initiative, Marjolijn Jester.
Since the new US administration has been making claims to all sorts of land, the Dutch decided to take a page out of their book and are planning to reclaim New York City.
Is that even possible?
Sounds impossible to just demand a city back, right? Apparently it isn’t.
The British took over the former Dutch colony in 1664; however, British law isn’t codified, while Dutch law is. This means that the only actual records of NYC ownership still call the city New Amsterdam, with the Netherlands as its rightful owner.
The Netherlands didn’t decide to dispute the ownership in 1664, and ever since then it’s belonged to the US solely based on precedent.
America did not build New York. The Netherlands did.
America did not pay for New York. The Netherlands did.
America did not bring thousands of settlers to live in New York. The Netherlands did.
“But all of Trump’s moves show us that precedent doesn’t matter anymore,” explains NNA’s Head of Litigation, “so who’s stopping us from breaking it as well?”
The practicalities
The Dutch announcement is already gaining a lot of support in largely democratic New York, where the civil initiative Save US! was started to work out how a transition to being a part of the Netherlands would go.
In a transitional period of five years, New Amsterdam would have the status of a territory, meaning its residents wouldn’t have full Dutch citizenship.
They wouldn’t be able to vote in national elections, but would get to participate in Amsterdam municipal elections as an introduction into the Dutch political system.
New Amsterdammers would have to take part in an intensive integration course that would include Dutch culture and language lessons, as well as volume adjusting lessons to make these Americans’ reintroduction to the Netherlands more seamless.
A Dutch feel
The Netherlands is investing roughly €7 million into a lobbying initiative to increase support for New Amsterdam.
They’re setting up poffertje stands across the city to showcase the sweeter side of Dutch life, and have promised that the Yankee’s uniform would become orange.
Additionally, Roxy Dekker is set to have a tour of concerts in NYC malls to show a merging of Dutch and American culture.
The Hudson would also be separated into 37 canals, with the new land in between being transformed into a Dutch-style neighbourhood.
Not only would this give the city a Dutch feel, but it would also help accommodate the flow of immigration from other American states if New York were to become part of the EU, says Save US! spokesperson April Lloyd.
If the five-year period proves to be successful, New Amsterdammers would gain full citizenship rights.
If not, they would remain a territory, but that’s okay according to April: “Our rights are getting diminished anyway, we might as well get free healthcare for it.”
What do you think of the Dutch plans for New York? Tell us in the comments!
While some only enjoy a flying academic visit, many international students are staying and successfully finding work after graduating in the Netherlands.
Was it the cheese that made them want to study here in the first place? We can only assume.
But now there’s a clear motivation for them to stay: the cash. 💸
More every year
Almost 26% of international students still live in the Netherlands after five years, and 80% of them have a paid job, Nuffic research shows.
This increases to 39% for students from non-EEA (European Economic Area) nationalities.
And there’s a jump when you look at one year post-graduation. 👇
Back in 2017, 40% of international students were still in the Netherlands a year after graduation.
Since the class of 2022 graduated, that percentage has risen to 60%.
“Every year since 2018, you see that more and more students are staying, compared to the year before”, researcher Ece Arat tells NU.nl. She also predicts that this pattern will continue.
Staying for the salaries
These new Dutch dwellers are not only finding great opportunities, but high-paying ones too. 🤑
Usually, students who stay in the Netherlands come from technological or financial study paths.
These fields have attractive salaries, drawing nearly two-thirds of technical graduates to remain and work in the Netherlands.
Comparing with students from other countries is trickier, but language barriers, like in Germany, can influence where international students live.
Earning more than the Dutch
What’s more, many remaining foreign students already earn more than Dutch graduates.
As we know, there are longstanding tensions around internationals in Dutch higher education.
The current political coalition wants to limit the influx to improve the opportunities for young Dutch people, so we doubt this will ease their attitude.
What do you think about limiting international students? Drop your hot take in the comments below.
As an uncharacteristically dry and sunny March ends, you might be cautiously wondering if the Dutch weather’s gloomy old self is lurking around the corner.
Fear not! April will arrive with even more sun and warmth, reports RTL News.
12 hours of sunlight
If you haven’t quite adjusted to losing one hour’s sleep this weekend, we understand. Luckily, the longer, brighter days are here to cheer you up.
And that starts today! After a slightly cloudy start, it will remain sunny all day.
Stuck in a cycle of concrete roads, car parks, traffic jams, cancelled trains, and office walls? When your next vacation seems too far away, thesestunning Dutch natural campsites could be a swift solution.
You are spoiled for choice when it comes to natural beauty in the lowlands, so there’s no need (or, probably, time) to jet off. Instead, check out are our top seven natural campsites in the Netherlands. 👇
Tent-ready or tent-ative? We’ve got what you need!
But I didn’t need to worry! Natural campsites exist in the Netherlands, and not the kind full of caravans with TV aerials and suspicious teenage parties.
You’ll be pleasantly surprised when you find organised entertainment, shops, crowds and bars among what they offer.
Plus, meeting fellow peace-seeking campers really makes the experience. 🧘♀️
Give us that idyllic camping life, stat! Image: Freepik
What are natural campsites?
In the Netherlands, the Groene Koepel Organisation determines if campsites are considered a “Natuurkampeerterreinen“: i.e. a place to camp in its purest form.
Investing in the organisation’s Green Guide (Het Groene Boeke) gives you an all-access pass for campsites across the Dutch provinces. It costs €15.95 per year and makes you an accredited nature camper!
You can check out their website for all the information you could possibly need about the wonderful natural camping world. 🌲
I’ve never been camping in the Netherlands before … what do I need?
You really don’t need to invest in all the gear or learn esoteric survival skills to go camping in the Netherlands.
Keep it simple! These campsites are great for a budget outdoor getaway.
Obviously, you’ll need more rainproof gear in the autumn and winter; it’s still the Netherlands. Oh, and they can get pretty busy during summer…
So I say, spring is the best time to go camping in the Netherlands. Avoid the crowds and rain (hopefully). 🌦
Where are the natural campsites in the Netherlands?
There are a whopping 147 accredited natural campsites across the Netherlands, and you can filter by your preferred camping method to find the peaceful place for you!
Fancy going further afield? Neighbouring Belgium and France also have great options.
Different types of natural campsites in the Netherlands
Some of the accredited natural campsites are on the Staatsbosbeheer which means you can stay in the forest itself. 🌳
These are labelled as puur natuur campsites and are truly magical places to lay your head.
There’s generally no reception at the locations, so we recommend reserving online. If you drop by the site itself, you could also track down the forest keeper or booswachter.
They’ll guide you to the empty section where you can put up your tent and experience Dutch nature on another level.
The campsites are family-friendly and have areas for group camping; if you’re looking for extra special facilities then the Green Book also offers “Natuur plus” or “Natuur comfort” options.
Recommended natural campsites in the Netherlands:
There are many great options in the Green Book, and these are our fabulous favourites:
1. Het Verse Gat, Zeeland
Zeeland is a glorious place to catch ZZZZs in a natural camper lifestyle! Image: Depositphotos
This is my personal favourite spot for camping in the Netherlands, located along the waters of the Veerse Bos in Zeeland.
To access it, you follow a short, narrow, sand road where you can park your car and walk to the entrance. Just double check before you park your car next to a tent on these natural campsites!
The wonderful walking spots are the crowning jewel. With neighboring forests and seaside, both easily accessibly by bike, you’re onto a winner.
Fancy a day trip? The old cities of Veere and Middelburg are also close by.
2. Klein Frankrijk, Noord Brabant
Silence and hammock at Klein Frankrijk Noord Brabant. Image: DutchReview
This spot is ideal for a weekend away or a longer stay, and the friendly keepers maintain it to a very high standard.
You’ll see a pattern emerge with our recommendations; once again, a chance to swim or wander the forest is only five minutes away. 😉
Quietly located next to the Leenderbos, one thing this campsite has in abundance is space to breathe.
3. De Cokse Heide, Noord Limburg, Gelderland
The bright skies and glorious colours are calling you! Image: Depositphotos
Staying in the Gelderland region, this campsite is in the middle of the Maasduinen National Park.
Quite idyllically, it’s a forest located on a sand ridge between the Maas and the German border. The site itself offers many places to pitch or park up, whether on hills (yes, really!) or a cosy tree-lined corner.
We find De Cokse Heide a great spot for long bike rides or walking along the Maasduinen — a taste of a tropical environment! 🌴
4. Dasselaar, Flevoland
At least many of the signs are in English, so you don’t get AS lost. Image: Bauhuis/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0
This campsite is also part of the Staatsbosbeheer and is located in Flevoland, the youngest province in the Netherlands.
This spot is great for hikers, cyclists, and mountain bikers. Find shade in this gezellig campsite under fruit or nut trees.
You can easily reach the Horsterworld forest, with a rich variety of trees and plants — and hikers, this place is famous for its wonderful forest routes. 🥾
5. Distelheide, Gelderland
Between high trees in Doetinchem Netherlands. Image: DutchReview
Dazzling Distelheide is located on the way to the German border, offering a perfect opportunity to enjoy a night by a crackling fire.
This particular region of the Netherlands is known for its diverse landscape, fields, and open nature.
You may even spot wild animals at night (talking from experience…) but they won’t disturb your silence. 💆♀️
6. West Terschelling, Friesland
Sleep in nature by night, explore impressive sights by day. Image: Depositphotos
Located on the island of Terschelling, this is a small campsite with wonderful open fields, spacious beaches and a sweet harbour nearby.
This is THE region for cycling. OK, that’s unofficial; let’s face it, there’s a lot of cycling competition in the Netherlands. But it does have an impressive 70 kilometres of bike paths to explore.
One warning about Terschelling? It’s NOT a hidden gem. The island is a popular (and fantastic) holiday destination. So think twice if you’re a camper who prefers to avoid the crowds. ⚠
7. Landgoed Mariahoeve, Drenthe
What’s more convincing than a campsite with the UNESCO stamp of approval?
Find Landgoed Mariahoeve in the heart of De Hondsrug, the epitome of peace of quiet with many private spaces. Together with the surrounding area, this is the only geopark in the Netherlands!
If you’re still feeling under-equipped and under-familiarised with the natural camping world — this place has got you covered.
You can sleep in a pipowagen (caravan) or a fully furnished safari tent for a super comfortable experience.
Hopefully, we’ve inspired you to check out natural campsites when planning your next outdoor getaway in the Netherlands.
In an incredible natural adventure, you won’t regret surrounding yourself with beautiful Dutch trees, beaches, lakes, forests, animals, and most importantly, FRESH air. 🏕
Have you ever been to a natural campsite in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments!
After resisting for years, the VVD (People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy) now backs a fireworks ban in the Netherlands. This brings the bill closer than ever to becoming law.
So, is it dag to sky-blasters everywhere? Not quite, local shows could be exempt.
But these alone won’t keep the booming Dutch fireworks biz afloat. That’s why VVD also calls for sellers to receive compensation.
Not everyone’s popping the champagne — industry worker Leo Groeneveld believes the plans are easy political scoring. 🤷♀️
All in the name of New Year’s Eve
If you’ve ever survived the explosive chaos of New Year’s Eve in the Netherlands, you’ll know the Dutch go bonkers for fireworks. 👀
But politicians are now hoping to tone down that NYE madness.
This includes Jesse Klaver from GroenLinks-PvdA, one of the minds behind the bill. He’s thrilled VVD finally came around, calling their conditions fair.
Het begon met oogartsen, hulpverleners, dierenbeschermers, raadsleden en vele anderen die zich uitspraken.
De chaos met oud en nieuw kan zo niet langer. Nu lijkt de politiek ze eindelijk te horen.
Een Kamermeerderheid voor een nieuwe vuurwerktraditie is binnen handbereik! https://t.co/IiEgjaHVCL
Translation: It started with ophthalmologists, emergency workers, animal rights activists, council members and many others speaking out. The chaos of New Year’s Eve can no longer continue. Now it seems that politics is finally hearing them. A majority in parliament for a new fireworks tradition is within reach!
So…is it a done deal?
Fireworks are not out with a bang just yet.
With VVD’s conditional support, the pro-ban side now has 74 seats, just two short of a majority in the House of Representatives.
Currently onboard: GL-PvdA, Party for the Animals, VVD, CDA, D66, ChristenUnie, Volt, and SGP. ✅
Still saying “nee’’: PVV, BBB, NSC, and SP. Denk, with three crucial seats, remains undecided. ❌
What’s next? Parliament debates the issue next week. After that, Dutch backyard boomfests could end for good. 🎆
So what’s your take: time to end the madness, or let the sparks fly? Share in the comments below! 💬
Fresh off the plane? Welcome! 🇳🇱 If you’re feeling a bit lost and aren’t sure what you’re meant to do next, don’t stress — we’re here to help. First things first, let’s get you registered in the Netherlands.
Not sure what that means? As we say here in the Netherlands, geen probleem (no problem). We promise registering at a Dutch municipality isn’t as difficult as you think.
Short on time? Jump to the section you need below! 🏃
Once you register, you are marked as a legal resident of your municipality. You can register in two ways:
From abroad: you can make an appointment to “register abroad”, and they prepare you for what you need to bring with you.
On arrival: as soon as you arrive and seal the deal with a property, you can make an appointment and register as soon as possible.
Why do I have to register in the Netherlands?
Registering is essential for getting life started in the Netherlands.When you register, you are making your presence known in a specific household.
This helps the Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP) keep track of how much tax a household must pay, manage emergencies, and monitor the Dutch population.
Registering is mandatory, and you can be fined if you don’t register or falsify your registration.
Once you have registered, you will receive a burgerservicenummer (BSN). This handy number will let you apply for almost everything you need for life in the Netherlands.
What is a burgerservicenummer (BSN) — and why do I need one?
Once you register, you are given a unique nine-digit code. This is your BSN (or citizen’s service number), and it is sacred.🔑
Your BSN helps the Dutch government to identify you whenever you have dealings with them, for example, when you have to pay taxes.
Until you have your BSN, you can’t do other necessary basic things in the Netherlands, like:
In order to apply for any one of the things on this list, you’ll need those magic nine digits.
Penalties for failing to register in the Netherlands
Avoiding that simple trip to your municipality office is not without consequences. If you move to the Netherlands and plan on staying longer than four months, you are legally required to register your address. If you fail to register, you risk being fined €325.
This also applies if you change your address and fail to notify the municipality on time or if you have given the incorrect address.
The municipality will launch investigations if they believe there’s a chance someone has given the wrong address/is living illegally at an address.
So if you don’t want bureaucrats knocking at your door (or the wrong door) — make sure to register.
How do I register in the Netherlands?
First things first: the government says that you must register within five days of your arrival in the Netherlands. That means you may need to make your appointment before you arrive.
To take the first step, just Google “registration ______” (insert city you live in, e.g.Rotterdam), and you’ll find the correct municipality. We also have a handy list below of the main municipality contact details.
Depending on the municipality, you will either have to call to make an appointment or fill out an online form. You can find the appropriate phone numbers and website links below.
Once you call or apply online, you will be given a date and time to come to the municipality office. Now all that’s left to do is gather your things and turn up to the meeting!
Tip: Pssst! Haven’t learned Dutch? No problem! It’s easy to make an appointment in English.
The Hague municipal building or ‘stadhuis’. Image: Depositphotos
What documents do I need to register in the Netherlands?
The fateful day has arrived, so what do you have to bring to your appointment? Here’s a list of everything you will need:
Valid ID: such as an identity card or passport (in date.)
Your original birth certificate: this needs to be translated into either English or Dutch and legalised with an apostille. (Some government employees will request this, and others won’t, but you should bring it no matter what.)
Any other legalised documents: such as marriage or divorce certificates, if applicable.
Your letter of enrolment: if you’re a student.
Your tenancy agreement: showing that you are living at the specified address.
Note: Some people don’t realise that depending on where you are registering, there are sometimes no appointments available for weeks. So not only is it important to register but try and register on time too.
Help! Can I register in the Netherlands without a permanent address?
If you have arrived in the Netherlands and you’re struggling to find housing (a common struggle, unfortunately!), then fear not. You can still register using a correspondence address.
How does this work? Allow us to explain.
If you need to register but haven’t found a permanent residence yet, then you can turn to your family, colleagues or friends and register with their address.
The address must be residential, so you can’t just use your office building. On top of this, the address must be recognised as legitimate by the BRP.
Make sure you have somewhere that the municipality can send letters! Even if your mailbox isn’t as pretty as this one. Image: Depositphotos
Once you’ve sourced a suitable address, you must head to the municipality office for the address with your relevant papers to apply for a correspondence address. The “relevant papers” depend on the municipality, so make sure to check their website!
This solution is only temporary, but it allows you to receive a BSN and continue setting up everything else that is involved with moving to the Netherlands.
Do I need to register for a short stay in the Netherlands?
If you’re moving to the Netherlands for less than four months (and aren’t just a tourist travelling around), then you still need to register as a non-resident in an RNI municipality.
An RNI is a municipality that has the ability to enter you into the non-resident’s database.
To find out which municipalities you can register at as a non-resident, here’s a government list.
How to register a change of address with a Dutch municipality
Let’s say you’ve managed to figure it all out — you have your BSN, you’re a registered citizen, and everything is in order — but you’re about to change your address.
You have to notify your municipality office, even if you’re moving within the same municipality. (We know, we know, it’s a pain! 😮💨)
This is because the municipality must always have your current address.
Also, it’s for your own sake, as the last thing you want is for any important letters to go missing — something you can get fined for.
Next thing you know, you’ll find that you owe the municipality taxes that were never paid.
Why do I need to deregister when I leave the Netherlands?
If you’re looking to romanticise your life by dropping everything at once and dashing off to a different region/country — then just make sure to pop into your local municipality office during the montage.
If you leave the Netherlands without telling anyone in the municipality, the municipality is going to assume you’re still living there.
Next thing you know, you’re frolicking across foreign hills and accumulating hundreds of euros in health insurance fees. (Believe me, I learnt that one the hard way! 😬)
How do I deregister from my local municipality?
The process of deregistering in the Netherlands varies depending on your municipality.
Sometimes this process can be done in writing. You can send a letter listing the names of your family members who will be leaving, your old and new addresses, and a copy of a valid I.D.
In other cases, you and any other departing family member above the age of 16 must fill out a form and report to the municipality in person.
It’s also important to note that municipalities will often have a required notice period when processing departures.
This means that in some cases, you must deregister no more than five days before you leave the Netherlands. We recommend you check your local municipality’s website for any notice period.
Where can I register and deregister in the Netherlands?
Ready to march into that municipality office? Great!
Here’s some contact information. With 355 municipalities in the Netherlands, we can’t list every single one, but here are some of the main hotspots for expats.
Tip: If your municipality isn’t listed, just Google “[city name] registration” or “[city name] gemeente.”
Following the shocking stabbing incident on Thursday afternoon at Amsterdam’s Dam Square, authorities have released new details about the victims.
The five victims include a 69-year-old man and 67-year-old woman with American nationality, a 26-year-old Polish man, a 73-year-old Belgian woman and a 19-year-old woman from Amsterdam.
A rare “citizen’s arrest”
The suspect was tackled and restrained by a bystander before the police arrived, which is a rare “citizen’s arrest” in action.
According to Dutch law, civilians are permitted to detain a suspect if they catch them red-handed, but this is not encouraged in everyday situations.
Police have stated that the attack appears to be random, with no clear pattern between the victims. RTL Nieuws reports that investigations confirming this are ongoing.
Hotel raid in search of motive
Authorities are still trying to pinpoint the reason for the stabbing. It is unclear whether the arrested suspect, who is also injured, used multiple weapons during his spree.
Last night, police investigated a nearby hotel on Damrak, but have not yet confirmed if it is linked to the suspect.
A hotel receptionist reported that about twenty police officers searched a room at the hotel for over an hour.
Witnesses stunned
Eyewitnesses were left horrified. Some reported seeing a knife of at least 10 centimeters in a victim’s back.
Others saw a hooded man walking towards Dam as bystanders fled into nearby shops.
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema expressed in a statement, “We hope to get more clarity soon about the background of this horrible stabbing. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families and loved ones.”
Meanwhile, investigations into the attack continue.
