Registering as a zzp’er takes an afternoon. Getting your first Dutch client when nobody knows your name is the part nobody warns you about.
You’ve picked a business name, booked your KVK appointment and joined the roughly 1.2 million self-employed people working across the Netherlands. Then comes the quiet panic: where do the clients actually come from?
The Netherlands is still a nation of freelancers
For an international, going solo here is less unusual than it might feel.
The Netherlands has one of the highest shares of self-employed workers in Europe, with around 1.2 million people whose main job is working as a zzp’er (short for zelfstandige zonder personeel, or self-employed without staff).
The overall number dipped slightly in 2025 as the tax office cracked down on false self-employment. But the sectors where many internationals land, like ICT and specialist business services, kept growing, according to figures from the KVK.
A quick recap: what “going zzp” actually means
In practice, most freelancers register with the KVK (the Dutch Chamber of Commerce) as an eenmanszaak, a sole proprietorship.
As a zzp’er, you and your business are one legal entity. Image: Magnific
There’s no legal difference between you and the business, which keeps the admin refreshingly simple.
Most Dutch freelancers get work through referrals built up over years: old colleagues, former bosses, a neighbour who knows someone.
As a newcomer, you’re starting that network from zero, often in a language you’re still learning. So the first thing to sort out is somewhere to send people that shows exactly what you do.
That’s usually your own website. A LinkedIn profile borrows someone else’s platform and rules, while a simple site with your portfolio, services, rates and a contact form makes you look like a business rather than a hobbyist.
It’s cheaper and easier than most people expect, and you can build your own website without hiring a designer or writing a line of code.
Tap into the expat and freelance communities
Once you’re findable, the fastest shortcut to actual clients is the community you’re already part of. Expat Facebook groups, city-specific WhatsApp chats and coworking spaces are full of people who need exactly what you offer.
Joining expat and freelancing communities is the fastest way to build your circle. Everyone’s in the same boat! Image: Magnific
Meetups and sector-specific Slack or Discord groups work too. Show up, be useful, and mention what you do without turning every chat into a sales pitch.
Referrals here move quickly because everyone remembers being the new person.
Show up where the clients already are
Beyond your own circle, go where the work lives. LinkedIn is genuinely powerful in the Netherlands, but a static profile isn’t enough. Post about your work, comment on others’ posts and connect with local people in your field.
Freelance marketplaces and job boards are worth a look, and so are English-friendly recruiters like Undutchables.
Don’t treat your language as a weakness, either. Being the go-to English-speaking specialist can be the reason a Dutch company picks you.
One small job can quietly become your next three. When a client is happy, ask if they know anyone else who could use your help, and request a short testimonial for your website while the goodwill is fresh.
Prospective clients often look for an established presence with positive reviews, so be sure to ask for reviews. Image: DepositPhotos.com
Social proof does a lot of heavy lifting when you’re new. A few genuine reviews reassure the next client that you’re the real thing, not just a nicely designed homepage.
Get your name out with content and visibility
You don’t need a marketing budget to be found. A bit of basic SEO on your own site, a Google Business Profile and the occasional post sharing your work will slowly pull people towards you.
Guest articles, local newsletters or a talk at a meetup all help too. And once the invoices start rolling in, our guide to paying your taxes as a zzp’er will keep the Belastingdienst (Dutch tax office) happy.
Already gone freelance here? Tell us how you landed your first Dutch client in the comments below.
Belgium is currently battling the largest salmonella outbreak it has ever experienced after the bacterium was found in the eggs of a major egg producer — which also distributes to the Netherlands.
The contaminated eggs have been traced back to Belgian company, Laerco BV.
The company not only supplies eggs to Belgium but also seven other countries: the Netherlands, France, Luxembourg, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Poland, and the Czech Republic.
According to HLN, at least 300 people have become ill in Belgium due to the eggs. However, they believe in reality that this number may be much higher as not everyone goes to the doctor with their symptoms.
Eggs recalled in the Netherlands
On August 10, the salmonella outbreak was traced back to the company (which had suffered oubreaks before), and a recall of the eggs was announced, RTL Nieuws reports.
In the Netherlands, this concerns free range eggs with the following codes:
2-BE-1073-01
2-BE-1073-02
2-BE-1073-03
2-BE-1073-04
If you find that you have eggs from these batches, it’s safe to say you shouldn’t eat them. Instead, you’re advised to return them to the store you bought them from.
So far, the Netherlands seems to have gotten lucky. According to the RIVM and the NVWA, no one has reportedly become sick due to salmonella.
What symptoms would you experience?
According to the RIVM, if anyone did eat the contaminated eggs, they would start to feel sick anywhere between 12 to 96 hours after ingesting.
The symptoms of salmonella include diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and nausea. Typically, it’s only vulnerable people such as the elderly and children who are at risk of becoming seriously ill from the bacterium.
Most people will typically see their symptoms subside after three to seven days.
At this point, we’ve probably all heard that iDeal is gradually switching to Wero. But what you may not know, is that criminals are trying to cash in on it.
How? By sending iDeal users fake emails about the switch.
Here’s what you need to know (and avoid.)
Wait, what’s happening with iDeal?
For years, iDeal has been the online payment system used by almost everyone in the Netherlands. If you go to Bol.com and order your cat a pumpkin costume, you’ll then be given the option to pay through iDeal.
The same goes for basically every other online store in the Netherlands.
However, iDeal is currently in the process of switching over to Wero — which is essentially the iDeal of Europe. Over the next few months, you may notice that the two logos show together when you go to make a payment online.
By 2027, we should all be using Wero and waving goodbye to iDeal completely. However, we shouldn’t have to take any action for this transition to happen.
But that’s not what the criminals will tell you
Unfortunately, online criminals are taking advantage of this transitionary period and sending fake emails to customers.
In the emails, they usually claim that iDeal is transitioning to Wero and in order for you to receive your refund (which they claim you are due), you must follow a link and enter your information.
Of course, there is no refund — and they’re trying to take your money.
Hundreds of reports
Daniël van Delft, director of Currence (the company behind iDeal and Wero), acknowledges that this is an issue to NOS, explaining that criminals have been trying to steal people’s data ever since they announced the change.
“Ever since we announced that this rebranding would take place, we have seen attempts to do so.”
The phishing attempts really amped up during the summer months, with the Fraud Help Desk receiving about 100 reports of the fraudulent emails per day in July.
In the words of Van Delft, the advice is simple: “Do not click on emails that urge you to click on links. Check with your bank what the email means.”
The end of a relationship is never easy. However, it can be especially difficult when there are children involved — and you’re in a foreign country.
That said, you can rest easy knowing that multiple legal procedures are in place in the Netherlands to ensure that this transition is as seamless as possible for your children.
To find out more, we turned to Sophie Vermeule from GMW lawyers. Sophie has experience in complex international divorce cases, approaching each with knowledge, detail, and an understanding of the complex emotions involved.
Here’s what you need to know about children during divorces and separations in the Netherlands, straight from the expert.
Separating in the Netherlands with children: a step-by-step breakdown
Sophie walked us through the steps parents will need to take for their children during a separation.
1. Determine if the children fall under Dutch jurisdiction
One question that always arises when tackling legal matters is jurisdiction. This means whether the court has the legal power to make rulings over your case.
Jurisdiction is especially important when internationals are involved. However, when it comes to your children, things are actually very simple.
“In principle, it can be assumed that when the children reside in the Netherlands, a Dutch court is authorised to make decisions regarding their care and upbringing,” Sophie explains.
There are several steps you must take in the divorce process if your child falls under Dutch jurisdiction. Image: Freepik
Put simply, regardless of whether your separation or divorce falls under Dutch jurisdiction, if your children live in the Netherlands, they will fall under the Dutch legal system.
“For example, the Dutch court will determine a care and contact arrangement,” Sophie explains.
The best approach is for parents to draw up a parenting plan in mutual consultation, in which they agree on topics such as the care and contact arrangement (indicating when the child will be with each parent).
“In cases where parents are unable to reach an agreement on the parenting plan, they have the option to seek a decision from the Dutch court. The Dutch court will then (for example) establish a care and contact arrangement,” Sophie adds.
If the Dutch court does have jurisdiction over your children, you can rest easy knowing that their welfare is paramount.
“Children have priority in the Netherlands in case of divorce or separation,” Sophie tells us.
In general, the court establishes its jurisdiction over children at the time of the petition.
However, Sophie tells us that when children move abroad during ongoing proceedings, the Dutch court may lose jurisdiction. In this case, parents would not need to prepare a parenting plan.
We were never married. Does this change things?
Whether you and your ex were legally married or just cohabiting, the process regarding children is treated the same in the Netherlands.
“In principle, there is no difference between a divorce and separation when it comes to the children,” says Sophie. “Parents generally have to make agreements regarding visitation and child support.”
2. Specify who has parental authority
First of all, you may be wondering what parental authority even is, good question!
As soon as you and your partner become legal parents in the Netherlands, you automatically share joint parental authority over your biological children.
Parental authority means that you are responsible for raising and caring for these children until they are at least 18 years old.
“Since January 1st, 2023, unmarried and unregistered partners automatically obtain joint parental authority with the mother when the child is legally recognised,” Sophie tells us.
What about same-sex parents?
In the Netherlands, when two women are married, or in a registered partnership, they have made use of an unknown donor, and one gives birth, the partner automatically shares joint parental authority.
If the mothers conceive with a known donor, only the birth mother of the child will automatically become the legal parent and will have parental authority over the child. The donor will not (automatically) be the legal parent, nor will the donor have parental authority. The co-mother can obtain parental authority if she acknowledges the child herself at the registry.
If two men are married or in a registered partnership, they will only obtain joint parental authority after a court decision. However, if two men adopt a child, they automatically both obtain parental authority.
Parental authority is not the same as visitation, Sophie explains.
“Parental authority is not linked to the right to visitation. A parent without parental authority also has the right to have contact with the child.”
Both parents will have the right to visitation, unless it goes against the child’s best interest.
Visitation can be negotiated between the parents if things remain amicable.
Sometimes it’s difficult for things to remain amicable. Image: Freepik
However, if an agreement can’t be reached, even with the help of a mediator, the Dutch courts will step in and consider each parent’s role in the children’s upbringing to reach a decision.
For example, say you and your partner lived together with the children you had together before you broke up; however, you never married.
As we’ve explained above, in the Netherlands, your marital status won’t play a major role when it comes to your children.
Case in point: parental authority.
GMW lawyers are the experts when it comes to dealing with international families and separation. You can contact them to speak with someone about your unique situation.
As long as your children live in the Netherlands, you and your partner will be obligated under the Zorgvuldige Scheiding Act to draw up a Parenting Plan (ouderschapsplan).
“In the Parenting Plan, parents make agreements about the division of care, how often information is shared, how important matters regarding the children are decided upon and about child support,” Sophie tells us.
You should sit down with your partner and draw up a parenting plan if you are getting divorced in the Netherlands. Image: Freepik
Parents are legally obliged to draw up a parenting plan during a divorce (or termination of a registered partnership) when they were cohabitating, and both have parental authority.
However, Sophie explains that it is highly recommended that a parenting plan also be drawn up if the parents are not cohabitating.
And yes, it can be about as difficult as it sounds, which is why there are mediators who specialise in helping parents draw up these parenting plans.
4. Involve your child in the process
Anyone who lives in the Netherlands knows that the Dutch believe in raising children to be confident and independent.
This makes it no surprise that the Dutch court will not only encourage you but also require you to include your child in the process of separating, in a way that is appropriate for the child’s age.
It’s always good to speak with your children about the Dutch divorce process and what this means for them. Image: Depositphotos
As Sophie explains, “In the parenting plan, it should also be included how the children are involved in the drafting of the parenting plan.”
Of course, if your child is three years old and would much rather shove crayons up their nose, they’re not going to be expected to do much.
“This naturally depends on the children’s age,” Sophie says.
Again, some parents may find this aspect of the separation difficult, which is why a mediator can advise you on the best way to approach this.
5. Determine who pays child support
Who pays child support when separating in the Netherlands will be determined as part of the Parenting Plan.
“As a general rule, the parent with whom the children do not reside primarily pays child support to the other parent,” explains Sophie.
A mediator can help you determine who should pay child support. Image: Freepik
The two of you will make these decisions together, but what if you and your ex aren’t seeing eye to eye?
“If the parents are unable to reach an agreement, they can bring this issue to court. The judge will then determine the amount of child support.”
When finances and children are involved, it’s sometimes best to have an objective person at the table, which is why many people in the Netherlands hire a mediator to help negotiate the terms of child support.
Splitting from your ex is never easy, especially when you’re trying to share a life with your children.
However, if there’s one thing the Netherlands does well, it’s look out for your kids during this turbulent time.
Sophie says it like a true lawyer: “In short, there are sufficient safeguards in place in the Netherlands to protect the interests of children during divorce.”
And ultimately, that’s what you both want.
Do you need a lawyer when separating with kids in the Netherlands? GMW lawyers are the experts. To speak with someone about your circumstances, get in touch.
Have you experienced a separation with kids in the Netherlands? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!
✍️ Written by Seliz Demirci, employment lawyer at GMW lawyers.
Being fired on the spot can come as a shock. One moment you’re at work, and the next your employer tells you that your employment contract has ended with immediate effect.
However, in the Netherlands, an employer can’t simply dismiss an employee instantly because something has gone wrong at work.
Ontslag op staande voet, or summary dismissal, is the most severe form of dismissal under Dutch employment law.
The consequences for an employee are significant, which is why strict legal requirements apply. An employer must have a sufficiently serious reason, must act promptly, and must immediately explain to the employee why they are being dismissed.
If these requirements are not met, the dismissal may not be legally valid. An employee can then challenge the dismissal before the Dutch courts.
Therefore, it’s important not to assume that an instant dismissal automatically means that your employment has validly ended.
Unsure of whether your instant dismissal stands? The experts at GMW lawyers have helped hundreds of internationals through situations just like this. Contact their employment law experts to see what they can do for you.
What does “instant/summary dismissal” actually mean?
First things first, let’s understand it. Under Dutch law, summary (or instant) dismissal means that your employer terminates your employment contract with immediate effect.
There is no notice period, and the employer does not need to obtain prior permission from the UWV or ask the court to terminate the employment contract. This makes summary dismissal fundamentally different from an ordinary dismissal.
Your employer must meet several strict requirements in order to dismiss you. Image: Magnific
Normally, an employer who wants to terminate an employment contract must follow the applicable statutory dismissal procedure.
Depending on the reason for dismissal, an ordinary dismissal generally means obtaining permission from the UWV or requesting the court to terminate the employment contract. The employer must also comply with the applicable notice period.
With a summary or instant dismissal, these safeguards don’t apply beforehand: the employment contract ends immediately if the dismissal is legally valid.
This is precisely why Dutch law sets a very high threshold for dismissal on the spot. It’s reserved for situations involving conduct or circumstances so serious that the employer can’t reasonably be expected to allow the employment relationship to continue, even temporarily.
Need an example? Think theft, fraud, violence or serious threats in the workplace.
However, whether there’s a sufficient reason for instant dismissal always depends on all the circumstances of the case. The employee’s position, length of service, personal circumstances, previous conduct and the seriousness of the incident may all be relevant.
An employer cannot simply label misconduct as a reason for instant dismissal. Whether the dismissal is justified ultimately depends on whether all statutory requirements for summary dismissal have been satisfied.
The three conditions your employer must meet to fire you instantly
Dutch law sets a high bar for instant dismissal. For summary dismissal to be legally valid, the employer must meet three conditions at the same time:
1. There must be an urgent reason (in Dutch: dringende reden)
Your conduct or the circumstances must be sufficiently serious to justify ending the employment relationship immediately. More on this below.
There is a very high bar to meet before you can be instantly dismissed in the Netherlands. Image: Magnific
2. Your employer must act without delay (in Dutch: onverwijld)
Once your employer becomes aware of the alleged misconduct, they must investigate and act promptly. An employer generally can’t wait for a considerable period and then rely on the same incident to dismiss you on the spot.
A reasonable amount of time to investigate the facts or obtain legal advice may, however, be permitted.
3. The reason must be communicated immediately
Your employer must tell you clearly, at or immediately around the time of dismissal, why you are being dismissed. This is important because you must be able to understand exactly what conduct is being relied upon, and assess whether you want to challenge the dismissal.
These requirements are cumulative. If even one of them is not satisfied, the instant dismissal may be successfully challenged before the court.
What counts as an “urgent reason”?
An urgent reason is conduct or a circumstance that is so serious that your employer can’t reasonably be expected to continue the employment relationship.
Dutch law provides examples of situations that may constitute an urgent reason. These can include:
theft, fraud, or embezzlement;
violence or serious threats in the workplace;
serious insubordination or persistently refusing to perform work without a valid reason;
appearing at work under the influence of alcohol or drugs in circumstances where this is sufficiently serious; and
serious breaches of trust or other serious misconduct.
There are several reasons why an employer might urgently dismiss you, according to Dutch law. Image: Magnific
Of course, this isn’t an exhaustive list, and the fact that your conduct falls within one of these categories doesn’t automatically mean that summary dismissal is justified.
Context is crucial
A Dutch court will consider all the circumstances of the case.
This includes the nature and seriousness of the misconduct, your position and responsibilities, your length of service, your previous employment record and your personal circumstances.
The consequences that summary dismissal has for you may also be relevant.
For example, misconduct committed by an employee in a position of significant financial responsibility may be assessed differently from the same conduct in another role. Similarly, a single incident involving an employee with a long and otherwise exemplary employment record may be viewed differently from repeated misconduct following previous warnings.
Summary dismissal is therefore regarded as an ultimum remedium: a last resort.
Given its far-reaching consequences, the circumstances must justify the employer choosing immediate termination rather than a less severe measure, such as a warning or another form of disciplinary action.
What does NOT count (the grey areas)
Not every mistake or workplace conflict provides a valid reason for summary dismissal. Employers sometimes resort to summary dismissal in situations where the legal threshold is simply not met.
For example, a single mistake at work, poor performance, one heated argument with a manager or colleague, calling in sick, or a relatively minor breach of company rules will generally not be sufficient on its own to justify instant dismissal.
Just because you had a fight with your boss doesn’t mean you can be instantly dismissed. Image: Magnific
Poor performance, in particular, normally requires an employer to inform you clearly of the shortcomings and give you a genuine opportunity to improve.
In these situations, an employer will generally have to follow the normal dismissal route. Depending on the circumstances, this may require warnings, a performance improvement process or an application to the UWV or the court.
An employer can’t use summary dismissal simply to bypass these requirements.
There can, however, be grey areas. A breach that appears minor in isolation may become more serious if it has happened repeatedly, if you have previously received clear warnings, or if your particular position requires a high degree of trust.
Ultimately, the court will assess all the circumstances.
Being sick or pregnant won’t protect you
Dutch employment law contains several dismissal prohibitions (in Dutch: opzegverboden) that provide employees with additional protection in certain circumstances.
The best-known examples include protection during illness and pregnancy and protection connected with membership of a works council.
However, these dismissal prohibitions do not prevent a valid instant dismissal.
Should there be an urgent reason to dismiss you, being sick or pregnant won’t prevent it. Image: DepositPhotos.com
If there’s a genuine urgent reason and all the requirements for summary dismissal have been met, an employee can, in principle, be dismissed with immediate effect even while sick or pregnant.
This doesn’t mean that illness or pregnancy itself can constitute the urgent reason, as your employer must still establish a separate and legally sufficient urgent reason for the dismissal. The same strict test for instant dismissal continues to apply.
Why timing is everything
An employer who believes there is an urgent reason for dismissal must act onverwijld — without undue delay.
This requirement reflects a simple principle: if the conduct is genuinely so serious that the employment relationship cannot continue even temporarily, the employer can’t leave the issue unresolved for an extended period and then dismiss the employee on the spot.
That doesn’t mean an employer must dismiss you immediately after first hearing an allegation.
The employer is entitled to take a reasonable amount of time to investigate what happened, speak to those involved, gather evidence and, where necessary, obtain legal advice.
Your employer’s timing is everything. Image: Magnific
During an investigation, an employee may also be temporarily suspended from work, for example, while continuing to receive a salary.
However, the employer must proceed with sufficient urgency. If the employer knows the relevant facts but then waits for days or weeks without a proper explanation before taking action, this may undermine the argument that immediate dismissal was necessary.
Whether an employer acted quickly enough will depend on the circumstances, including the complexity of the investigation and the steps that reasonably had to be taken.
The key question is whether the employer acted as promptly as could reasonably be expected once the potential urgent reason became known.
What happens to your money and benefits
Summary dismissal can have serious financial consequences. If the dismissal is legally valid, your employment contract ends immediately and your entitlement to salary stops.
Firstly, you will not receive your salary for the notice period.
In addition, you may lose your entitlement to the statutory transitievergoeding (transition payment). This is the case if the conduct leading to the dismissal is considered ernstig verwijtbaar — seriously culpable.
If you are successfully dismissed in the Netherlands, you stand to lose some benefits. Image: Magnific
However, an urgent reason for dismissal does not automatically mean that there is also seriously culpable conduct. In exceptional circumstances, a court may therefore still award all or part of the transition payment.
Secondly, your entitlement to Dutch unemployment benefits (WW-uitkering) may be at risk. If the UWV considers that you became unemployed through your own culpable conduct (verwijtbare werkloosheid), unemployment benefits can be refused.
Depending on your financial and personal circumstances, you may instead qualify for social assistance (bijstand) from your municipality.
Finally, you may even owe compensation to your employer.
If you gave your employer an urgent reason to terminate the employment contract immediately, the employer may be entitled to claim statutory compensation from you. Usually, this is the salary for the notice period.
These financial consequences make it particularly important to establish whether the instant dismissal was actually legally valid.
What to do if it happens to you
If you are dismissed on the spot, what you do next can make a significant difference. In particular:
Do not sign anything immediately. You do not have to agree with the dismissal or sign a document confirming the employer’s version of events.
Ask for the dismissal and the exact reason in writing. The reason given by your employer is crucial because it determines what the employer will later have to prove.
Write down the timeline. Record what happened, when your employer became aware of the alleged conduct, when any investigation took place and exactly when and how you were dismissed.
Consider your preferred outcome. You can ask the court to annul the dismissal and seek continued employment and payment of salary. Alternatively, depending on the circumstances, it may be preferable to negotiate an amicable settlement.
Get legal advice quickly. In most cases, you have only two months from the date of the summary dismissal to submit the relevant application to the court. This is a strict statutory deadline.
GMW lawyers’ employment experts can help you fight this battle, all while making it accessible to you. Let them handle the legal side of things, while you take care of yourself during this stressful time.
Yes. The fact that your employer has told you that you are dismissed with immediate effect does not necessarily mean that the dismissal will stand.
Summary dismissals are regularly challenged successfully because the legal requirements are strict.
Lawyers can help you fight an instant dismissal. Image: Magnific
For example, the alleged misconduct may not be serious enough, the employer may have waited too long before acting, the reason for dismissal may not have been communicated clearly enough, or the employer may not be able to prove the allegations.
Broadly speaking, there are two routes.
You can ask the court to annul the summary dismissal
If the court agrees, the employment contract is treated as having continued, and you may be entitled to payment of your salary.
This route can be appropriate if you want to keep your job or preserve your employment rights.
You can look for a financial solution
Alternatively, you may decide not to seek reinstatement and instead pursue a financial solution.
Depending on the circumstances, this can involve claiming statutory compensation or negotiating a settlement with your employer.
A settlement may also address practical matters such as the wording of the termination, a positive or neutral reference and arrangements intended to protect your position when applying for unemployment benefits.
Which option is best depends heavily on the facts of your case. Because both the legal merits and the deadlines need to be assessed quickly, an employment lawyer can help determine at an early stage whether challenging the dismissal or pursuing a negotiated exit is the stronger route.
Have you experienced an instant dismissal in the Netherlands? Tell us about your experience below.
New night train alert! European Sleeper has announced a new route in collaboration with German railway company RDC: a sleeper train that travels from Brussels via the Netherlands to Copenhagen and Malmö.
The train is expected to make the same stops in the Netherlands as the current night train to Prague. This means it will travel from Brussels and stop in Roosendaal, Rotterdam Centraal, The Hague HS, Amsterdam Centraal, and Deventer.
You’ll just have to wait a few years. The route is expected to launch in April 2028.
Where will it stop?
Once it leaves the Netherlands, the next confirmed stop is Copenhagen, Denmark. From there, it will travel on to Malmö, Sweden.
While the train will pass through Germany, it is not yet confirmed whether it will stop there. For example, it will pass through Hamburg, but this will be in the middle of the night, so whether it’s worth including this as a stop is up in the air.
According to Treinreiziger.nl, the companies are also still in the process of finalising the timetable.
However, they expect to depart both Brussels and Malmö at 7 PM, with the trains reaching their final destination at around 10 AM the next morning.
And there’s more
The coming years will be busy ones for European Sleeper, with the company also launching a new night train between Brussels and Milan on September 9, 2026.
They also plan to launch night trains between Amsterdam and Barcelona in 2028.
Forget the planes, the next few years will be all about taking your pillow and snoozing your way to your holiday destination.
Everyone who travels with the NS knows the struggle of taking a train at approximately 8 AM on a weekday morning. You pray for a seat, but realistically end up standing, sardine-style, with your many fellow train passengers.
Believe it or not, NS is aware of this issue, and from today, Tuesday August 25, they have a new solution.
The NS is now offering cheaper tickets for anyone who opts for a quieter train on the fringes of rush hour instead of smack bang in the middle of it. The discounts will be offered as PrijsTijd Deals.
So that everyone can have a seat
According to the NS, the company is about to see its busiest month, with September bringing even more travellers than usual. In particular, they see a super-peak on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
However, if a small number of people just opted for less popular trains, everyone would have a seat. And they’re not just making that claim, they’ve come armed with the numbers.
Example 1: If just 6% of travellers decided not to take the 7:46 AM Sprinter from Den Haag Mariahoeve towards Leiden Centraal, instead opting for a Sprinter 15 minutes earlier, then everyone would be able to sit on both trains.
Example 2: Meanwhile, if 8% of travellers on the 8:49 AM Intercity from Zwolle to Amersfoort chose to take the Intercity 30 minutes later, everyone would enjoy a seat on both trains.
By offering cheaper tickets on the fringes of rush hour, the NS hopes to push more passengers towards these earlier and later trains.
According to the NS, you must purchase one of these PrijsTijd Deals at least one day in advance.
And just how much of a discount are we talking? That’s where the NS isn’t super clear. However, it’s worth noting that previous PrijsTijd Deals (which have been available since 2024) have offered discounts of up to 60%.
Speaking with NU.nl, an NS spokesperson clarifies that the discount for travelling on the edges of peak hours will average about 30%.
Traveller’s Association, Rover, also spoke with NU.nl. They welcome the extension of the discounts to include journeys on the edge of rush hour, but they also believe that more needs to be done to make it more effective.
Namely, they believe it should be possible to purchase the PrijsTijd Deals on the same day that you’re travelling.
What do you think? Do you think these new discounts will help you score a seat on your Thursday morning commute? Tell us your thoughts below.
When it comes to your child’s education, a powerful diploma can ensure a seamless journey to university and fast-track their progress up the career ladder. The premier choice? A Power of Three Sciences International Baccalaureate! 👩🏻🎓
As one of the Netherlands’ best international schools, Nord Anglia International School Rotterdam (NAISR) is committed to giving your child the best possible head start. 👇
Their Power of Three Sciences track, for example, offers ambitious students the opportunity to delve into three science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) within an IB diploma programme — perfect for budding doctors or scientists.
What’s an IB diploma — and why should you care?
In simple terms, the International Baccalaureate (IB) is a world-renowned programme for developing students’ proficiency across a range of skills and disciplines.
However, the dynamic nature of an IB programme means that students don’t simply pass a few exams and call it a day. Aimed at teenagers aged 16-19, these courses foster strong communication, competent problem-solving and research skills, and a powerful dash of creativity.
Oké, that sounds wonderful… but what does it really mean for your child? 🤔
To answer that question, you’ve got to look at what an IB diploma programme is designed to do: offer a solid educational foundation, with transferable skills that’ll come in handy when attending university.
Your child isn’t just memorising information; they’re building the skills they’ll need at university. Image: Paul Pacey/Supplied
This focus on development gives many IB students a leg up at some of the most prestigious universities in the world. (Think: Oxbridge and the Ivy League!)
And, even if you’re not aiming quite so high, almost all of Nord Anglia’s graduates get accepted to their first-choice university.
How Nord Anglia’s IB programme fast-tracks a university and career journey
While an IB diploma is already an impressive asset to have in one’s toolbelt, Nord Anglia kicks things up several notches with their advanced Three Science track.
Intended for students with a keen interest in the sciences, this programme allows them to take Biology, Chemistry, and Physics courses.
What makes this so special, you might ask? Well, due to the demanding nature of IB science courses and their weighty study load, most schools only permit students to study two science courses.
At Nord Anglia, however, students have the option of tackling three science subjects. In addition to the school requiring special permission from the IB, this means that NAISR students will graduate with:
Proof of a strong academic performance, especially in science and mathematics
The discipline to manage a heavy course load
A passion for science, with a clear goal in mind for their university degree
In the words of Bradley Gooding, IB coordinator at NAISR: “Taking three sciences in the IB is a bold choice — it’s for ambitious students with clear university goals, strong academic ability, and the resilience to manage a demanding workload. It’s not for everyone, but for the right student, it opens doors.”
You can think of this as the academic equivalent of learning tennis from Serena Williams. Sure, it won’t be easy, but your child will be leaps and bounds ahead of most kids their age. 😉
Good to know: While an IB diploma programme can be challenging, Nord Anglia has maintained a high pass rate since 2021. Just how high is “high”? In 2022, 2023, and 2024, NAISR students had a pass rate of 100%!
Continuous innovation and progress are key
Make no mistake, this school doesn’t rest on its laurels. Nord Anglia’s infrastructure is continuously improving — much like the changing faces of technology and medicine, which many students later choose to specialise in.
It’s why the school has now been accredited to offer the IB Careers Programme, an innovative track blending academic rigour with real-world experience. Whether a pupil wants to delve into the intricacies of business, technology, or the arts, this track is the perfect choice for building practical, hands-on skills.
And to help students achieve these goals, NAISR has embarked on two major renovation projects: a snazzy new classroom and two state-of-the-art laboratories.
Both labs are high-tech spaces that will resemble the university labs in which gifted alumni can expect to work.
In education terms, this means conducting more advanced experiments, developing skills in new techniques, and gaining greater confidence in working in a lab setting.
“Doing three sciences in IB is demanding but worth it,” says Ethan, a Year 13 student. “I’m doing this because it’s required to study medicine in the Netherlands.”
Like Ethan, your child won’t just don a lab coat and play at being a scientist. They’ll be made to think like a real researcher, which is vital for IB students with an eye on their future career.
Don’t just trust us, book a tour of the school!
Still wondering if Nord Anglia is the perfect fit for your kid? Whether you want to learn more about the IB diploma programme at NAISR, book an admissions meeting, or just check out the campus, the school can organise a private tour just for you.
Plus, Nord Anglia also provides Virtual Open Days and Virtual Discovery Meetings for those who can’t be there in person.
Keen to see just what sets this school apart from the rest? They organise frequent open days, perfect for a behind-the-scenes peek at how things function at NAISR. Image: Lambert de Jong/Supplied
Should you choose to be there in person (or virtually), visiting the school will give you a behind-the-scenes look at:
Daily student life on campus
How the school’s award-winning curricula are taught
The school’s facilities (and how these foster growth both in and out of the classroom!)
In addition to this, you’ll be able to pose your burning questions to the Principal, Head of School, or a specialist teacher.
With universities raising their requirements and employers seeking intelligent, out-of-the-box thinkers, a standard secondary school diploma may not be impressive enough on its own.
A Three Science IB diploma from Nord Anglia Rotterdam, on the other hand? Now, that’s something a university admissions office can’t ignore.
To learn more about NAISR or organise a private tour of the school, reach out to the team via the contact page on their website.
Are you considering a Three Science IB diploma for your child, or have you followed one yourself? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Despite its small size, there is absolutely no shortage of things to do in Delft. Nicely nestled within the Randstad, this super-Dutch city is easily accessible — and it has tons to offer!
With numerous museums, old churches, beautiful canals (duh), and a good dose of Dutch history, Delft is a must-see for any tourist in the Netherlands.
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1. Stick to the basics at De Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles
No trip to Delft is complete without a visit to the famous Royal Delft factory and museum. The city has been creating beautiful Delft blue pottery for centuries, and has become known for it all over the world!
Observe the making of these unique pieces of art, go crazy in the gift shop, or visit the museum to explore almost 400 years of Dutch (pottery) history.
If you visit the shop, our only important tip is: be careful what you touch! They might have your average museum store stashes like notebooks and tote bags, but they also have some pretty darn expensive pieces (like this pyramid-shaped wonder, for €23,000 😅).
💰 Price: €17.50 for adults, €11.50 for students, €10 for children between 13 and 18, €7.50 for children between 7 and 12, free for children under the age of 7. If you have a museum card, Rotterdampas, or ICOM Card, it’s free! ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM until 5:30 PM. 📍 Location: Rotterdamseweg 196, 2628 AR Delft
Right in the centre of Delft is the Old Church, nicknamed “the leaning church” because, well, it’s quite crooked.
Founded in 1240, the church has an impressive history and has been a key part of Delft’s skyline for centuries. No wonder the tower looks a little tired! 😅
Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, you cannot climb the tower, but it’s certainly worth admiring its alarming angles from the outside.
💰 Price: €10 for adults, €8 for students, €4.75 for kids ages 6-11, free for kids under the age of 5 (if you have a Rotterdampass or Delftpass, it’s free!) ⏰ Opening hours: November to January, 11 AM to 4 PM from Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturday. February to October, 10 AM to 5 PM from Monday to Saturday 📍 Location: HH Geestkerkhof 25, 2611 HP Delft
3. Straighten up at the Nieuwe Kerk
The New Church in Delft is thankfully a lot straighter than the old one. Image: DepositPhotos.com
The second-tallest church tower in the Netherlands looks down on the main square in Delft, and it’s certainly an impressive structure. 👀 The Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) is more than 108 metres tall and dates all the way back to the 14th century.
Almost all members of the Dutch royal family are buried in the famous Royal Crypt in the Nieuwe Kerk, so this church has a lot of history between its walls (and under its floors).
As opposed to the leaning church, the Nieuwe Kerk’s tower is perfectly straight, and open for visitors — yay!
💰 Price: €10 for adults, €8 for students, €4.75 for kids ages 6-11, free for kids under the age of 5 (if you have a Rotterdampass or Delftpass, it’s free!) ⏰ Opening hours: November to January, 11 AM to 4 PM from Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturday. February to October, 10 AM to 5 PM from Monday to Saturday 📍 Location: Markt 80, 2611 GW Delft
4. Get your steps and bites in with a local food tour
Delft has many hidden treasures and delicious delights to offer. Image: Dreamstime
What is a local? Someone who knows where to go and what to eat, of course! Based on this definition, a food tour will turn you into a true Delft local. 😉
Combining a walk along the city’s beloved landmarks and hidden gems with a mouth-watering culinary journey lets you explore Delft at your own pace, filling your stomach and your eyes along the way.
We can highly recommend the BiteMe Food Tour. Featuring five delicious bites of some of the best food Delft has to offer, a well-deserved drink, and many more cultural stops, the tour is a perfect way to spend a few hours out and about in Delft (and sort out lunch ✅).
💰 Price: Starting at €49 per person ⏰ Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, recommended start time 11 AM to 1 PM 📍 Location: Throughout the city!
5. Take an artsy coffee break at Uit de Kunst
It wouldn’t be a trip to Delft without hunting down a good cup of coffee. Image: Freepik
Whether you want to shop for some new, unique clothing pieces, grab a cup of coffee, or just have a generally artsy experience, Uit de Kunst Café is the place to go. 🎨
Since 1982, this funky hangout close to the Oude Delft canal has been attracting guests to its cosy backyard and fun products.
The café/art shop even has a few cute parrots you can chat to, if you’re lacking company! ☕
💰 Price: However much you choose to spend on their delicious goods! ⏰ Opening hours: Thursday to Saturday, 10 AM until 6 PM, Sunday 11 AM until 6 AM 📍 Location: Oude Delft 140, 2611 CG Delft
6. Admire the Old City Hall
The Old City Hall cannot be missed on a trip to Delft. Image: DepositPhotos.com
Dating back to 1200, the old town hall of Delft is located in the city’s centre. Designed by one of the best Dutch architects of the time, Hendrik de Keyser, the building remains a true landmark today.
Inside, there’s a medieval prison, which is open to (supervised) visitors over the age of 9 — this one’s a bit too spooky for the kiddies. This is where the murderer of Willem of Orange was incarcerated in the 1500s.
The rest of the building is, unfortunately, only accessible for special events such as weddings and official ceremonies.
The Old City Hall is located right opposite the Nieuwe Kerk, so you can easily kill two Instagram birds with one stone — without moving an inch! 😎
💰 Price: €4 for adults, €2.50 for children (guided tour of the prison) ⏰ Opening hours: Upon agreement or on weekdays during school holidays starting at noon 📍 Location: Markt 87, 2611 GS Delft
7. Get your Dutch beer at the Bierhuis de Klomp
Nobody leaves the Netherlands without a good dose of Dutch beer! Image: DepositPhotos.com
Claiming to be the oldest pub in Delft, Bierhuis de Klomp is the perfect spot for an afternoon borrel.
The building dates back all the way to 1538, and has been a café since 1652 — now that’s what we call old! 👵🏽
The pub has a wide variety of beers, but you can also enjoy the classic Dutch Jenever liquor as de Klomp is recognised as a proper “Jenever café”. 🥂
There’s more to it than just the drinks, however. The café might look small from the outside, but you quickly see that it has quite the Narnia situation going on in the back.
The building consists of many rooms, each with a different atmosphere and purpose. Our favourite: the board game room! 🎲
💰 Price: Thankfully, entry fees are not required for entering pubs ⏰ Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 4 PM until 1 AM 📍 Location: Binnenwatersloot 5, 2611 BJ Delft
8. Secure your Insta shots at the East Gate
The East Gate is a staple in any Delft tourist itinerary. Image: DepositPhotos.com
Back in the day, Delft used to be guarded by walls, as any respectable city should. The East Gate (Oosterse Poort) is the only remaining gate in the city after more than 600 years of wear and tear.
The high-quality walls around Delft made it an attractive city for Willem of Orange, who decided to make it his headquarters in 1572.
Today, it’s still a beautiful old construction, including a drawbridge and two cute little towers. No wonder it’s been the very symbol of Delft’s identity for centuries — it looks gorgeous! 🏰
Currently, it’s actually someone’s home (yep, you read that right). Unfortunately, at the time of writing, this means you can’t go take a look inside without getting yourself a criminal record.
Interestingly enough, the great artist produced only 37 paintings — and all of them can be admired at this one museum. The originals are scattered all across the world, meaning that the artworks at the Vermeer Centre are all reproductions.
However, it’s also the only place in the world where you can admire all his works at once. 😍
💰 Price: €15 for adults, €11 for students and museum card holders, €7.50 for children between 13 and 18, €2 for children between 7 and 12, free for children under 6 years old, as well as Rotterdampass and Delftpass holders ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 AM until 5 PM 📍 Location: Voldersgracht 21, 2611 EV Delft
10. Go full Dutch at De Roos windmill
No Dutch city is complete without a windmill. Image: Steven Lek/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0
It wouldn’t be a trip to the Netherlands without some windmill action, and De Roos is yet another classic attraction in Delft. There were once 18 mills in Delft. However, the beautiful De Roos windmill is the only remaining one, so make sure you don’t miss it!
There’s been (a few different versions of) a mill on this site since 1500 (dang), and they’re still grinding organic grain to flour in the old construction. Why not peek inside the building? The volunteers are happy to show you around for free!
From Wednesday to Saturday, you can even buy the flour produced at the mill in their very own shop on the ground floor.
If you’d like something more substantial (or something containing caffeine), you can also drop by the windmill’s café.
💰 Price: free! (but donations are welcome) ⏰ Opening hours: Wednesday and Friday, 1 PM to 4:30 PM. Saturday, 10 AM until 4:30 PM 📍 Location: Phoenixstraat 111, 112, 2611 AK Delft
11. Get your sugar fix at De Diamanten Ring bakery
After 225 years of baking, it’s no surprise they’ve perfected the art, and the traditional little bakery is truly a gezellig pearl you shouldn’t miss.
De Diamanten Ring produces several Delft specialities, such as ‘Delft Grof’, ‘Crooked Jantjes’, and ‘Delft Blue Whipped Cream Cake’ — perfect for bringing home as edible souvenirs! 😊
💰 Price: anything from a €2 cookie to a full-on €30 cake — the choice is yours! ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 8 AM until 6 PM, Sunday, 9 AM until 5 PM 📍 Location: Choorstraat 9, 2611 JD Delft
12. Discover new plants at the botanical garden
There are tons of beautiful plants to spot in the Hortus Botanicus! Tom Morris/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0
For more than 100 years, the Hortus Botanicus in Delft has been a place of discovery, innovation, and relaxation.
The garden, now belonging to the Technical University of Delft, was closely connected to Dutch colonial activities abroad. It served as a hotspot for research on tropical agriculture and botany. 🌱
The Hortus Botanicus in Delft prides itself on being an educational institution, so besides visiting the beautiful garden, you can also join one of the many workshops organised here! Why not try out a botanical drawing course? 🖌
💰 Price: €7.50 for adults, €4 for children and students (children under 4 y/o enter for free), free for museum card, Rotterdampass, and Delftpass holders ⏰ Opening hours: March to November: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM 📍 Location: Poortlandplein 6, 2628 BM Delft
13. Crack open a cold one at Market Square
Dutch people come out once the sun is out, always! Image: DepositPhotos.com
Between the Nieuwe Kerk and the Old Town Hall is the large square called Markt (Market Square). Being pretty much exactly in the middle of town, it’s the perfect pitstop during a busy day as a tourist. 😎
If you sit down for a biertje, koffie, or stroopwaffel at one of Market Square’s many cafés and restaurants, you’ll be perfectly situated to admire one of the most quintessentially Dutch views ever: beautiful, crooked buildings that look too old to be legally functioning (yet they are).
If you visit Delft over Christmas, you’re in for a treat. Market Square transforms into, well, a market square, with adorable little stands and a ginormous Christmas tree. 🎄
💰 Price: Depends on which spot you go to, but generally, regular Dutch restaurant/café prices ⏰ Opening hours: Daily 📍 Location: Markt 87, 2611 GS Delft
14. Go local at the Beestenmarkt
The big trees give Beestenmarkt a lovely atmosphere. Image: DepositPhotos.com
Beestenmarkt translates directly to “beasts’ market”, but don’t worry, it simply means “animal market”.
The name comes from the fact that the square was used for cattle trade from 1595 to 1972 (phew, that’s a long time!).
You can’t go to Delft without taking a canal tour. Image: Dreamstime
Along with windmills, tulips, weed, and beer, canal tours are one of the main attractions for people who visit the Netherlands. And we get it, a boat ride along the old waterways is the perfect way to experience any Dutch city. ⛵
Delft has tons of canals, and there is no shortage of boat tours to pick from. Bring a Heineken, some stroopwafels, and a camera, and set sails!
If you’re extremely lucky and the weather is holding up, make sure you get a boat with an open roof!
💰 Price: Between €5 and €15, depending on the company ⏰ Opening hours: Daily 📍 Location: Koornmarkt 113, 2611 ED Delft
16. Take a break in the Wilhelmina Park
The Wilhelmina Park in Delft is the perfect sport for a green break. Image: Natubes/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0
This beautiful, English-inspired park is the perfect spot for a chill stroll (or just a quick lay-down in the grass, being a tourist is tiring, we know).
It’s naturally named after the Dutch queen, Wilhelmina, and dates back to the 1930s. The park is definitely still worth a visit, with its many sculptures, pretty plants, and water fixtures.
In 2013, three linden trees were planted in Wilhelmina Park, named after three members of the royal family, including one named after King Willem-Alexander, to celebrate his coronation. 🤴🏽 Can you spot them?
The beautiful historic city of Delft is perfect for just walking around. It’s not too big, so you can calmly take your time and enjoy every second without feeling like you have to rush to see it all (anyone else traumatised by those Amsterdam blisters?). 🏃🏽♀️
If you’re more of the “organised fun” type of tourist, fear not! The city of Delft has put together several lovely themed walking routes for you, all for free (with one exception).
If you prefer experiencing the city with a traditional walking tour group, Delft has free walking tours covering all the important hotspots several times a week.
💰 Price: Between €0 and €3, depending on the tour ⏰ Opening hours: Daily 📍 Location: GW, Markt, Delft (starting point for Free Walking Tour Delft)
As you can see, there are tons of things to do in Delft, and you’re guaranteed to fall in love with this gorgeous little Dutch town!
Do you have any suggestions to add to the list? Tell us in the comments below!
Dutch broadcasting giant, AVROTROS has announced that it will not be participating in 2027’s Eurovision Song Contest.
Why? “Because the event is no longer neutral”, it announced in a statement.
However, to be more direct, it is because Israel is still able to participate while committing genocide.
The EBU hasn’t done enough
According to the statement, “Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are having too much of an impact on the Song Contest and have led to significant division.”
AVROTROS has urged the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to “establish transparent rules for the participation of countries in military conflict.”
However, they have been left disappointed by the EBU’s adjustments and have “insufficient confidence that the independent and neutral character of the Song Contest can be restored.”
As a result, “participation is therefore inconsistent with the broadcaster’s values: reliability, independence, and humanity.”
A contest that divides instead of uniting
Taco Zimmerman, CEO of AVOTROS backs up the statement, writing that:
“The Eurovision Song Contest was originally founded to connect people and countries. But you cannot deny that an international conflict is increasingly permeating the event, causing it to lose its neutral character.”
The statement also points to the more specific cause of this divide, saying “The severe humanitarian suffering in Gaza and the ongoing attacks on press freedom have led to increasing division surrounding the Eurovision Song Contest in recent years.”
They’re not the only ones
The broadcaster also points out that they’re not the only ones who are feeling let down by the EBU, highlighting that five countries boycotted Eurovision last year (The Netherlands, Ireland, Spain, Iceland, and Slovenia), and previous winners are handing back their trophies.
According to the statement, more than a thousand musicians and creatives called on the EBU to take action in an open letter.
Does this mean the Dutch won’t have an entry in 2027?
Not yet. For now, this means that NPO is now responsible for Dutch participation in Eurovision 2027.
NPO now has a decision to make: to participate, or not to participate. According to AD, they have responded to AVROTROS’ statement, saying:
“We also see that geopolitical tensions are having a divisive effect. That is why this has not been an easy decision for our colleagues. We will reflect on the upcoming edition and return to this at an appropriate time.”
Let’s see what they decide to do. Though if 2026 is any indicator, we probably would hold off on purchasing those sparklers for now.
