The Dutch hate debt, credit cards, and anything associated with them — and they’re not shy about it.
One of my first stops in the Netherlands was at the grocery store.
I went to Albert Heijn, one of the biggest Dutch supermarket chains. After spending a good 20 minutes looking around, I picked a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon I could afford with the change I had jangling around my pocket.
But when I went to the register and tried to pay, the cashier said: “geen contant“. I had no idea what that meant, so they pointed at a sign that said “No Cash Accepted”.
Flustered, I just left. I was puzzled. Why was it so difficult for me to pay? Don’t you want my hard-earned money, Albert Heijn?
Next round on you? Nope, not here
I would soon learn that the attitude towards finance is quite different compared to elsewhere in the world.
The concept of going Dutch, after all, is the opposite of the Australian tradition of ‘shouting your mates’ (buying a round of drinks).
The Dutch habit of splitting the bill stems from the Netherlands’ extremely debt-averse culture.
In the Netherlands, “going Dutch” is the norm, not the exception. Image: Dreamstime
But the Dutch weren’t always so socialist. In fact, quite the contrary.
It’s well documented thatthe Dutch were the innovators of the stock market. They also founded the VOC, a 17th-century version of a multinational corporation (which was also heavily involved in the country’s colonial activities 🥶).
It also wouldn’t be an understatement to say that capitalism developed in large part due to the activities that were going on in the Netherlands during that time.
It’s a surprise, then, that what has emerged here is a semi-socialist system, which contrasts with the consumer mindsets that we see in places like the USA.
Sorry, no credit cards
Besides resulting in the habit of spending 20 minutes to sort out your individual tabs in a restaurant, this has also caused a lack of credit card services generally.
Coming from Australia, where debt and credit cards are more commonplace, not being able to pay with cash or credit somehow offended my free-market sensibilities.
Helaas, while credit cards may be convenient, they’re not generally accepted in the Netherlands. Image: Freepik
And this isn’t just the local Chinese takeaway without credit services to avoid a surcharge.
These are major corporates, like the main railway operator NS, and institutions like the Dutch Immigration Service — all refusing to accept credit cards.
There are some exceptions: some Albert Heijn’s in Amsterdam will take credit cards, for example. In general? It’s a Maestro card, debit card, or doei. 👋
A higher standard of living
The flip side is that, generally, everyone here enjoys a higher standard of living.
This is made possible through social policies some other countries might consider extreme — the highest income earners are taxed at a staggering 49.50%.
Of course the high standard of living comes at a cost: high taxation and a high cost of living. Image: Freepik
The idea is that everyone has roughly the same amount to spend at the supermarket on some kaas en brood (cheese and bread).
Simply not being able to use a credit card, along with the idea that debt is bad, also forces people to live within their means and to take part in an age-old practice called ‘budgeting’.
Cashless societies
But what about cash? Well, the Dutch are moving towards a more cashless future.
The idea is that an electronic point of sale is safer for the vendor and the consumer. It can avoid midnight robberies or hold-ups, and offer a more efficient form of exchange with instant digital transactions.
So, where does that leave us on our question: “Why don’t you want my money?”
Well, in other countries, the supermarket will say something along the lines of: “Yes! I want your money, and I’ll make it as easy as possible for you to pay, too.”
There are many clichés about the Dutch. Some can be damaging, some are downright wrong, and some have a grain of truth to them.
After living here for a year, I have narrowed down the five clichés about Dutchies that are, in most cases, absolutely true. 💁
1. They are super frugal
Ever heard the expression “going Dutch?” While not all dates turn out this way, you’re more likely to end up paying for at least some of your own meals if you date a Dutchie.
However, some people might just see this as being more frugal and less materialistic than other nations.
2. They are obsessed with bikes
Ahh yes, the bicycle is another cliché about the Dutch.
The humble bakfiets — a common sight on the streets of the Netherlands. Image: Depositphotos
Although not invented by the Dutch (it was German inventor Karl Drais who invented the precursor to the modern bicycle in 1817), this two-wheeled mode of transport is a hallmark of the Netherlands.
Perhaps it’s because it’s so small and flat and, therefore, relatively easy to manoeuvre with two pedals.
It also means that older generations are suddenly much speedier than they’re used to, so keep your wits about you. After all, it’s called an omafiets for a reason!
3. Frank Dutch uncles are a real thing
Ever heard of a Dutch uncle? No, I don’t mean a tall, distant relative called Jan or Matthijs.
This is another stereotype from abroad, which is noticeable if you come from a polite-to-the-point-of-passive-aggressive culture like the UK.
This Dutch uncle won’t hesitate to tell your aunt her outfit looks terrible! Image: Depositphotos
The Dutch are direct, blunt, no-nonsense people. They won’t pretend to like something just because they think it might offend you.
On the one hand, it can be refreshing, as you will know exactly where you stand — but it can also come as a bit of a shock.
But be warned, if you are a strict vegan, this stuff is everywhere: from delicious kaassouffles (cheese souffles) to boterhamen (sandwiches), you’d better get used to it because the Dutch put it in pretty much everything.
5. They are ridiculously tall
This is probably the most obviously apparent one of the clichés about the Dutch when you arrive in the Netherlands.
The Dutch are officially the tallest nation in the world — but we’re still shocked at how tall some people are here.
Many of us come to the Netherlands being average or above average height, but here… we’re dwarfed in comparison to the average Dutch person.
Of course, not all clichés and stereotypes are true, but we’ve found that these five are accurate across the board.
Do you think these clichés about Dutch people are true? Tell us about it in the comments below!
Dutch nationals cannot be repatriated home from the Middle East for now, confirms the Dutch government, citing safety risks and a closed airspace.
According to NOS, Minister of Foreign Affairs Tom Berendsen stated clearly: “If you want to bring people home, you want to do it safely. Right now, those options aren’t there.”
Given that repatriations are difficult and not legally obligatory even during the best of times, the Dutch government has ruled them out for the time being.
So what happens to those left stranded?
What the government is doing
Berendsen has said he is closely monitoring the situation for any window of opportunity to help.
In the meantime, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is maintaining a live blog on rijksoverheid.nl with up-to-date safety information for Dutch citizens in the region.
Advice from the government details where safety concerns are greatest. For instance, specific hotels in Iraqi Erbil have been flagged as heightened attack risks.
Additionally, Berendsen is in contact with European counterparts to explore what coordinated actions might be possible, as many other European nationals are also stranded.
How many Dutch travellers are affected?
It’s unclear exactly how many Dutch citizens are currently in the region.
The ministry does not have access to a precise number of travellers, as nationals are not obligated to register with Dutch embassies when abroad.
Berendsen acknowledged there are “many” — not least because the region is a popular holiday destination.
The ministry’s crisis centre has received over 1,000 messages from people trying to find out how they or their family members can safely leave the area, reports NOS.
If you’re stuck in the region
People are advised to stay alert, follow local news, and avoid unnecessary movement until the situation becomes clearer.
Dutch nationals in need of consular assistance can reach the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ emergency line around the clock on +31 247 247 247.
The bigger picture: Hormuz and Dutch involvement
While Berendsen stopped short of explicitly endorsing the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, he did express understanding for the strikes, citing what he called the “enormous risk and threat” of the Iranian regime.
Of particular concern is the nation’s support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons programme is a point of contention within international politics.
This comes amid an already turbulent stretch for Dutch foreign policy, with disputes regarding the Gaza conflict having already helped topple the previous Dutch government.
Berendsen’s bigger concern right now, however, is regional escalation.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) announced this weekend that it intends to block the Strait of Hormuz — the critical waterway through which liquefied gas flows to Europe.
Berendsen called keeping this waterway open “essential,” and didn’t rule out the Netherlands contributing to its defence if asked. “We are preparing for all situations,” he said.
Are you or someone you know currently in the Middle East? Let us know in the comments how the situation looks on the ground.
Utrecht’s visdeurbel (fish doorbell) has returned for its sixth consecutive season, and the world wasted no time: the site was so swamped at launch that it briefly stopped working altogether.
The underwater camera at the Weerdsluis lock in Utrecht’s city centre went live at 9 AM on March 2. Within minutes, demand had overwhelmed the stream.
But it’s no surprise that the doorbell is so busy.
A global phenomenon with Utrecht roots
Last year, 2.3 million people tuned in from around the world, and the platform racked up 30 million visits. In fact, the site went down entirely one morning under the weight of traffic.
John Oliver’s Last Week Tonight even dedicated a full segment to it, commissioning R&B singer Mario to perform an original song in its honour.
It’s quite a trajectory for something invented in 2021 by Utrecht ecologist Mark van Heukelum.
Why do fish even need a doorbell?
Van Heukelum created the doorbell to solve a fairly niche springtime problem.
Every spring, fish in Utrecht’s canals migrate toward shallower water to breed. Early in the season, lock gates stay shut due to low boat traffic, leaving fish stranded and unable to continue their journey to the Kromme Rijn.
The fish doorbell fixes this with a simple idea: an underwater camera streams live footage of the Weerdsluis, and anyone watching at visdeurbel.nl can hit a virtual button when they spot fish on screen.
This alerts the keeper, who opens the gate and lets them through.
Van Heukelum thinks the bell will be ringing early and often this year.
“Fish follow temperature,” he tells NOS. “It’s been a mild winter, so there’s a good chance they’re already active and wanting to swim upstream.”
He’s relaxed about the sheer volume of incoming alerts, too.
“Keep pressing. No problem, we can handle it,” he says, noting the team can quickly scroll through photos to see whether a crowd of fish is waiting or whether it’s the same one photobombing repeatedly.
If you’ve never pressed the fish doorbell before, now is as good a time as any. It’s oddly satisfying, and you get to help actual fish, which is more than most of us can say about our Monday mornings.
Have you ever pressed the visdeurbel? Let us know in the comments below!
Choosing the right bank as an expat in the Netherlands isn’t just about having a place to put your money; it can shape your finances and even your day-to-day life.
A good bank can make money management faster and more reliable, keep your hard-earned cash safe, and, in the meantime, make your life easier.
With a reputation for being one of the most expat-friendly Dutch banks in the Netherlands, ING is an excellent choice for anyone looking to make their financial life easier. Here’s why.
1. All your financial products in one place
Let’s start with the basics: ING makes managing your finances easy by being your one-stop shop for all things finance.
From your daily spending and saving to long-term goals like investing, getting a mortgage, or protecting what matters with insurance, ING has it all under one roof.
From paying for brunch with your friends to updating your investment portfolio, ING’s banking app is an excellent asset. Image: Freepik
Even better, you can manage your money and policies easily through ING’s highly-rated banking app, meaning you no longer have to juggle apps, logins, or confusing paperwork across providers. Win-win-win!
2. Flexible payment solutions for everyday spending
If you’ve spent any time in the Netherlands, you have probably already discovered that using your foreign bank card isn’t quite as easy as you had imagined. The simplest option? Getting a Dutch bank account.
Rated the best Dutch bank in 2024, ING has you covered with a variety of credit and debit card options, all of which work seamlessly across the Netherlands.
Whether you’re grabbing a coffee or booking a flight home, ING makes it easy for you with solutions like contactless payments, easy cash withdrawals, and a points system that rewards you as you spend.
3. High-tech tools to take your savings to the next level
No matter where you are in life, you’re always saving up for something — whether that’s a car, a home, or your retirement.
But saving isn’t always the easiest thing in the world, especially with the high cost of living and temptation everywhere we look. ✨👀
Saving up for a mortgage on a house? ING’s savings tools simplify the process. Image: Dreamstime
That’s why ING helps customers make saving effortless, with heaps of features to help you reach your goals faster, for example:
Round up and save: Rounds up every purchase you make to the nearest euro and transfers the difference into your savings account.
Savings goals: Allows you to create individual savings accounts for each of your financial targets, and helps keep track of your progress.
Look ahead: Helps you be prepared for the month ahead and avoid unexpected expensesby analysing past transactions and forecasting your future expenses.
Financial insights: Analyses your transactions and gives you a detailed breakdown of your spending habits.
4. A bank that meets you where you’re at
Life is a wild ride, and one of the last things you want to worry about is switching banks once your old one no longer fits your life. Well, no matter where your life takes you, ING’s offer is designed to grow with you.
Students can enjoy free accounts and low-fee insurance, expats get English-language support and international-friendly banking, and couples can open joint accounts to manage shared finances.
Business owner? Or thinking of becoming one? Or looking to buy a home? ING offers expert advice on mortgages, business banking, and much more, along with all the best tools to help you manage them.
5. High-level security you can trust
Your hard-earned euros deserve top-notch protection, so how does ING deliver?
Easy: With advanced security features like two-factor authentication (2FA), secure PIN codes, and in-app confirmation for sensitive transactions, your account (and money) stays safe.
Security is the name of the game, with ING offering a range of safety features. Image: Freepik
Plus, ING encourages smart banking habits with tools like Check het gesprek. This feature lets you double-check if you’re really talking to an ING representative before sharing any personal details.
If something looks fishy, ING is also always available to help you, with dedicated support and fraud reporting options ready to help.
6. Easy-to-use digital banking
Natuurlijk, ING is up-to-date with the latest developments in our digital world, so their mobile app is highly intuitive and easy to use.
The result? Managing your finances is as easy as checking your phone with ING.
Whether you’re opening an account, moving money between accounts, tracking your spending, managing savings, applying for a personal loan, or exploring investment options, it’s all just a few taps away.
7. Top-notch customer service (in English!)
What’s one thing a non-Dutch-speaking expat needs? To have control over your finances in a language you actually understand. After all, finances alone can be pretty tricky.
Forget wrangling the intricacies of banking jargon in Dutch, because ING’s top-notch customer service speaks English. Image: Freepik
Luckily, ING offers fantastic support that’s not just responsive, but also available in the English language.
If you need to speak with someone, whether to open an account, report an issue, or ask a quick question, help is just a message or call away.
Ready to embark on your banking journey with ING? Open your account today and get started.
Many laud the Americans, the British, and the Canadians for the Dutch liberation during the Second World War. But Poland also contributed significantly to Dutch freedom— in spite of the hardships it experienced at the time.
The First Polish Armoured Division, led by General Stanislaw Maczek, took part in the Allied invasion of Normandy. The division was formed in Great Britain, in 1942, by those who fled Poland.
These were fiery emigrants, refugee war prisoners, and soldiers who escaped Poland during its fall in 1939.
After victory in France, the division charged through Belgium and the Netherlands, ending with the capture of Wilhelmshaven in Germany on May 5, 1945.
That time the Polish liberated Breda
On 29th October 1944, the people of Breda cheered. After years of suffering under the brutal Nazi regime, they were free. Their liberators? The Poles.
The Polish Division was on its way to wreak havoc in Germany, and Breda was a stop along the way. The army drove the Nazis out of the area, liberating Breda. To this day, the locals remember and celebrate this event.
More than 160 soldiers of the Polish Division, as well as troops from the first Independent Parachute Brigade, lie in a Breda cemetery at the Pools Militair Ereveld.
Before his death in 1994, Stanislaw Maczek requested that he be buried in the cemetery, wishing to be with his soldiers.
Not only Breda
Breda was not the only city the Polish soldiers liberated. The division made its way to East Groningen, liberating other cities along the way.
Polish paratroopers also fought bravely in Operation Market Garden under General Sosabowski, and of course, there are many other liberators that deserve their own tribute.
Tragically, the soldiers could not return to Poland as it had been taken over by the Communist Party. They supported the Government in Exile, which was in direct opposition to Stalin’s puppets.
As Liberation Day festivities continue to this day, we hope you pay tribute to all the heroes who made the liberation of the Netherlands possible.
How do you usually commemorate the occasion? Let us know in the comments.
As an English-language news source for internationals in the Netherlands, it is our job to warn you against practices like this one.
A company called myStudentFinance has been charging international students a commission to apply for studiefinanciering (student financial aid) on their behalf.
Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs (DUO) is responsible for handing out financial aid to eligible international students who are EU citizens. You apply directly to DUO, and the application is completely free.
However, according to NOS, approximately 350 international students have already paid myStudentFinance to apply for them.
It’s daunting to move to a new country as a young person. It’s even more daunting to be faced with bureaucratic hurdles upon arrival. But to let a company exploit your confusion? That’s a no-go.
Here’s how the business model works
The company in question, myStudentFinance, is run by an international student (with a guilty conscience?).
Promising how wonderful life could be with up to an extra €1,300 per month, the company positions itself as a “coach” or “guide” for broke students. The business plan relies on the omission of one simple fact: DUO’s applications are free.
The company lets students authorise it to handle their student financing application to DUO. In return, it takes around 60% of the first payment they receive.
Because the process for EU students typically takes longer, the first payment usually covers four or five months of backdated aid, at about €324.52 per month.
That means the commission can run into the hundreds of euros.
It’s not illegal
After a handful of student complaints and a bank flagging suspicious DUO transactions, DUO filed a police report to have the practice investigated.
As it turns out, myStudentFinance operates well within the law. The Public Prosecution Service declared the gimmick was not criminal, just “morally reprehensible.”
“There are very few tools left to prevent this,” DUO spokesperson Bert Viel tells NOS. “All we can really do is make it clear that the application is free,” he added.
What’s happening now?
DUO and Logius (the organisation behind DigiD, the Dutch digital identity system) cancelled the company’s active authorisations. But the students simply reactivated them.
DUO then sent letters to around 100 students explaining that the process is free.
MyStudentFinance responded by reminding those students of the contracts they had signed and is now considering legal action against DUO.
For now, DUO is working with the Ministry of Education to explore whether legislation can close the loopholes that make this possible, including the rule that allows student finance to be paid directly into a third party’s account.
The Netherlands appears to be skipping winter’s final act entirely.
This week’s weather forecast reads less like early March and more like a mild April with wall-to-wall sunshine, virtually no rain, and temperatures climbing to 18 degrees Celsius.
A southerly wind is pushing unusually warm air across the country, according to RTL Nieuws, with weather conditions that have no business showing up in the first week of March.
What to expect this week
Monday opens with generous sunshine and just a wisp of cloud. Temperatures sit between 6 and 8 degrees first thing, but they won’t stay here for long.
The south will see the best of the weather, with highs of up to 18 degrees expected by the afternoon.
The north, however, will also enjoy balmy weather, with temperatures reaching around 16 degrees. The Wadden Islands will stay a few degrees cooler, buffered by the sea breeze.
Tuesday will bring more of the same. Clouds will build from the northwest during the day, but the sun holds its own — particularly in the southeast, which will stay predominantly cloud-free throughout.
Once again, those in the southeast will be lucky, with temperatures of around 18 degrees expected for the second day in a row.
The Wadden Islands sit at the cooler end again, with temperatures of around 10 degrees expected.
The rest of us? We’ll land somewhere in the middle, with temperatures sitting closer to 16 degrees (not too shabby).
High pressure is firmly in charge for the foreseeable future, which means calm, dry conditions and regular sunshine through the rest of the week.
An occasional weak front may bring a spell of thicker cloud, and Wednesday morning could be misty in the south. However, afternoons should still reach around 16 degrees across most of the country.
If you’ve been waiting for a reason to dust off the terrace furniture or swap your heavy coat for a light jacket, this is it.
What are your plans for this unexpected sunshine? Let us know in the comments (and don’t forget your sunscreen!)
So you’ve lost your job in the Netherlands — yep, that sucks. Of course, after drowning your sorrows in a king-sized bowl of bitterballen, you’re probably asking yourself: what next?
Here’s what you need to know about losing your job in the Netherlands, from termination to unemployment and beyond (like a sweet new gig!).
Just lost your job? Let Undutchables help with the search for your next employer. With years of experience in matching internationals to Dutch jobs, this is the ultimate recruitment agency for expats here in the Netherlands.
Ways you can lose your job in the Netherlands
Whether you’ve just moved to the Netherlands, you recently entered the labour market, or you simply need a refresher on the Dutch employment rules, it’s always smart to know what to expect.
Since not all countries are the same, here are the deets on all the ways in which you can lose your job in the Netherlands (fun, we know).
Your temporary contract expires
Temporary contracts are very common in the Netherlands and have both pros and cons.
On the one hand, a temporary contract offers more flexibility as you can swap workplaces and career paths relatively fast. On the other hand, it can also mean less career stability and predictability.
It might be frustrating, but if you lose your job because your contract expires, there’s not much to do about it. Image: Depositphotos
It makes sense then, that one of the most common ways someone can lose their job in the Netherlands is by having their temporary contract expire and not be renewed by their employer.
You don’t pass probation
Probation, or a trial period, is also common practice when hiring in the Netherlands. You might have a trial period included in your employment agreement if it’s mentioned in your contract or if it is part of the Collective Labour Agreement of your sector.
During the probation period, either the employer or the employee can terminate the contract without grounds.
In other words, you can lose your job during your trial period, and your employer doesn’t even have to tell you why.
On the plus side, once you make it past your probation period (a maximum of two months), enjoy some stability: it becomes pretty difficult for your employer to let you go while you’re still serving your contract.
There are also several cases where your employer cannot require a trial period, however. For example, if your contract is for six months or less or if the probation is not agreed upon in writing.
You’re made redundant
Being made redundant is not a fun experience, but it can happen to the best of us. Basically, you can lose your job in the Netherlands if your employer claims that it doesn’t make sense for the company to keep you employed anymore.
Being redundant is not a fun feeling, but it happens to the best of us.. Image: Depositphotos
This can, for example, be due to financial reasons — the company needs to cut down on costs, and one way of doing so is to let employees go.
The good (?) news is that your employer can’t just fire you out of nowhere. There are tons of rules and regulations they have to overcome first — but we’ll discuss that below.
You have poor performance or made a huge mistake
Surprise, surprise: if you refuse to do your job or fail to do what is required or expected based on your contract, that can be grounds for you to lose your job in the Netherlands.
This can, for example, be due to excessive absence from work, wilful misconduct (like theft or faking your diploma), or when your employer has given you the tools and opportunities to improve your performance, but you don’t improve (enough).
It’s smart to note, however, that your employer should always provide useful feedback, for example in evaluation sessions. You should then be able to use the pointers from this and have the chance to improve your performance to avoid ending up in a situation where you lose your job.
As an employee, it’s your right to have your work evaluated frequently, to avoid sudden surprises in the working relationship. Image: Depositphotos
Losing your job in the Netherlands isn’t that easy
If you’re reading this because you’re scared you might be about to lose your job, this might offer you some comfort: firing someone in the Netherlands is not a quick and easy affair. In fact, it’s quite difficult to lose your job here in the lowlands.
Basically, if your employer wants to let you go and you don’t agree with the decision, your employer has to apply for permission to fire you at the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV).
In fact, your employer even has to ask the agency for permission if the reasons for dismissing you are based on financial issues, or based on your incapacity to conduct your work. That’s the easy route.
Luckily, it’s not easy for a company to fire someone in the Netherlands. Image: Freepik
If your employer wants to dismiss you for other reasons, they’ll have to take the case to the sub-district court, which will check whether the grounds and legal aspects of the dismissal are all in order.
economic reasons, like a company restructure, relocation, or bankruptcy,
if an employee has been out sick and incapacitated for work for more than two years
if the employee is often sick resulting in serious impacts for the business and accommodations can’t be made,
unsatisfactory work performance that hasn’t improved despite warnings and opportunities for improvement,
wilful misconduct or culpable negligence, like coming to work drunk or refusing to work without good reason,
if the employee has serious objections to the activities and no alternative work is available,
if the employee/employer relationship is seriously damaged and cannot be rectified,
if the employee is imprisoned,
if the employee is not legally allowed to work the Netherlands,
if the employee is failing to perform at work.
Finally, if you’re pregnant, sick, or even just don’t want to work on Sundays — these aren’t grounds for dismissal in the Netherlands.
Simply put, it takes quite a lot to be fired in this country.
How you will be terminated
If you’re anxious about the future of your employment, it might calm your nerves to understand the process before and after a possible termination.
The meeting
The first formal step in the termination process is typically a meeting. It’s likely that the leadership of your workplace and an HR representative will be present at said meeting, and it will most likely be conducted face-to-face.
On the positive side: you’ll probably never experience a less gezellig meeting, so the only way is up… Image: Depositphotos
The unpleasant affair will probably not last very long (10-15 minutes is usually sufficient), and the meeting will consist of the employer explaining the reasons for your dismissal, as well as your benefits and rights as a (former) employee.
The termination contract
According to Dutch law, your employer cannot fire you without having it all down in writing. So, if both parties, the employee and the employer, agree to end the employment relationship, a contract must be created and signed to document the process.
That means you’ll likely be handed a termination agreement when your employer delivers the bad news.
It might sound counterintuitive, but your boss has to provide you with a contract if they want to fire you. Image: Depositphotos
The termination contract should include everything you need to know about the next steps, such as:
when the final payment will be transferred,
when the employment contract will end,
the nature of the dismissal,
and everything else relevant to the situation.
The notice period
Whether you choose to quit your job, or you’re being forced to, Dutch law says that a notice period has to be given. There are a few exceptions to this, such as if you’re being dismissed during the trial period of your employment or there has been serious misconduct.
Unless you have agreed on something else, the statutory notice period in the Netherlands is generally one month, but it varies depending on how long you have been in the job.
Time with employer
Notice period
Less than five years
One month
Five to 10 years
Two months
10 to 14 years
Three months
15+ years
Four months
You and your employer can also decide that the dismissal or the resignation goes into effect immediately, as long as it is put down in writing and both parties agree.
Note: your notice period may also be impacted if you have a Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Even if you’re fired, you usually can’t just walk out of your job in the Netherlands without working out your notice period first. Image: Depositphotos
Severance payments
If you are being let off against your will in the Netherlands, you are entitled to the remainder of your salary, as well as an extra severance or transition payment (transitievergoeding) to ease the transition from employment.
The amount you can expect to receive in a transition payments as a newly dismissed person in the Netherlands is equal to one-third of your monthly salary, times the number of years you have occupied your position.
For example, if you earn €3,000 per month and you’ve been with your company for five years:
3000 (monthly salary) ÷ 3 (one-third) x 5 (years in the position) = 5000
So you’ll receive €5,000 as a severance payment if you lose your job.
In some circumstances, you can also negotiate your severance payment. In addition, you might be granted other benefits, such as insurance money, vacation money, or help obtaining a new job, all depending on your employer and the nature of your dismissal.
You won’t be immediately poor if you lose your job in the Netherlands. Image: Depositphotos
There are, of course, some exceptions to this rule. If you’re dismissed due to seriously culpable behaviour, for example, or if you’ve reached retirement age, you are not entitled to transition payment.
Your options after losing your job in the Netherlands
If you have been so unfortunate as to lose your job in the Netherlands, it might feel like your life is falling apart. There are, however, a few things you can do to make the best of a frustrating situation.
First of all, if you believe that your dismissal was unfair, it might be good to know that you can be entitled to extra severance payments. This has to be decided in court, during the regular proceedings of dismissal without mutual consent.
Secondly, and possibly most obviously, if you have lost your job in the Netherlands, you’re probably eligible to apply for unemployment benefits (WW-uitkering).
Applying for unemployment benefits should be one of the first things you do if you lose your job in the Netherlands. Image: Depositphotos
Unemployment benefits are meant as a temporary income for anyone who has lost their job through no fault of their own. To receive the money, you must be situated in the Netherlands and complete required job search tasks to stay active in the Dutch labour market.
You can apply for unemployment benefits online. However, you will need to meet certain conditions, like working a minimum number of weeks prior to the dismissal and not becoming unemployed through your own fault.
Finally, you can start hunting for a new occupation. There are several Dutch websites, recruitment agencies, and platforms available for anyone looking for a job in the Netherlands.
Could you benefit from some help navigating the Dutch job market? Undutchableshas tons of experience with matching internationals in the Netherlands to new jobs. No matter your professional background, your (Dutch) language skills, and your work situation, Undutchablesis primed and ready for you to find your new Dutch career adventure.
If you feel like you need a little break from the whole job thing (and really, who can blame you?), you can also consider going back to studying.
The Netherlands has some of the best universities in Europe, offering a great alternative for professionals looking to develop their skills, fill out their CV, or just start a new adventure after a job loss.
How will losing your job impact your Dutch visa?
If your stay in the Netherlands depends on your employment, it might be even more stressful to lose your job for you than for the average Dutch worker.
However, nothing will happen to your residence permit overnight. If your employer dismisses you, you’ll typically have a minimum of three months to search for a new job in the Netherlands. Depending on your visa, you might even get as much as five years.
How the 30% ruling is affected if you lose your Dutch job
The 30% ruling is a tax break for highly-skilled expats and internationals to attract them to work in the Netherlands (where the cost of living might be higher than they’re used to).
The 30% ruling will thankfully not be snatched away immediately if you find yourself jobless in the Netherlands. Image: Depositphotos
If you lose your job in the Netherlands, you generally lose your 30% ruling benefits too. However, if you manage to sign a contract for new employment within three months of your dismissal, your 30% ruling will stay in effect for the remaining duration of the arrangement, as long as you submit a new application.
In other words, if you get a new job within three months of losing your old job, nothing changes with regard to your 30% benefits, but you will have to apply for the benefits again.
There is one small catch, however. Since a 30% ruling application can only be submitted by the employer and the employee jointly, you are, to some extent, at the mercy of your (new) boss to get the benefits. So, if your employer doesn’t want to make an effort to give you a tax break, you’re not entitled by law to get it.
Losing your job in the Netherlands can be a stressful experience, but there are many solutions available to soften the blow, ease the transition, and carry you safely through it all.
Do you have useful experiences with job loss in the Netherlands? Tell us about it in the comments below!
Losing your job in the Netherlands: Frequently asked questions
What happens if I lose my job in Netherlands?
Losing your job in the Netherlands might feel terrible, but it’s not the end of the world. Most workplaces will offer a severance payment, and you may also be entitled to unemployment benefits while searching for a new job.
How long can I stay in the Netherlands if I lose my job?
How long you can stay in the Netherlands after losing your Dutch job is dependent on your residence permit type. You’ll typically have three months to find a new job before your residence permit is revoked.
How long can you stay on unemployment in the Netherlands?
The general rule for the unemployment benefit in the Netherlands is that you will receive one month of benefits for every year you have worked in the Netherlands. There is a minimum duration of three months and a maximum of 38 months.
You know the top online shops in your home country, but what about the best online stores in the Netherlands?
Whether you’re a new arrival or want to order a present for a friend or family member who has made Holland their home, you’re probably wondering which online stores are well-stocked, safe, and have super-fast postage.
And here’s a surprise: Amazon isn’t the webstore of choice here.
From the Dutch version of Amazon to clothing, technology, or secondhand goods, here are the best online stores in the Netherlands.
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Can’t wait for the postman to ring your bell? Jump to a section below!
Are you a person of convenience? So are we. Lucky for us, the Netherlands has plenty of one-stop online stores that have anything you may need (along with all the things you don’t even know you need yet). 😉
Bol.com: The OG Dutch online shop
The Dutchies prefer Bol.com over the American giant. Image: DutchReview
Bol.com is THE online shop in the Netherlands — really, Dutchies love this place. And for a good reason: since its start in 1999, Bol.com has repeatedly won multiple awards, including the award for the best online store in the Netherlands. 💪
Bol.com started in 1999 with 26 employees; today, it has more than 1,800. Much like Amazon, it offers a wide variety of items, from both its own warehouse and products from third parties.
Unlike Amazon, however, Bol.com continues to be the big boss of the Dutch market. Proudly selling a crazy 12% of all online sales in the Netherlands, Bol.com does almost quadruple the business of Amazon. 📈
💳 Payment methods: iDeal, credit card, Bancontact 📦 Subscriptions: Bol.com Select, €14.99 per year for free delivery and discounts on selected products ⏰ Average shipping time: 1-2 working days 🔁 Return policy: Free returns within 30 days
Amazon: American giant goes Dutch
We’re sure EVERYONE has heard of Amazon. Image: DutchReview
Although we all have mixed opinions about Jeff Bezos, everyone knows Amazon and loves its convenience. Since 2020, Amazon is offering all its product categories to the whole of the Nederland, such as toys, fashion, and consumer electronics.
With a sparkling new distribution centre in the Netherlands, most purchases land on your doorstep within a matter of days.
However, while Amazon is king in the US, it comes in second place in the Netherlands to its main competitor: Bol.com 🇳🇱
💳 Payment methods:iDeal, credit card, Bancontact 📦 Subscriptions: Amazon Prime: €4.99/month for free shipping and Amazon Prime video streaming ⏰ Average shipping time: 1-2 working days 🔁 Return policy: Returns within 30 days, sometimes buyers have to cover the cost of shipping (depending on the product/seller)
AliExpress: Cheap and cheerful
If it’s cheap, it’s being added to the cart. 👀 Image: DutchReview
As you may know by now, Nederlanders can’t pass up a good deal. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that they love AliExpress. AliExpress is an online retail service based in China that allows Chinese businesses to sell to customers around the world — and things are CHEAP.
They offer a wide range of products, but reviews are heel mixed, so it’s a bit of a hit-or-miss situation.
In review ratings, Trustpilot.com gives AliExpress a 2.7 rating out of 5, based on 127,882 reviews. Our tip: when shopping here, make sure to read individual product reviews. Oh, and watch out for those new additional shipping costs. 🤓🔎
💳 Payment methods: iDeal, credit card, Klarna, PayPal 📦 Subscriptions: N/A ⏰ Average shipping time: 15+ working days 🔁 Return policy: Free returns within 15 days
Wehkamp: Connected to Dutch society
Wehkamp was founded in the tiny Dutch village of Slagharen. Image: DutchReview
Another online shop in the Netherlands that prides itself on its great variety of products is Wehkamp. Wehkamp’s history dates back to 1952, when the company was founded as an innovative mattress shop that would ship bedding to its customers by post.
Fast forward some 70 years, and today, Wehkamp offers around 300,000 products from 2,500 brands. Though its warehouse focuses mostly on fashion, furniture, and beauty, it is far from limited to those.
Whether you need a trampoline, a whirlpool, or a shiny electric bike (because why not?!) — Wehkamp is where you can find it.
💳 Payment methods: iDeal, credit card, Apple Pay, Tinka 📦 Subscriptions: N/A ⏰ Average shipping time: Generally 1-2 days, sometimes longer for bigger items such as furniture 🔁 Return policy: Free returns within 30 days
Clothing webshops in the Netherland
If you want to blend in with the Dutch, you have to dress like the Dutch. What’s the best way to do that, you ask? Shopping at the same places as they do, natuurlijk.
Zalando: Get the Dutch uniform
For years, Zalando has been taking Europe by storm. Image: DutchReview
Zalando is a German online shop that sells shoes, clothing and accessories that the Dutch just love. Flared leopard print pants? They got ‘em. A grey Nike sweater? Yup. Platform Dr. Martens? Jazeker.
In an effort to be more sustainable and reduce fast fashion, Zalando launched its “Pre-Owned” platform in 2021, where loyal customers can buy and sell pre-loved items. 🧡
If you easily feel disheartened by the overwhelming offer of online clothing shops, then Zalando’s ‘get the look’ page may be perfect for you. Here you can easily shop pre-styled outfits. Super leuk!
💳 Payment methods: iDeal, credit or debit card, PayPal, bank transfer 📦 Subscriptions: Zalando Plus (which is free!) ⏰ Average shipping time: 3-5 working days 🔁 Return policy: Free returns within 100 days
ASOS: Beyond British labels
ASOS actually stands for “As Seen On Screen,” because when it was first launched, it exclusively sold imitations of clothing from film and TV! Image: DutchReview
With ASOS’ worldwide popularity, it’s no surprise that it’s also one of the most loved online stores in the Netherlands.
In case you don’t know it (which we doubt): ASOS is a British online clothing retailer that sells over 850 brands and ships to EVERY. SINGLE. COUNTRY. in the world. 🌎
As a business that is mostly targeted towards young adults, ASOS is aware of the fact that many of its customers are students (and thus broke 😉).
To accommodate this, they offer a 10% discount to every student (i.e. any person who can provide and confirm a student e-mail address).
💳 Payment methods: iDeal, credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, Riverty 📦 Subscriptions: ASOS Premier, €20 a year for free next-day delivery on all orders ⏰ Average shipping time: 2-5 working days 🔁 Return policy: Free returns within 28 days
ABOUT YOU: For you, for me, for everyone
Clothing really does say a lot ABOUT YOU, huh? Image: DutchReview
Third and final on our list for top online stores in the Netherlands to buy clothing is another German retailer: ABOUTYOU.
Much like Zalando, ABOUT YOU sells clothing, accessories, and shoes from different popular brands, such as Nike, Levi’s and Adidas. Besides this, the retailer also has its own brand called Edited. 👕👠👜
Once again, lucky for all the students among us: ABOUT YOU offers a 10% student discount!
💳 Payment methods: iDeal, credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, Klarna 📦 Subscriptions: ABOUT YOU VIP ⏰ Average shipping time: 2-5 working days 🔁 Return policy: Free returns within 28 days
Online electronics retailers in the Netherlands
Picture this: You’re all excited to get a brand new flat-screen TV, you head to the nearest electronics store, and then … the giant box doesn’t fit in your car’s trunk. 😬
Or even worse: you don’t have a car — and there’s no way you can take it on your bike (You’re not Dutch, after all). There is only one easy solution: order your electronics online and have them delivered to your house.
For that, you’ll need an online electronics store in the Netherlands. Here are the best!
Coolblue: For excellent service
Coolblue bears its name because it tried to be the exact opposite of its competitor at the time, “Hot-Orange.” Image: DutchReview
A Rotterdam original, Coolblue was started in 1999. It’s one of the biggest online shops in the Netherlands for electronic goods, and offers a wide variety — from phones and gaming consoles to fridges and dishwashers.
Besides a webshop, Coolblue also has 14 physical stores throughout the country, and if you order from them, you are guaranteed to get great service. For example, if they deliver a fridge, they’ll bring it in, set it up, and take your old one away for recycling.
Their slogan, “alles voor een glimlach” (“everything for a smile”), applies not only to their products but also to their great customer service. We’re fans!
💳 Payment methods: iDeal, credit card, Apple Pay, bank transfer 📦 Subscriptions: N/A ⏰ Average shipping time: 1-2 days 🔁 Return policy: Free returns within 30 days
MediaMarkt: The German multinational
MediaMarkt guarantees to always give its customers the best available price. Image: DutchReview
MediaMarkt is the biggest electronics retail chain in all of Europe, so it’s no surprise that it’s also widely spread in the Netherlands. They bring electronic goods to their Dutch customers via a well-functioning online store and 49 physical stores. Lekker bezig!
The best thing about MediaMarkt? It’s unbeatable price-matching. The German giant checks the prices of its 25 biggest competitors daily and adjusts its prices accordingly.
💳 Payment methods: iDeal, credit card, Apple Pay, Klarna, bank transfer, in instalments 📦 Subscriptions: N/A ⏰ Average shipping time: 1-2 days 🔁 Return policy: Free returns within 30 days
Expert: Swiss quality service and appliances
Expert’s employees really are experts at what they’re doing. Image: DutchReview
Still looking for that perfect, affordable fridge? Head over to Expert! With an overall customer rating of 8.8 out 10, Expert is just waiting to give you that sweet, sweet customer satisfaction.
Though they also sell TVs, phones and tablets, customers love and trust them most for their bigger appliances, such as air-conditioning, dishwashers, and ovens.
The best part? For a little fee, the lovely Expert employees will install your appliance for you and take your old one with them. 🎛️🛠️
💳 Payment methods: iDeal, credit card, Klarna 📦 Subscriptions: N/A ⏰ Average shipping time: Depends on the item you’re buying 🔁 Return policy: Free returns within 14 days
Online butchers in the Netherlands
Craving a steak after all that shopping? Believe it or not, it’s possible to order your meat online in the Netherlands.
The Butchery: For high quality meat
Yes, you can even buy meat online in the Netherlands. Image: The Butchery/Supplied
Sometimes, supermarket meat simply doesn’t cut it. That’s where services like The Butchery come in. As one of the best online butchers in the Netherlands, The Butchery makes sure each cut of meat meets its high standards.
How? Firstly, they weigh each item individually, ensuring you get exactly what you asked for. Every cut is also triple-trimmed and prepared entirely in-house, so what arrives is 100% grill-ready and ready to cook.
Not only that, The Butchery’s meat is delivered flash-frozen. This means it is frozen ultra-fast at -40 degrees Celsius, which prevents large ice crystals from forming inside the meat.
💳 Payment methods: iDeal, credit card, gift cards 📦 Subscriptions: N/A ⏰ Average shipping time: Same day on weekdays if ordered before 11 AM, evening after if ordered after 11 AM. 🔁 Return policy: N/A
Online second-hand stores in the Netherlands
Second-hand shopping is not just cheap, but also sustainable — so really, why would you NOT want to do it? One man’s trash truly can be another man’s treasure. 🤷♂️
Too lazy to scour the Kringloop shops until you find that perfect deal? Geen probleem (no problem), because these three online stores in the Netherlands have made second-hand shopping as easy as pie!
Marktplaats: The Dutch version of eBay
With 8 million monthly visitors, Marktplaats is easily the most popular second-hand platform in the Netherlands. Image: DutchReview
Marktplaats is the most popular online shop in the Netherlands for buying and selling second-hand items. Often called “Dutch eBay,” the company was actually acquired by eBay in 2004 for a whopping €225 million!
Hundreds of thousands of items get uploaded to Marktplaats daily, so it’s no surprise that, besides some seriously good deals, you can find some seriously good entertainment on there.
Whether it’s your bike that was stolen last week, or a knob of ginger that looks like a teddy bear (yes, really) — Marktplaats has it. 😉
💳 Payment methods: Payment request with iDeal, or cash (if you’re picking up an item in person) 📦 Subscriptions: N/A ⏰ Average shipping time: Depends on seller 🔁 Return policy: Depends on seller
Facebook Marketplace: Buy, sell, trade
Of course, Mark Zuckerberg wanted to join the party as well. Image: DutchReview
In 2007, Mark Zuckerberg saw an opportunity and, of course, took it: He introduced Facebook Marketplace, Facebook’s very own second-hand platform.
The introduction of the feature came in response to the popularity of “buy and sell” groups, where people were, well, buying and selling their stuff.
The only downside to Facebook Marketplace is that you need a Facebook account to use it.
Like with any kind of second-hand shopping, it’s important to be mindful when shopping on Facebook Marketplace. We advise going for sellers in your area and meeting up with them somewhere public for the sale. Safe shopping!
💳 Payment methods: To be agreed upon with the seller, usually Tikkie/payment request or cash 📦 Subscriptions: N/A ⏰ Average shipping time: Depends on seller 🔁 Return policy: Depends on seller
Vinted: Dress for less (and a good cause)
Shopaholics, this is where you can save some serious money. Image: DutchReview
Vinted is an online website and app that lets you buy and sell secondhand items. It’s based in Lithuania, but buyers and sellers in 18 countries love the app, including the Netherlands.
Though mostly geared towards clothing, shoes, and accessories, Vinted technically allows you to trade all sorts of items.
They have a zero-tolerance policy regarding non-genuine items and require sellers to provide proof of authenticity when selling their pre-loved clothes. This makes it the perfect place to snag a designer item for a fraction of its original price!
💳 Payment methods: iDeal, credit card, Apple Pay 📦 Subscriptions: N/A ⏰ Average shipping time: Sellers have to ship items within 5 working days 🔁 Return policy: If you agree with the seller, you can return items and get your money back. The buyer pays the cost for the shipping and returns.
Whatever you’re looking for, these online stores in the Netherlands should be a great start for you to start the hunt for that perfect something.
What’s your favourite online store in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments!
Dutch online shops: Frequently asked questions
Does the Netherlands have Amazon?
Yes! Amazon opened its Dutch distribution centre in 2020. Amazon.nl offers not only a huge variety of items, but also its very own Amazon Prime streaming catalogue.
What is the best online shop in the Netherlands?
The most popular online shops in the Netherlands are: Amazon, Bol.com, Wehkamp, Zalando, ABOUTYOU, Asos, Expert, MediaMarkt
What is the Dutch version of Amazon?
The Dutch equivalent of Amazon is Bol.com. Bol.com offers similar services and is based entirely in the Netherlands.
Do online stores in the Netherlands accept credit cards?
For the most part, yes. Unlike physical stores, which often don’t accept credit cards, online stores in the Netherlands generally do.
Where do Dutch people shop for clothes?
Dutch people love lekker shoppen. Besides physical stores like H&M, The Sting, and ZARA, they do most of their online shopping at Zalando, ASOS, and ABOUTYOU.
