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Investing in the Netherlands? Here’s how Lightyear helps you effortlessly grow your portfolio

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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Investing in the Netherlands? Here’s how Lightyear helps you effortlessly grow your portfolio

Lightyear is a great choice if you want to invest in the Netherlands without wading through pages of Dutch financial jargon or losing money on hidden fees.

Whether you’re an expat trying to navigate investing in the Netherlands or a local who’d rather not pay ridiculous fees on your hard-earned cash, finding the right investment platform can often feel needlessly complicated.

Enter Lightyear: a handy investment app that’ll help you build wealth, without all the migraine-inducing fine print.

Here’s everything to know about growing your finances with Lightyear.

First things first: what’s Lightyear?

Put simply, Lightyear is an investment app that enables you to buy and manage global stocks and funds, without unnecessary barriers or hidden fees.

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Lightyear’s clean, user-friendly design makes it a breeze to keep track of all your funds and investments. Image: Lightyear

Whether you’re interested in diversifying your portfolio or you’re simply dipping your toes in investing for the first time, Lightyear offers a range of features to make the process simple and stress-free.

Because, let’s be honest: you shouldn’t feel as though you need a Master’s in Finance or millions in the bank to start in investing.

How Lightyear helps make investing easier in the Netherlands

With an app designed for everyday investors, we’d best describe Lightyear as an all-in-one platform where investing doesn’t feel intimidating

These were the features we found most beneficial, as a team of internationals and Dutchies. 👇

Invest across currencies, with EUR, USD, and GBP all in one account

Thanks to Lightyear’s multi-currency accounts, you can hold savings and investments in EUR, USD, and GBP all in one place.

This was a major pro for us, as being able to hold funds in three currencies helped us avoid unnecessary conversion costs.

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Forget about unnecessary double conversion fees, because Lightyear’s multi-currency accounts simplify the process for you. Image: Freepik

In addition to making faster and more efficient transactions across markets, this also means that more of your money is going where it should: towards your actual investments.

Earn money while your cash waits for the perfect investment

If you’re still deciding where to invest your cash, you can park it in one of Lightyear’s Savings Vaults, where it’ll be invested in Money Market Funds from some of the world’s largest asset managers, like BlackRock.

What is a Money Market Fund? This is a type of mutual fund that invests your cash in low-risk, short-term debt securities, like treasury or corporate bonds. With their high liquidity, you can typically withdraw your cash at any time.

For those of us who didn’t want to invest a lot of money upfront (or just couldn’t find the right investment opportunity), these high-yield vaults offered a lot of the pros of traditional savings accounts — just with far higher returns on our money.

However, let op: though these vaults may have “saving” in the title, they’re still an investment platform.

This means that returns aren’t guaranteed, but this is still a savvier option for your cash than letting it sit in a Dutch savings account and earn a few measly euros in interest.

Start small with partial shares (even a little goes a long way!)

If you’ve always wanted to own shares from big-name companies, but can’t afford the market price of a full share, fractional shares are a great alternative.

As their name suggests, fractional shares allow you to buy a fraction of a whole share. You can think of it as the difference between buying a delicious chocolate cake for €300 or a satisfying slice of that cake for €30.

woman-saves-partial-shares-in-her-investment-portfolio-on-a-mobile-app-while-drinking-iced-coffee-and-eating-chocolate-cake
Thanks to fractional shares, everyone can get an affordable slice of the investment cake. Image: Freepik

We found it an excellent option for both beginner investors and people who want to diversify their portfolio without breaking the bank.

Enjoy commission-free trading on a diverse range of ETFs

One of our favourite features was Lightyear’s commission-free ETF trading.

What is an ETF? An ETF, or exchange-traded fund, is essentially a bundle of investments. You can have stocks, bonds, and other kinds of assets all in one ETF, and it’s an easy way of diversifying your portfolio without conducting hours of individual research yourself.

While many investment platforms charge fees for buying and selling ETFs, Lightyear says “nee”. This meant that we paid:

  • Zero execution fees when investing in ETFs, and
  • Zero custody and account fees for holding investments.

Although other minor fees did occasionally crop up, such as conversion fees, these don’t apply if you buy in the same currency. Even better, the lack of platform fees enabled a greater percentage of our funds to go into our investments.

Trade international stocks and ETFs hassle-free from a single app

Forget about juggling multiple investment platforms, because Lightyear gives you access to over 6,000 international stocks and hundreds of ETFs — all from the comfort of their mobile app.

We’re also big fans of the app’s clean and user-friendly interface. From monthly overviews to profits and value fluctuations, keeping an eye on our investments was a stress-free walk in the park.

Get AI-powered insights to make smarter investments

Not sure what’s going on in the stock exchange today? Geen probleem, because Lightyear’s AI-powered market insights condense this wealth of information into bite-sized chunks, making it more accessible to both beginners and busy investment pros.

businesswoman-in-the-netherlands-sits-at-a-table-near-a-window-reviewing-her-investment-portfolio-on-her-mobile-app
With AI at your service, you can access market insights in the blink of an eye. Image: Freepik

While the app doesn’t offer tailored investment advice, we liked the option of staying informed while still having the freedom to make our own financial decisions.

Benefit from savvy investment tools

If FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) is one of your long-term goals, Lightyear’s investment tools are a major asset.

What is FIRE? FIRE is a movement centred around strategically saving and investing, so you can retire decades before your country’s traditional retirement age.

From compound interest calculators to in-depth stock comparisons, we found these tools super helpful in creating a solid plan for our financial future.

All in all, we thought Lightyear was solid proof of the fact that investing doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re just building your portfolio or you’ve been in the game for a while, we found the app refreshingly user-friendly and feature-rich.

Have you tried investing with Lightyear? Tell us all about your experiences in the comments below!

Disclaimer: Investing means you can lose some or all of your money. If you are unsure what this means, please speak to a qualified financial adviser.

What your Albert Heijn Bonuskaart says about you

DutchReview Crew
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What your Albert Heijn Bonuskaart says about you

In many countries, a loyalty card is a boring bit of plastic that lives at the bottom of your bag alongside a receipt from 2019.

In the Netherlands, things are different. Your Albert Heijn Bonuskaart is basically a personality test in barcode form. The moment you reach the checkout at your local Appie, your entire life philosophy is laid bare in a single scan.

Whether you’re a keychain veteran or a wide-eyed expat still figuring out why your broccoli is suddenly €1.79 without that little card, there is no neutral Bonuskaart personality. There is only what yours, or the lack thereof, says about you.

And yes, the Albert Heijn knows too. So let’s get into it.

The minimalist rebel without a Bonuskaart

Ah, this person. They arrive at the checkout, scan their items and go straight for the pin machine. No awkward scramble through their bag to find their Bonuskaart. No Bonuskaart at all, in fact.

What this signals: I don’t want Big Supermarket tracking my every wedge of Gouda. What it also signals: I forgot to get one, and now I’m too far in.

photo-of-woman-in-supermarket-dealing-with-inflation-and-how-it-affects-her-salary-in-the-Netherlands
Life in the Netherlands means life with a Bonuskaart. Image: Freepik

The no-card stance is a bold move in a country where korting (discount) is practically a love language.

The Dutch are famously attached to saving every possible cent, so voluntarily paying full price for your hagelslag carries a certain anarchic energy. Respect, honestly. But also, why are you like this?

The fully integrated keychain veteran

This is the Bonuskaart in its purest, most honourable form: a slightly scratched, slightly faded piece of plastic that has lived on a keyring since forever and has absolutely earned its place there.

What this signals: I’ve been here long enough to know the drill. What it also signals: I respect the two-for-one deals. Deeply. Personally.

The keychain veteran knows exactly when the broccoli is discounted (Mondays), which yoghurt is on offer this week, and has probably reorganised their entire dinner plans around a timely price drop on chicken thighs. They are, in the most wholesome way possible, extremely Dutch.

The digitally superior app-only operator

This is the person who, when asked for their Bonuskaart, smoothly produces their phone and scans it with a slight air of superiority.

What this signals: I optimise everything. What it also signals: My screen brightness is always set too high at checkout, blinding everyone.

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Digital Bonuskaart is simply more efficient. Image: Freepik

The Netherlands is, by now, a deeply cashless and app-driven society, a fact evidenced by everything from the iDEAL payment system to using platforms like 99Bitcoins.

The app-only Bonuskaart user fits neatly into this world. They are efficient, paperless, and mildly smug about it.

The opportunistic expat, aka “Can I use yours?”

Picture the scene: you’re standing in the queue at Albert Heijn, you do not have a Bonuskaart, and you are looking at a €4.79 price tag on something that is clearly meant to cost €3.49. So you do the only reasonable thing — you ask the person behind you.

What this signals: I just moved here. What it also signals: I refuse to pay €1.30 more than I have to on principle.

The best part? This is genuinely fine in the Netherlands. Strangers lend their Bonuskaart without drama, without offence, without even much of a pause.

It’s a small act of pragmatic generosity that says a lot about Dutch culture: there’s no sentimentality about it. The discount should be had. Alsjeblieft (Here you go).

photo-of-people-walking-in-busy-station-with-albert-heijn-to-go-in-the-background
No matter where you look in the Netherlands, there’s an Albert Heijn with a Bonuskaart waiting for you. Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen/Supplied

Now, if you’re new and have been getting by on borrowed Bonuskaarten, don’t panic. Getting set up in the Netherlands is a process, and the card is genuinely one of the first things worth sorting.

The anonymous cardholder: strategic and slightly mysterious

You might not know this exists, but the Bonuskaart can actually be used anonymously, without registering your name, email, or entire digital identity to Albert Heijn’s systems.

What this signals: I want discounts, but not surveillance. What it also signals: I’ve thought this through more than most people.

This person has done their research. They’ve weighed the kortingen against the data collection, made a deliberate choice, and are quietly winning on both fronts. The anonymous Bonuskaart holder is playing a long game that very few people even knew was possible.

What’s actually hiding behind the Bonuskaart?

We like to make fun of the Bonuskaart, but if you take a step back, you’ll realise that all this is about more than a supermarket loyalty card. It’s a window into a distinctly Dutch set of values.

Planning. Frugality. Efficiency. The quiet, deeply satisfying pride of saving €1.12 on a block of cheese.

The Dutch approach to money is famously no-nonsense. There’s a reason the phrase “going Dutch” exists in the English language, and it’s not because the Netherlands is known for throwing cash around.

The Bonuskaart isn’t just about saving money. It says: I pay attention. I plan. I do not pay full price for yoghurt if I absolutely don’t have to.

So what happens when you are at the checkout? Are you the keychain veteran? The app-optimiser? The person sheepishly borrowing a card from a stranger while the queue grows behind you?

Wherever you land, know that in the Netherlands, this is serious business. The Bonuskaart is not a trivial bit of plastic. It’s a social contract, a lifestyle commitment, and a minor source of national pride.

Which Bonuskaart type are you? Let us know in the comments below! 🧀

Can I open a Dutch bank account before I move to the Netherlands?

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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Can I open a Dutch bank account before I move to the Netherlands?

Opening a Dutch bank account before you move may sound like a bureaucratic nightmare, but having this sorted before you land is a huge advantage.

So, good news: it is possible to open a Dutch bank account before you’ve even landed in the Netherlands — but only if you pick a bank that lets you provide your citizen service number (BSN) later.

Will Dutch banks allow you to open an account from abroad?

The simple answer is that some will, some won’t.

While the sign-up process for opening a Dutch bank account is usually quite straightforward, it may involve providing documents that most newcomers won’t have.

READ MORE | Permits and visas for the Netherlands: Ultimate 2026 guide

These documents often include:

  • A valid BSN (citizen service number)
  • Proof of address in the Netherlands
  • A valid passport, (European) ID, or Dutch residence permit
  • MVV document (an entry visa for those who require a residence permit)

And, for student accounts, banks may even request proof of enrolment at a Dutch university and in some cases, a work contract is requested.

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Proof of enrolment at a valid university in the Netherlands may also be required. Image: Freepik

Naturally, if you’ve just arrived in the country, you probably won’t have registered your address at a Dutch municipality or collected your BSN yet.

So, what does a poor international have to do if they desperately need a local bank account? Opt for an expat-friendly Dutch bank! With easy sign-up processes and English-language support, they’re well worth their weight in stroopwafels. 😉

No BSN? No problem, because you can cut through all the bureaucratic red tape with ING’s international-friendly bank accounts.

Just register on their banking app, and you can start using your account straight away. You’ve got a whopping 90 days to submit your BSN information, so no stress!

Sign up with ING

Why having a Dutch bank account makes your journey easier

If you’ve seen endless social media posts from internationals lamenting that Dutch shops won’t take their foreign bank cards, you probably have a good idea why getting a local bank account is a game-changer.

For one thing, you’ll save your foreign bank card from the embarrassment of being declined at every train station, supermarket, and café outside of Amsterdam. Ouch! 😬

You’ll also find that having a Dutch IBAN helps speed up the process of establishing your new life in the Netherlands.

international-using-a-dutch-bank-card-to-pay-in-an-amsterdam-cafe-after-opening-an-account-remotely
It’s the difference between scurrying off to the money exchange as soon as you land, or sitting back to enjoy a quiet coffee. ☕ Image: Freepik

Whether you’re registering for a mobile phone plan, setting up your gas and other utilities, or taking out an insurance plan, it’s guaranteed to be less complicated with a Dutch bank account.

And let’s not forget the most important benefit: using a Dutch bank account spares you the nasty surprise of having hefty foreign transaction fees added to your bill. 💸

How you can open a Dutch bank account remotely

Some Dutch banks allow you to open an account without a BSN, provided that you submit this information within 90 days or else it might get blocked (with 30 days to submit your BSN data and lift the block on your account).

You can usually sign up in a matter of minutes, either via the bank’s mobile app or online banking portal.

For non-EEA residents, some additional documentation might be required:

  • Your Dutch residence permit (if you’re still waiting for your BSN)
  • Your MVV (if you don’t have a Dutch residence permit yet)

(Note: further guidelines may apply to US citizens.)

But hey, at least you’ll walk away with a snazzy Dutch bank account a few minutes later. 😉

How straightforward did you find the process of opening a Dutch bank account? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

7 ways Dutchies and Italians are more alike than you think

Federica Marconi
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7 ways Dutchies and Italians are more alike than you think

At first glance, Italians and the Dutch seem worlds apart, shaped by different histories, climates, and habits, but what’s less often explored is what unites them.

Because yes, the differences are obvious. But the common ground? Now that’s the juicy part no one talks about.

So what connects them? Let’s take a closer look at the things Italians and the Dutch have in common, and yes, it’s more than just a mutual love of coffee. ☕

1. They’re both serious about sport (and even more serious about winning)

When it comes to sport, especially football, some people watch it. Others live it. And no one does “living it’’ quite like the folks from Italy and the Netherlands.

Italians don’t sit through matches quietly. They stand, pace, and passionately shout at the television as if the referee were personally ignoring their advice.

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Italian and Dutch football fans at their very best! Image: DutchReview

Over in the Netherlands, things are no less intense. Streets flood with fans dressed in vibrant outfits, and even the most low-key neighbour suddenly goes wild with Oranje fever. 🧡

What unites them? Passion, absolutely, but also a fierce determination to win. Neither side is fit for a friendly match.🔥

2. There’s no chatting without food and drink

Different cuisines, same unspoken truth: nobody’s starting a proper chat with an empty stomach. Call it an aperitivo or a borrel, either way, bites are the social glue.

In Italy, the table overflows with wine, olives, and enough cured meats to make dinner feel optional. 🍷

Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, it’s a more relaxed affair, a borrelplank with cheese cubes, bitterballen, and biertjes that turn even the quietest guest into a storyteller.

READ MORE: What is borrelen? The Dutch art of going for a drink with co-workers

Whether it’s a sunlit piazza (read: Italian square)or a canal-side terrasje, the rule holds strong: once the snacks show up, the conversation gets real. 😉

3. Everything’s a reason to party

If there’s one thing these two countries know how to do, it’s celebrate anything. A royal birthday? Absolutely. A successful harvest? Break out the confetti. 🎉

In the Netherlands, King’s Day turns the country into a sea of orange, with street DJS playing everything from house music to those unexplainable Dutch tunes everyone knows by heart. 

Down in Italy, it’s all about the sagra: a local festival where food is the guest of honour, wine flows like water, and there’s a 98% chance of clapping along to a folk dance led by your aunt’s neighbour’s cousin. 

The setting may differ, but the spirit’s the same. You can eat, dance, and make memories you’ll only half-remember. 🙈

4 . They’re both from “the best place ever”

Ask an Italian or a Dutchie where the best place is, and you’ll get a passionate TED Talk, with food tips and strong opinions, mostly about how everywhere else in their own country gets it wrong.

Tuscans boast about their Renaissance art and throw some shade at Rome being “a bit much.” Campanians keep it simple: they gave the world pizza and nonna’s legendary glare. 👵 

READ MORE | Things I wish Italians would learn from Dutchies (and vice versa!)

The Dutch get just as proud. Limburgers praise their white gold (yes, asparagus) and rare Dutch hills. The Frisians point to Friesland, proudly apart, with its language and more lakes than you can count.

Wherever you land, every local swears they’ve won the postcode lottery. ✨

5.  Small talk is not their love language

Pleasantries? Pass. Let’s skip to the good stuff. 👀

A conversation in Italy might start with warm greetings, but it will quickly shift to existential matters, family gossip, and what you’re doing wrong with your tomato sauce. Politeness is there, but so is plenty of unsolicited advice. 

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Dutch and Italians suck at small talk, but you’ll know exactly what they think 🔥 Image: Freepik

In the Netherlands, small talk gets skipped entirely. “You look tired” isn’t rude, it’s just… accurate. Opinions fly freely, feedback is unfiltered, and silence? Totally allowed, sometimes even preferred.

Turns out, the Dutch and Italians are just two sides of the same straightforward coin — one delivers it with emotion, the other with precision, but both always keep it real.

6. Their stubbornness should be studied

Another thing they share? Being convinced they’re right, and no, they’re not here for your counterpoints.

In Italy, this comes loud and proud. Bring up politics, football, or the right way to make ragù, and prepare for a passionate lecture with dramatic hand gestures and a slightly raised voice. 🤌

In the Netherlands, the delivery is calmer but no less confident. They’ll hear you out, nod thoughtfully, then carry on as planned, fully equipped with facts, charts, and confidence. 

READ MORE: Odd Dutch quirks: things Dutchies do, but won’t ever admit to

Changing minds isn’t on the table. You’d have better odds arguing with a brick wall in both countries. 🧱

7. They’re both obsessed with the weather, despite having no control over it

Of all the things out of their control, weather ranks first. It’s the daily headline, the trusted excuse, and the ultimate shared enemy. 

In Italy, it’s pure drama. It’s either too hot, too rainy, or not sunny enough. Forecasts are checked religiously, then immediately questioned. And beware the dreaded colpo d’aria, the mysterious breeze blamed for everything from sore throats to life choices. 😬

The Dutch treat complaining about the weather like a national pastime. Rain, wind, or suspicious sunshine spark nonstop Buienradar checks. People bike through storms, arrive soaked, and still complain about the drizzle. 

When the sky acts up, both countries are emotionally invested in its betrayal. ☁️

Are you a Dutchie with an Italian enemy? Or an Italian trying to mesh your Dutch friends with your Italian friends? Well, here are seven reasons they might just get along. 🤝

From dramatic weather obsessions to the fine art of digging in their heels, these two cultures share more quirks than most would guess beneath all their evident differences.

Admitting it, though? That might take a bit longer… on both sides. 😅

Spotted more unexpected connections? Drop it in the comments, we’re all ears.

Dutch beer giant Heineken announces it’s slashing up to 6,000 jobs

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
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Dutch beer giant Heineken announces it’s slashing up to 6,000 jobs

Dutch multinational Heineken is axing between 5,000 and 6,000 jobs worldwide over the next two years in a major restructuring aimed at cutting costs and boosting productivity.

The company presently employs 3,700 people in the Netherlands, and while it’s unclear exactly how many Dutch jobs will be affected, the Amsterdam headquarters has already been hit by cuts.

According to the NOS, the announcement came this morning as Heineken presented its annual results for 2025, revealing that revenue dropped 4.7% to around €34.2 billion.

Currently employing over 87,000 people globally, the brewer is now moving to significantly streamline its operations.

Amsterdam is already feeling the pain

This latest round of redundancies follows an already-announced restructuring at the company’s Amsterdam headquarters, where 400 jobs were cut in October.

According to NOS, some of those roles were relocated abroad while others simply disappeared.

The redundancies also follow a broader trend of major Dutch companies downsizing. Chip manufacturer ASML recently announced it would cut 1,700 jobs despite posting record profits.

More AI and fewer breweries

Of course, AI plays a role here too. When Heineken announced its restructuring plans in October, NOS reported that the company would digitise supply chain processes at breweries and increase its use of artificial intelligence in marketing departments.

The brewer is also shutting down divisions where growth has stalled and closing several breweries; however, Heineken hasn’t yet revealed which locations will get the axe.

READ MORE | How to land a sponsored job in the Netherlands in 2026

According to NOS, these measures are expected to save the company between €400 million and €500 million annually.

Have you been affected by job cuts at a major Dutch company? Share your experience in the comments below.

€1.10 for a wee? Dutch train station toilets are now more expensive than ever

Kriti Swarup
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€1.10 for a wee? Dutch train station toilets are now more expensive than ever

We are all victims of inflation. But now, they have found a way to exploit your natural bodily urges.

You might have to sell a kidney to make your health insurance premium this month.

To blow off some steam, you decide to get a little coffee. €5.50 for a cappuccino? May the Lord have mercy.

Now you are at the train station and need to take a leak. You learn that it costs €1.10? The toilet seat had better be made out of gold.

It’s not just inflation

The price of restrooms has risen sharply over the last six years. From “I have some spare change” to “This is actually hurting my wallet.”

But the last jump cannot be blamed on inflation alone. According to RTL Nieuws, if you adjust for inflation, the price should be sitting at around 96 cents.

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Take a look for yourself! Image: DutchReview

So why the 14 cents extra?

Apparently, NS and the Sanifair toilet service want us to pay for their new restroom gates.

The price increase is partly due to the replacement of the restroom turnstiles that ensure a faster flow of people, an NS spokesperson told RTL Nieuws.

“So you have to consider the cost of the restrooms, but also the cost of staff. That’s why the price has gone up,” the spokesperson added.

READ MORE | Why are there no public bathrooms in the Netherlands?

I, for one, tried the new Sanifair gates at Amsterdam Centraal, and they left me utterly confused. They do not confirm that your bank card worked, leaving you frantically wrestling the steel barrier while trying not to wet yourself.

According to the spokesperson, the €1.10 price was agreed upon with Sanifair, who claim they’re keeping passengers in mind (definitely not with a user-friendly design) by matching prices at shopping malls and highway rest stops.

Anyone for a 50-cent voucher?

The NS clarifies that you can get a 50-cent voucher back to use at station shops. But let’s be honest: most of us will lose it, forget about it, or bin it before we even leave the loo.

Freek Bos, chairman of the travellers’ association Rover, isn’t impressed either.

“Set the amount back to 90 cents and leave the voucher out. Then you end up with the same amount, because few people use it,” he tells RTL Nieuws.

Even if inflation made sense, the price jump doesn’t. When nature calls, you’ve got to pick up. Leaving no other choice for a vulnerable passenger but to pay up.

@quinblokzijl Volgende week is het 9,50,-🤣 #wc #station ♬ Dat kan niet – Rowan

Although the NS points out that smaller stations still charge 50 cents for unstaffed (dirty) toilets, the Sanifair loos come with friendly staff and daily upkeep — hence the €1.10 price tag.

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Another Dutchman deported from the US, after months in horrific ICE detention facilities

DutchReview Crew
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Another Dutchman deported from the US, after months in horrific ICE detention facilities

Owen Ramsingh, a Dutchman who was brought to the United States at just five years old, has been deported back to the Netherlands with nothing but his phone and the clothes on his back.

According to De Telegraaf, Ramsingh was detained by ICE for a criminal conviction in his teenage years. 

Ramsingh and his family do not speak Dutch, but are determined to make a new start after months of desperation.

What happened?

Back in September 2025, Ramsingh was told by a judge that he could not return to America, under a ten-year ban. 

This came as quite a shock: after all, Ramsingh, who considers himself completely Americanised, had a green card (residence permit). 

However, a previous conviction from his youth was used as justification. Ramsingh had been involved in drug dealing at the age of 16, but was arrested and paid for his crimes with a 25-month prison sentence. 

Not only did he serve his time, but this conviction occurred in the late 1990s — a quarter of a century ago.

Despite all this and countless testimonials from members of his community in Missouri, he was told his time in the country he had once considered home was done.  

The horrors of ICE

After being detained by ICE, Ramsingh was entirely at the mercy of the new American immigration regime.

As De Telegraaf reports, his experience in ICE’s hands involved sleeping on concrete floors, sharing space with 70 other detainees at a time, and horrific treatment from guards and staff. 

He even detailed how guards made bets on where in the facility the next detainee to commit suicide would choose. 

Ramsingh was not told if he would see his family again. 

He was instead shipped from facility to facility in terrible conditions, forced to wait and see what would happen next. 

Worst of all, Ramsingh, who lost his daughter Destinee last year, will be unable to visit her grave again, as she is buried in the United States. 

A new start 

In the face of all this, Ramsingh and his family are now determined to make a new start in the Netherlands. 

READ MORE | Dutchman deported from US after divorce, despite living there for 15 years 

After being emotionally reunited with his other daughter, Kimya, and wife, Diana, who had followed him to the Netherlands, they are being sheltered by Ramsingh’s estranged father, who lives here. 

Their outlook is positive, but one cannot help but remember all that is being left behind: a home that Ramsingh worked hard to afford, friends and family, and a lifetime of memories.

What do you think of Ramsingh’s story? Let us know in the comments!

6 things to know about dating Dutch people

Ceren Spuyman
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6 things to know about dating Dutch people

Moving to another country can be challenging, and without a significant other by your side, loneliness can creep in.

But before you turn to dating apps, here are six things to know about dating in the Netherlands — specifically, about dating the Dutch! Take it from someone with experience.

Dating in the Netherlands: what’s the deal?

Windmills, tulips, and cheese — the Netherlands is known for many things but what about the people? What do they do, where do they live, what are they like? Most importantly, how do you go about dating one of them?

READ MORE | 9 steps to flirting in Dutch (yes, that’s possible)

If you’re hoping to find a tender soulmate to come along and sweep you off your feet, then I have some bad news: the Dutch may not be the right fit.

Welcome to the land of sensibility and realistically romantic folk. 💋

1. Honesty is the way to go

This one goes for both Dutch men and women: honesty is their policy. Don’t worry if you have something stuck between your teeth after dinner, your date will tell you. 🙈

This may come as a shock at first, but once you get used to it, you quickly realise — hey! This is actually better! Who would want to walk around the whole night without anyone mentioning the lipstick on your teeth, right? 🤪

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk 42: Be overwhelmingly direct and never beat around the bush

The Dutch believe that it’s better to be honest than to mislead someone or create high expectations. Instead, they put their cards openly on the table so that you don’t have to assume anything.

So, no mind-games, no drama, no fuss! Any doubt? Just ask!

2. Keeping things casual

Dutch people are casual! If you expect to go to a fancy restaurant on a first date, well, things may not turn out the way you want.

Nothing beats the gezellig atmosphere of a traditional Dutch bruin café where you can enjoy a pint and some bitterballen. 😋

@cl_audio

The 3 stages of dating a #Dutch person 🇳🇱 and the corresponding slang

♬ one summer’s day ~ spirited away lofi – Closed on Sunday

Plus, it is just too much work to try to bike with your high heels and itty bitty dress, and who wants to slowly suffocate because of that stupid tie? Lekker rustig, you got this.

3. Dutch flirting and romance

Time is valuable for anyone! As we’ve mentioned before, Dutchies are always pro-honesty, and that affects their flirting style as well.

READ MORE | 5 things I wish I knew before moving to the Netherlands for love

That’s why Dutch women and men find it a waste of time to sugar-coat things and shower people with half-fake compliments. So, don’t get discouraged just because your date isn’t complimenting your every trait.

The same goes for romantic gestures. Gifts? Instead of popular ideas like a luxurious box of chocolates, you might get something you would use and enjoy more.

In the end, everyone can get those cliché gifts, but that Kindle they just got for you? That shows not only that your Dutchie cares for you but also listens to what you say and knows what you like! 🤗

4. Marriage, mortgage, and kids in the Netherlands

Okay, this is where things get a little tricky. We’re all familiar with the traditional steps in a relationship.

If you think you’ve found the right person, who you genuinely like spending time with, first you go steady, then after a couple of years, one of you pops the question. Then comes the marriage, a mortgage, and a kid or two — or so the media says. 👀

When it comes to the Netherlands and dating, things go a little differently. They’ve decided to skip all that. Marriage is seen as a serious commitment by many and shouldn’t be taken lightly.

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The Dutch aren’t quick to marry. Image: Freepik

So you met someone? Great. Is the relationship going well? Amazing, then let’s move in together and maybe buy a house! Cool. What’s next? How about becoming parents?

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #90: go through a ridiculous number of dating stages before committing

I once had a friend of mine say, “First comes the house, then a pet, then a kid, and then the marriage. I’m not going to marry someone without making sure that we can spend the rest of our lives together. What if he is a bad father?” 🤔

5. Taboo who?

It’s not uncommon to hear some heavy-hitting questions like, “Do you believe in God?” and “When was the last time you had sex?” when you’re first talking to a Dutch person.

Surprised? We can only imagine.

Freedom and individuality are encouraged in the Netherlands. Your Dutchie is likely to be someone who isn’t afraid to tackle the trickiest subjects pretty early on in the relationship, if not on the very first date. 😅

The reason? They want to know your opinion on these subjects to evaluate if you two are compatible with each other. That actually makes sense, right?

READ MORE | Dutch pick-up lines and compliments: the complete 2026 guide

Moreover, they will give their opinion, whether you want to hear it or not. What the rest of the world considers as potentially rude or too blunt, the Dutch call being open and honest.

6. Like saving money? So do the Dutch!

The Dutch are known for being cheap — ahem, we mean frugal — and this is often seen as something negative, but why?

READ MORE | 14 downright stingy things Dutch people do

If your Dutchie knows where the best deals are and doesn’t want to pay extra for something that can be found for less, who says that’s ever a bad thing? 💵 ❤️

Of course, not every Dutch person you date is a cliché

Just like you wouldn’t describe yourself as a typical (insert your home country’s nationality), the same goes for the Dutch as well.

READ MORE | Here’s why internationals struggle with dating the Dutch (according to a dating expert!)

Apart from some common traits that we can mention with humour, it’s better to keep in mind that your Dutchie is just as unique as you!

So, sit back, relax and veel succes (good luck) in dating a Dutchie!

What’s your experience with dating in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!

7 ways a realtor will sell your Dutch home as fast as possible

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
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0
7 ways a realtor will sell your Dutch home as fast as possible

So you found yourself a Dutch home, loved it, lived in it, and now it’s time to part ways. How can you sell it quickly and efficiently? The answer is simple: with a realtor.

While we’d all like to think that in this market, your house is going to sell fast, it’s important to remember that the process of selling a home is something that involves expertise. 

Sure, you love and value your house — but that doesn’t mean selling it to others will be easy or quick. 

Here’s what a verkoopmakelaar (selling realtor) can do to improve and speed up the process.

1. A realtor will get your house up on Funda

Ahhh Funda. The Facebook of houses and the hunting ground for house hunters. 

Getting your home up on Funda is a ‘funda-mental’ step in getting your home on the market — but did you know that you can only do this through a realtor? 

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Want your beloved home to catch some attention? A Dutch realtor will put it up on Funda for you! Image: Freepik

Yep. It’s not as simple as creating your own account and uploading a few pretty pics. Your home will only be able to reach the pearly gates of Funda if a realtor is the one to guide it there. 

While it is possible to sell your home without putting it up on Funda, if you’re looking to make the process quick, placing it in the spot where most people look is your best bet. 

READ MORE | Why is there a housing shortage in the Netherlands? The Dutch housing crisis explained

In the second quarter of 2024, the average time between a house going up for sale and new buyers signing the dotted line was just 27 days. By putting your house up on Funda, you could enjoy similar stats.

Decided to sell your house and opt for a realtor — but don’t know where to begin? Geen probleem. Krib helps people find and choose a realtor that suits them. Their realtors can give you a competitive quote in advance, and you can even compare the average selling times and estimation accuracy of different brokers! 

Reach out

2. Dutch realtors are highly qualified

And why can’t you do this yourself? Surely it’s not that hard, right? Wrong. Let’s cut to the chase: there’s a lot more to selling a home than most people realise.

Not only can a verkoopmakelaar get your house properly set up on the market, but they can also perform a valuation, handle all the documentation and take on the negotiations — but more on this later. 

What’s important to note is that verkoopmakelaars are highly qualified, licensed real estate agents. 

With these qualifications, they’ll perform several important tasks behind the scenes that may otherwise slow down, confuse, or overwhelm the average person during the selling process. 

(By the way: how’s your Dutch? Good enough for complex legal transactions involving hundreds of thousands of euros? Mine isn’t.)

3. A realtor will have the time and energy

Are you around during the day to host viewings? Do you know all the relevant information surrounding your home? You’ve made up a floor plan, right? And taken professional-quality photos? 

Not only does organising all these elements require your time to complete, but without a realtor, you also have to organise them all by yourself.  

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It’s a realtor’s job to have time for viewings; it shouldn’t be yours. Image: Freepik

With a realtor by your side, you don’t have to surrender additional hours for organising and hosting house viewings. Instead, they’ll handle it all for you while you carry on with your everyday life. 

READ MORE | 7 tips to sell your Dutch home as fast as possible

So you head off to work or take a walk in the park — your realtor will tell you the highlights later. 

4. Dutch realtors know the value of your home (and how to improve it!)

Of course, a house can be sold quickly, but you also need to make sure that standards don’t slide — especially when it comes to the selling price of your home. 

But did you know that when you’re trying to decide on a verkoopmakelaar in the Netherlands, you can opt for someone who is also a licensed appraiser?

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Your realtor sees attributes in your home that you may not, let them emphasise these and sell your home faster. Image: Freepik

This means that you don’t have to waste time looking for an external appraisal, but you also don’t run the risk of undervaluing or overvaluing your home in the heat of it all! 

On top of this, a realtor can also advise you on how to raise the value of your home with minimal costs. For example, even the types of lightbulbs you use can influence the value of your home — and in turn, how quickly it sells. 💡

5. You can let the realtor do the talking

Once you’ve caught the eyes of buyers, it’s time to really sell your place to them. Again, the negotiation process can require time — especially if it’s all in Dutch! 

This is where you can let your selling realtor step in.

Not only are they skilled in the art of verbal duels, but your realtor will also ensure that the process runs as efficiently as possible — saving you both time and moolah. 💰

Aspiring home-owners in the Netherlands can easily fall prey to higher fees when looking for realtors. Krib offers the perfect comparison tool.

Just fill in the details of your home and where you’re living, and the realtors will come to you! Not only can you enjoy competitive pricing, but they also estimate how much you should sell for.

6. A realtor can advise on any offers you receive

Speaking of moolah, once you have snagged a buyer, you may be tempted to agree to any conditions to close the sale. They’re offering you hundreds of thousands of euros, so it’s easy to get a little starry-eyed. 🤩  

But hang on just a second. What are their resolutive conditions? When do they plan on moving in? What do they want to do with your home? 

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A realtor can walk you through your offers and help you make a decision. Image: Dreamstime

A realtor can ensure that all conditions are properly negotiated and are ideal for your situation before you sign on the dotted line. 

Once your needs have been met, they’ll also write up a legally binding preliminary contract for everyone to sign.

Note: When selling a house in the Netherlands, the buyer may agree to buy your home as long as certain conditions are met. For example, they can keep all the furniture in the home. These conditions are known as resolutive conditions.

7. A Dutch realtor will close the deal for you

Now, the price has been negotiated, hands have been shaken, and you’re ready to pop the champagne. 🍾 And you should! 

But far too many real estate deals still fall apart at this point. That’s why you need to seal the deal by heading to a notary’s office, where both you and the buyers will sign the transfer deed. 

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Kick back and let your Dutch realtor seal the deal. Image: Freepik

Worried about signing such an important document? Don’t stress: your real estate agent will also attend this meeting with you to make sure the process runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible. 

All that you’ll have to do is sign, blow your old home a farewell kiss, and hand over the keys. 🥂 

Have you sold your house in the Netherlands with a realtor? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!

5 things the Netherlands doesn’t have (but should)

Noah Bloem
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23
5 things the Netherlands doesn’t have (but should)

At DutchReview, we like to celebrate all of the wonderful things that make the Netherlands great, but let’s be fair: there are some things the Netherlands just doesn’t have (but should).

If you’ve lived in Holland your whole life, you may not realise, for example, that there are real places in the world where the not-so-mythical sun actually shines. ☀️

However, we complain about the weather enough. Instead, let’s focus on some other vitally important things that the Netherlands doesn’t have.

1. Space and housing

Ok, so this one is quite simple. The Netherlands is small and has a lot of people. It would be nice to have a bit more space to put all these people.

It’s not as if we don’t have the technology. We’ve been making land out of water for hundreds of years. Why stop now?

READ MORE | Maps of the Netherlands: 9 maps to understand the Dutch landscape

A logical follow-up to the lack of space is the lack of houses (at least, that’s certainly what it feels like).

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Let’s all just move to the countryside. Image: nerdy.maps/Wikimedia Commons/CC4

Ever tried finding a reasonable place to live in Amsterdam? It’s really super easy, as long as you don’t mind homelessness or crippling debt.

2. Good curtains

Although we love sneakily looking into people’s homes, we’ll never truly understand why the Dutch don’t have curtains. And it’s not just in the bedrooms that curtains (or the lack of them) can cause problems — it’s in every window! 🪟

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #46: Never close their curtains

Have you ever tried one of those lovely summer evening strolls in the Netherlands? There you are, just strolling calmly along the sidewalk, and suddenly your gaze drifts to the right.

Next thing you know, you’re blank staring at the neighbouring family inside eating dinner. You quickly turn back before you’re caught creeping, hoping it was fast enough. What would they think if they saw you?

You know the Dutch, they’re not afraid to speak their minds. 📢

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The Dutch aren’t big on curtains. Image: Freepik

Good curtains are just something that the Netherlands doesn’t have, but definitely needs if we’re ever to avoid more such awkward encounters.

3. Delicious Dutch cuisine

Yes, Dutch food does exist, but is the cornucopia of fried snacks and glorified mashed potatoes really a claim to fame?

Wouldn’t it be nice if the Dutch had…good food to call their own?

It’s not as though there is a lack of ingredients. The Dutch are some of the world’s most renowned experts when it comes to growing with greenhouse technology. Not to mention they have no issue producing high-quality meat and fish.

Why then, have the Dutch settled for sticking a potato, a plain piece of meat, and some broccoli on a plate? Simply put, it seems the Dutch, on the whole, lack an appreciation for truly flavourful food. 🧆

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Boerenkool: The pinnacle of Dutch cuisine. Image: Depositphotos

To be fair, it’s not as though they have no tastebuds, and there are plenty of exceptions — but a love for food just isn’t as ingrained in the Dutch.

It’s not too strange to see a Dutchie bring their own sandwich to work (consisting of nothing but bread and cheese). 🥪

Have you ever seen a Frenchman do that? Or an Italian?

4. A good men’s football team

I’m super happy with the state of Dutch football. Well… the women’s team, that is. Nothing to complain about there. Let’s keep that up.

But when it comes to the men…well, let’s just say it seems that a good men’s football team is just another thing that the Netherlands doesn’t have. ⚽️

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At least we’ve still got the orange spirit! Image: Depositphotos

Though the men’s team have qualified for the 2026 FIFA world cup, the Dutch football women have historically done much better overall. Let’s not forget when a Dutch female player was named FIFA’s Best Women’s Goalkeeper in 2019.

I’m staying optimistic for this year, though!

5. Toilets with leg space

Why can’t the Dutch just put the toilet in a room where you aren’t resting your knees halfway up the wall in order to fit your legs?

Why even bother putting a toilet if you end up squatting on top of it anyway? And it’s not as though the Dutch are small people, either!

READ MORE | Why are there no public toilets in the Netherlands?

While there might not be leg room, this wonderful country definitely has room for improvement!

Is there anything else you think the Netherlands doesn’t have but should? Tell us in the comments below!

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