One massive misconception in the Netherlands is that you need to have a permanent work contract in order to be eligible for a Dutch mortgage.
However, this simply isn’t true — let’s get into it.👇
Do I need a permanent contract to get a mortgage in the Netherlands?
While a permanent contract can certainly help when you want to apply for a Dutch mortgage, it is not a necessity.
In fact, there are many scenarios in which you can still be eligible for a mortgage, even if you don’t have a permanent contract.
Unsure of your eligibility for a Dutch mortgage? You can get answers to all your questions by speaking with one of Expat Mortgages’s mortgage advisors. Schedule a free consultation.
I have a temporary contract, can I get a Dutch mortgage?
In the Netherlands, it’s quite common for people to first receive a temporary contract from their employers before being offered a permanent one.
As a result, mortgage providers won’t be horrified if you apply using your temporary work contract — they see it all the time.
Instead, mortgage applicants with a temporary contract will be asked to submit extra information to guarantee to the bank that they will be able to pay their mortgage.
This extra information can consist of:
A letter of intent from your employer saying that they intend to keep employing you, or
Your income from the last three years (if you don’t have a letter of intent)
I have a flexible contract, can I get a Dutch mortgage?
Perhaps you have a flexible contract. This means your work varies in certain ways, for example, you may work on an on-call basis, or your hours may vary from week to week.
Good news: it’s still possible to get a mortgage in the Netherlands. In this case, when you apply for a mortgage, you must provide a perspectiefverklaring(perspective statement).
You can get this through your employment agency, and it will outline your future possibilities of earning an income.
You will have to gather some extra paperwork, but it is possible to get a Dutch mortgage without having a permanent work contract. Image: Freepik
I have a zero-hour contract, can I get a Dutch mortgage?
One type of flexible contract is a zero-hour work contract. In this case, the mortgage provider will consider your income for the last three years when determining your eligibility for a Dutch mortgage.
I’m a freelancer, can I get a Dutch mortgage?
While applying for a mortgage as a freelancer (ZZP’er) in the Netherlands can involve more paperwork, you can still be eligible for a Dutch mortgage.
However, you will be asked to provide additional information, such as:
Your earnings over the last three years,
A copy of your last three income tax returns, and
Your most recent correspondence from the KvK
As a freelancer, your annual earnings tend to vary. The banks will use your average income over the past three years to help determine your maximum borrowing power.
However, it’s worth noting that your last year of income will be the most important when determining your mortgage, as this amount will be considered your maximum income.
A ZZP’er for less than three years? That’s ok! Instead, you can have an accountant forecast what they expect you to earn in the coming years.
Moral of the story? While having a permanent contract can make the mortgage application process easier, you don’t need one to successfully obtain a Dutch mortgage.
Have you gone through the Dutch mortgage application process? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!
It won’t be long after your big move until you have to make international calls from the Netherlands.
Whether you’re craving a catch-up with your grandparents who haven’t figured out FaceTime yet or need to handle some bureaucratic business, it’s crucial to find the right provider that’s handy, clear, and won’t cost big bucks.
So, whether you’re a seasoned expat or a complete newbie; an EU citizen or from outside of Europe, here’s all you need to know about making international calls from the Netherlands.
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Calling someone in a non-EEA country from the Netherlands
Unfortunately, making international phone calls from the Netherlands to countries outside of Europe can be a tricky (and pricey) endeavour — but there are some providers who are making things easier.
The best mobile providers for international calls from the Netherlands
While most Dutch mobile providers don’t have options for calling numbers outside the EU cheaply, we’ve scouted out the few that do offer good deals and bundles.
For just €5 per month (on top of your SIM-only subscription), LEBARA offers unlimited calling minutes to 44 different countries, including 18 outside of the EEA, such as the US, Canada, India, and China.
Prefer a prepaid option? Get an international bundle from just €15 for 500 minutes of international calling or €20 for unlimited international calling.
Lyca offers a range of prepaid international bundles priced between €10 and €30, giving you the flexibility to select either a single country or a bundle of countries to call to.
Additionally, their standard SIM-only subscriptions include 100 international calling minutes, starting at just €6.50 per month.
Though Odido doesn’t boast the most affordable options for calling outside the EU, they are one of the biggest Dutch telecom companies.
Their Unlimited Plus (€37.50/month) and Unlimited Premium (€49.50/month) subscriptions offer international calling options to the EU, Switzerland, the United States, and Turkey.
Can I make calls outside of the EU with my regular Dutch phone plan?
You certainly can, but it will usually cost you a pretty penny.
While you’re easily able to make international calls with any Dutch or EU phone provider, it’s crucial to know that most providers handle notably higher per-minute rates for such calls — up to a casual €4.50 per minute. 😳
So yes, while you can always make calls beyond EU borders with your regular Dutch phone plan, it’s recommended that you verify the specific rates with your provider — or find a cheaper alternative.
Other options for calls from the Netherlands outside the EU
If you’re looking for ways to chat with your friends or family from home without breaking the bank, there are other alternatives that you can consider.
Why not try video-calling with platforms like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype? Not only do these options offer a fun and interactive way to connect, but they also tend to be more wallet-friendly when calling across oceans.
Video calling is a great way to connect face-to-face. Image: Freepik
Of course, there are some limitations to these platforms. For example, relying on these services requires a stable internet connection, meaning you’ll need access to Wi-Fi or a strong data connection (which also costs money).
To call landlines or government numbers, you can also make use of so-called VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services, which allow you to make voice calls using an internet connection instead of a regular phone line.
Calling someone in an EEA country from the Netherlands
What about making calls from the Netherlands to other countries within the EEA? That’s pretty straightforward and usually much cheaper than calling outside of the EU.
Countries that are part of the EEA
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
The Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Using a Dutch mobile phone provider
If you live in the Netherlands and have a Dutch SIM-only plan,prepaid SIM, or eSIM, any call to another EEA country is either included in your plan or incurs the same charges as a local call would, that is, maximum €0.19 per minute (+VAT).
And that’s all there is to know — easy! Looking for a provider that can give you a good deal on your EEA calls? Besides the three already mentioned earlier, check these out. 👇
Roaming to the Netherlands with your existing EEA phone plan
Thanks to the EU’s “Roam like at Home” policy, calls between EEA member countries always cost the same as domestic calls within an EEA country.
This policy is meant to allow EEA citizens to use their normal phone subscription while travelling to other European countries without running up the bill.
Now, if you’re an expat who moved to the Netherlands from another European country, you might think, “Oh, so I can just continue using my original phone plan at no extra cost then — right?”. Well, it’s not that easy.
Roam like at Home comes with some ground rules. Image: Depositphotos
Roam like at Home, allows you to make use of the same fees you would in your home country. This means that if your current plan is limited to calls within your home country, then you will still be charged for any phone call you make outside of it.
Let me give you an example to make this simpler. Let’s say I have a phone subscription from Luxembourg (my home country). It includes:
Unlimited calling and texts within Luxembourg (not internationally),
20GB of data per month.
If I travel to the Netherlands, I can:
Call and text Dutch, Luxembourgish, or any other EEA number unlimited,
Use up to 20GB of internet while “roaming”,
However, if I make a new friend and return home to Luxembourg and want to call them, my Luxembourg provider can charge me for making an international call because I am no longer “roaming” or “travelling”.
Note: It is always most beneficial to have a phone plan in your actual country of residence. Why? Not only can your mobile operator cap your international usage under the fair use policy, but a local phone number also makes it easier to contact local authorities.
How do I make an international call from the Netherlands?
Making international calls from the Netherlands is relatively straightforward, but knowing the correct dialling procedure is essential to ensure your calls go through.
It’s important to know your country codes. Image: Freepik
To dial an international number from the Netherlands, you typically start by entering the international access code, which is represented by a plus sign (or two zeros), followed by the country code of the destination you’re calling.
The country code specifies the country you’re trying to reach. For example, North America’s country code is +1, while Luxembourg’s is +352, and Australia’s is +61.
Once you’ve entered the international access code and the country code, you dial the phone number of the person or business you wish to reach. If you’re making a call to the US, for example, you’ll type either 001 – (phone number) or +1 – (phone number).
This process ensures that your call is routed correctly to its destination, whether it’s a neighbouring country or halfway around the world.
Whether you’re calling your long-distance bestie to hear the latest hometown gossip or need to schedule an appointment with the town hall for your next visit, the ease of international calls from the Netherlands makes it a breeze.
How do you stay in contact with your loved ones back home? Let us know in the comments.
Yesterday, in his first major speech as NATO chief, Mark Rutte told the citizens of Europe and Canada that “it is time to shift to a wartime mindset” — and Dutch experts agree.
The speech, delivered at a Brussels event by think tank Carnegie Europe, also urged politicians to increase military spending to “prevent the next big war on NATO territory” and “preserve our way of life,” according to NATO’s website.
“The security situation does not look good”
Stressing how NATO politicians need the people’s support to make “difficult decisions,” Rutte framed his speech as a wake-up call to Europeans.
“The security situation does not look good,” he warned. “It’s undoubtedly the worst in my lifetime. And I suspect in yours, too.”
“They’re testing us”
The NATO chief spoke at length about the situation in Ukraine, about which “we should be profoundly concerned.”
He thinks that “Russia is preparing for long-term confrontation. With Ukraine, and with us.”
In his view, this is all part of a larger threat posed by Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, which are “hard at work to try to weaken North America and Europe, to chip away at our freedom,” and “reshape the global order.”
According to Rutte, “they’re testing us, and the rest of the world is watching.”
This means that, while there is no imminent military threat, “we are not at war. But we are certainly not at peace either.”
Increasing military spending to prevent war
According to Rutte, NATO countries “are not ready for what is coming our way in four to five years.”
As such, they need to ramp up military spending, even if it means cutting spending on healthcare and social welfare.
Rutte urged governments to “give our industries the big orders and long-term contracts they need,” and citizens to “tell your banks and pension funds it is simply unacceptable that they refuse to invest in the defence industry.”
He is convinced that this is the only way to prevent war because “without strong defence, there is no lasting security. And without security, there is no freedom.”
“If we don’t spend more together now to prevent war, we will pay a much, much, much higher price later to fight it,” he concluded.
Dutch experts agree
The scariest part? Dutch experts seem to agree with Rutte’s views.
Speaking to NU.nl, both Irregular Warfare and Special Operations professor Martijn Kitzen and War Studies professor Frans Ozinga doubled down on Rutte’s speech.
“People do see that there is a lot of conflict and threat, but that does not translate into urgency so quickly,” says Kitzen.
“To defend us against war, you have to be able to deter [enemies] credibly. You do that with a credible army and credible investments,” he adds.
“It’s about changing our mindset. We’re so used to everything working,” says Osinga, “but we have to be prepared to make certain sacrifices, prepared to invest in critical infrastructure.”
These expert opinions are not a complete surprise. After all, the news that the Netherlands is considering reintroducing full military conscription is about ten days old.
The Dutch crown princess is growing up and preparing to one day take the crown. But what do people actually think of future Queen Amalia?
RTL conducted a survey about the popularity of the princess, and the results are (mostly) in her favour. 👸
What a queen
It’s no secret that the 21st birthday is important for many Dutch people, but for Amalia it also meant essentially getting a promotion.
Since her birthday on December 7, she has been slowly preparing for her royal duties as a queen.
We’re seeing more of what the future with her as the queen will look like, and apparently, most Dutch people like the view.
Trust in her abilities is high, the survey found, sitting at 38%. Royal expert Annemarie de Kunder tells RTL that Amalia scores particularly well with young people, possibly because they respect how she handles living under criminal threat.
However, it’s not all praise
A slightly smaller portion of respondents feel differently when it comes to their trust in the princess: 20% want her to prove herself a bit more, and 16% have no trust in her.
The survey also reveals that while the largest group of respondents has trust in the future queen, for many, she’s not exactly their biggest concern.
A large part of the Dutch population expresses indifference, with 26% of people saying they don’t feel any particular way about her abilities.
Meanwhile, even more (37%) say they don’t care when asked if she should keep her life private.
De Kunder explains this is bad news for the royals. “A monarchy has a right to exist because it is supported by the people. As soon as interest decreases, this could mean the end of the monarchy in the long term.”
Might we suggest a good scandal or two to boost engagement? It might not get support, but it’s sure to keep people interested!
The money issue isn’t helping
What else does the future queen’s promotion entail? A higher salary, of course!
As of next year, Amalia will receive an annual allowance of €1.6 million. The sum could have been higher, but she has humbly refused or, rather, postponed the increase until she completes her studies.
The allowance can’t be spent on just anything, though. She needs to set up her own secretariat and take care of her home and work accommodation.
On second thought, she did move to Amsterdam, so 1.6 million might be just enough to get a room with several windows and her very own private sink!
As you can imagine, money is a sensitive topic. Over half of the country (54%) believes Amalia’s allowance should be discussed.
A smaller portion of respondents (21%) say they understand she needs to financially prepare herself, and an even smaller one (11%) believes the allowance is a good idea.
The rest (14%) — you’ve guessed it — don’t care.
What do you think of the future Dutch queen? Let us know in the comments!
The Netherlands is often called a ‘cycling paradise‘. But to make sure it stays that way, there are a whopping 53 differentways you can get fined while biking in the Netherlands!
I was cycling through the streets of Utrecht one evening when I was suddenly flagged down by the police. Before I knew what was happening — BAM, a fine of €55 for not having bike lights.
I alsogot a €90 fine for not carrying my ID, which I left at home for the day, together with my wallet.
So, this little bike adventure cost me a nice lump sum of €145. Rough.
To ensure that your biking trip doesn’t wind up as expensive as mine, here’s a basic guide to fines while cycling in the Netherlands.
Make sure you’re familiar with at least some of the laws before jumping on your favourite two-wheeler. 👮
1. Cycling without lights or reflectors
Cycling in the dark without bike lights is probably the most common reason for getting a fine. Like me, some people forget to buy new bike lights, and they also frequently get stolen. 😅
Biking at night? No problem — just don’t forget your bike lights! Image: Depositphotos
You need to have both front and backlights for it to count; otherwise, you can still get a €70 fine (as of January 2025, this will increase to €75). You can also get a €45 fine for not having reflectors on your bike.
On the bright side (as the officer who fined me also ironically said), bike lights are only like €4 or €5 at the HEMA. A pretty small price to pay for safety, right?
Note: Don’t put the little lights you buy in the flickering light function! This nifty little detail can also result in a fine of €60.
2. Cycling under the influence
This one is a little more than self-evident. Clearly, you shouldn’t step into any kind of vehicle drunk.
In the Netherlands, this also applies to cycling (not that this stops people from cycling drunk, anyway). You can be fined up to €200 if your alcohol blood level is above 0,54 mg/ml.
Count those biertjes — one too many and you could be fined for cycling. Image: Depositphotos
This translates to roughly two and a half beers, so watch out! In addition to this, you can get a €120 fine for not cooperating with the alcohol test.
Next time you’re coming home after drinking, consider walking your bike instead.
3. Not indicating the direction
If you’ve ever cycled in the Netherlands, you’ve seen people sticking their arms out when changing direction on a bike. While it may sometimes seem extravagant, it is actually very handy to avoid accidents.
Stick out those arms and indicate which direction you’re going! Image: Freepik
Beyond this, not indicating direction can land you a €45 fine. So stick those arms out, people!
4. Not having a bell (and other stuff)
There’s a scarily long list of fines that you can get for a badly maintained bike. If you take one look at bikes in Utrecht or Amsterdam, you can conclude that the police don’t check most of these.
You’re not going to want to use this bike…Image: Pixabay
In principle, however, you could be fined for the following:
Brakes that don’t work: €45
Broken pedals: €70
Not having a bell: €70
Broken bike frame: €120
5. Texting while cycling
Texting while cycling might be a more recent addition to the list of infractions you can commit while cycling in the Netherlands; however, it’s far from a rare occurrence.
If you’re seen with your phone while biking, that’s an instant fine! Image: Freepik
Since 2019, you can get a fine for this — the amount of which has changed over the years and has now gone up to a whopping €160.
Luckily, Google Maps has a speaker function — so listen closely to directions through your earphones and let Maps guide you verbally.
Pas op, though! The fine can be given just for holding your phone on a bike, even if you’re not actually texting — so make sure you keep your phone in your pocket or attached to your steering wheel.
6. Not following traffic rules
While it may seem that cyclists in the Netherlands think they’re above traffic rules, on paper, at least, they’re not.
Cyclist traffic lights in the Netherlands. Image: Pexels
You can get a €120 fine for running a red light, a €70 fine for driving on the bus lane, and a €45 fine for driving on a road where bikes aren’t allowed.
The bottom line: follow the traffic signs, and you should be fine. 🚦
7. Parking in the wrong place
If you don’t want your bike to be removed, you may want to remember this one: you can get a €40 fine for parking your bike in the wrong place, so just head to the nearest bike stall to park instead.
Make sure to park your bike where it’s acceptable! Image: Depositphotos
In some places in the Netherlands, you can even get a €40 fine for not locking your bike. (Although the risk of getting your bike stolen or thrown into a canal should be reason enough.)
In a country with so many cyclists, it makes sense that there are a lot of laws for them too. While overwhelming, most of these rules aren’t usually policed.
As long as you have good lights and follow the general traffic rules, you won’t have any problems.
Keep safe and happy fietsen (cycling)! 🚲
Have you ever been fined while cycling in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!
The Leiden Bio Science Park is the largest life sciences hub in the Netherlands and home to 150 Life Sciences & Health (LSH) companies — from Dutch start-ups to multinationals. One of these start-ups is Idris Oncology.
Led by Hans Peter Mulder and Peter Wiegman, Idris Oncology is a medical device company specialising in cancer diagnostics.
The company focuses on developing a device similar to a “fishing wire” to capture cancer DNA in the bloodstream. This allows for more accurate diagnostics, especially when tumours are small or nearly gone after treatment.
Pretty impressive feat, huh? That’s what I thought as well, so I sat down with Hans Peter to learn more about his work.
How did Idris Oncology get started?
During Hans Peter’s master’s studies, alongside his co-founder Peter, the pairs’ shared curiosity led them to build a micro 3D printer capable of producing objects as small as a cell nucleus.
Initially a fun side project, the costs quickly added up. “It was maybe €6000, which is a lot for a student,” Hans Peter says. To recover their investment, they started a company — but soon realised there wasn’t a sustainable business case for micro 3D printing.
Two years (and some hurdles and side-quests) later, the two were looking for a new challenge. “We had some experience with entrepreneurship — mostly at failing — but we wanted to give it another go,” Hans Peter laughs.
Hans Peter and Peter “started exploring problems to tackle, asking which ones [they] could solve. It took a long time to crystallise and involved a lot of conversations with doctors.”
One key moment in that journey was discovering a significant issue in cancer diagnostics — the low concentration of cancer biomarkers in the bloodstream.
It was during this period that their focus shifted, and Idris Oncology was born.
What does Idris Oncology do today?
“What we develop is basically a fishing wire to capture cancer DNA in your bloodstream,” Hans Peter summarises.
“You can imagine trying to find a fish in a river by scooping water out with a bucket. You’re not going to find any fish in your bucket, but you know they’re in the river.”
“Rather than taking a bucket of water out of the river, we use a fishing wire,” he explains. This allows them to collect a larger sample of cancer DNA, providing more accurate diagnostics — especially in cases where tumours are in their early stages or have nearly disappeared after treatment.
Idris Oncology’s flow biopsies provide reliable cancer samples, safely and pain-free. Image: Depositphotos
For now, Idris Oncology is particularly focused on the latter: revolutionising how cancer patients are monitored post-treatment. “We can find the cancer when it’s almost gone,” Hans Peter explains, noting that their wire could help answer critical questions about when to stop chemotherapy.
Brilliant idea, right? Unfortunately, it’ll take a while before the product can be sold. Hans Peter explains:
“Developing any invasive medical device is a lengthy process, especially as we fall under the highest regulatory class. On average, this can take around ten years, and we’re just now reaching the stage where we’re collecting the necessary paperwork to start human testing.”
What’s it like to work in the Leiden Bio Science Park?
The Leiden Bio Science Park is the biggest life science cluster in the Netherlands. First and foremost, this brings Idris Oncology a lot of legitimacy.
“I know that sounds boring,” says Hans Peter”, but when you tell venture capitalists or doctors in the States that you’re from Leiden, it’s met with a different reaction than mentioning the big names associated with this park, like Johnson & Johnson.”
But besides that, there’s also the human aspect of being at the Leiden Bio Science Park: “It’s the emotional support that’s often underrated.”
For example, “When I complain to friends or family about the challenges I face, they often don’t understand. But when I talk to someone in the same boat here at LBSP, they get it. They know the frustrations and the struggles. That shared understanding really helps.”
The same sense of community exists within Idris Oncology itself. “We’re a small team, so when you have a problem, you just come to me directly. Decisions are made quickly, and your work has a tangible impact,” says Hans Peter.
“I’ve never liked the word ‘impact’ because it’s often vague. But yes, here, you have an impact. Your work directly influences the decisions we make. If you run an experiment, that data could be why we pass FDA approval. If you show us a graph, Peter and I might decide to go left because of what you discovered. It’s very tangible.”
For Hans Peter, working at Idris Oncology means seeing the direct results of your efforts. “Here, impact isn’t just a word — it’s the colour of the product, its chemical composition, the way it looks. It’s all very real,” which makes working at Idris Oncology so different.
In a perfect world, what would be your wildest dreams for the future of Idris Oncology?
“I don’t spend much time thinking about that,” Hans Peter laughs. But he has an idea: “There’s not yet a word for it, but the closest I’ve come to describing what I dream about is something like ‘biological awareness.’”
“There’s so much happening inside our bodies that we’re completely unaware of. We don’t know what our brains, our hearts, or any of our organs are really doing. The frustrating part is that we often get punished for decisions we made decades ago, like eating too much sugar for years and then developing diabetes, without our bodies ever warning us along the way.”
Idris Oncology wants to help people age healthily. Image: Depositphotos
He continues, “We don’t get feedback from our bodies in real-time, which means we’re not always able to make the right choices.”
“I want to see a future where we can detect more subtle things, like an increase in a protein that indicates neurodegeneration. The same idea could be applied to any chronic disease. We’re always too late in treating these things because we’re missing the early signals.”
He envisions a world where an implant could monitor key biomarkers. “Let’s say when you turn 50, you get an implant that monitors for early signs of cancer. At 52, it might alert you to a small signal that’s often a precursor to cancer, prompting you to go for a screening. By detecting it early, when the tumour is still small, it’s much easier to treat. That’s true for all diseases — we just need to get the early warning signals.”
What do you think about Idris Oncology’s journey? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Winter is finally in here, which means Netflix, hot chocolate, and every reason to stay inside (yeah, we’re working on that winter body). To all my friends: see you again in March, or whenever the warm weather is back in the Netherlands.
At least, that’s what my winters have looked like for the past three years. But this year, I promised myself that things were going to be different!
No more wasted hours in front of the computer, watching terrible Hallmark movies (well, maybe a couple of those guilty pleasures).
This year will be the year that I join the crazy people who go hiking in the middle of winter. Yes, I will be one of those insane individuals you see on adventure holidays in the Dutch forests.
(And if prejudice and poor geography knowledge have made you think you can’t hike in the Netherlands, think again. 😉)
1. Explore Texel: the ultimate winter getaway
An advantage to the flat landscape is that you can see super far. Image: Carmen Monge/Supplied.
This island is the perfect destination for a weekend away in the colder months of the year.
The winter season on Texel is not very crowded, so you’ll have plenty of space to wander around. Oh, and you can see seals on the beach. Seals!
When you’ve worked up an appetite from hiking, you can try the local delicacies, such as slow-cooked lamb with a Texel Beer to wash it down.
If you want some adventure and see some wild animals, you should definitely check out the calm and easily accessible Texel.
2. Take a hike in Veluwe: a national park to die for
Veluwe National Park is a winter paradise. Here, you can see wild animals, and as it gets colder and colder every day, fewer people will obstruct the views. It’s quite atmospheric. 😍
This is a place where the deer and mouflons get less shy and stand ready to strike a pose.
If you get tired of walking, there are free bikes available, included in your ticket to the park.
Make sure to sample some regional specialities like kaaswafels and kaasbolltjes (savoury cheese waffles and cookies) to wrap up an active day out in the wild.
3. Travel through the Dutch dunes
The Dutch dunes are something else. Image: Carmen Monge/Supplied.
The season doesn’t matter when it comes to visiting the Dunes.
From Katwijk to Noordwijk or from Scheveningen to Wassenaar, you’ll always find an oasis of wonderful ocean views in the Netherlands.
A huge advantage of walking in the Dunes is how easy (and lovely) it makes walking between towns, as well as the fact that most dune areas are well-connected by public transport.
This province has an interesting history and picturesque scenes that are a must to visit for anyone interested in culture in the Netherlands.
One unique part is ‘t Roegwold, a nature reserve where you can find Knuppelpad (a 750-metre wooden footpath right through the swamp of ‘t Roegwold).
5. Experience the Dutch countryside: find trails in any small town
The very definition of quaint. Image: Carmen Monge/Supplied.
If you live in one of the big Dutch cities and rarely get an excuse to move out of your comfort zone, now is your chance. I walked a lot last year and discovered some beautiful tiny towns between big cities.
The Netherlands is scattered with picturesque villages and towns, just waiting to be discovered.
Most have hiking trails on the outskirts of town, and if you’re feeling fit, you can even aim to hike from village to village!
An incline? In the Netherlands?? Image: Gouwenaar/Wikimedia Commons/CC1.0
Miss a good incline under your feet? Then I recommend the Klimduin in Schoorl. This quaint Dutch village offers some great dunes — including this nice and steep starting point.
Once you reach the top of this beauty (sweaty and ready to go), you can wander through gorgeous dunes, past fields of heather, and eventually make your way to the beach for a chilly dip!
After a long day’s hike, you can then return to the top of the Klimduin, roll down it, and treat yourself to a nice meal at one of Schoorl’s many gezellig restaurants and cafés.
7. Stick to the classics, hike in your local park
I walked enough last year to find that every Dutch city has a (sometimes huge) park. So, check Google Maps for the green zones, and start walking hiking!
You’ll be surprised by how much your local town or city has to offer — you can usually walk for hours among the trees in your very own backyard.
Why not make a park bucket-list, and see how many of your local green areas you can explore this winter? Picnics, sports, outdoor gym classes, park bench reading sessions — the options are endless when it comes to activities.
Ready to start hiking the Netherlands?
What are you waiting for? Now is the time to get acquainted with the Dutch winterscape! Grab your rain boots, a good sweater, get up from the couch, and keep discovering this amazing little country!
BONUS TIPS: Don’t know where to start walking? Try the wandelen.nl app! it’s handy on the go, and it can give you tons of ideas about where to begin.
If you’re going to Groningen, try the free app Groningen Routes. If you head to Veluwe, you can find a map for only €2 at the ticket office!
My bucket list for this winter includes Paal 29 in North Holland, and a repeat of the golf course near Warmond (my local park).
What’s on your winter wandelen bucket list?Tell us in the comments below!
Looking for the best ice-skating rinks in the Netherlands? One of the most festive ways to enjoy the winter season has got to be hopping out onto the ice, pretending you have all the grace of a seasoned ballet dancer. 🩰
Yes, yes, we know: the reality is you’re clinging to the fence, desperately trying to keep your balance.
Whether you’re an ice-skating master, or the kind to prefer to be pushed around on a penguin chair intended for a small child, we’ve got the ultimate list of ice-skating rinks in the Netherlands, from Amsterdam to Eindhoven.
Looking at a specific city? Get to the good part! ⛸️
TIP: Many ice-skating rinks in the Netherlands require you to bring your own gloves and winter gear to stay warm — and safe!
Amsterdam ice-skating rinks
Amsterdam is host to some of the best ice rinks in the Netherlands.
From ice skating on the iconic Museumplein to indoor rinks that protect you (somewhat) from the cold, Amsterdam’s ice-skating rinks have so much to offer! ⛸
Jaap Eden
The Jaap Eden ice-skating rink in the Netherlands is open all year round, but that doesn’t make the visit any less exciting during the winter season.
Here you can get some ice-skating lessons and brush up your skills on the rink. Or, if you’re less into ice skating and more into ice hockey, this is the place to join an association and make your epic breakthrough into the world of winter sports. 🏒
📍 Location: Radioweg 64, 1098 NJ Amsterdam 💰 Price: €10 for adults, €5.80 for children aged 4 to 15, and free for kids under 4 ⏰ Opening hours: Varying open hours over the Christmas holidays, but open on weekdays from 7:30 AM to 10:30 PM
Rembrandtplein
Another pop-up ice-skating rink in the Netherlands, you’ll find the Ijsbaan in the centre of Amsterdam city on the iconic Rembrandtplein.
— Frans Stuy Evenementenorganisatie (@StuyKermisplaza) February 26, 2022
With a winter wonderland backdrop and even mulled wine on sale (because that’s going to help you with your balance on the ice! 😉), skating at Rembrandtplein is a memorable way to spend the season.
Psssst! A local to Amsterdam? If you live and work in the Dutch capital, you can get a discount on your skating ticket.
📍 Location: Rembrandtplein, 1017 CT Amsterdam 💰 Price: €20.50 (includes skates and a mug of glühwein or warm Chocomel) ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 AM to 11 PM during the winter months
With a merry-go-round, a Ferris wheel, and even cross-country skiing, the Winter Paradise at the RAI, Amsterdam’s largest conference and events centre, is sure to fill you full of Christmas-time glee! 🎅
📍 Location: Europaplein 24, 1078 GZ Amsterdam 💰 Price: Tickets start at €22.50, but can depend on the time of your visit ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 9 AM to 6 PM
Rotterdam ice-skating rinks
Rotterdam is home to a fun winter-time ice-skating rink of its own — add some adorable Christmas markets, and Rotterdam has so much festive fun to offer!
Schaatsbaan Rotterdam
At this fabulous pop-up Schaatsbaan ice-skating rink, you can hop on the 400-metre ice track and race your friends (or play a bit of chase, like the good ol’ days!).
Or, if winter sports are your thing, try your hand at a spot of curling.
📍 Location: Toepad 95, 3063 NJ Rotterdam 💰 Price: €8.40 to €9, depending on the day ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 8 AM to 11 PM
The Hague ice-skating rinks
Though the Hague has just one major ice rink, with a skating track as well as an open rink for a little bit of nonsense skating, you’re sure to find something to do on the ice!
De Uithof
The De Uitof ice-skating rink in the Netherlands has been around for a grand 50 years, so it’s surely the place to go for an enjoyable evening out!
With both a 400-metre ice-skating track and a ‘FunRink’ if you’re the type who enjoys a leisurely skate on the ice, there’s something to offer every visitor — seasoned professional or amateur skater. 😎
Also on offer at De Uithof are curling, skiing, snowboarding, and even go-karting. None of these pique your interest? Why not try a couple of rounds of laser tag while the rest of your party tries to stay upright? 😉
📍 Location: Jaap Edenweg 10, 2544 NL Den Haag 💰 Price: €12 for an entry ticket at the desk (€11.25 if bought online) ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, hours depend on the day but usually open 9 AM to 9 PM
Utrecht ice-skating rinks
Are you living in the wonderful city of Utrecht, home to some stunning canals, churches, and gardens? Well, rest assured — you can still get out onto the ice in Utrecht!
Winter Station at the Spoorwegmuseum
The Winter Station at the Spoorwegmuseum ice rink is set up in the big hall of Utrecht’s railway museum’s main building, across the train platforms from the old Maliebaanstation building.
There are food stalls on the side, as well as a vintage merry-go-round converted into agezelligbar.
Check out this epic ice-skating rink in Utrecht at the Railway Museum! Image: Spoorwegmuseum/Supplied
If you plan to entertain kids, then this is the place. The museum alone is nothing short of amazing and warrants a visit, ice rink or not. It was established in 1927 and moved to the former Utrecht Maliebaanstation, a national monument, in 1954.
There is daily live music and children’s activities. And, as one would expect, lovely Christmas lights and decorations all over the place.
📍 Location: Maliebaanstation 16, 3581 XW Utrecht 💰 Price: €19.50 during peak hours and €12.50 during off-peak hours ⏰ Opening hours: Varies depending on the day, but they are usually open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM
Leiden ice-skating rinks
Leiden, the Netherlands’ secret gem, is also a wonderful city for some festive activities! The Christmas season is alive and well with both a floating ice rink and a professional rink to get those ice-skating lessons in. 🎅
Floating Ice Rink in Leiden
At the Floating Ice Rink in Leiden, you can get the festivities started. Bring along your date, and show off your epic ice-skating skills. What? No, I didn’t fall. It was a planned trick, I swear. 😎
The ice rink floats on the Nieuwe Rijn in Leiden, but it’s not just for skating — it also hosts lots of events. Every Saturday and Sunday morning that the rink is open during the festive period, Elsa and Anna from Frozen make an appearance!
Plus, a portion of the profits made by the sale of deposit cups (cups that you pay extra for and can use during the event — and then usually return for some €€) will be donated to aid the Willem-Alexander Children’s Hospital.
📍 Location: Nieuwe Rijn, Leiden 💰 Price: €9.50 including rental skates ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM during the winter months
IJshal De Vliet
IJshal de Vliet in Leiden is home to an all-year ice-skating rink, which teaches ice skating and offers the chance to play Bavarian curling, ice hockey, and other winter sports.
The rink also runs a special Christmas programme and will open the rink for kids aged between six and 14 from December 27, to December 30.
📍 Location: Marie Diebenplaats 104, 2324 NG Leiden 💰 Price: €8.50 for a ticket, and €7 for students and children between the ages of 2 and 11. ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, hours dependent on the day
Check out the many museums, but don’t forget to pack your heavy coat (as we said, lots of these rinks ask you to bring good winter gear!). We’re going skating, schat!
IJsbaan Haarlem
The IJsbaan in Haarlem has so much to offer. A year-round skating rink, it opens for the skating season from October to March.
📍 Location: IJsbaanlaan 2, 2024 AV Haarlem 💰 Price: €9 for those 16 and over, €5.40 for children up to the age of 15 ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, opening hours vary, usually 8 AM to 4.30 PM and 9 PM to 11 PM on certain evenings.
Groningen ice-skating rinks
Groningen is a Dutch city that can really light up during the festive season. Keep an eye out for updates, as the weather in Groningen can impact the number of ice rinks. 🧊
Sportcentrum Kardinge
The roller skating rink at Kardinge, Groningen, transforms each year into a whimsical ice-skating rink. With an ice hockey hall on-site, be sure to pack your kneepads.
Before you go, check their updates, as the outdoor roller skating rink only transforms into an ice rink once the winter cold hits and the rink ices over.
📍 Location: Kardingerplein 1, 9735 AA Groningen 💰 Price: €8.50 for adults, €6.50 for kids ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, but ice rink opening days vary day to day
Grote Markt Groningen
Every year, the Grote Markt in Groningen transforms itself into an epic ice-skating rink where you can trace laps on the ice with your loved ones.
An annual festival, the official announcement for the opening of this ijsbaan is yet to be announced, so keep your eyes peeled! 👀
Eindhoven ice-skating rinks
Disco ice-skating, you say? Well, Eindhoven is the place for that! Or a Dutch winter wonderland? Head to the Markt!
Is disco ice skating more your vibe? Or perhaps you’re looking for somewhere to host a memorable kids’ party?
Well, you can do both and more at the IJssportcentrum in Eindhoven! This IJssportcentrum skating rink in the Netherlands is open year-round, so if you’re itching for a skate in mid-July, you can escape that summer heat and cool off on the ice.
📍 Location: Antoon Coolenlaan 3, 5644 RX Eindhoven 💰 Price: €9.25 for those aged 4 to 64, and €7.90 for those 65 and over ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 AM to 5:30 PM
Ice-skating rinks in other Dutch cities
Gouda
Who wouldn’t want to hop on the ice rink in Gouda? Just look at those glitzy lights! Image: Grand Canyon Events/Supplied
Gouda’s splendid Stadhuis (City Hall) building is a national monument, one of the most impressive examples of secular Gothic architecture in the Netherlands.
The beautiful ice rink De Goudse Ijsbaan follows a track around the Stadhuis building. Rather than having a common rectangular ice rink, you can skate around on a long stretch of ice, like a skateway.
📍 Location: Markt 35, 2801 JK Gouda 💰 Price: €8.50 for entrance, €2.50 for rental skates ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 9 AM to 11 PM
Tilburg
The Christmas IJsbaan is up again in Tilburg, and this time it’s coming along with a horde of events to keep you feeling festive and cheerful this winter. This ice-skating rink in the Netherlands is open all winter-long, and the events in Tilburg don’t end there.
Hop onto the vintage carousel for a throwback to childhood days, or grab a cup of mulled wine at the BBQ & Christmas market on December 11.
Not enough to keep you entertained? Well, Tilburg isn’t done with you yet. Check out the Festival of Lights at the Sint-Jozefkerk, or even visit the live nativity scene! 🐏
📍 Location: Heuvel, 5038 CP Tilburg 💰 Price: €7.50 for entrance, €5.50 to rent skates ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 AM to 11 PM
Ice skating on the canals and lakes of Dutch cities
Ice skating on the canals in the Netherlands is an iconic way to celebrate the cold months. Image: Depositphotos
Of course, an option for ice skating in the Netherlands, especially during the cold, icy months, is to skate on the canals and lakes.
In the winter months, these bodies of water have a chance of freezing over, so if you’ve got your own pair of skates, make sure to dig them out and enjoy the frozen canals.
This is dependent on the weather conditions every year, so make sure to stay up to date, and if you’re local to the city, you’re sure to see swarms of Dutchies hitting the ice once it’s safe to do so.
Ice skating in the Netherlands is one of the most enjoyable ways to warm up during the winter months. Though a bit daunting, once you’re steady on your feet, you can skate the day away.
Perhaps grab your own pair of skates, and get discounts at many of these rinks for bringing your own. And, of course, never forget your gloves!
Are you going to hit the ice this winter? Tell us in the comments below! 👇
When you first move to the Netherlands, there are a million and one things to sort out, so it’s understandable if your Dutch pension isn’t at the forefront of your mind.
However, what many internationals in the Netherlands don’t realise is that there are some steps you should be taking in order to set yourself up for retirement.
In the Netherlands, supplementing your Dutch pension throughout your working life is completely normal — and you should do this, too.
Why and how? To understand this, you first need to know how pensions in the Netherlands work.
We teamed up with Brand New Day to bring you this article. They offer private retirement accounts where their clients can save or invest — all with tax benefits.
The Dutch pension system: a brief breakdown
There are three different ways for you to build a pension in the Netherlands. These are referred to as the three pillars:
The first pillar: the AOW
The AOW or Algemene Ouderdomswet (National Old Age Pension Act) is a basic pension provided by the Dutch government to anyone who lives and works in the Netherlands (including internationals!)
Yes, you can build up an AOW pension, even as an international — but there’s a catch. Image: Freepik
Once you live in the Netherlands and pay income tax, you will automatically start building up an AOW pension if you are 50 years before your pension age (AOW age). In the Netherlands, this is currently 67 years old.
However, you will only build up an AOW pension while living in the Netherlands.
For example: If you moved to the Netherlands at 27 and stayed here until you reached your pension age of 67, then the years you missed between the ages of 17 (50 years before your pension age) and 27 will not be covered by the AOW.
You build up 2% of your AOW during these years. This means that, since you lived in another country for 10 years of the 50 years before your AOW age, you would lose out on 20% of your AOW pension.
This would also be the case if you left the Netherlands for another couple of years at some point. You would lose 2% of your AOW pension for every year you are not living and working in the Netherlands.
It’s also worth noting that the amount provided by the AOW is linked to minimum wage, which means it often isn’t enough for you to retire on.
In fact, most people in the Netherlands supplement this state pension.
The second pillar: an employee pension
One way that people supplement their pension in the Netherlands is through their employer.
While some employers in the Netherlands contribute to a retirement fund for their employees, not all do.
Not everyone in the Netherlands builds up a pension through their employer. Image: Freepik
650,000 people do build up retirement through their employer, but it would not be enough to continue their current lifestyle
This is where the current pillar comes in.
The third pillar: a personal pension account
While the AOW and an employee pension will certainly help build your pension, there’s a big chance you will need to supplement them if you want to receive a pension that will cover your cost of living when you’re older.
In the Netherlands, people usually do this by opening a private pension account where they can put money towards their retirement.
Brand New Day offers investment accounts specifically for retirement. Image: Freepik
So, how can you do this? That’s where services such as those offered by Brand New Day come in.
By offering private pension accounts to internationals in the Netherlands, Brand New Day allows you to save or invest money for your retirement.
Why should I open a private retirement account in the Netherlands?
As an international in the Netherlands, you likely benefit less from the first two pillars compared to Dutch nationals. This is because you haven’t always lived in the Netherlands — and you may even move away again at some point.
That’s why it’s important to supplement your Dutch pensions and allow your money to accrue value over time.
Also, you get some of your money back
Fun fact, in the Netherlands, when you invest or save money in a private retirement account, you actually get some of that money back once you file your taxes the following year. This is because you can deduct the amount from your taxable income.
How much are we talking? It depends on which tax bracket you fall into, but it can be either 37% or a whopping 49% of the amount!
For example: Let’s say you put €1,000 into a retirement account with Brand New Day this year. Once you file your income tax for 2024 next year, you will get either €370 or €490 back.
However, it’s worth noting that this only applies as long as the amount you are putting into your private pension account falls within yourjaarruimteor “annual space.”
Your jaarruimte is the maximum amount you can put into a private pension account while still being eligible for this tax benefit.
Everyone has a certain jaarruimte determined by their income and other factors, such as whether your employer is contributing to your pension.
For example, according to Brand New Day’s Jaarruimte calculator, my annual space is €6,000. This means that I can put up to €6,000 into a private pension account and receive a percentage back.
Why should I use Brand New Day to supplement my Dutch pension?
So, are you ready to supplement your Dutch pension? Let’s talk about why you should consider opening an investment or savings account with Brand New Day.
There are fewer risks due to index investing
There are times when you have to take risks in life, but when it comes to your retirement, you should play it safe. This is why Brand New Day offers index investing.
What this means is that they will spread out the way your money is invested.
Instead of taking the risk of investing it all in a handful of specific companies, your money will be spread across the entire market, reducing your risk of losing it all.
Fun fact: you will get some of the money you invest in your pension back. Image: Freepik
Brand New Day lets you choose from different risk models and portfolios, however, the core of their investing strategy is passive index investing.
This means that Brand New Day offers investment portfolios that mirror stock market indexes. In doing this, your money is invested in a variety of companies over a long period of time, making it a low-risk way for your investment to accrue value.
Not sure what to do? You can also simply arrange a call with one of Brand New Day’s retirement experts.
Want to invest in strictly green companies? Brand New Day offers low-emission investment portfolios — although it’s worth noting that all their investment portfolios steer clear of any companies involved in child labour, controversial weapons and tobacco.
Not interested in investing? Geen probleem, just save
Who said you have to invest money in order to supplement your pension? After all, you may just want somewhere to put your money and allow it to grow in value through a great interest rate.
Brand New Day also offers retirement savings accounts with variable interest rates to help your money gain value over time.
These accounts work the same as their retirement investing accounts except that instead of building your money through market gains, your savings grow by building interest.
You can choose between variable or fixed interest rates.
Note: Unlike other savings accounts, retirement savings accounts are not freely withdrawable. The rules of the game dictate you cannot withdraw your money early (there are a few exceptions) without losing your tax benefits and possibly a small penalty (depending on circumstances).
Brand New Day helps you avoid a bureaucratic nightmare
After living in the Netherlands for a few years, you may decide it’s time to move somewhere else — and we get it, that’s life.
Save yourself some bureaucratic stress with Brand New Day. Image: Freepik
However, you shouldn’t let the fear of a bureaucratic nightmare prevent you from establishing a private pension account in the Netherlands while you’re here.
Brand New Day’s pension accounts cater easily to expats because you don’t have to be living in the Netherlands to have an account with them.
In fact, you can have a private pension account with Brand New Day as long as:
You live and pay income tax in a European Economic Area
You have a checking account with a Dutch bank
This means that, should you decide to move to, for example, Ireland, you can still keep your Brand New Day pension account.
Note: There are a few conditions where you aren’t eligible to continue having an account with Brand New Day, you can see these, and the next steps you will have to take on their website.
Are you ready to get the ball rolling on your future pension? Good for you! Reach out to Brand New Day to get a better idea of the possibilities.
What’s your experience with the Dutch pension system? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Your neighbour’s dog, your newborn, and drunk tourists under your window could soon be in legal trouble — if residents near Schiphol Airport prove that sleep deprivation counts as abuse.
As the AD writes, they are filing an assault case against Schiphol Airport, claiming years of noise pollution have robbed them of their precious sleep and, as a result, their health.
Ready for battle (and good sleep)
Schiphol residents claim the airport’s noise pollution has caused a lack of sleep that is detrimental to their physical and mental health. They also claim that this constitutes abuse.
They say that the nature of this abuse is no accident, but systemic and driven by — you guessed it: money. 💰
The residents, united under the Right to Protection against Aircraft Nuisance Foundation (RBV), already won a civil case against the Dutch state earlier this year.
The court ruled that the government had systematically ignored the residents’ interests, but there was no punishment involved and, therefore, no proper enforcement.
The result? The Netherlands’ most tired citizens have decided to take on all the big players in a criminal case this time around: Schiphol Airport, KLM, Transavia, and the Dutch state itself (since that is Schiphol’s largest shareholder).
The first of its kind
There has never been an abuse conviction due to noise pollution in the Netherlands, so this case would set precedence.
How do Schiphol residents intend to win such an important case? By hiring Bénédicte Ficq, a big-time lawyer who previously filed cases against the tobacco industry, Tata Steel and Chemours.
She’s hopeful about the case: “The aviation decree from 2008 stipulates that the damage caused may not worsen compared to the damage that was already there. And that has indeed happened.”
This, combined with the civil case victory and the fact that sleep is a human right, and it might be the Schiphol CEO’s turn to lose some sleep — in this case due to worry. 👀
On the one hand, taking on the state and three powerful companies in a criminal case might sound like biting off a bit more than you can chew.
On the other hand, there are few opponents we would like to face in court less than an army of cranky, tired people fighting for fundamental human rights.
How do you think this case will play out? Let us know your thoughts below!
