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Why the Netherlands will never have an ‘Elfstedentocht’ (Eleven Cities Tour) again

Abuzer van Leeuwen 🇳🇱
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12
Why the Netherlands will never have an ‘Elfstedentocht’ (Eleven Cities Tour) again

Dutch people want an Elfstedentocht in Friesland more than winning a World Cup in football or unlimited free cheese.

However, the chances of an actual Elfstedentocht (Eleven Cities Tour) happening again are getting slimmer every passing year.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “The canals could always freeze over, so why can’t there be another Elfstedentocht?” — Well, we’ve got three great reasons for you.

What is the Elfstedentocht? 

First things first, what is this Elfstedentocht all the Dutch are talking about? Why do they act like it’s a precious ring that will give them power forever? 

Let me enlighten you.

The Elfstedentocht is an ice-skating tour that follows a circular route along frozen canals, rivers, and lakes.

It runs through eleven historical Frisian towns: Leeuwarden, Sneek, IJlst, Sloten, Stavoren, Hindeloopen, Workum, Bolsward, Harlingen, Franeker, and Dokkum.

READ MORE | What were Elfstedentochten really like? Vintage 50s video in full colour inside!

The almost 200-kilometre-long tour is held only if the ice is and remains at least 15 centimetres thick along the entire course. That’s because about 15,000 skaters would take the route (and a gazillion people would watch).

All participating skaters must be members of the Association of the Eleven Frisian Towns, so if you’re wondering if you can ever participate, then the answer is a flat-out no.

This used to be an annual event that stopped the nation, but it hasn’t been held since 1997. Here’s some footage from the last one, the only one I ever experienced in my life (safely and warmly from behind the TV):

So, why will the Netherlands never have an Elfstedentocht again?

Sounds like a fun event, right? Well, unfortunately, the chances of it ever happening again are unlikely. Here’s why:

Global warming and temperature extremes

As you might have noticed, temperature extremes are all over the place lately, you can’t have missed it (unless you’re Donald Trump).

The thing is, all the extremes in the Netherlands have been hot temperature records — not cold ones. Unfortunately, this pretty much kills the last hope Dutch people had for another Elfstedentocht.

Graph displaying daily temperature records in the netherlands
Oof. Not much chance of the Elfstedentocht happening, it would seem. Image: datagraver/KNMI

As you can see, there are plenty of heat records lately — almost no cold records.

So, whatever the reason for global warming is, it doesn’t change the obvious trend that the Netherlands is warming up in general.

The Elfstedentocht media circus will be too big for an Eleven Cities Tour to happen

Just for a moment, look at those images from 1997 again. Quite a happening back then, and even then we thought that it was a complete media frenzy.

And holy sh*t, more than 1.5 million people were present in Friesland, including 2000 (international) reporters! And that was in 1997 when the internet was still this:

Can you imagine the record-breaking media circus that would come about with an Elfstedentocht in this day and age? It might even break some US inauguration records!

It’s just unrealistic to think that Friesland could handle three million people normally, let alone three million on ice.

The Dutch are way too ‘safety-first’ to allow such a mega-event as the Elfstedentocht to happen

So, mega crowds and thin ice. Some of you readers might just say “Let’s get it on” (or as they say in Frisian: “iet gat oan” or better yet and more realistically: “it giet nea mear oan“).

READ MORE | Natural ice skating in the Netherlands: where to go and what to bring

So, if you’re thinking that the Dutch will just jump for any excuse to have another Elfstedentocht, then you’re not thinking it through.

No mayor or minister will take a gamble with so many people on such thin ice.

Hell, we even have a saying in Dutch that goes: “niet over één nacht ijs gaan”, which would translate to “don’t go over one night’s ice” and means that you don’t want to take any stupid risks.

I would love to be wrong about never having an Elfstedentocht again, and will definitely be the first to stand in and booze it up.

But, sure, the temperatures might plummet to below zero for three weeks once in the future — but realistically speaking, the Elfstedentocht in Friesland will never happen again.

Did you know about this Dutch tradition? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Feature Image: Rob Bogaerts/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

An unfair advantage? This is how some Dutch feel about the 30% ruling

Kriti Swarup
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0
An unfair advantage? This is how some Dutch feel about the 30% ruling

The housing market in the Netherlands is in turmoil, and some locals are pointing fingers toward expats and their 30% tax break. But are they really to blame? 

The Eindhoven Dagblad invited readers to share their views on how the 30% ruling affects housing. Their thoughts? Most respondents want the ruling abolished, saying it pushes the housing market further out of reach for first-time buyers.

Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the centre of Eindhoven costs no less than €1,200, and the price per square metre for buying a house now exceeds €4,700. 

It’s no wonder the people want someone to blame — but is it rightly placed? Let’s get into it. 

What is the 30% ruling? 

Firstly, let’s explain what is at the centre of this argument. The 30% ruling was meant to attract highly educated foreign workers to the Netherlands by allowing them to receive part of their salary tax-free. 

Although it depends on their salary, expats earn an average of around €1,000 more per month when compared to their Dutch colleagues in similar roles. 

From January 1, 2027, the tax-free portion of expats’ salaries will be reduced from 30% to 27%. After five years, expats will pay the same tax rates as everyone else.  

However, with roughly 20,000 applications for knowledge migrants submitted to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service in 2025, the tax break remains a hot topic among Dutch people. 

“Why are expats favoured over locals?” 

This is a question on the lips of these ED readers. 

One reader, Peter de Groot, writes that differentiating between domestic and foreign employees in their benefits is “unconstitutional.”

Meanwhile, another reader, Dick de Groot, wishes to abolish tax benefits for expats altogether. 

Elis Poelman thinks it’s “ridiculous” that expats are favoured over residents born and raised in Eindhoven. 

READ MORE | The 30% ruling in the Netherlands: The easy guide in 2026

Meanwhile, Alex Goudriaan thinks Indians would keep coming to Eindhoven regardless of the tax break… 

Some readers suggest a practical fix instead: let companies house their own workers. 

Amita Banerjee proposes staff housing to ease pressure on the local market, while Marijn de Jong sums it up simply: build a few large residential towers next to ASML.

Another commenter on Eindhoven Dagblad’s article turns the tables: “There’s only one real cause of high house prices: scarcity. And because higher prices mean higher profits and taxes, that scarcity is deliberately sustained.”

Does an extra €1,000 per month really help you buy a house? 

Unfortunately for the readers of the Eindhoven Dagblad: No. 

According to Dennis van Lieshout, a mortgage advisor, it’s a myth that the 30% ruling makes it easier for expats to buy a house. 

“About two-thirds of all mortgages fall under the National Mortgage Guarantee, and in those cases, we shouldn’t even include the scheme in our calculations,” van Lieshout tells ED. 

When it comes to renting, however, an extra €1,000 indeed helps you pay more rent, making you better able to take on the increasing rent prices. 

From the mortgage advisor’s perspective, if the tax break is discontinued completely, expats might be less likely to choose the Netherlands, which risks the country’s “competitive position.”

The Netherlands plays a major role in semiconductors, robotics, software development, and the energy transition. These sectors contribute a lot to the country’s GDP, which then helps fund benefits that make life in the Netherlands easier for Dutch citizens.

Next time mortgages feel impossible, and the thought of your grandfather buying a house at age 11 keeps you up at night, perhaps blame the economy — not the expat.

Dig what you’re reading? Get more of it! Join our WhatsApp channel or Instagram broadcast to get the latest news straight to your pocket.

Why are there no public bathrooms in the Netherlands?

Ailish Lalor
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Why are there no public bathrooms in the Netherlands?

It’s the moment we all dread in the Netherlands: having to use the loo when you’re out and about. There’s just one problem: where the heck are the public toilets around here? And why do you have to pay? 

Picture this: you’re relaxing with your friends in the city, wandering from shop to shop — when suddenly you feel it. Your friends notice the flicker of fear in your eyes: you need the loo. 😳

In any other country, this would be no cause for concern — from Ireland to New Zealand, public toilets are commonplace, free, and relatively clean (most of the time).

But in the Netherlands, things are a little different. If you need to go while you’re out of the house, you’re going to have to part with one of three things: your money, your dignity, or your comfort. In some cases, you’ll probably have to part with them all. 😩

Why are Dutch toilets so expensive?

Anyone who has lived here for a while can tell you, Dutch toilets are not free of charge. Fees range from 50 cents to a whole €1.10, depending on the city and location.

golden-public-bathroom-in-the-netherlands-gray-tiles-expensive-peeing-experience
For the price we’re paying, we’d expect the toilets in the Netherlands to look something like this! Image: Depositphotos

You might be wondering what all this money goes towards. Well, keep wondering. We have geen idee (no idea). Perhaps it’s just another Dutch quirk; lord knows they have a strange toilet culture in this country. 🚽

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #43: Hang a birthday calendar in their toilet

Presumably, some of the money pays the wages of the omnipresent toiletjuffrouw — the lady who takes your money when you’re entering the toilet (good for her, though. Respect the hustle). 

Other than that, nobody seems to have a good answer as to why train stations, cafés, and restaurants all charge you for using their facilities. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Sneaking into café toilets is an option

While in some cities, men can shamelessly use the urinals that are casually placed in the middle of the street (yup), women’s lives in the Netherlands are a little harder.

READ MORE | I had to pay €4 to use a toilet on King’s Day — and I’m pissed

picture-of-a-man-in-public-urinal-in-Amsterdam-surrounded-by-bikes-scooter-boats-background-of-canal-houses-trees
It’s a man’s world… Image: Depositphotos

Luckily, café toilets are always an option.

Officially, most cafés will ask you for 50 cents if you use their toilets without buying something. However, you can decide to risk your dignity and sneak past the wait staff to the toilet in the back.

Legally, they can’t make you pay, though it is considered pretty rude. But hey, the Dutch are known for their directness — so there’s a limit to how offended they can get.

And nonetheless, in an emergency when you have no change in your pockets, it’s an option — if not the best option.

Toilets are actually pretty important

For most of us, the worst-case scenario is being uncomfortable for an hour or so until we get home to enjoy the luxury of a free, clean, private toilet.

But for people who have incontinence problems, have a health issue that affects their digestive system (like Crohn’s disease), or are pregnant, the lack of accessible public toilets in the Netherlands is a real problem.

As a result, some people don’t even leave their houses, as the Het Parool reported. How awful!

sign-toilet-for-men-and-women-in-the-netherlands-on-board-on-wood-wall
Finding a public toilet can be a nightmare in the Netherlands! Image: Depositphotos

There’s no denying that the public toilet situation in the Netherlands is, well, 💩. But luckily, if you’re out, about, and desperate, there are some apps out there that help you find public toilets, such as HogeNood!

That said, recent research by the Dutch Stomach Liver Intestine Foundation has concluded that West Maas en Waal in Gelderland is the best municipality for peeing in public — so take that into account when planning your next day trip. 😉

It won’t fix the lack of toilet paper or the horrifying inspection shelf — but at least you’ll be able find a place to do your business. 😅

Have you had any horrifying experiences with public toilets in the Netherlands? Let us know in the comments below!

A guide to night buses and night trains in the Netherlands

Emma Brown
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1
A guide to night buses and night trains in the Netherlands

Had one too many drinks and missed the last train? Bracing yourself for a taxi journey that will eat up your monthly pay? No need! You can still travel around on night service transport in the Netherlands.

Night buses and trains are offered in Amsterdam and throughout the Netherlands — so don’t worry, you won’t be stranded anywhere!

Here is all you need to know about late-night (or early-morning) travel in the Netherlands.👇

When and where do night trains in the Netherlands run?

Night trains in the Netherlands run after the last ‘regular’ train leaves, usually around 1 AM. ⏰

They don’t run as regularly as normal trains, but about every hour or so, you can board a night train and be safely transported to your destination until the early morning hours.

LocationTransport available
Randstad regionEvery single night, hourly
Rotterdam via Den Haag Holland Spoor, Leiden Centraal, Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam Centraal to Utrecht CentraalEvery single night, hourly
Between Utrecht and Nijmegen/Arnhem‘Only’ one night train on Friday and Saturday nights, around 1 AM
From Utrecht to AmersfoortEvery Friday and Saturday and then you can take a connection from Utrecht to other major cities
From Randstad to the provinces of Drenthe and GroningenThere is a late train every Friday and Saturday night

Other late trains include Amsterdam to Alkmaar, Utrecht to Eindhoven, Rotterdam to Eindhoven, Amsterdam to Haarlem, Utrecht to Rotterdam, Amsterdam to Amersfoort to Deventer, Schiphol to Zwolle, and Rotterdam to Zwolle via Utrecht and Amersfoort.

Night trains in Amsterdam

As this is the capital city, it’s important to ensure residents and visitors are not led astray. So, if you want to go to a major city or travel back to Amsterdam, you’re in luck.

A train runs hourly into the early hours of the morning, so you can always find your way back, no matter how long you are boogying into the night. 🕺

It’s important to note that these trains do take a little longer to reach your destination than normal, and high-speed trains don’t run at this time. Always check online before deciding to stay out.

Tip: I’ve done the early morning slog to Rotterdam Centraal many times and made it! It’s also the same price, and if you have a handy day card, it’s valid until 4 AM.

Are there sleeper trains?

There’s always enough room for a snooze, but most aren’t sleeper trains — just regular old trains.

READ MORE | We slept our way from Amsterdam to Berlin on the new European Sleeper train

You can, however, hop on the Brussels-Amsterdam-Berlin line, which now also chugs on to Dresden in Germany and Prague in the Czech Republic.

Be warned, though: this is an international service, not NS!

This means you’ll be able to sleep during your journey and wake up in a completely different (more mountainous) country! ⛰️

Night buses in Amsterdam

Just after midnight (around 12:30 AM), the metros, trams, and regular buses stop running.

Need to get home? Don’t panic! 😱 From then until 7:30 AM, you can catch a night bus.

READ MORE | What your favourite Dutch mode of transport says about you

This means transport is available 24 hours a day! Normal conditions usually resume from around 6 AM on a weekday. These night buses operate 11 routes to Amsterdam Centraal Station via Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein.

How much do night buses cost?

Pricing is different than usual. A single ticket costs €5.70, is valid for 90 minutes, including any transfers, and can be purchased through the GVB app.

Many other options exist online or at your local GVB ticket office. For a hassle-free experience, you can use your bank card or mobile phone. 🙌

Have you ever taken night buses or night trains in the Netherlands before? Let us know your experiences in the comments!

Dutch wages have risen: here’s who is getting what

DutchReview Crew
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0
Dutch wages have risen: here’s who is getting what

In line with the government’s 2026 Tax Plan and adjustments to the minimum wage, workers in the Netherlands are seeing a net wage increase of up to around 3.7%. 

And what does this mean? Well, according to Nibud (National Institute for Family Finance Information), purchasing power has increased by an average of 0.9%. 

However, just how much of an increase you’ll see in your paycheck depends on what it is you do. So, here’s the rundown of the latest changes.

Your sector determines your raise

According to AD, salary increases depend on the sector you work in. 

Each sector has a separately negotiated CAO (Collective Labour Agreement), which means wage increases will affect employees differently. 

For example, provided they earn a standard modal income, workers in a sector such as healthcare, where the CAO requires a larger salary contribution to social funds, will see a smaller wage increase (between €17 and €18 per month). 

Meanwhile, the average worker in the business services sector could see up to €26 more per month. Work in construction? You can receive up to €39 extra per month. 

This variability is also true for sectors where greater amounts of a worker’s salary are attributed to their pension fund. 

Whatever wage increase they receive will be less visible in their net wages, but they will save more for the future.

These differences in the size of each worker’s salary increase become less visible as their average salary increases. 

Someone earning twice the modal income, for instance, will likely see an increase of between €32 and €37, regardless of the sector they work in. 

Who is the luckiest? 

Well, “lucky” might be the wrong word, but minimum-wage workers are likely to see the biggest increase in their purchasing power, ranging from €46 to €65 extra each month for those with a 36-hour workweek, reports AD.

This is thanks to a combo of increased minimum wage (from €14.40 to €14.71) and a further increase in the earned income tax credit for these workers. 

Of course, just how much of an increase minimum wage workers will see still varies by sector. 

And while net wages increase, there are those who argue that in the face of inflation and higher prices in gas, groceries, and housing, these additions are basically negligible. 

@dutchreview €7.99 for a sliver of salmon #dutchreview #fyp #supermarket ♬ original sound – Trina Wawrzynowicz

Who is the unluckiest?

Sorry, guys, but if you’re self-employed, you got the short end of the stick (again).

Tax deductions for these workers have been even further reduced in 2026, following significant cuts in 2025. This means you can expect to cough up more cash once it’s time to file your income tax. 

Let’s hope next year brings more bang for your buck. 

Have you been impacted by these latest developments? Let us know in the comments. 

Dutch Quirk #131: Ride a bike wearing a suit or dress

Katrien Nivera 🇵🇭
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0
Dutch Quirk #131: Ride a bike wearing a suit or dress

Everyone knows how much Dutchies love to cycle — in the rain, in the snow, even in their best evening formal wear.

Travelling around in a tight suit or dress is already a big hassle, but being cycling royals, Dutchies aren’t afraid to get on a bike in their Sunday best.

What is it?

Instead of shying away from physical activity in their fanciest clothes, Dutchies would rather get on a bike than be late to the office or a party.

READ MORE | 17 reasons why biking is king in the Netherlands

The result? You’ll see them zooming by on their fiets wearing anything from a ball gown to a tuxedo. (Bonus points for girls who do it in heels. 👠)

mark-rutte-biking-in-the-hague
Former Prime Minister Mark Rutte is a pro! Image: Depositphotos

Cycling in dress shoes is a master class in balance, flexibility, and grace. And it’s one the Dutch have aced.

Why do they do it?

Even in their most formal clothing, cycling to their destination is STILL more convenient than other types of transport.

READ MORE | 7 types of cyclists found when biking in the Netherlands

If you’re planning to drink or stay late, that already rules out driving and taking public transport.

So, what better way to ensure a glamorous night out than not worrying about having a designated driver or running to catch a train?

Why is it quirky?

Most people go above and beyond to ensure their formal outfit doesn’t wrinkle and to avoid wearing uncomfortable dress shoes for too long. Not the Dutch.

You’ll still see them dashing across a bike path, wearing 10-centimetre high heels and a cocktail dress or restricting trousers and a snazzy blazer. 💃

@annakordelia We were really late for the preparty drinks tho #amsterdam #amsterdammer #bikinginamsterdam #bikingadventures #holland #netherlands #амстердам #голландія #нідерланди #українцівнідерландах #beautifuldestinations #amsterdamlife #nederlands ♬ Suavemente – Elvis Crespo

Should you join in?

Only if you feel comfortable biking in less comfortable clothes!

We understand if you don’t want to cycle in a floor-length gown or a tight tuxedo, though, in case you cause a traffic accident on the way to the function.

Have you experienced this Dutch quirk? Tell us in the comments below!

This former Dutch queen used crystal meth while in power

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
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0
This former Dutch queen used crystal meth while in power

When we think of crystal meth, we usually picture people roughing it on the streets, not an elderly royal trying to guide a country through a war.

But believe it or not, that’s exactly what happened in the Netherlands.

Queen Wilhelmina, the great-grandmother of the current king of the Netherlands, used the drug ‘Pervetine’ during the war years.

You may know the drug by its more modern name: crystal meth.

Why was the queen of the Netherlands on crystal meth?

Before you picture a very different royal kitchen, let’s clarify that the use of Pervetine was fairly normalised at the time.

According to Historiek, the drug was used quite widely to manage pain and helped soldiers to combat fatigue.

Now, if you were the ageing queen of a country at war who was offered pain relief and something to keep you awake, you’d probably take it.

Especially if the doctor recommended it.

READ MORE | Johan de Witt: That time the Dutch people ate their prime minister

According to Metro Nieuws, Wilhelmina claimed to use the drug to “take the edge off the day.”

That being said, the “official” reason for why Wilhelmina was using meth remains a secret.

READ MORE | 9 things you might not know about King Willem-Alexander

In order to learn more about this, the people would need access to the royal archives past the year 1934 — but for now, the king has them under lock and key.

So, did no one notice that their queen was on meth?

As you can imagine, people actually did notice that something was up with their queen.

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #56: Have a liberal attitude towards party drugs

Although it wasn’t the general public, it was the ministers.

Marcel Verburg tells Historiek that, at the time, the queen was popular. For the government, however, she was a disaster.

In his book Geschiedenis van het Ministerie van Justitie 1940-1945, Verburg describes how the queen insulted ministers during meetings, made strange decisions, and postponed important discussions.

READ MORE | Queen Máxima of the Netherlands: how an Argentinian became a Dutch royal

This behaviour apparently led the ministers to question “whether her majesty was normal,” Verburg writes.

How am I just learning about this now?

You’d think this would be the scandal of the century, but the Dutch have known about Wilhelmina’s drug use for a while now.

In fact, many historians have casually mentioned it, and it was not uncommon for many world leaders to use hard drugs at the time.

However, one TV show, Het Verhaal van Nederland — Oranje Nassau (The Story of the Netherlands — Oranje Nassau) has recently brought this chapter in history to life.

In a hilarious twist, the show not only dramatised the former queen’s drug use but also paired the scenes with a snippet of music from the famous TV show Breaking Bad, Metro Nieuws reports.

This spoof sure had everyone cracking up (wink, wink).

Did you know about Queen Wilhelmina’s drug use? Tell us your thoughts on this in the comments below!

Feature Image: Nationaal Archief/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

Tips for getting a job in the Netherlands (from Undutchables recruiters)

Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺
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0
Tips for getting a job in the Netherlands (from Undutchables recruiters)

Landing a job in the Netherlands might feel a bit like cracking a code. The culture is international, companies hire from all over the world, and many workplaces operate in English — but not every application turns into a job offer.

That’s where local insight makes all the difference. Recruiters at Undutchables, the specialists in matching internationals with Dutch companies, shared their most effective strategies for job seekers with DutchReview. 

Get ready to amp up your job search — here are their top tips.

The Dutch job market right now: good, but competitive

Before diving in, it helps to know what you’re stepping into.

The Netherlands continues to have relatively low unemployment compared with other EU countries — around 4% in late 2025, which is only slightly above earlier levels.

Undutchables notes that internationals continue to be in demand, especially when they bring language skills, customer-facing experience, or strong digital abilities. So yes, opportunities are out there — but you still need to stand out.

Treat your application like a first impression

Your CV and cover letter are often your first handshake with a company.

According to Undutchables recruiters, tailored applications almost always outperform generic ones. They see hundreds of CVs every week, and the candidates who succeed are the ones who prepare their CV to clearly match their skills to the role.

If a job requires teamwork, share a real example. If the role needs analytical thinking, highlight a problem you solved and what the result was.

photo-of-hr-employee-reviewing-resumes-for-a-job-in-the-netherlands
Your resume and cover letter could be your only chance to make an impression. Image: Freepik

Keep in mind that your resume probably won’t go to a human first, but instead an applicant tracking system (ATS). To get to the next stage, use the keywords from the job description to frame your work achievements. 

And yes, keep your CV clean and concise: two pages max, structured clearly, and consistent with your LinkedIn. 

Finally, Undutchables recruiters’ told us that your cover letter should offer real value, not just repeat your CV. Write your cover letter to be personal, show your motivation, explain how your transferable skills will help, and give a brief example. 

These steps alone can dramatically increase response rates.

Do your homework before the interview

Recruiters at Undutchables often see a clear difference between candidates who prepare and candidates who “wing it”.

A quick skim of the company website is good, but going deeper is better. Learn what the organisation actually cares about. Understand their values, competitors, and recent developments. The more context you bring into the interview room, the more confident you’ll feel.

Prepared candidates also ask better questions. Dutch interviewers love curiosity, and recruitment consultants told us that thoughtful questions often tip the balance in a candidate’s favour.

Show results, not just responsibilities

Show how you work, not just what you achieved

If there’s one thing recruiters at Undutchables consistently emphasise, it’s this: Dutch employers want to understand how you work, not just what you delivered at the end.

Of course, results matter, but a CV filled only with percentages and revenue figures can feel bulky and impersonal. Especially in the Netherlands, employers are often more interested in your soft skills and how you apply them in practice. Think communication, collaboration, problem-solving, adaptability, and ownership.

photo-of-colleagues-working-together-over-papers-on-desk
Soft skills like leadership and communication matter to Dutch employers. Image: Freepik

That doesn’t mean you should avoid numbers altogether. Instead, use them to support a clear story. Pair results with context so employers can see your potential in action.

For example:

  • Instead of: “Managed a sales pipeline worth €1.2 million.”
  • Try: “Managed a €1.2 million sales pipeline while working closely with cross-functional teams and adapting sales strategies to different client needs.”

This approach shows what you achieved and how you achieved it — which is exactly what many Dutch hiring managers look for.

In short: show your impact, but don’t forget to show the person behind it.

LinkedIn is part of the process, not an afterthought

LinkedIn matters more here than in many countries.

Consultants at Undutchables regularly find candidates directly through the platform, so keeping your profile up-to-date is essential. A short personal summary, a professional photo, and a clear headline go a long way.

Networking also opens doors. Comment on posts, join industry groups, and connect with people working in the companies you’re interested in. Undutchables often hear from candidates who were contacted by employers simply because they were visible and active online.

Polished communication makes a strong impression

In the Netherlands, how you communicate during the hiring process counts almost as much as what’s on your CV.

Experts at Undutchables emphasise the importance of being responsive, punctual, and professional. Quick replies, clear writing, and reliable timing all stand out — especially when companies are screening multiple candidates at once.

photo-of-man-on-phone-talking-with-potential-employer
Being clear and communicative are huge pros for Dutch employers. Image: Freepik

A short thank-you note after an interview also helps. It doesn’t need to be formal or long; just a line or two about something you enjoyed discussing.

Be open (but strategic) about your situation

Many job seekers worry about raising topics like visa sponsorship, relocation timelines, or salary expectations. The advice from Undutchables? Be direct.

The Dutch hiring process works best when expectations are clear. If you need a permit, are interviewing elsewhere, or have a required start date, sharing that information early helps recruiters advocate for you and match you to roles that actually fit.

At the same time, avoid ruling yourself out too quickly. You don’t need to meet 100% of the job requirements to apply. Around 70% is often enough if you’re genuinely excited about the role.

Keep learning, including Dutch if you can

Many international roles placed by Undutchables are in English, especially in tech, logistics, customer support, and finance.

But speaking Dutch expands your long-term options. Statistics Netherlands reports that migrants with stronger Dutch language skills have higher labour market participation.

You don’t need to be fluent yet for this to be an asset, because even conversational skills can help you connect with local teams and show your willingness to grow.

Target sectors where internationals are valued

Undutchables recruiters work closely with companies across the Netherlands, and they see consistent demand for internationals in:

  • Tech and IT
  • Logistics and supply chain
  • Finance and fintech
  • Customer support
  • Creative and digital roles

If you focus your search on industries that regularly hire international profiles, you’re already a step ahead.

Don’t do it alone

A job search can be exhausting, especially if you’re navigating Dutch work culture for the first time.

This is where Undutchables is especially helpful. Their team supports internationals through every stage of the process, from CV feedback to interview prep to matching candidates with companies who value global talent.

Getting a job in the Netherlands is absolutely achievable. The market remains strong, vacancy levels are high, and employers value international perspectives.

With guidance from Undutchables recruiters, from tailoring your CV to asking sharper interview questions and showing your real impact, you’ll be better positioned to stand out.

Take a deep breath, refresh that application, and make your move. Your Dutch job is just around the corner!

What helped you find your job in the Netherlands? Share your tips in the comments below!

Do I need a Dutch bank account to work in the Netherlands?

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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Do I need a Dutch bank account to work in the Netherlands?

If you’re moving to the Netherlands for work, you might be wondering if having a Dutch bank account is necessary.

While it’s not mandatory to open a local bank account as a working professional in the Netherlands, having one can make your life much easier.

Let’s dive into why!

Am I legally required to have a Dutch bank account to work in the Netherlands?

No, you’re not legally obligated to open a Dutch bank account if you work here.

On paper, if you’ve got a European IBAN (International Bank Account Number) and your bank supports SEPA transfers, you’re fully equipped to make transactions within the Netherlands.

foreign-freelancer-working-in-the-netherlands-chats-to-colleagues-on-a-video-call
While setting up a Dutch bank account might initially be a hassle, it’ll save you a headache further down the road. Image: Freepik

However, like riding a bicycle around Amsterdam during rush hour, there’s a difference between what’s legally allowed and what’s accepted.

For example, IBAN discrimination, or the inability to make transactions between banks in EU member states, is technically illegal. Unfortunately, in practice, some Dutch employers and payroll services may refuse to accept your non-Dutch bank IBAN.

In addition to this, many popular Dutch payment systems just aren’t equipped to deal with foreign bank accounts.

Why it’s handy to have a Dutch bank account for work

If you want to avoid the digital headache of having your foreign IBAN or bank card rejected, opting for a Dutch bank account is a great idea.

First and foremost, a Dutch IBAN ensures that you get paid quickly and reliably. Many other work-related essentials, like a local mobile number and a public transport card, will also require a local IBAN.

international-listening-to-music-via-her-headphones-as-she-goes-to-work-in-the-netherlands
Need to get around using Dutch public transport? You’ll probably need a Dutch bank account. Image: Depositphotos

Most importantly, however, your Dutch bank account will come in handy when tax season rolls around.

Whether you’re setting up payments with the Belastingdienst, receiving a tax refund, or going over things with an accountant, having a local account simplifies the process.

When it comes to international-friendly banks with powerful banking options, ING is one of the best options. Whether you’re freelancing or working for a Dutch company, ING’s easy sign-up process and integration with local payment systems help you get paid promptly.

Sign up with ING

Plus, employers often prefer Dutch bank accounts

And here’s the real tea: even if Dutch employers can make transactions to your foreign bank account, they may not always want to.

Many employers tend to use payroll systems that are optimised for local bank-to-bank transfers, and foreign IBANs may get auto-rejected.

Payments to non-Dutch banks can also take much longer to process, especially if your bank is outside of the Eurozone or doesn’t support SEPA transfers.

In addition to this, payments to non-EU banks may also involve additional fees and require extra information for tax compliance, which can be a real administrative headache.

While it might initially seem more convenient to use your foreign bank account while working in the Netherlands, dealing with a non-Dutch IBAN might be more hassle than it’s worth.

What has your experience of using a foreign bank in the Netherlands been like? Share your experience in the comments below!

So, you moved to the Netherlands for love! (Welcome, but…)

Rebecca Hogg
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So, you moved to the Netherlands for love! (Welcome, but…)

You’ve just moved to the Netherlands for love and are ready to live out your Dutch fairytale. But what do you need to know when embarking upon your new life here?

It’s happened. You’ve fallen in love with a Dutchie, and in this blissful cloud of happiness and gezelligheid fueled by promises of bikes, canals, tulips, and windmills, you’ve taken the plunge and moved to Oranje.

Congratulations! Welcome to the Netherlands! Everything is great here — you’ll absolutely love it.

Wait, not so fast. Now, what’s this? You don’t speak the language properly, you can’t ride a bike, and you aren’t sure that you enjoy the concept of constantly eating fried foods.

But don’t despair, fellow international, I’ve been there. Here’s what I would tell myself if arriving in the Netherlands for love now.

Be proactive in making friends

Things get lonely when you move to a new country, and this happens faster than you think — not that anyone tells you that!

For the first few months, you’ll be drowning in the excitement of being abroad and living in this magical land, but if the only people you are interacting with on a daily basis are your partner and your dog, you may start to go stir-crazy.

READ MORE | 18 ways to actually make friends as an expat in the Netherlands

Plus, as much as the Dutch can be very welcoming, it can take a while to pierce their tight social circles, especially if you live in a small town like mine.

So, if you aren’t working or studying in the Netherlands yet, why not join a local sports team or take a Dutch (or some other) class that fills your free time with something that interests you?

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Joining a class, such as a yoga class, is a great way to start talking and meet new friends with similar interests! Image: Pexels

You’ll meet local people, get the giggles practising your (pitiful) Dutch, and hopefully find someone who will be happy to listen to you butcher their language. And in that case…

Get used to being social

If you are a miserable sod, you’ll want to avoid other people as soon as they cross your path. But you can’t really do that here in Nederland. People talk to each other… they like each other! Weird, right?!

READ MORE | 14 signs you have successfully been Dutchified

But have no fear. Soon you’ll be hallo-ing and hoi-ing with the best of them, socialising with your neighbours and navigating those Dutch circle parties like a native. It just may take a while.

Group-of-friends-talking-and-eating-pizza-in-a-circle-in-the-Netherlands-outside
Get used to sometimes being uncomfortable, practice your Dutch, and have Dutch hangouts in a circle! Image: Pexels

Bask in the small charms of Dutch life

Learn to cycle and take the bike everywhere; it’s so much more gezellig than walking. Travel to new cities and enjoy the fact that everything is so close together. Marvel at the windmills and endless bodies of water.

Get excited when you see that man walking his dog wearing clogs or the man shopping in the supermarket who was wearing them too. Yes, I have seen this. It really happens.

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Wander around in the Netherlands by yourself, you’ll have some gorgeous views! Image: Depositphotos

Don’t be offended when the Dutch say how they feel

As a Brit, I am used to tutting quietly and exhibiting passive-aggressive behaviour whenever another member of the human race pisses me off, but the Dutch are different. They will call you out about your mistake.

READ MORE | Dutch directness: 5 questions you’ll get in the Netherlands (and how to answer them)

It took me a while to get used to this, as I am quite sensitive and used to being overly polite in social situations due to years of indoctrination living in the UK.

Once you start to understand the Dutch language, however, you’ll realise that this is not personal. It’s just how they speak to one another. It is quite liberating, to be honest.

Two-female-friends-laughing-at-a-cafe-in-the-Netherlands-together-being-direct-with-each-other-using-a-mobile-phone
While you might first get offended by Dutch directness, roll with it, they’re just Dutch! Image: Freepik

Buy a fryer

This will become a staple item in your kitchen. All the Dutchies have one.

Soon you will be serving bitterballen at every social occasion, and eating fries, frikandellen, and kroketten with the best of them. Trust me, this is one purchase you won’t regret if you need to break into your fried food reserves in an emergency.

Moving to the Netherlands for love is a beautiful thing, but you shouldn’t forget to take care of yourself. Put yourself out there, bask in the quirky culture, and take it one step at a time.

Oh, and don’t forget that it’s okay to lean on your partner. After all, you made a big sacrifice when you moved here for them. 🧡

Do you have any tips for moving to the Netherlands for love? Tell us in the comments below!

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