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Coronavirus update: “convincing effects” of Dutch lockdown yet to be seen, says RIVM

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
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Coronavirus update: “convincing effects” of Dutch lockdown yet to be seen, says RIVM

The RIVM has released this week’s round of coronavirus infection numbers in the Netherlands — and while they are slightly lower than last week’s, the RIVM has said that the “convincing effects” of the current lockdown will not be seen anytime soon. 

As the holiday season comes to an end, the Netherlands must wait and see whether restrictions were followed over the festive period. This week, 56,440 people tested positive for coronavirus this is a slight decrease from last week’s figure of 67,388.

Hospitalisations

Hospitalisations this week were only slightly down with 1,713 people admitted to nursing wards due to coronavirus (compared to 1,892 last week.) A further 336 people are now in the ICU, a number that is higher than last week’s ICU figure of 304.

Deaths

The number of people who have passed away from coronavirus this week has risen, standing at 621 compared to last week’s number of 583.

In case you missed any of the other important coronavirus developments over the past week, here’s a quick summary of what happened:

Decrease in testing but increase in infection rate

Whilst fewer people were tested for coronavirus this week, the percentage of positive tests has risen when compared to last week. Last week, 13% of tests came back positive. This week, that percentage has risen to 13.7%.

The RIVM believes that the decrease in the amount of tests being done may be due to either; the positive effects of lockdown — less people believe they may have coronavirus, or, simply that people are less inclined to get themselves tested.

Earlier rollout of the coronavirus vaccine

For the Netherlands, the rollout of the vaccine could not come sooner. Luckily, 22 GGD regions believe that they will be able to begin vaccinating people before the initially planned start date.

According to the NOS, the regions of Amsterdam, Drenthe and Haaglanden will now begin vaccinating a week earlier than their initial start date. Instead of January 18, these regions will now begin vaccinations on January 11.

The remaining GGD regions are expected to begin vaccinations on January 15, three days before their initially planned start date.

Cabinet considering lottery ticket system for ICU beds

The Lower House is to consider implementing a lottery ticket system of selection in the case of a healthcare emergency. Currently, Dutch practitioners organisations have written up emergency guidelines for doctors to follow should there be a shortage of ICU beds for Dutch patients.

Under the current plan, in the event of an ICU bed shortage, certain patients will be given priority based on a number of factors: their expected length of recovery, whether or not they came into contact with coronavirus while working in healthcare and then, their age.

When considering a patient’s age, the current plan dictates that doctors should prioritise younger patients. The Minister for Medical Care, Tamara Van Ark, has written to the Lower House asking that age will not be taken into consideration when making this decision. Instead, the cabinet should consider a lottery ticket system of selection.

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New Ferris wheel planned for Amsterdam’s Oosterdok ruffles residents

Brin Andrews
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New Ferris wheel planned for Amsterdam’s Oosterdok ruffles residents

Even amidst lockdown measures and a movement to discourage tourism in Amsterdam, plans to erect a Ferris wheel on the Oosterdok are in the works — and residents aren’t happy about it.

A permit for the new Ferris wheel was issued by the Water Board before New Year’s, according to Het Parool. The application was submitted by Vallentgoed Fairground Exploitation, a company that travels the world renting out what they claim is the largest Ferris wheel in Europe.

The one-year permit takes effect in February 2021, with the intended Ferris wheel site located near the Nemo science museum and Arcam architecture centre.

Who wants the wheel?

Expeditie Oosterdok, a collaboration between 12 cultural institutions and 17 additional companies in the area, is behind the push for the new 36-metre Ferris wheel. The organisations, which include museums such as Nemo, and the Scheepvaartmuseum, and companies such as Booking.com and Sea Palace, are hoping to bring a new cultural attraction to the area.

“The idea is that visitors to museums may also enter the Ferris wheel to view the city, the IJ and the Oosterdok from a great height,” according to Het Parool. “A cultural attraction, where the story of the area is central.”

Local objections

Central Amsterdam residents, on the other hand, fear it will bring an unwanted fair, and so do other local agencies.

“A Ferris wheel is and remains a fairground attraction, whether the initiative comes from museums or not,” says Walther Schoonenberg of the Friends of Amsterdam Inner City Association. “Do they want to tell the story of the Oosterdok? Well, that story is about the silting up of the water in that area due to all kinds of buildings, such as the IJ tunnel. In that respect, such a Ferris wheel is a new example of this trend.”

SP party chairman Erik Flentge also objects: “I thought that we had agreed in Amsterdam that we no longer want a tourism amusement park.”

City permit still needed

While the water permit has been issued, this does not mean the decision is final. Another permit must be issued by the Centrum district. District Councilor Micha Mos says, “We are going to make an integrated assessment with the Environment Agency.”

In the meantime, Expeditie Oosterdok is still flushing out the details. Their working title: Eye Amsterdam — a reference to the much higher 135-metre London Eye Ferris Wheel.

What do you think of the plans for a new Ferris wheel in Amsterdam? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Feature Image: Michelle Ventura/Pexels

Types of Dutch companies: quick and easy guide [2021]

Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺
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Types of Dutch companies: quick and easy guide [2021]

So you’ve decided to create a company in the Netherlands — congratulations! It’s a great first step, and we’re sure you’ll have your business up and running in no time. Just one thing first: what type of company will you choose?

The type of company you choose will impact everything to do with how your business is set up, how you pay taxes, and how you can make money. And if you’re a freelancer or self-employed, you still need a company. So will you have a general partnership, professional, or limited? Do you need to register your Dutch company? We’ve got the quick guide to the most common Dutch company types — in simple language. Let’s dig in!

Most common business structures in the Netherlands:

There are many types of companies in the Netherlands, but most often people choose a:

Sole trader/proprietorship (eenmanszaak)

If you’re starting out as an entrepreneur, this is likely the Dutch company structure for you. A sole trader is a company structure that doesn’t have a legal personality — that means that you are responsible and liable for the company, its finances, and its debts. Here are the key points:

  • While you are limited to one sole proprietorship, you can operate under different trade names. 
  • You need to register with the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK) — this costs €50.
  • You must pay income tax on your profits, and pay VAT. If you earn under €20,000 per year you can apply not to pay VAT using the small business scheme (KOR). 
  • You can still employ staff. 

Private limited company (besloten vennootschap) (BV)

A BV company structure makes you the director of your company, and therefore an employee. This means that when you set up your Dutch BV company, the company is generally liable for any debts (instead of yourself as an individual). The equity of the company is divided into shares owned by shareholders — or you (as director) can be the only shareholder. You should know:

  • You have to use the services of a civil-law notary to set up your company — you can’t set it up yourself. This generally costs between €500-1,000. 
  • You have far more records to keep as a BV — expect to pay around €600-1,800 per year. 
  • Anyone who owns more than 5% of shares then you have a ‘substantial interest’ and become ‘director and major shareholder’. That means you will pay income tax on your salary, and perhaps also Dutch dividend tax. This makes paying yourself a salary from a BV relatively expensive. 
  • Your BV will also have to pay corporation tax on all of its profits. 
  • While you’re not generally liable for your company’s debts, it’s likely that you will have to co-sign for loans. 
  • You can hire employees for a BV, but must pay payroll taxes and social contributions for your employees. 

General partnership (vennootschap onder firma) (VOF)

Can’t get enough of cooperating? Consider a general partnership! This company structure lets you start a business with other self-employed individuals. A general partnership has a minimum of two people work together under one common name. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Every person entering a general partnership will become a partner and must contribute something. They might contribute money, or goods, or labour. 
  • There is no legal corporate identity, so partners are personally liable for debts.
  • You must register your VOF at the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK). This costs €50.
  • You will draft a partnership agreement stating agreements made about powers, equity, profit sharing etc. You can do this with a civil-law notary, a legal adviser, a lawyer, an accountant — or do it yourself. 
  • You are legally obliged to keep records. 
  • General partners will pay income tax on their own share of the profits. 
  • Your VOF will also pay VAT. 
  • If all managing partners in your general partnership are from other countries you must file your annual accounts. 
  • You must pay payroll taxes and social contributions for any employees you hire. 

Cooperative (coöperatie)

A cooperative is a collection of people who pool their purchasing and marketing efforts. If you’re an individual dealing with an increased workload, fall ill, or need someone to take over, this type of business structure can be useful. You can be either a ‘business cooperative’ or an ‘entrepreneurs cooperative’. Here are the main details:

  • A business cooperative helps its members in certain areas, like procurement or advertising. 
  • An entrepreneurs cooperative is perfect for self-employed individuals who want to join with other self-employed people to take on a larger project. 
  • You can set up a cooperative with at least one partner. 
  • Control of a cooperative rests with the ‘general meeting of members (GMM).’
  • You need a civil-law notary to draft a deed and register the company in the Dutch Commercial Register. 
  • If the cooperative is dissolved, all fellow members (unless excluded) are liable for an equal share.  
  • All members of a cooperative will pay income tax on their profits from the cooperative, and the cooperative must also pay corporation tax. 

Other company types in the Netherlands

While the above list is the most common types of Dutch company structures in the Netherlands, it’s never quite that simple — there are quite a few more! Here’s the breakdown, and where to find more information:

Planning to set up a Dutch company, or done so already? Tell us your experience in the comments below!

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in July 2020 and was fully updated in January 2020 for your reading pleasure.
Feature Image: www_slon_pics/Pixabay

Dutch cabinet considers lottery ticket system for ICU beds in case of scarcity

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
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Dutch cabinet considers lottery ticket system for ICU beds in case of scarcity

The Dutch cabinet is currently working on a motion to prohibit doctors from selecting ICU patients based on their age. Instead, they are considering a lottery system that may be implemented if ICU beds should become scarce.

Physician organisations throughout the Netherlands have constructed a plan for choosing patients who should be prioritised in the event of an ICU bed shortage. Currently, that plan takes into account a person’s age.

Young prioritised over old

According to the current plan, a young person may be given priority over an older patient if the two must be considered for an ICU bed. Potential patients will be listed under certain age groups such as 0-20, 20-40, 40-60, 60-80 and 80+ years.

Dick Willems, professor of medical ethics, tells the NOS that this system of prioritisation is because “we find that someone who is 25 years old has had less chance of a full life than someone who is 65 years old.”

Call for lottery system instead

The Minister for Medical Care, Tamara Van Ark, has written to the Lower House asking to prohibit this choice from being made based on age.

According to the NOS, she writes that “every human life is worth the same. If an older patient has the same chance of recovery on medical grounds as a younger patient, according to the government, he or her should not be denied a claim to life-saving care.”

She proposes that a lottery ticket system should be implemented instead in the case where a doctor must choose between patients based on age.

Currently not necessary

The current plan will only come into effect in the situation where the Netherlands has exhausted all other options. For example, if more beds are needed for ICU patients, more beds are added to wards and Dutch patients may be sent to Germany for help.

However, doctors would like to have some guidelines should the Netherlands experience a complete shortage of facilities for patients in need of intensive care. Dutch hospitals experienced this briefly in April of 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Age not the only factor

It is also worth noting that age is just one of the many criteria that doctors must consider in the event of a shortage. Under the current plan, the expected duration of the patients’ stay is also considered, with those expected to make a quick recovery prioritised to receive a bed first.

Healthcare workers who fell ill while treating coronavirus patients in situations where they could not receive proper PPE will also be prioritised. The next step would then be to consider a person’s life stage.

What do you think of the Dutch cabinet’s approach to this plan? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Feature Image: ©ibigfish from Getty Images/Canva.com

Dutch population growth halves as death rate exceeds birth rate

Brin Andrews
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Dutch population growth halves as death rate exceeds birth rate

The population growth in the Netherlands is half of what it was a year ago. In 2020, the population grew by around 63,000 people, whereas in 2019, 132,000 people were added, reports the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). This is due to the coronavirus pandemic and its effects of fewer immigrants arriving and more people dying.

The population growth that did occur was mainly due to immigration. The CBS reports that the number of immigrants in 2020 is expected to be nearly 211,000, which is 58,000 less than the year before.

The number of births minus mortality, called, “the natural increase”, is expected to be around 4,000. In both the second and third waves, the mortality rate exceeded the birth rate. Researchers also show that more people died than were born last year in 219 of the 355 Dutch municipalities.

Growth due mainly to immigration

Statisticians say that the first wave of the pandemic had the greatest impact on population growth, with more people dying than there were being born. Additionally, immigration slowed to a near halt.

In the third quarter, the number of deaths declined and measures were eased, while foreign immigration picked up a bit. Though again in the fourth quarter, mortality increased and immigration declined.

Less immigration from outside the EU

Although the majority of population growth was due to immigration, rates were still significantly lower than in 2019, particularly from countries outside the EU.

After the coronavirus measures were introduced in mid-March, fewer people migrated to the Netherlands from abroad. “The decline was less pronounced for people born in an EU country, and increased more quickly after the intelligent lockdown,” the CBS explains.

Emigration, on the other hand, has changed less. During 2020, fewer people from outside the EU left their home countries, while the emigration of people born in an EU country increased slightly, particularly in the first quarter.

Are you surprised by how population growth has changed in 2020? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

Feature Image: Skitterphoto/Pexels

The fiery north: a tale of how Friesland decided to celebrate New Year’s Eve

Simone Kynaston
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The fiery north: a tale of how Friesland decided to celebrate New Year’s Eve

Police and firefighters in Friesland found themselves in the midst of angry attacks over Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Mobs of people wreaked havoc on the region with both fireworks — and plain old fire.

The agitation has been palpable all over the Netherlands for some time now, with 2020 being one of the hardest years we’ve ever had to deal with. It’s no surprise that in a time that’s supposed to represent great joy and new beginnings, people are finding themselves unsettled especially when they’re forbidden to take part in their yearly traditions.

However, the sheer amount of violent acts that have occured in the north of the Netherlands during the New Year’s Eve celebrations was shocking, with events making the national news multiple times in the past week.

Increased restrictions and policing

No one’s happy about the state 2020 left us in, and plenty of feathers were ruffled when the government decided to make fireworks illegal this year. That doesn’t seem to have stopped many across the country from reveling in a bit of fiery tomfoolery though.

This was expected by police forces across the Netherlands. Certain police regions announced that they would be ramping up the number of police officers on the streets this New Year’s Eve. In the case of Friesland, this precaution was certainly necessary.

The show must go on for Friesland

In the week leading up to and including New Year’s Eve, Friesland’s police found themselves dealing with extra agitation and violence. This resulted in the Mobile Riot Unit (ME) being brought in as backup on numerous occasions.

In the early hours of December 30, police were called out to Anjum to help break up crowds of people who were reportedly disturbing the peace by setting fires and releasing fireworks around the village.

On arrival, police were met by a group of 30 to 40 youths who threw live fireworks and beer bottles at them. No officers were hurt, but they were forced to call in the riot police to help ensure their safety and to ensure the crowds were dispersed.

Similar scenes were witnessed on New Year’s Eve in the province’s capital Leeuwarden, with police officers once again battling an onslaught of fireworks and beer bottles as they tried to break up groups that had gathered near to the parking garage in Hoeksterend.

A number of people were arrested (although it’s unclear how many), with police officers stating that they were cracking down on any violence that escalated through the use of illegal fireworks.

A fiery start to the new year

That’s not all the emergency services had to deal with in the north of the Netherlands. Firefighters also had a tough time over New Year’s Eve, after being called out to several incidents of potentially catastrophic fires.


In Marrum, a caravan was set alight and left to burn. Whilst the fire brigade tried to extinguish the flames, they were met with four people who tried to hinder their efforts — a move which almost caused a neighbouring house to catch fire.

Much like the police in Leeuwarden and Anjum, the firefighters were forced to call riot police to help them take control of the situation so that they could put the fire out before the situation escalated.

Similar events took place in a number of Frisian towns and villages, including Kollumerzwaag & Oudega, where firefighters were once again forced to call in armed officers after groups of youths attempted to prevent them from putting fires out by hurling fireworks and beer bottles at them.

In some towns, cars were found alight, with burning fireworks later found to be the culprit.  In Twijzel & Burgum, fire fighters once again found themselves facing violence as they tried to put out the fires that they’d been called to whilst groups of people tried to hinder their work.

It seems that Friesland was looking to celebrate the end of 2020 with a flurry of fire, bangs and beer bottles — regardless of the consequences.

Did you experience an unruly Dutch New Year’s Eve? Tell us about your experiences in the comments below.

Feature Image: Krystle Van Der Salm/Unsplash.

Rollout of coronavirus vaccine to begin earlier than planned in 22 Dutch regions

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
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Rollout of coronavirus vaccine to begin earlier than planned in 22 Dutch regions

The rollout of vaccinations in the Netherlands is expected to begin in certain GGD regions on January 8. Other regions were planned to follow on January 18 but this has been brought forward. Now, 22 regions will begin vaccinating earlier than planned.

As was intended, the GGD regions of Utrecht, Hart voor Brabant and Rotterdam will begin vaccinating healthcare workers against coronavirus on January 8.

However, according to the NOS, the regions of Amsterdam, Drenthe and Haaglanden will now begin vaccinating a week earlier than their initial start date. Instead of January 18, these regions will now begin vaccinations on January 11.

The NOS reports that the remaining GGD regions will begin to vaccinate on January 15, three days before their initially planned start date.

Realistic planning

A spokesperson for GHOR, a GGD umbrella organization, tells the NOS that the reason for the earlier vaccination date comes down to realistic planning by the GGDs.

“We have planned realistically. And if you are realistic, don’t have any major setbacks and you all work hard, you sometimes catch up on the schedule. We strive to do it as quickly as possible, within the framework of due care.”

Hospital staff prioritised

The Dutch government has decided that hospital staff will be given priority in receiving the coronavirus vaccine. In particular, 30,000 nurses, doctors and ambulance drivers who work in intensive care and coronavirus wards will be amongst the first to be vaccinated.

As of today, these workers can call their local GGD in order to schedule a vaccination appointment. The GGDs have set aside 2,000 people to schedule the appointments, which can be made between 8 AM and 8 PM.

How do you feel about the Netherlands’ approach to vaccination? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. 

Feature Image: fernando zhiminaicela/Pixabay.

Explosion in Tilburg destroys yet another Polish supermarket

Emily Burger
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Explosion in Tilburg destroys yet another Polish supermarket

An explosion went off at a Polish supermarket in Tilburg last night at around 3 AM. The blast left the store totally destroyed as fires broke out and burned everything.

Currently, there are no known injuries, reports RTL Nieuws. Surrounding buildings suffered broken windows, but these were only storage rooms. Neighbouring shops were not damaged by the explosion.

Multiple explosions

Special police services are investigating the incident, and whether it is connected to the four other Polish supermarkets hit with explosions last month. Shops in Beverwijk, Heeswijk-Dinther and Aalsmeer suffered similar explosions which police believe are connected.

However, the police still don’t know who is behind the attacks. Police are looking for any witnesses to the crimes.

Follow DutchReview on Facebook for more news.

Image: Dutchmen Photography/Shutterstock.com

British travellers refused entry into the Netherlands as Brexit takes effect

Emily Burger
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British travellers refused entry into the Netherlands as Brexit takes effect

Since January 1, authorities at Schiphol airport have stopped 10 Britons from entering the Netherlands. With Brexit in full swing, UK citizens are only allowed to enter if strictly necessary.

As of March 2020, non-EU citizens have been subject to extra checks upon arriving in the Netherlands due to coronavirus restrictions. Previously, the British were exempt from these extra checks, but this is no longer the case.

As for the Britons barred from entry in Schiphol, a spokesman for the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee says they were indignant that they were not allowed to visit the Netherlands, reports NOS.

“They all have a negative PCR test, but they forget the basic rule, that it must concern a necessary trip, for example for work or due to serious private circumstances,” says spokesman Robert van Kapel. “People from a safe country are also allowed to pass, such as Australia or Singapore, but the United Kingdom is certainly not a safe country.”

Hundreds of Americans barred from entry

In 2020, the Netherlands refused entry to around 1900 Americans, mainly at Schiphol but also at seaports like Hoek van Holland and IJmuiden.

Most of them were turned away because they lacked the correct paperwork, but around 900 were refused due to the coronavirus measures implemented in March. According to the spokesperson, these numbers are strikingly high.

Will the new travel ban for Britons affect you? Tell us in the comments below.

Feature Image: StevenL/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0

Missing Dutch woman found in deep forest pit

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
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Missing Dutch woman found in deep forest pit

A 33-year-old Dutch woman was reported missing yesterday morning after she went out on her bicycle but failed to return home. She was later found in a 1.5-meter deep pit in a woods by a jogger. 

It is understood that the woman had been cycling through the woods, located near Losser in Twente, when she suffered an epileptic seizure on her bike. The seizure caused her to lose control of the bike and fall into the deep pit, where she woke up.

The cyclist did not understand where she was but was able to notify a friend that she was in trouble via an emergency telephone on her wrist. The friend then reported the alert to police who began a search of the area.

An appeal to civilians

The emergency telephone was unable to trace the location of the woman and her mobile phone had fallen out of reach. A police spokesperson tells RTL Nieuws that the force decided to send out an appeal to civilians in the area, “she didn’t know where she was. So we filed a civilian network report.”

It was through this report that the woman was found. A runner in the area had seen the appeal and made sure to check out the area into which the woman had fallen. “We were already on the road to find her by all kinds of means, but the runner deliberately walked in the area and found her,” the spokesperson says.

The rescue effort initially struggled to reach the woman, but eventually succeeded. Once out of the pit, the woman received medical attention.

Follow DutchReview on Facebook for the latest news and updates. 

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