We’ve waited all winter for some snow to fall. Besides some (chemical) snow in Limburg, it seemed as if we would go through this winter without seeing a snowflake.
And now, as we all anticipate spring and good weather to come, the Dutch weather pulls the ultimate bamboozle on us. Yep, last night it snowed through much of the country. And yes, a thin layer of snow means the infrastructure can’t handle it no more.
Slippery roads from the snow lead to car accidents
The rush hour has been a mess, and throughout last night there have also been traffic accidents, in places such as A27 in Oosterhout and the A59 in Made, RTL Nieuws reports.
Throughout last night, it snowed in-land, leading to what Buienradar described as a “white world“. Children were out to play and have snowball fights, cars slipped on the road, and bicycle riders swore from underneath the hail. And of course, the snow won’t stay too long, so no worries if it is not your cup of tea.
Expect rain showers for the rest of the week
Miracles don’t last for long. Through the rest of the week, we’ll be having typical rain showers. There might still be a change for the occasional wet snow, but otherwise, we are back to the regular Dutch weather.
In the meantime, here’s a selection from our fans of the snow from last night:
Provided by Fabio on our Facebook group.Provided by Raghu on our Facebook group.
Any more cool winter pics from yesterday? Leave them down below in the comments.
Coronavirus in the Netherlands: should we be worried about COVID-19, more commonly know as coronavirus? Will it come to the Netherlands? How is the Netherlands preparing for coronavirus?
The new virus causes respiratory tract infections and can be transmitted from person to person. This basically means that people infected with it get viral pneumonia- which means that the regular antibiotics used to treat normal pneumonia will not work. Fighting the disease off depends on the victim’s immune system. However, mortality rates are quite low: 2-3 percent, according to the WHO.
The origins of coronavirus- will it come to the Netherlands?
The virus originated in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei, China, at a fish market where livestock were sold. The virus, like all coronaviruses, originated in livestock. At the end of December 2019, coronavirus became known to the world as China reported its first cases to the WHO. Now, over 80,000 people have been confirmed as infected with the disease, with the majority in China, but significant numbers in Italy, South Korea, Japan and Iran, as well. There have been just over 2700 deaths. Cases are also popping up in other countries- this morning in the Netherlands it was originally reported that a German tourist with coronavirus had visited Limburg, but it seems he did so before he was infectious.
Coronavirus in the Netherlands: is it a pandemic?
COVID-19 is not yet a pandemic, according to the WHO, but it is a disease of international concern, and experts say it seems likely that it will develop into a pandemic in due course (a pandemic is an infectious disease that spreads uncontrollably worldwide). Realistically, we can expect coronavirus to probably reach the Netherlands soon.
Coronavirus in the Netherlands: mortality rates
According to Dutch virologist Ab Osterhaus in an interview with RTL Nieuws, we don’t need to be too afraid. Although there have been fatalities from the virus, they have only been in people who were already ill or otherwise weakened through age. And while people have been throwing around the idea that the virus has a high mortality rate, we have no way of knowing the true extent of the infection rates- most people will not report themselves ill.
How is the Netherlands preparing for coronavirus?
The Netherlands has measures in place to deal with infected individuals coming into the country. A special team has been formed at the Netherlands National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) and the public health service GGD, dedicated to dealing with an outbreak if one occurs, reports RTL Nieuws. You can read more about how the Netherlands is preparing for Covid-19 here.
Coronavirus in the Netherlands: will Dutchies finally wash their hands?
There are some pretty simple measures you can take to reduce the spread of coronavirus. First of all, be hygienic: wash your hands, sneeze and cough into a tissue or your sleeve… oh, and wash your hands again. Avoiding contact with livestock might also be a good idea, and not travelling to affected regions is very important. If you do think you might be infected, isolate yourself and contact your local health service. AND WASH YOUR HANDS.
The @WHO says hand-washing is single most important factor to prevent the spread of illness. Unfortunately, research by @Gallup has found that many Europeans do not wash their hands after the toilet, with rates as low as 50% in Netherlands and 57% in Italyhttps://t.co/VSRncO50RWpic.twitter.com/pj2Um5NW6f
As the COVID-19 virus continues to spread throughout Europe, there are concerns over its potential appearance to the Netherlands.
A German man recently who recently travelled to the province of Limburg in the south of the Netherlands was diagnosed with the virus, NOS reports.
The man visited Limburg last week
According to the RIVM ( National Institute for Health and Environment), the 47-year-old German man visited Limburg, between 8th and 9th of February, yet it was not revealed where exactly did he go in the province.
The man contacted and got sick from the virus a week after, and was admitted to a hospital in Erkelenz. He was in contact with a business partner, who had met a man from China. The German’s man wife has also shown symptoms, yet it is unclear as of now if she is also sick. He is from Selfkant, just across from the Dutch border. As a preventive measure, Germany has closed all schools and daycare centres today in the nearby region.
RIVM: no investigation needs to be carried out in Limburg
Because the man has only shown symptoms a week after going to Limburg, the RIVM does not consider it necessary that they conduct an investigation in regards to the people that he had met during his visit there.
The health editor from NOS, Rinke van den Brink, states that for the virus to spread, the person infected usually needs to already have symptoms. As one week had passed between his visit to Limburg and the appearance of the symptoms, it is considered that an investigation would be unnecessary.
Another online rumour that a man from Noord-Brabant has tested positive for the virus has turned out to be untrue according to the RIVM. As of now, there are no confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus in the Netherlands.
Follow DutchReview for the latest news about the COVID-19 virus in the Netherlands.
You might not realize it, but the Dutch are absolutely obsessed with insurance. There are a variety of types of insurance you can get in the Netherlands.
If you think that by insurance I mean the mandatory health insurance any residence of the country needs to possess, car insurance because you drive, or life insurance because you have a mortgage, then buddy, you’re missing a very important part of the Dutch experience : living your life to the fullest without a thing to worry because there is always an insurance coverage for every aspect of your life. A typical Dutch person would be contributing to the 6 or 7 types of insurance every month easily.
Totally financially responsible move if you’re a Dutch person
Insurances in the Netherlands
Insurance as an instrument to protect people from financial lost might have been invented by the Babylons and popularized by American insurance giants but the no one utilize insurances as fully as the Dutch.
Here are few types of other very popular insurances in the Netherlands you’re probably not yet subscribed to:
A ‘Continuous’ Travel Insurance – Not the ones you buy on Booking.com
Most Dutch people do not need to buy the extra insurance coverage when they book their trips overseas because they would already possess a ‘continuous’ travel insurance. It means that they are covered 365 days of the year regardless where they go. You can use it to get financial compensation when your trips need to be cancelled for valid reasons, for delays with flights, for baggage lost, or help with medical expense should you need it in the foreign country. For people living in a small country like the Netherlands, they certainly go out of the country a lot. Travel insurance is almost a must for them.
The terms might be different for each insurer’s offers but many times it would also cover that of a partner. So if you’re dating or married to a Dutch person, you might be able to save a few bucks!
In addition, many Visa card companies offered travel insurance as well. If you’ve been ignoring all the communications they send to you in the mails, it might be a good time to check them before your travels. This kind of insurance always come in handy, since we have so many vacation days and holiday money living and working in the Netherlands.
Home Content Insurance – Not the ones to get you a mortgage
Don’t confuse ‘Home Insurance’ with ‘Home Content Insurance’. The distinction might be clear in English, but when you were shown words like ‘Woonverzerkering’ and ‘Inboedelverzekering’, you’re entitled to feel a bit lost. For how common homeownership is in the Netherlands, many people have home insurance as it is required as a mortgage against fire, water, storm damage or burglary (frequently called the ‘Opstalverzekering’).
The ‘Opstalverzekering’ will pay for this
The second kind, the home content insurance, however, was to protect the content of your house, like your laptop and your television. Even renters should have them, because God knows your landlords would not have bought it for your own stuff.
Here is a graphics, in Dutch about the difference between ‘Home Content’ and ‘Home’ insurance.
Legal Insurance – A lawyer can be your new best friends in a complex world
48% of Dutch have legal insurance. If you’re British, you are probably also familiar with it since 40% of British have legal insurance as well. However, the concept of legal insurance is not as prevalent in rest of the world as it is in Britain and the Netherlands.
It is possible to buy many many kinds of insurances in the Netherlands, but if you don’t have someone there to represent your best interest in all situations, then you are also as good as screwed. Many people, for example, when faced with a potential unemployment situation, instead of thinking of unemployment insurance, would get legal insurance to cover any legal fees that might incur should they need to sue their company for firing them if they believe they have good rationale to challenge the decision of the company in front of the court of law.
And boy, do the Dutch loves to sue their employers. That’s why, probably, there are only contractor jobs left in the market. Anyways, here are some companies which provide ‘rechtsbijstandsverzekering’: Rechtsbijstand by Reaal Rechtsbijstand by Nationale Nederlanden
Oh btw, don’t confuse the Rechtsbijstandsverzekering with a ‘responsibility-insurance’ which in Dutch means:Aansprakelijkheidsverzekering
Dental Insurance – Not included in your typical health insurance
If you ask me, I think it is super weird that the health of your teeth and gums were not included in the typical Dutch health insurance. (Some do offer them). But I suppose this is in line with the world’s discrimination of dentist not being a real doctor. We all deserved to pay more for our bad behaviors towards the dentist profession, I guess. (That, or the healthcare system in the Netherlands isn’t so great after all).
Here you can insure your mouth:
Disability Insurance – Because 1 in 10 Dutch has reported to suffer from disability
1,8 million Dutch people are estimated to have a disability, which includes anything from loss of motor ability, visual and hearing capacity and sub-optimal mental health. If you are disabled and could not or could only partially work, then you would suffer a loss in income. The disability insurance would help you through the period, supplementing other disability benefits you would receive from your employer or the government.
The amount of registered disability in the Netherlands is not particularly high compared to the rest of Europe at 13% in 2011, while countries like Portugal (17,2%), France (21,1%) and the all-time highest Austria (23,5%) have higher percentages of disabled persons due to various health and social-economic reasons. If you come to think of it, one in ten people would need some form of disability assistance in the Netherlands, and that’s kind of a lot, especially if you came from countries like Turkey, India or China where disability benefits from government agencies or their employers are often minimal, and you would consider limping to work even when you have suffered a horrendous but non-life threatening accident a triumphant feat and a display of loyalty and bravery.
The graphics below show how the Dutch are spending a lot more money on disability than OECD average, and the study’s benchmark country, the U.S. With Dutch’s disability benefits reformed, the percentage has dropped significantly, and this would mean that people would need to be more prepared for the financial impact on their lives in this kind of situation themselves, perhaps by the purchase of a disability insurance.
I added in this one because the Dutch distinguishes between ‘Auto’ (car) insurance and ‘Motor’ ( motorcycle) insurance. If you have both types of vehicles, you will need both types of insurance, and they fall under different Dutch names because picking insurance for automotive vehicles is not complicated enough. Surprise, surprise.
Liability insurance – To brake a stranger’s property in freedom
As careful as you might be, you – or your children – may always cause damage to e.g. a neighbor (think about the typical ball through the windowpane). The liability insurance protects a person or entity from claims initiated by another party. Although there are people in the Netherlands who think this is a compulsory insurance, it is NOT.
Damage caused by motor vehicles is not covered by this insurance. Almost all insurance companies offer this Aansprakelijkheidsverzekering, AVP (Personal Liability Insurance).
Smartphone Theft and Damage Insurance – Because you might as well
If you are insured in almost all aspects of your life already, how could you not insure the most important device in your life? Many telecommunication companies offer smartphone theft and damage insurances, because God knows we are careless animals that like to drop our phone into the toilet once in a while. Theft though, on the other hand, is not a serious issue nowadays given the advance in financing scheme and manufacturing technologies, making these devices cheaper every day.
Do I need an insurance for the insurances??
At this point of the article, you might start panicking on how much money you will actually need to shell out to live a ‘well-insured’ Dutch experience. Interesting enough, because how many Dutch people are buying these insurances, the average premium for these policies is often less than ten euros each (with the exception of health and car insurance). You may find out your premiums by using services like Independer.nl which are really good tools for clueless expats like you and me.
What do you have insurance for? Let us know in the comments below.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on 28 September 2017 but was updated for your reading pleasure on 26 February 2020.
As Italy continues to battle an outbreak of COVID-19, and patients are detected in Switzerland, Austria, and Croatia, the Netherlands is preparing for a potential pandemic.
A special team has been formed at the Netherlands National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) and the public health service GGD, dedicated to dealing with an outbreak if one occurs, reports RTL Nieuws.
The team, composed of scientists and doctors specialised in combating infectious diseases, will be responsible for advising the Ministry of Health on how best to deal with an outbreak. We have our gripes with the Dutch health system, but we’re pretty happy to hear this.
How will infected people be dealt with?
Dutch pandemic protocol says that as soon as there is a pandemic identified the following will happen:
There will be special quarantine places where infected patients are cared for
There will be rules for the treatment of patients
There will be criteria for who is admitted to hospital and who is not
As soon as there is a vaccine, it will be decided who will be the first to receive it
The last pandemic to hit the Netherlands was the Mexican flu, H1N1, in 2009-2010. It’s believed the flu caused 60 deaths in the Netherlands, and 17,000 worldwide.
What are hospitals doing to prepare?
Hospitals will also have to prepare for an influx of patients. Quarantine facilities with space for around 50-60 people will be put in place, depending on how popular the region is. Patients will typically be admitted to the region where they live.
Will schools and events be cancelled?
To be honest, probably not — but it is possible. If the coronavirus is detected in the Netherlands certain places and regions may be closed in an attempt to prevent further contamination. But, virologist Ann Vossen doesn’t expect it will come to that.
“That is not the way in which we deal with diseases in the Netherlands. In any case, it is not something that we have dealt with in over fifty years.”
Are you stressed about a potential outbreak of COVID-19? Think the Netherlands is well-prepared? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.
The mayor of Amsterdam, police chief and the main public prosecutor have met for the yearly review of crime in Amsterdam. Crime in the city has not gone on a downward trend, but it has stabilized.
Throughout last year, there have been 88,403 reported cases of crime, which is less than it was in the past, reports Het Parool.
New types of crime in Amsterdam
The concern is not necessarily over the number of reported crimes but of the changing nature. There has been a transition from clearly visible, obvious crimes, towards more hidden, harder to reach crimes.
An example of this are cybercrimes, which can range from financial fraud and blackmail to extortion of vulnerable girls through the usage of indecent photographs (also referred to as sextortion)
The new nature of crime requires innovation on part of the municipality of Amsterdam, the judiciary system and its police force, yet this is no easy task.
Concern over knife violence
In a trend similar to that in the United Kingdom, more and more young people have been found branding knives. This has lead to the announcement that knives will be banned in three areas of Amsterdam (namely in parts of east and south-east Amsterdam and the city centre). Rotterdam made a similar announcement earlier this year.
Femke Halsema, the mayor of Amsterdam, is especially concerned about the spread of knife violence in the city. The problem is hard to solve as there is a ‘silent culture’ surrounding it, especially among the youth in disadvantaged areas.
So far, no numbers have been published in regards to the incidence of knife-carrying in Amsterdam, yet, according to the Mayor, the stories she hears from some of the neighbourhoods are ‘shocking’.
Police Chief Frank Paauw says intervention is difficult because of the ‘silent culture’, as snitching on others is condemned within the community. He mentions that youth workers also avoid giving names of youth who carry a knife, out of fear of breaking their trust.
Other issues on the agenda in Amsterdam
Another recent development that takes up police resources is the incidence of protests. If in 2014, there were only 240 demonstrations in the city, that number has increased to 1446 protests in 2019, as society increasingly becomes dissatisfied.
Moreover, Amsterdam is still a centre for international drug trafficking, and there is more and more violence around this industry, especially among youth.
The “triangle” formed by the Mayor of Amsterdam Femke Halsema, Police Chief Frank Paauw and Chief Prosecutor John Lucas is looking for new solutions and innovations in order to tackle these new developments, to increase police capacity, and to implement successful policies in order to prevent these crimes.
Have you experienced any crime in your time in Amsterdam? Let us know in the comments.
Considering working in the Netherlands? You should know there’s a curious phenomenon that strikes people who arrive in Holland. It’s a state of mind that seeps in slowly, mesmerized by the spinning bikes, the turning windmills, and winding canals. The Netherlands creeps into the brain and plants a seed: can I stay here?
But where you live, you must pay bills, and to pay bills you must work, to work you need a job, and to get a job you must be allowed by the government. If you’re really serious about making the move to Holland, you’re probably asking yourself whether you’re able to get a job. That’s where we come in!
For this special guide we’ve teamed up with Undutchables, the highest-tier recruitment agency specialising in internationals in the Netherlands. They’re the experts when it comes to finding jobs for anyone who is Undutch and able! We’ll get into that ‘able’ part in this article.
Are you already living in the Netherlands? Or are you planning to make the jump? Let’s get into a tricky little thing called Residence Permits that can make all the difference to whether you can work in the Netherlands.
BUT FIRST, A NOTE: Oh, bureaucracy! While we’ve made every attempt to keep this article updated with the most correct information, things change quickly. We recommend you double-check the IND website or get in contact with Undutchables.
Working in the Netherlands: residence permits
While we wish we could go back to the days where residence permits didn’t exist, we like the internet, dishwashers and modern medicine far too much. The Netherlands can be very selective about who can come to the country to stay and work so unless you’re an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen it’s necessary to obtain the relevant residencepermit (verblijfsvergunning) for your stay.
Visual representation of all the paperwork that can go into getting a work visa. Image: Dom J/Pexels
Remember, just because you have a residence permit doesn’t mean you’re necessarily allowed to work. There are a stack of different types of Residence Permits, all with different conditions on whether, where, and how much you can work. Check your individual resident permit or head over to the IND for more information or get in touch with Undutchables, they’re the experts at helping people find work in the Netherlands.
If you don’t have a residence permit yet that allows you to work, there are two main ways to go about obtaining one and a few things to remember depending on your situation.
When you have been offered a job in the Netherlands already
You’ve made the applications, had the interviews, or been headhunted, and have a tasty job offer on the table in the land of windmills and cheese: congratulations! This is an excellent position to be in considering it can be difficult to find a job in the Netherlands, however, it’s not smooth cycling just yet.
Want to arrive with a job lined up? Get in contact with Undutchables to see current vacancies!
What are the steps to apply?
Your employer will submit an application for a residence permit on your behalf (yay!). However, before you travel to the Netherlands you need an MVV (temporary residence permit)which is a sticker placed in your passport before you come to the Netherlands, at a Dutch consulate or embassy. There are a few exceptions to needing an MVV, like being citizens of certain countries.
Your employer can also apply for your MVV on your behalf (bonus free time for you!). While they do this they will also apply for a THV if necessary – the THV is your work permit and is granted by the UWV (Netherlands Employees Insurance Agency). The combined application of the MVV and THV is called the GVVA.
This is an important part of the application because the UWV will make sure there is a reason for you to have this job – namely that there is no one else in the Netherlands, EU/EEA or Switzerland that could have it instead.
It’s also worth noting that you can go through this process yourself provided you have the job offer, and that your employer may ask you to submit the application – although this is less common.
The IND (immigration department) will come up with an answer on the granting of your residence permit and its work allowance within 90 days once everything is submitted and verified to be complete. If it’s a yes, pack your bags! If not, there are sometimes grounds to challenge the decision.
When you want to find a job
Rather find a job after already coming to the Netherlands? This is a bit more difficult and depends heavily on certain requirements. The main option is if you have graduated or completed a PhD within the past three years.
If so, the ‘Orientation Year for Highly Educated Persons‘ (what a mouthful!) could be an option for you, but check the information at the IND for full requirements – because there are a lot.
If you are eligible and are not living in the Netherlands you can apply for an MVV (temporary residence permit) at your closest Dutch embassy or consulate and make the move to the Netherlands. From here you finalise your application for the Orientation Year online and start your job search. Sound interesting? Check out some vacancies.
Work permits
Being allowed to live in the Netherlands is very different from being allowed to work. If you already have your residence permit, temporary or not, here’s what you can do depending on your circumstances.
EU/EEA/Swiss Citizen
Got that swanky burgundy passport? A member of the EEA or Switzerland? Well, that puts you in a pretty prime position. Thanks to the sweet songs of the Schengen Agreement and various other politics, members of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland are free to move, travel, and work in any of the same areas.
From Czechia? You’re in. Latvian citizen? Come on over. Swiss and proud? We’re neutral – but we’ll have you because we also like cheese.
You don’t even need to contact the IND to start living your best Dutch life! But, you will need to register at the local municipality (gemeente) if you plan on staying for more than four months.
EU/EEA Members:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark (excluding Greenland and the Faroe Islands), Estonia, Finland, France (including French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and la Réunion), Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal (including the Azores and Madeira), Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain (including Balearic Islands and Canary Islands), Sweden, Switzerland.
Partner or family member of an EU Citizen
Fell in love with a Dutchie or another EU/EEA citizen? Got an EU/EEA family? You also have options! If your partner or family member can act as your sponsor by saying that they can support you while you find a job, you can apply for a residence permit that allows you to work in the Netherlands.
Highly-skilled? Planning to migrate to the Netherlands? If your job is one in high-demand, or you’re an expert in your field congrats! The IND may just want you to live and work in the Netherlands.
Obviously, we think you’re the best. But, the IND does lay out pretty specific fields that they’re looking for. First off, your employer has to be a recognised sponsor by the IND. Secondly, the job must meet the specific salary criteria in the table below.
You can check out the full list of recognised sponsors, or talk with Undutchables – they’ve been a recognised sponsor since 2005. That means that:
if you meet the conditions of the visa,
Undutchables can hunt you down a job that complies with the regulations and,
the employer is willing to wait for the permit to be granted
Not to be confused with the Highly Skilled Migrant visa, the European Blue Card is for nationals from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland area to work in the Netherlands. However, you must already hold a Residence Permit from outside the Netherlands in an EU/EEA or Swiss state.
If you do meet this condition, you can apply for a permit based on your European Blue Card. You must also have a minimum 12-month employment contract with an employer in the Netherlands, meet the wage requirement, and have a diploma showing just how qualified you are – a minimum of three years of higher education.
Student
Having a blast studying in the Netherlands but need some money to pay for all that beer – cough – we mean, textbooks? If you’re a foreigner from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland you have certain limitations placed on how much you can work.
You can choose to either:
complete full-time seasonal work during June, July and August or,
work year-round, but for no more than ten hours in one week.
Your employer must also obtain a work permit which involves some strict conditions. It’s difficult, but not impossible. Regardless, it’s not recommended to rely on getting a job to finance your study in the Netherlands.
We’ve talked a lot in this post about EU/EEA and Swiss citizens and how they really have it easy. But, for citizens from Argentina, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, New Zealand and South Korea this one is for you – hurrah!
The Working Holiday Program (WHP) is an agreement between the countries above to allow cultural exchanges in the form of work or short study course. You have to be aged between 18 to 30 to apply and can receive a residence permit to live in the Netherlands for up to one year.
There are a few benefits to this visa. Firstly, it’s pretty easy to get if you can meet the conditions. If you’re Canadian, Australian or a New Zealander you have a very good chance. For Argentineans, Hong Kong citizens and South Koreans there are only 100 visas per country per year.
Secondly, it’s one of the cheapest visas to get at only 58 euros. If you can prove that you have funds to support yourself and show a return ticket back home, this is a solid visa to dip a toe in the Dutch canals.
Self-employed
Feeling entrepreneurial? If you’re a lone-wolf type prepared to put in the hard yards of setting up your own business in the Netherlands, you need permission first, no matter how great your idea is.
The government must decide that your business serves an essential Dutch interest. You also need some hefty funds in your bank account to show you can support yourself for at least 12 months.
This also goes for if you would like to become a freelancer in the Netherlands.
How can I get a job in the Netherlands?
You’ve figured out what visa you might need and your eligibility – that’s part of the hard work done! But, now you need to find a job, and we’re sorry to say that can be a real challenge.
If you would like to go it alone, it’s not impossible. Here’s how you can get well on your way to securing a sweet job in the Netherlands.
How to find a job in the Netherlands
Alright, the Netherlands is a small country but with a lot of industry – so there have to be some good jobs out there. It’s also home to a stack of international companies, like ING, Shell, Unilever, Philips and Heineken to name a few.
With a bit of commitment, you’ll soon be shaking hands on a new job in the Netherlands. Image: fauxels/Pexels
If you want to go it on your own, here’s a few places to start your job hunt:
On the internet
We can’t deny we’re in the 21st century, so obviously the internet is where you will have a lot of luck finding vacancies. Check out Dutch job-hunting websites like:
Undutchables – specialists at finding jobs for foreigners in the Netherlands, English website, can filter by English-speaking jobs
Indeed – international job search service, website in Dutch
MonsterBoard – popular job search service for the Netherlands, website in Dutch
Intermediair – for people in the management, finance and law industries
Werk.nl – the Netherlands public employment service
EURES – the official job portal of the European Commission
Glassdoor – international recruitment and job review website
Marktplaats – online classifieds for the Netherlands
Angel List – job search website for startup companies
Of course, you can’t forget social media – LinkedIn is a great source for finding work and allows you to promote yourself, or you can always check for open jobs on Facebook Marketplace.
Use your contacts and network
Got a friend working for a great company? See if you can score an interview in the Netherlands! Talk with as many people as possible and find out where they are working.
Send out speculative applications
Can’t quite locate the job that’s right for you? Start looking at companies you may like to work for and send emails asking if they have any openings coming up. This is relatively common in the Netherlands, so you won’t look like a weirdo or get blackballed.
For a list of companies to check out, head over to the IND where they have a list of recognised employers/sponsors. This can be a great way to find a job with a good chance of sponsorship if you’re in a highly desirable industry.
Undutchables
We did mention the job market in the Netherlands can be hard, but the Undutchables can take the stress out of finding your dream Dutch job. Their search platform allows you to search for jobs in your sector but also by preferred language, so you can really let your language skills shine – or just speak English!
Do I need to speak Dutch to work in the Netherlands?
You may have heard that Dutchies are some of the best non-native speakers in the world. And, it’s true! The Dutch speak great, effortless English so speaking Dutch in general life is not necessary, although always appreciated.
There are many jobs in international companies where speaking Dutch is a bonus, but not necessarily a requirement. At the same time, there are some companies that require you spreek Nederlands which is understandable – we are in the Netherlands after all. If you’re not a Dutch speaker that’s okay – but try to limit your job search to languages that are under your belt (Undutchables can help with that too).
What do I need to know about working in the Netherlands?
Working in a different country is always a jump: new requirements, social events, and allowances. But, we’re here to give you a brief head start on what to expect when working in the Netherlands.
Pay Structure
Dutch companies almost always pay once per month – so don’t spend it all at once!
Taxation
Like most countries, the Netherlands LOVES tax. But, the money from tax is also what makes this country so great. There are four main tax brackets for income tax in the Netherlands. Normally, if you work for a Dutch company they will withhold enough tax for you each month. Then, once a year in January you’ll complete your tax return (aangiftebrief) and hopefully snag yourself a refund.
Annual taxable income (gross)
Total rate
€ 0 – 20,711
36.65%
€ 20.712 – 68,507
38.10%
€ 68,508+
51.75%
If you’re in the Netherlands on a Highly Skilled Migrant visa you may also be able to take advantage of the 30% ruling. Designed to attract needed experts to the Netherlands, the ruling means that 30% of your salary is tax-free for up to five years – score!
Holidays (vakantiegeld)
In the Netherlands, you don’t get just public holidays off but also paid vacation time so pack your bags! The general rule of thumb is 4 x the number of days you work in a week, although full-time workers typically get around 25 days a year.
Travel allowance (reiskostenvergoeding)
Whew, we all know that Dutch public transport doesn’t run cheap. But, the good news is that your employer will typically reimburse you for your travel costs. That eight euro train you need to catch to work will end up as pennies back in your pocket.
After-work drinks (borrelen)
If you’re going to be working in the Netherlands, you’ll need to meet and mingle with the best of them. Thankfully, the Dutch have turned after-work drinks into an art – called borrelen. This typically involves beers and some sort of fried snack, and is bloody addictive – you’ll want to go borrelen every day!
What do I do if I need help with work permits in the Netherlands?
We mentioned at the start that getting a job in the Netherlands can be a tricky process. It’s understandable if you don’t want to go it alone! If you’re looking for specific information on work permits in the Netherlands, the IND website has the most up-to-date information.
But, if you’re ready to take the plunge we recommend getting in touch with Undutchables. They’ll figure out your skills during their onboarding process and match you with a company in the Netherlands that’s right for you – that’s someone in your corner!
What has been your experience with getting a work permit in the Netherlands? Got any questions? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!
The COVID-19 virus, also colloquially referred to as the coronavirus, has caused an outbreak in northern Italy, leading to a lockdown of some of the cities and towns in the region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands has recommended that Dutchies should not travel to the region, reports NU.
As of now, there are 220 reported cases of the virus in Italy since last Wednesday, and 7 people have died.
To which areas should Dutchies not travel to?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands has issued a warning for 11 municipalities in the provinces of Padua and Lombardy, with 10 of them being in Lombardy, within the Milan area. These are also the municipalities where Italian authorities have implemented an entry and exit ban.
The Ministry has warned against travelling to Rome as well and the nearby Lazio region.
Schools and universities in the region are now closed
So far, most of the infections in Italy are within the Lombardy region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns against travelling to San Fiorano, Terranova dei Passerini, Bertonico, Castelgerundo, Castiglione d’Adda, Casalpusterlengo, Codogno, Fombio, Somaglio and Maleo. In the province of Padua, it is not recommended to travel to the town of Vo’ Euganeo.
In these provinces, public meetings are now prohibited, and cinemas, museums, schools and universities have been closed.
Red Cross: Dutchies do not know enough about using protective face gear
Research done by the Red Cross in the Netherlands has shown that 52% of Dutch people believe that they must wear a mouth cap in countries where cases of the COVID-19 virus have emerged.
The risk of infection actually increases if the mouth cap is used incorrectly, for example, if you wear the same mask repeatedly or if you touch the outside of the mask. According to the research by the Red Cross, only 34% of Dutchies are aware of these facts.
Step-by-step guide on using a mouth cap
Thankfully, the Red Cross has published on its website a step-by-step guide on correctly using a mouth cap. They’ve also given recommendations to reduce the risk of infection, such as washing your hands regularly with soap, and coughing and sneezing in your elbow, as well as using paper tissues.
For those travelling in regions which have confirmed cases of the virus, the Red Cross recommends steering clear of those who have flu-like symptoms, to wash clothes in case they come into contact with someone who does have symptoms and to avoid contact with farm animals.
Follow DutchReview for more updates on the COVID-19 virus.
Today we’re talking another fabulous Tilburg museum: the TextielMuseum. We’ve already covered some killer museums in this lovely Dutch city, but today we’re going to dig a little deeper into one of Tilburg’s coolest.
You probably don’t think much about textiles in daily life, but you’re surrounded by them every day. Those clothes you’re wearing? Textiles. That carpet you’re walking on? Textiles. The sheets you snuggle down into every night on your way to dreamland? They’re textiles too!
Even though we’re surrounded by textiles, we’re pretty bloody clueless about them. If you told me the only chance to keep my grandmother alive was to sit at a loom and make her a blanket, well, sorry Grandma.
But this isn’t some boring museum where you’ll stare at carpet fibres under some glass. No, what makes the TextielMuseum ultra-special is that it’s a working museum. They have a whole space where visitors can watch designers, artists and architects work hard on their new products. Just try and bottle some of that creativity that is zinging through the air!
Tilburg’s TextielMuseum is located in a former wool factory – legit! Image: Joep Vogels/TextielMuseum
What does Tilburg have to do with textiles?
We’re glad you asked! Textiles are a very important part of Tilburg’s history because the city was originally the wool capital of the Netherlands – quite a title! Poor farmers decided instead of selling the wool from their sheep, they would weave it instead—making Tilburg world-famous in the process.
What can you find here?
As you enter the doors of the impressive building, you’ll find yourself split between two worlds: will you be drawn towards the museum space, home to over 15,000 objects from the nineteenth century onwards? Or will the 11000 square metres of TextielLab grab you first, entrancing you with designers, artists and architects hard at work? Make sure you leave enough time for both because you do not want to miss out!
Let’s break these options down:
The TextielMuseum
Time for a break? Image: Josefina Eikenaar/TextielMuseum
Start your visit by exploring the learning a little about the history of textiles. The permanent exhibition is a great place to start! At ‘The Woollen Blanket Factory 1900-1940‘ you can go back in time to when Dutch textile history was at its prime. Even better, you’ll be learning about it in a building that housed a former 1860s wool factory!
You’ll be transported to the hubbub of a working day, with the thumping noise of a steam engine powering the machines, large bales of crude wool waiting to be weighed, and the smell of softener in the air!
FUN FACT: one part of making wool in those days was soaking it in human urine to felt (cleanse, whiten and thicken) the cloth. Thankfully, they don’t do that anymore. But, it did give people from Tilburg the nickname kruikenzeiker (jug pissers).
At the end you’ll get to see the glorious finished product of soft wool blankets, but please try to restrain yourself from diving in and wrapping yourself up like a burrito.
Apart from the permanent exhibition, the Textielmuseum’s calendar is chock-full of temporary exhibits on all the textile and design-related topics you can imagine! In the past, they’ve featured everything from haute couture, like Chanel, to contemporary Dutch design.
TextielLab
You can’t miss the pride of the museum, because it’s located bang in the middle. The TextielLab is a textile powerhouse, a unique knowledge centre dedicated to its craft. Delve into the kitchen of the makers, witness three looms and four knitting machines at work, and check out the amazing tech that is used!
Did you know you can create a weaving pattern on a computer then tell a machine to make it for you? Well kids, the future is now! The experts at the TextielLab assist artists and makers from all over to make their dreams a reality. They experiment with colour vibrancy and fabric strength to make works of art and function for all over the globe.
Busy designing bees hard at work. Image: Josefina Eikenaar/TextielMuseum
You’ll even find some things you’ve never heard of! What is passementerie? We didn’t know, but we do now! What do lasers have to do with textiles? A lot, as it turns out! The entire production area is open to museum-goers to watch the masters and artists from around the world hard at work.
Sign me up! What do I need to know to visit?
Here’s some text on how to go see the textiles.
How much are tickets for the TextielMuseum?
You can buy tickets at the museum, or online.
Type of ticket:
Price:
Adult
€ 12.50
Youth 13-18 years
€ 4.00
CJP-Card
€ 3.50
Child 7-12 years
€ 0.00
When is the TextielMuseum open?
Every day except Monday! But, to be a little more detailed:
OPENING HOURS
Maandag
Gesloten
Dinsdag – Vrijdag
10:00 – 17:00
Zaterdag – Zondag
12:00 – 17:00
Where is the TextielMuseum?
If you’re a pen and paper type person, scrawl down the following:
Goirkestraat 96
5046 GN Tilburg
Or, see it on Google Maps for maximum convenience!
What else is there to see?
Never forget one of the best parts of any museum: the gift shop, or in this case the Textielshop. If you’re a design fan this is a must for unique items and curated gifts.
You know that person that gives the best gifts? That could be you. Image: Josefina Eikenaar/TextielMuseum
Once you’re done, the fun doesn’t have to stop. Pop down the road to the LocHal, an incredible Tilburg institution that was awarded World Building of the Year in 2019. It’s a reclaimed warehouse turned into the most stunning cultural centre and library, and also home to one of the TextielMuseums largest projects: giant curtains made of almost three kilometres of fabric.
After the triple storm combo of the past weeks, some of us might expect that the weather will get better, especially with spring on the horizon. Well, unfortunately, it seems like we’ll have to settle for continuing to daydream about better weather.
This afternoon, the wind will pick throughout the coastal areas, and we’ll have more of the good ole’ rain, RTL Nieuws reports. Prepare to do your relaxing indoors, because it will be stormy throughout this week!
If there is some good news it’s that in the south it won’t be that windy, so the carnival parades are good to go after being cancelled last weekend.
How will the rest of the week look in the Netherlands?
On Tuesday the weather should be somewhat better, and the avoidant sun will show its face from time to time from above the clouds. In the afternoon there will be rain and wind, something we are all too used to by now.
The rest of the week will be, well, messy. For Wednesday and Thursday, there will be temperature drops, and we might even get hail and wet snow.
And in Limburg, our favourite mountain province of the Netherlands, snow might fall again in the night between Tuesday and Wednesday, and because of the cold temperatures, it might stick around for a day or two.
The weather should get better on Friday, but as with all things weather-related in the Netherlands, don’t rely on it.
Excited for spring? Because we certainly are! Tell us what weather you’re missing the most below.
