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What are your rights as an international working in the Netherlands? We asked the experts

Lyna Meyrer 🇱🇺
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What are your rights as an international working in the Netherlands? We asked the experts

When moving to a new country, there are a lot of things you may not think about at first — even though they will greatly affect you. An example? The local employment laws.

We’re sorry for coming at you with such Dutch directness, but it’s true: the intricacies of Dutch labour law aren’t always easy to wrap your head around (especially as non-Dutch-speaking expats like us 😉).

That’s why I asked the experts! From sick leave to dismissal and from obligations to rights, I sat down with GMW lawyers to discuss the most important things to know as an international working in the Netherlands. 

Meet the experts

Founded in 1989, GMW lawyers is a law firm based in The Hague offering various legal services. 

I had the pleasure of meeting two of their best employment lawyers, Godelijn Boonman and Seliz Demirci, at their charming office to chat about Dutch labour law.

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I asked all the most burning questions. Image: DutchReview

Having worked in employment law for more than 33 years, Godelijn tells me that she “enjoy[s] working with internationals because it always brings me to another country.”

After all, “employment law is employment law,” she smiles, “but it’s the people with whom I work that make all the difference.”

READ MORE | Everything you need to know about mediators in the Netherlands

Seliz, who also specialises in employment law, agrees: “Working with internationals is refreshing. It’s nice to get an international perspective on how we do things here in the Netherlands.”

Now, the question is: How do they do things here in the Netherlands? What do expats need to know? What should we be wary of? I asked all the questions; here’s what Seliz and Godelijn had to say. 👇

So, what do internationals need to know about working in the Netherlands?

Naturally, working conditions, culture, and employment law vary greatly per country. That’s why it’s a great idea to read up on the local legislation before accepting a job abroad. 

When it comes to the Netherlands, you’ll be happy to hear that your working conditions will most likely be similar — or better! — than those in your home country. 

“Overall, we have a very strong protection of employees in the Netherlands”, says Godelijn, “not like in the US and the UK, for example. Internationals are usually happily surprised.”

☝️ In the Netherlands, your employer can’t fire you ‘just because’

Firstly, you should know that you can’t get fired in the Netherlands just because your boss’s cat got sick in their bed that morning. Your boss must provide a solid case for why you should be let go. 

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In almost all cases, your boss first has to give you the opportunity to improve. Image: DepositPhotos.com

“What makes a big difference in the Netherlands is our closed dismissal system,” Seliz explains. “We have nine legal grounds stipulated in law — and an employer needs to stand on at least one of them (or a combination of them) to be able to let someone go.”

Each of these legal grounds also comes with specific obligations for the employer. “For example, if an employee underperforms, the employer has to give them a chance to improve.” 

“That means you cannot fire someone just because you don’t like them”, she tells us. 

READ MORE | Unfair dismissal in the Netherlands: What you need to know [2026 guide]

In general, employees in the Netherlands aren’t fired willy-nilly, and if you have a permanent contract and don’t agree with the dismissal proposed by your employer, then the only way you can be let go is in court.

The only exception to this rule is if you are a statutory director, in which case the shareholders can dismiss you without first going to court.

🤧 You can get sick pay for a very long time

Another important aspect of your work rights in the Netherlands is your right to sick leave (ziekteverlof in Dutch). 

“The internationals I speak to are always surprised by this,” says Seliz.

Why? Well, in the Netherlands, your employer is obligated to pay you a whopping two years of sick leave if you fall ill and cannot do your job. 

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Feeling sick or burnt out? As part of your employee rights in the Netherlands, you will still receive a salary. Image: DepositPhotos.com

By law, your Dutch employer must continue paying at least 70% of your salary (up to a maximum monthly wage, which is now €6,617.44 gross) — and many employers even choose to pay the full amount during the first year of illness.

Also good to know: In the first year you are sick, you are entitled to at least the minimum wage, even if this is more than 70% of your salary.

In the second year of illness, your sick leave pay may be less than the minimum wage.

Dutch labour law is elaborate and complex — but it’s good to know that, in most cases, the law is on the employee’s side. 😉 Got any questions about Dutch law or a specific situation you’d like to discuss? Geen probleem!

Contact GMW lawyers

👩‍💻 Working from home is not a right in the Netherlands

I’ll be honest: For the longest time, I was convinced that the right to remote work was legally prescribed in the Netherlands — but it’s not.

Yup, although the Netherlands is often dubbed the “WFH capital of Europe”, and almost 75% of employees in the Netherlands work remotely at least some of the time, “it is not a legal right to work from home in the Netherlands”, says Godelijn. 

international-woman-working-from-home-in-the-netherlands-as-is-her-right-as-an-employee-in-the-Netherlands
This one may come as a surprise, but your Dutch employment rights do not include the right to work from anywhere. Image: DepositPhotos.com

That being said, there’s no need to worry. Especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, most employers in the Netherlands allow their workers to work from home on at least a part-time basis. 

Let op: working from home means working from home, as the lawyers tell me — unfortunately, you can’t just bog off to Thailand for 8 months and work from there (sorry!). 

The Dutch government had previously proposed a “working from anywhere” law, but this was rejected.

Good to know: If working from home is not the norm in your company, you can simply make a request to work remotely with your employer. This request must be made in writing two months ahead of time, and your employer can only reject it for valid business-related reasons.

🇳🇱 Cultural differences will affect you in the workplace 

It’s no myth that the Dutch are famously direct. “That’s the first thing internationals have to be aware of when working in the Netherlands”, Godelijn laughs. At the same time, Dutch work culture is very non-hierarchical.

In the workplace, this combination can be lethal — or, well, it can end in conflict. Godelijn explains: “A lot of Dutch people need to learn that their jokes can harm people, even if they think it’s just a joke.” 

“A Dutch employer once called me about a joke that was made on the work floor. A person had made fun of an Asian employee for not being able to pronounce the English “r”-sound.” 

She adds: “The Dutch person just didn’t understand how that was a problem. To him, it was ‘just a joke’.” That’s how cultures can clash and situations can get sticky. 

three-woman-sitting-at-table-laughing-during-an-interview-with-employment-lawyers-from-GMW
“Especially Christmas parties seem to have a bad reputation.” Image: DutchReview

Seliz agrees: “Internationals often say that Dutch people make a lot of silly jokes. We want to keep things gezellig — but in other countries, jokes aren’t made that freely, especially not at work”.

At the same time, Seliz and Godelijn agree that “internationals can sometimes be a little sensitive sometimes, too.” 

“Yes, sometimes things should be done differently,” Godelijn says, “but a lot of the time, it’s not as serious as internationals make it out to be. Both sides need to adjust to each other.”

Did you know: Conflicts like these don’t always require a legal battle. Instead, it may be a good option to talk to a mediator or to make an internal complaint. “My tip for internationals,” says Seliz: “always communicate openly with your employer”.

📑 If your one-year contract doesn’t get extended, your employee rights are limited

Although, in most ways, the Netherlands is a true haven when it comes to employment law, one big issue still affects many international employees in the Netherlands: temporary contracts.

Especially for internationals who have moved their whole life to a different country, not knowing for how long they will be employed can be a very stressful situation.

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Contract up? You may just have to pack your things. Image: DepositPhotos.com

But why are temporary contracts such a big thing here? 

“It’s probably because of the many employee-friendly clauses in Dutch employment law”, Godelijn thinks. “Because employees are protected in such a high way, employers are often wary when starting with new employees.”

She explains: “Legally, companies can offer three one-year contracts before someone has to be given a permanent contract, but decent employers usually don’t wait out the three years. They should do one year and then move onto the permanent contract.”

The bad news? If a one-year contract runs out, “there are no legal obligations because the contract ends by operation of law.” 

That means there will be no severance pay other than the statutory one, which amounts to 1/3rd of a month’s salary per worked year. Even if you are sick, your employer can simply let your contract run out. 

What is your experience with the Dutch job market? Share your thoughts in the comments!

7 important things you should know before becoming a freelancer in the Netherlands

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
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7 important things you should know before becoming a freelancer in the Netherlands

There are many benefits to becoming a freelancer in the Netherlands: you determine your own hours, decide how you want your business to be run, and maybe you’re a #girlboss — but with this title come several important points to consider. 

For example, what will you do if you get sick? Do you know how to submit your BTW (VAT)? How much should you charge? 

From one freelancer to another, here are seven very important things you should know before becoming a freelancer in the Netherlands.

This post might have affiliate links that help us write the articles you love, at no extra cost to you. Read our statement.

1. You may need to hire an accountant 

Sometimes, all you need is a professional to sit you down and tell you what to do. This is why many freelancers hire accountants to help them with their taxes.

As a ZZP’er (freelancer) in the Netherlands, you’re expected to pay your BTW (VAT) every fiscal quarter. On top of that, you’ll be filing your annual income tax.

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Especially as an international, you may need some extra assistance when filing your taxes. Image: Dreamstime

This is already tricky for someone who understands Dutch, let alone someone who doesn’t speak the language. 

I’d recommend hiring an accountant, at least for your first year as a ZZP’er. They’ll make sure you know how to do everything by the book. Once you feel confident enough to try it yourself, you can always spread your wings.   

Good to know: If you don’t want to shell out for an accountant, apps like Finom offer automated invoices, expense management, and a range of accounting tools.

Similarly, banks like Revolut, bunq, and Qonto offer in-depth accounting tools — perfect if you’re also looking for a business bank account to help manage your invoices.

2. You need to become an admin wiz

It’s also up to you to keep on top of your administration. This means creating spreadsheets of your hours worked, tracking your stock, your expenses, and the tax you owe — and yes, it can be overwhelming. 

Thankfully, many online tools can help freelancers with this.

3. It’s up to you to set up (and pay into) a pension plan

One thing about being your own boss is that there’s no employer to take care of the bureaucracy — so it’s up to you to set up your own pension.

The AOW or Algemene Ouderdomswet (National Old Age Pension Act) is a basic pension provided by the Dutch government to anyone who lives and works in the Netherlands.

This means that, even if you’re an international, you will receive an AOW pension for the years you worked in the Netherlands. 

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As a ZZP’er, it will be up to you to pay into your own pension plan. Image: Magnific

However, the AOW will only provide you with a very meagre allowance, which will likely not be enough to support you through retirement. 

Instead, in the Netherlands, it’s very common for people to supplement their state pension throughout their working lives. This is often done in two ways:

  • By personally contributing to a private pension account
  • By having an employer who pays into an employee pension fund

As a self-employed person in the Netherlands, you will not be able to rely on an employee pension, which means it’s up to you to contribute to your own private pension fund to supplement your government pension.

Good to know: The Netherlands is home to a few expat-friendly pension programmes, like Brand New Day.

4. You need to take out insurance in case you fall ill

Life happens, which means that sometimes, you find yourself unable to work due to illness or disability.  

Unlike when you are employed, as a freelancer in the Netherlands, it’s up to you to set up an insurance package that will help supplement your income should you ever find yourself unable to work. 

READ MORE | Which types of insurance do you need in the Netherlands? [2026 guide]

There are several ways you can protect yourself: 

  • You can take out private illness or occupational disability insurance
  • You can take out something called ‘individual occupational disability insurance with collective conditions’ 
  • You can participate in a ‘schenkkring’, a donation fund set up by a group of entrepreneurs. Each month, you donate to the fund, and should you ever become unable to work, you will receive some money from the fund for the first two years. The number of people in the group is usually limited.  
  • You can take part in ‘crowdsurance.’ Similar to a ‘schenkkring’, a group of entrepreneurs will contribute to a fund for participants. 

5. Your minimum wage is different to the normal minimum wage

As a freelancer, you’re also responsible for determining what you need to charge to cover your costs and pay yourself a livable wage. 

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Your minimum wage is much higher than that of regular employees. Image: Magnific

This means you must charge more than the national minimum wage per hour. Why? Because you will also need to cover the cost of your insurance, sick leave, and pension.

READ MORE | What is the average salary in the Netherlands? [UPDATED 2026]

While there’s no official minimum rate for ZZP’ers, the golden rule of freelancing in the Netherlands is to charge well above the employee minimum wage. After all, you’re the one footing the bill for your insurance, sick leave, and pension.

What does that look like in practice? According to a 2026 survey by Knab, the average Dutch freelancer now charges €83 per hour.

6. You are financially liable for your own business

When you’re employed by someone, the worst thing that can happen if the business fails is that you will lose your job. While this is quite unpleasant, as a ZZP’er, it could be much worse. 

READ MORE | 7 things you need as a freelancer in the Netherlands

If your business fails to turn a profit and falls into debt, then that means you’re falling into debt. Your business is tied to your personal finances, and if it suffers, so do you. 

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As a ZZP’er, you’re financially liable when it comes to your business. Image: Magnific

7. You need to be aware of false self-employment

Many businesses in the Netherlands will hire people as freelancers when, in reality, they should hire them as employees. This is known as false self-employment. 

You are likely under false self-employment if: 

  • You cannot determine your own hours 
  • You cannot decide how you will carry out the work
  • You cannot subcontract your work to someone else 

People often find themselves working as a false freelancer when they are offered a job with the condition that they register themselves as a ZZP’er with the KvK. 

READ MORE | Becoming a freelancer in the Netherlands: The 2026 ZZPer guide

However, by becoming a ZZP’er under these conditions, you essentially become an employee without employee benefits. Your employer doesn’t have to pay into a pension fund for you, they don’t need to insure you, and it’s up to you to sort your taxes. 

Note: As of 2026, the Dutch government is officially cracking down on businesses that use false freelancers. The hope is that this will encourage businesses to properly hire employees when they should. 

Becoming a ZZP’er can be a very exciting step in your life in the Netherlands — just make sure you’re informed before you enter the ring. 💪

Are you working as a freelancer in the Netherlands? Tell us about your experience in the comments below! 

The best credit cards for expats in the Netherlands in 2026

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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The best credit cards for expats in the Netherlands in 2026

Choosing the best Dutch credit card often involves wading through pages of information on interest rates, annual fees, and handy benefits. 

In this guide, we’ve sourced the most popular credit cards in the Netherlands — for personal use, travel, and all your business-related financial needs — and put them into one place.

READ MORE | Banking in the Netherlands: the complete guide

Here’s how to get the most bang for your buck! 💳✨

TIP: In a hurry? These are our all-around top picks for credit cards in the Netherlands. 👇

💳 Best personal credit card: ING Credit Card
🏢 Best business credit card: American Express Business Green Card
👩🏻‍💻 Best credit card for freelancers: N26 Business Mastercard
🛫 Best travel credit card: American Express Platinum Card

This post might have affiliate links that help us write the articles you love, at no extra cost to you. Read our statement.

Best Dutch credit cards for personal use

If you’re looking for a personal credit card that’ll offer you some powerful rewards, you can’t go wrong with the options below.

ING Credit Card More: Best for everyday use

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The ING Credit Card More is the easy choice for a daily card that’ll cover your essentials, shopping trips, and anything else, at the low price of just €2 per month.

Not the biggest fan of credit, but still want the functionality? ING’s Debit Mastercard and Visa Debit cards may be right up your alley.

Check it out

ABN AMRO Credit Card: Best for expats on a budget

abn-amro-credit-card-netherlands

At just €2.55 per month, this ABN AMRO credit card is super easy on your wallet.

Don’t let the price fool you, though, because this baby also comes with 180-day purchase insurance and supplementary travel insurance for flight or baggage delays.

Check it out

Rabocard: Best starter credit card

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Costing a maximum of €2 per month, depending on your banking package, the Rabocard is one of the cheapest credit cards available in the Netherlands.

However, cheap doesn’t mean stingy, as the card’s standard lending limit of €1,000 per month can be raised to a generous €10,000, depending on income.

Check it out

Best Dutch credit cards for travel

Frequent flyers, on the other hand, often have different requirements for their credit cards. While most of these cards aren’t widely accepted for day-to-day purchases in the Netherlands, they’re great for buying flights!

Their benefits can range from flight benefits to a smoother travel experience, and their credit card of choice will need to do some heavy lifting to open those doors for them.

Our top picks are:

American Express Platinum card: Best for luxury travel

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With open access to Schiphol’s exclusive Privium Plus benefits — such as faster security and border checks, priority parking, and the luxuries of the Centurion Lounge — the American Express Platinum card ensures that your journey is as relaxing and stress-free as possible.

Of course, good things don’t come cheap, and neither does the AMEX Platinum card! Costing €75 per month, you’ll also need a gross yearly income of €30,000 to apply for this card.

Check it out

Flying Blue Platinum American Express card: Best for KLM frequent flyers

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At €55 per month, the Flying Blue Platinum AMEX unlocks the door to KLM’s handy Flying Blue loyalty programme, with the ability to earn Miles whenever you book a flight.

You can spend your Miles on countless exclusive rewards, such as baggage allowance, seat upgrades, or even a reward ticket!

Check it out

Mastercard Black: Best for affordable travel perks

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A cheaper alternative to the AMEX Platinum and Flying Blue Platinum cards, the ICS Mastercard Black offers great benefits for the price, including continuous travel insurance and access to over 1,800 lounges in 75 different countries.

Costing €225 per year, this credit card also provides you with worldwide travel insurance and a handy Priority Pass, with which you can access smooth airport transfers and priority at security checks.

Check it out

Best Dutch credit cards for business

Perhaps you’re a businessperson or freelancer? Then these handy cards might be far more your speed.

Qonto X Card: Best for international business banking

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Built for international entrepreneurs, the Qonto X Card packs some truly powerful features in a slim package, for just €20 a month.

Offering major pros like premium travel and purchase insurance, a generous €200,000 a month payment limit, 0.8% cashback, and zero foreign exchange fees, it’s the ideal card for doing business overseas.

Check it out

N26 Business Mastercard: Best for freelancers

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With nifty cashback features, in-depth spending insights, and deposit protection, the N26 Business Mastercard is a fabulous asset in any freelancer’s arsenal.

Even better: depending on your N26 plan, you may even be eligible for travel insurance to cover delays, emergencies, and cancellations.

Check it out

American Express Business Green Card: Best affordable AMEX business card

american-express-business-green-credit-card-netherlands

The AMEX Business Green Card comes with comprehensive financial security, combining flexible spending limits, deferred payment plans, and a thorough overview of your business expenses.

Costing €85 per year, it also provides you with membership reward points for every euro spent.

Check it out

Visa World Card Business: Best for small businesses

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At €45 per year, the Visa World Card Business is an excellent choice for new start-ups and small businesses.

Jam-packed with handy features such as flight delay insurance and SafeGuard Support in the event of emergencies, it also offers the ICS’ 24/7 Fraud Protection system, so you can rest assured that your capital is as safe as can be.

Check it out

How to get the most out of your Dutch credit card

Hoera, you’ve got yourself a Dutch credit card… but how can you make the most of the new asset in your wallet?

Here are some handy tips and tricks that’ll serve you well during your time in the Netherlands:

Get a discount on your trip back home

Stunning though the Netherlands is, a trip back to your family and home country can really be the best mood-booster known to man. Travel, unfortunately, can be a rather expensive hobby.

Well, with your fancy new credit card, you’re in luck! It can help you score discounts on flight tickets, handy upgrades, and even travel insurance.

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Having a Dutch credit card makes it easy-peasy to nab seat upgrades for you (and your furry friends)! Image: Magnific

Choose a prepaid credit card for the best of both worlds

Prepaid credit cards function very similarly to debit cards, where you load a certain amount of money on your card in advance and can only spend up to that value. This often makes them a safer option than traditional credit cards.

However, where prepaid credit cards differ from debit cards is that your card needn’t be affiliated with a bank or banking account to operate. In addition to this, they offer many of the vast benefits that credit cards do — from cashback offers to travel insurance and more.

3 things to know about credit cards in the Netherlands

It’s only natural to have a few questions about what it’s like to own a Dutch credit card.

Let’s run through some important things you need to know. 👇

1. A credit check is generally mandatory

In order to apply for a credit card in the Netherlands, applicants will need to complete a BKR assessment.

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In general, you can anticipate a credit check when you apply for a credit card. Image: DepositPhotos.com

Also known as the Bureau Krediet Registratie (Credit Registration Office), this assessment determines how much money you have borrowed and whether you’ve paid those bills on time.

READ MORE | The best banks in the Netherlands for internationals in 2026

Many credit card companies will refuse your application if you have a negative BKR.

2. Many credit cards have an income requirement

Depending on your desired credit card, you will very likely have to meet a certain monthly or yearly income requirement to be eligible.

Some banks (such as ING) may still offer you a credit card even if you don’t meet all their income criteria, but your spending limit may be drastically reduced.

3. It’s easy to avoid paying interest on your credit card

One important thing to know about credit cards is that you’ll be billed for all expenses charged on your card at the end of every month.

As long as you pay any outstanding balances within your card’s grace period, you won’t need to pay any interest on this money.

Have you used any of the credit cards on our list? Tell us all about your experiences in the comments below!

Credit cards in the Netherlands: Frequently Asked Questions

Are credit cards common in the Netherlands?

What credit cards are accepted in the Netherlands?

Can I pay with a credit card in the Netherlands?

A love/hate relationship: the Dutch-Belgian rivalry explained

Christine Stein Hededam 🇩🇰
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A love/hate relationship: the Dutch-Belgian rivalry explained

You know that annoying sibling that you kind of hate but also absolutely love? Well, it turns out that the same sentiment can apply to countries, too.

If you’ve lived in the Netherlands for long enough, you’ve probably noticed this same love-hate relationship playing out between the Dutch and the Belgians!

Of course, a bit of friendly rivalry between countries isn’t unheard of (as a Dane, I’m looking at you, Sweden). But the question remains: why do two countries that share more than a few similarities — including a language — dislike each other so much? 

Ultimately, it comes down to history, religion, and fries.

The two countries have a long shared history

Before getting down to the most important reason (fries, of course 😉), let’s have a look at some history.

The Southern Netherlands, *cough cough* I mean… Belgium

The shared history between the Netherlands and Belgium started way back in 1815. After the fall of Napoleon, the Congress of Vienna was charged with the tricky job of creating a balance of power in Europe. 

In an attempt to make neither France nor Prussia too strong, the area previously known as the Austrian Netherlands (hint: Belgium) was given to the newly founded United Kingdom of the Netherlands.

READ MORE | Amsterdam vs. London: a comparison of two capitals

For the coming decades, the new ‘Southern Netherlands’ was ruled under Prince Willem I — known widely as William of Orange.

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William of Orange, a key actor in both Dutch and Belgian history. Photo by: Dreamstime

Though we now thank him for the orange-mania that occasionally sweeps across the Netherlands of today, the Southern Nederlanders were not fans of the prince (nor his taxation policies or religious intolerance). 

So, as was the custom in the 18th and 19th centuries, the people revolted in 1830.

The Belgian revolution

The revolution in itself was relatively short-lived.

By October 1830, revolutionaries had set up a provisional government and declared an independent Belgium. Now the only task was to figure out on what basis and by whom the new country would be governed — easy peasy! 

READ NEXT | What would happen if Belgium joined the Netherlands (Video inside!)

The first step was grounding the new country in law. So, in February 1831, a Belgian constitution was adopted, which declared Belgium to be a popular, constitutional monarchy. 

After setting up as a constitutional monarchy, the next step was to find a king (who was neither too Dutch nor too French). Finally, on July 21, King Leopold took the throne, and the revolution was officially seen as complete. 

Tadaaa! An independent Belgium…

‘So what?’ That was pretty much William of Orange’s response after the Belgians declared their independence.

In fact, he continued to wage war against the newfound country until the French said non more and intervened on the side of Belgium. William of Orange also refused to recognise the country until April 1839 — when he was forced to by the Treaty of London.  

READ MORE | Dutch history hacked: 2500 years of Dutch life in 7 minutes (VIDEO INSIDE)

In short, Dutch-Belgian relations didn’t get off to a great start, but thankfully, time has mended the shaky beginnings.

Today, international relations between the Netherlands and Belgium are strong — both countries are part of NATO, the EU, and the Benelux. Together, they’ve also created the Dutch Language Union. 

However, just because the two countries enjoy a healthy relationship nowadays doesn’t mean history is forgotten. So, with a humorous nod to the tumultuous past, the Dutch and Belgian (still) love to hate each other. 

What do the Dutch think of the Belgians?

Now that we’ve covered history, it’s time to talk about fries! 

One of the dividing lines between the Netherlands and Belgium is whether fries should be called frietjes or patatjes. While (most) of the Dutch argue for friet, the Belgians are adamant patat fans.

Interesting as it may be, the Dutch and Belgian bantering does not end with this debate — in fact, there are several things the Dutch hold against the Belgians (and vice versa).

The Dutch hate Belgian roads

Firstly, the Dutch like to look down on the Belgians — especially their roads.

Venturing on a road trip to Belgium together with a Dutchie, you can expect at least a few comments about how the Belgian roads are “weird,” “bad,” etc.

@driplist Nederlanders talking about bumpy Belgian road is like a lifestyle😅✨️ #livinginthenetherlands #netherlands #belgianroad #Dutchiescanrelate #netherlandsvsbelgium ♬ original sound – Somi Lynda💕

While the intensity of comments will no doubt depend on the Dutchie you’re driving with, there’s actually something concrete to say about the difference in road quality! 

In 2019, the World Economic Forum rated the Netherlands a 6.4 out of seven for its road quality, while Belgium only landed a 4.4.

The Dutch love to make fun of Flemish

Of course, Dutchies can’t leave it at roads alone. Something also has to be said about their “shared” language.

While Dutch is used in both countries, the Dutch spoken in Belgium is quite different, and the Dutch speakers from the Netherlands love to make fun of Flemish. 

READ MORE | Going global: speaking Dutch (Flemish?) in Belgium

However, while they might make fun of it, many also think it sounds cute.

This could be because the Flemish pronounce the letter ‘g’ much softer than Dutch speakers — so if you’re struggling with the strong guttural ‘g’ sound in the Netherlands, be consoled that maybe you just sound Belgian. 😆

Other distinctions between Flemish and Dutch can be thought of as similar to the differences English speakers notice between British English and American English — pronunciation and some vocabulary sometimes differ.  

The Dutch think Belgians are dumb

Ask a Dutch person about the Belgians, and you’ll most likely also hear that the Belgians are “dumb.”

Why? Honestly, I still haven’t figured it out (and I don’t think the Dutch know either 😂), but most likely, it comes down to a good-natured sense of superiority. 

Perhaps it could also be the shadow of a grudge left from the Belgian revolution in 1830.

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The Dutch parliament in all its glory. Photo by: © CEphoto, Uwe Aranas/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0

Or simply that the Dutch think Belgian governance would’ve been better off if the country had remained a part of the Netherlands rather than becoming a country with three different language regions. 

Whatever the reason, it’s all in good sport, and the reality is that the average national IQ between the Netherlands and Belgium only differs by three points. 

And whether or not that’s why Dutch people call Belgians dumb, one thing is for sure: the Dutch like to think their government is better organised, more efficient, and richer. (At least, that was until the governmental scandals in the past years — oopsies.) 

What do the Belgians think of the Dutch?

That’s a lot of shade thrown towards the Belgians, so let’s see what they have to say about the Dutch. 👇

The Belgians think the Dutch are stingy

Firstly, they agree with the rest of the world that the Dutch are stingy — because why pass up a good stereotype, right?

Certainly, the saying “going Dutch” is well-used around the world and could have a great deal to do with the stereotype.

And it’s not completely unfounded — just consider all those €2 Tikkie requests. However, the Dutch are not as stingy as they are frugal.

READ MORE | 14 downright stingy things Dutch people do

The difference is one of mindset. Firstly, the Dutch are very Calvinist, an ethos that has played an important role in shaping Dutch identity throughout history and contributed to making the Netherlands a rich country. 

But the Calvinist tradition in the Netherlands is not all there is to a frugal mindset. Dutchies today also get more satisfaction from saving their money than people from other countries with similar economies.

Dutchies don’t (necessarily) go cheap because they are stingy, but because they firmly believe in the importance of living within their means and saving up for old age.  

The Belgians think the Dutch are stubborn and arrogant

There’s also a notion among Belgians that the Dutch are arrogant and stubborn.

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Have you ever heard a Dutch person trying to reason with a Belgian person? Image: Magnific

Mostly, this is the outcome of Dutch directness: something that doesn’t always go down well in Belgium, which is much more conservative. 

The Belgians think of the Dutch as “cheeseheads”

Finally, it’s also not unheard of in Belgium to hear the Dutch being referred to as “cheeseheads.”

You might think the nickname makes sense, considering that the Netherlands is world-famous for its cheese production and because a Dutch lunch would be incomplete without a cheese boterham.

However, the explanation is much more interesting than this!

It’s thought that “cheeseheads” doesn’t refer to the Dutchies’ ability to produce the golden lactose goodness but to wearing helmets made from actual cheese vats. Yup, you heard that right.

READ MORE | The time Dutchies used cheese to defend themselves against the French

During the time of Napoleon, Dutch cheese producers became fed up with French soldiers who’d steal their beloved Gouda.

To protect themselves when confronting the soldiers, Dutch farmers donned homemade helmets made from cheese barrels — et voila, cheeseheads!

Perhaps picking it up from the French, the Belgians then used “cheeseheads” as an insult during the Revolution. 

You might have noticed that the Netherlands had a bit more to say about Belgium than the other way around, but, as in all sibling-like relationships, one is always the bigger bully. 😉

Have you noticed any other aspects of this love-hate relationship between the Netherlands and Belgium? Tell us in the comments below!

Switching bank accounts in the Netherlands: the full guide

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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Switching bank accounts in the Netherlands: the full guide

Whether you’re chasing better interest rates, a slicker app, or lower monthly fees, switching bank accounts in the Netherlands is easier than you’d expect — and there’s even an official service to do most of the heavy lifting.

Here’s everything you need to know about the process, including the steps involved, the general timeline, and some helpful tips.

When (and why) to switch your Dutch bank account

Before we delve into the process of switching bank accounts, let’s highlight how saying “doei” to your existing account might be a good idea.

Traditional Dutch banks charge monthly account fees, and while a few euros a month might not seem like a big deal, those costs add up. For money-savvy internationals, neobanks and fintech firms offer free plans or significantly more features for the same price.

READ MORE | The best banks in the Netherlands for internationals in 2026

And if your cash is sitting in a Dutch savings account earning next to nothing while other platforms offer more competitive rates, that’s money quietly slipping away.

Switching to a bank that offers a higher interest rate can make a big difference in the long term.

man-using-his-dutch-bank-card-to-pay-while-on-holiday-abroad
If you travel frequently, a bank with multicurrency accounts and low-cost foreign transfers would be a great asset. Image: Magnific

Beyond fees and interest rates, there are plenty of reasons that are (quite frankly) more personal.
No one wants to scramble for Google Translate just to navigate their banking app, so the availability of English-language support is another major motivator to switch banks.

Similarly, you may want a bank that offers ethical investment opportunities, multicurrency accounts, or easier international transfers.

Good to know: You needn’t worry about how switching banks will affect your credit score.

As the Netherlands has no credit score system, changing banking platforms has zero impact on your creditworthiness — a relief if you’re used to the anxiety-inducing credit checks common in the UK or US.

Thinking of switching? bunq lets you open an account in minutes, without needing a BSN upfront. Everything runs through a slick app that supports up to 38 languages, so you’ll never find yourself puzzling over a Dutch-only notification at an inconvenient moment.

Sign up with bunq

How the Dutch bank switching service (Overstapservice) works

The Overstapservice (or switching service in English) is a joint initiative by several Dutch banks, and it heavily simplifies the process of changing banks.

The service ensures that payments continue to proceed smoothly for a period of 13 months after you switch from one account to another. Transactions are transferred to the new account, and creditors are informed of the new account number (i.e. IBAN).

Most international-friendly Dutch banks, such as bunq, ABN Amro, Revolut, and ING, participate in the Overstapservice. You can view the full list of participating banks on the official website.

woman-holding-dutch-bank-card-while-switching-banks-via-netherlands-overstapservice-bank-switching-service
Although most major Dutch banks take part in the Overstapservice, foreign banks do not. Image: Magnific

However, let op: the Overstapservice only works between Dutch banks with Dutch IBANs. If you’ve got a German IBAN with Deutsche Bank and you’re trying to switch to bunq, you’ll be unable to use this switching service.

Switching your Dutch bank account: a step-by-step guide

Here’s how to make the switch, from opening your new account to closing out your old account cleanly.

Step one: Open your new bank account

Your first port of call is opening a new bank account.

Most Dutch banks let you open an account via their mobile app or online banking portal, which can shorten the process to a matter of minutes.

To ensure that the process is as seamless and stress-free as possible, be sure to have all your necessary documents with you. You’ll likely need:

  • Your BSN,
  • Your ID or passport,
  • Proof of address, and
  • Proof of enrollment if you’re a student.

Make sure your new account is fully set up before you kick off the Overstapservice.

The good news: if you’re switching to bunq, most of the hard work is already done for you.

bunq is fully registered with the Overstapservice, meaning your direct debits, incoming transfers, and recurring payments are all moved across automatically — no chasing, no paperwork.

Step two: Submit an application with the Overstapservice

Once that’s done and dusted, it’s time to submit an application to switch accounts.

This is generally done through your new bank by filling out a physical or digital application form.

woman-selects-starting-date-for-dutch-overstapservice-bank-switching-service
You can even fill out the Overstapservice form online and choose your preferred start date. Image: Magnific

You can choose a preferred start date up to three months in advance from when you submit the form. If you’d like to close down your old bank account, you’ll need to indicate this on the form.

You’ll receive a notification as soon as your application has been received, but do note that it can take up to two weeks for the switching service to officially begin.

Step three: Wait while your payments are moved

After you’ve submitted the form, it’ll take some time for both banks to verify and process your data.

Has your data been given the stamp of approval? Hoera, the Overstapservice is now in progress.

This service runs for 13 months, during which the Overstapservice will forward your new IBAN to any individuals or businesses that want to transfer money to you. If you’ve approved direct debit services for any payments, these will begin drawing from your new account.

Step four: Double-check your subscriptions and recurring payments

While the Overstapservice is in effect, there are also a few things you may need to arrange yourself.

Firstly, your old bank will forward you an overview of scheduled payments and upcoming direct debit requests. Check this overview carefully.

woman-checking-up-on-her-recurring-payments-as-she-activates-dutch-bank-switching-service
Always double-check that your regular payments and direct debits have shifted to your new account. Image: Magnific

Has a payment not been listed? You’ll have to arrange this with your new bank.

Next, be sure to inform government organisations (such as the Belastingdienst) of your new IBAN, as these typically aren’t covered by switching services. If you’ve got an employer or clients, you’ll want to keep them in the loop, too.

Step five: Close your old bank account

Eindelijk! If you’ve double (and triple) checked that your payments are properly transferred and everyone’s been informed of your new IBAN, it’s time to shut down your old bank account.

Make sure to transfer any remaining funds to your new account, and download any bank statements you might need. Depending on your bank, you will likely need to have a €0 balance.

For most Dutch banks, you can close your bank account via their mobile app, online banking portal, or in person at your local branch. Are you (temporarily) out of the Netherlands? You can also send a letter by post.

What happens to your old IBAN?

Once you’ve switched banks in the Netherlands, you’ll be granted a new IBAN — there’s no porting your old number across.

If you’ve opted to shut down your old account, your old IBAN will no longer be in use.

photo-of-woman-holding-bank-card-pays-online-using-laptop
Helaas, it’s impossible to transfer IBANs. Image: DepositPhotos.com

This means that if someone still tries to send money to it, their payment will bounce, and they’ll receive a message stating the IBAN is no longer in use.

Handy tips for switching your Dutch bank account

While switching bank accounts in the Netherlands is generally a seamless process, a few oversights can quickly muddy the waters. To save yourself the stress and headaches, follow the tips below:

Keep a small balance in your old account for a while

Even with the Overstapservice running, the odd direct debit may still try to come out of your old account.

If funds are still being withdrawn from your old account and there’s no balance, you could quickly find yourself in the red. Try keeping a certain amount of money in your old account until all your payment requests and direct debits have been updated.

Save copies of important bank statements from your old account

Once your old account is closed, accessing your past transaction data may be tricky or downright impossible.

photo-of-woman-doing-her-own-taxes-in-front-of-laptop-as-freelancer-in-the-Netherlands
If you’re a freelancer, you may need to keep your old account statements. Image: Magnific

It’s wise to download statements going back at least a year before you shut your old account down, especially if you’re self-employed or need records for tax purposes.

Let your employer or clients know about your new IBAN

While the Overstapservice will generally redirect incoming payments to your new IBAN, this redirect ceases once the switching service is complete.

Update your employer, clients, or anyone else who pays you directly so your new IBAN is on file as soon as possible.

Make sure your digital wallet is connected to your new IBAN

Apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Tikkie are linked to your current account, so remember to update these after you switch banks.

Once your old account closes, your old debit card stops working — and so does everything connected to it.

Have you recently switched Dutch bank accounts, or are you thinking about making the move? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below.

Switching bank accounts in the Netherlands: Frequently asked questions

Do I get a new IBAN if I switch Dutch bank accounts?

Is switching bank accounts free in the Netherlands?

Should I open a new Dutch bank account before closing down my old account?

Bright sunshine and 25 degrees forecast for the Netherlands next week

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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Bright sunshine and 25 degrees forecast for the Netherlands next week

The Netherlands can expect a run of balmy, late-summer weather next week, with temperatures up to 25 degrees.

But first, we need to deal with a grey, drizzly weekend. Here’s what to know, based on weather reports from Weeronline.

Expect light rain and moderate temperatures

Saturday, September 19, kicks off our blustery weekend mostly dry and cloudy. By afternoon, however, light drizzle will drift in from the west — so you’ll want to keep an umbrella handy.

Temperature-wise, you can expect highs of 19 to 20 degrees Celsius in the north, nudging up to 22 degrees in the south.

Come evening, things turn properly soggy, as a more active rain system moves across the country from west to east. Some parts of the country can expect to cop up to 10mm of rain, as a stiff wind keeps temperatures hovering around 14 degrees Celsius.

Sunday, September 20, will be drier. Some rain will still fall in the south and southeast, but it’ll clear up by afternoon. Thanks to a moderate westerly wind, temperatures will reach 17 to 19 degrees.

Then comes nazomer

A high-pressure system is forecast to move our way next week, bringing plenty of sunshine and dry, windless days.

During the first half of the week, temperatures will hover around 19 to 22 degrees. Later on in the week, Weeronline reports that we could even experience up to 25 degrees locally.

But if you’re heading out at night, you may want to bundle up. Nights will be considerably cooler, with minimum temperatures likely to drop below 10 degrees Celsius on occasion.

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Ten more Dutch West Nile virus infections; fourth death confirmed

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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Ten more Dutch West Nile virus infections; fourth death confirmed

West Nile virus is continuing to spread across the Netherlands, with confirmed human cases now at 28 and a fourth infected person dying within the week.

As with the previous cases, the vast majority of these were detected upon admission to hospital. Here’s what to know about the current West Nile infection in the Netherlands:

Multiple new infections across six provinces

Since the last update published on September 9, the RIVM has reported ten new human infections, bringing the total number of cases to 28.

Almost all caught the virus after being bitten by an infected mosquito, which is the primary vector. Cases have been reported across six provinces: Utrecht, North Holland, South Holland, Overijssel, Gelderland, and North Brabant.

The good news is, for most people, a West Nile infection is expected to be mild or pass with few (if any) symptoms.

Sadly, humans aren’t the only ones on the virus’ radar. The number of infected horses has now jumped by 30 cases to 88, while the number of infected birds has skyrocketed to 100 from just 39 a week ago.

Unlike humans, birds, especially those in the corvid family (such as crows, ravens, magpies, and jays), have a strikingly “high mortality” rate for the West Nile virus.

One death following blood transfusion

In total, four people have died from West Nile virus since the first reported human case in August 2026.

In the most recent case, the patient didn’t catch the virus from an infected mosquito, but through a blood transfusion.

According to Sanquin, the organisation responsible for the Netherlands’ blood supplies, the individual received blood from a donor who was later found to be carrying the virus.

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Premium network, budget price: why internationals are switching to Simyo

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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1
Premium network, budget price: why internationals are switching to Simyo

Finding a good mobile provider in the Netherlands is one of those small tasks that can be surprisingly annoying, unless you know where to look.

If you’ve just landed in the Netherlands, signing up for a regular mobile plan often means handing over a stack of things you don’t have yet, from your BSN (citizen service number) to your Dutch bank details.

Needless to say, for new internationals who don’t know what “maandelijks opzegbaar” means (let alone which providers offer monthly terminable contracts), these end up being irritating stumbling blocks.

As a team of internationals who try and review products to ease the Dutch settling-in phase, here’s why Simyo landed on our radar, the features that make it work for fellow expats, and whether it’s the right pick for you.

What makes Simyo different?

While many providers assume you’re already settled, Simyo focuses on accessibility.

There’s no lengthy contract to scan via Google Translate, and you don’t even need to step into a physical store. Their service is fully available online, in English (!), and it’s refreshingly easy to get started — even if you haven’t got your BSN yet.

new-international-registering-for-simyo-sim-only-plan-before-he-has-a-bsn
As thrifty internationals, we like to feel that we’re getting a good deal — and Simyo’s accessible, budget-friendly plans really tick that box. Image: Magnific

7 top features helping Simyo win over internationals

Sure, accessibility is great, but what features set Simyo apart? Based on experience, research, and user feedback, these are some of the key points that keep internationals like us coming back for more.

1. Their SIMs are super easy to set up

If you’re new to the Netherlands, there are likely a million and one things to set up, from registering at your gemeente to opening a bank account.

With Simyo, you don’t need to hunt down a brick-and-mortar store to get connected, leaving you precious time to get the rest of your essentials sorted.

You can order your SIM online and have it whizzing through the Dutch postal system to you. If you’d prefer to get connected ASAP, just order your SIM in an eSIM format — no need to wait for PostNL.

2. Plans are flexible and easy to change

Whether your Bachelor’s degree has translated into a permanent job, or your one semester abroad is now two, life in the Netherlands can be quite unpredictable.

man-browsing-dutch-news-on-mobile-phone-during-office-coffee-break-connected-to-simyo-data-plan
If your Bachelor’s degree opens doors to a permanent Dutch job, Simyo’s plans are flexible enough to grow with you. Image: Magnific

Thankfully, Simyo’s plans are adaptable enough to keep up.

Do you want to tweak your subscription, load more data, or switch from prepaid to SIM-only? You can adjust your bundles every month, straight from Simyo’s mobile app.

3. You won’t get locked into complicated contracts

Dutch SIM-only plans tend to lock you into one- or two-year contracts, with no monthly cancellable options.

If you’re here for a semester abroad or you’re unsure how long you’ll spend in the Netherlands, you may end up paying for a much longer contract than you’d like.

With Simyo, however, you’re never locked into a long-term deal. In addition to their one- and two-year SIM-only plans, they also offer a monthly cancellable version.

4. Coverage is strong across the Netherlands

Solid coverage is a must-have, especially if you’re new to the Netherlands and reliant on Google Maps to get around.

Since Simyo runs on KPN’s expansive and ultra-reliable 5G network, you’ll get solid reception whether you’re smack-bang in the centre of Amsterdam or frolicking through fields of heather in the Veluwe.

a-woman-stands-outside-centraal-station-in-amsterdam-browsing-news-via-simyo-data-sim-only-package
From the heart of Amsterdam to the rural countryside, coverage stays strong. Image: DepositPhotos.com

And, best of all? You needn’t pay steep KPN prices for it!

5. You only pay for what you actually need

As an international in the Netherlands, there’s a very natural ebb and flow to your mobile data usage; you’ll use it least when you’re back home for the holidays.

With Simyo, you can adjust your usage monthly, so you’re never stuck footing the bill for €35 of unused prepaid credit or a massive data package.

6. Switching your number is a breeze

Perhaps you’ve already snagged a Dutch number at the airport and are wondering what the process of transferring to Simyo is like?

Thankfully, you needn’t lift a finger. With free number portability, Simyo transfers your existing Dutch number for you, including cancelling your previous mobile subscription.

7. Their plans suit both light and heavy data users

With a range of bundles to choose from, you aren’t caught between running out of data midway through the month or overpaying for data you don’t use.

Take Simyo’s SIM-only plans, for example — in addition to a data-free calling and texting bundle, their data bundles range from 6GB to a whopping 40GB.

friends-navigating-around-city-centre-via-simyo-data-sim-card-on-a-orange-mobile-phone
Whether you’re a wanderer at heart that needs tons of data or a total homebody reliant on WiFi, Simyo has a range of plans suited to your lifestyle. Image: Magnific

And if you’re worried about running over budget while video-chatting with family back home, you can always activate a data cap for just €1. One of our editors also loves their fun little perks, such as the extra 10 GB Simyo gives you if you’ve got KPN home WiFi.

Is Simyo worth it for internationals in the Netherlands? Our thoughts

If you’re keen to get the most bang for your buck, value month-to-month flexibility, and want an online sign-up process (entirely in English!), then Simyo is a solid choice for most internationals.

However, if you prefer in-person support and tend to travel quite frequently outside the EU, it’s worth weighing your requirements against what Simyo can offer.

In our experience, Simyo ticks the most important boxes: their plans are easy to set up, with clear pricing, a strong network, and flexibility.

Have you tried a prepaid or SIM-only plan from Simyo? Share your experiences in the comments below.

PLNT Leiden is turning 10: Here’s what it’s all about

Abuzer van Leeuwen 🇳🇱
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PLNT Leiden is turning 10: Here’s what it’s all about

There’s a community in the middle of Leiden where someone is always launching something, pitching something, or quietly panicking over a spreadsheet.

We belong to that community and on September 17, 2026, that marvellous group of nerds and conquerors turns 10!

PLNT, Leiden’s startup incubator, is celebrating a decade of getting ambitious people into one place and sprinkling it with guidance, connecting bright minds, tosti’s and innovative spirit, and hoping it will actually amount to something (spoilers: often it did!).

We may be slightly biased here. DutchReview has worked out of PLNT since 2018, which, in startup years, feels roughly like a geological era.

So, after eight years of testing this recipe of sprinkling, let us tell you why we still think it’s a special place.

What is PLNT, exactly?

If you’re picturing a grey office block with a sad coffee machine, adjust your expectations.

plnt-entrepreneurs-event
We work hard, but we play hard too! Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen

Which is all to say there are actually plants and colourful rugs everywhere, several abused coffee machines, and most importantly, a very gezellige cafe.  

PLNT is Leiden’s centre for innovation and entrepreneurship. It’s a startup incubator run in partnership with Leiden University, the town of Leiden, Hoge School Leiden, and many more.

It’s a place where people with big ideas come to figure out whether those ideas actually work.

Some are students testing a first concept. Others are established companies with staff, funding, and a very real and innovative product.

plnt-community
The PLNT community is truly diverse. Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen

The mix is what makes it interesting. On any given day, you might share a lift with a biotech founder, a game designer, a sustainability engineer and someone who’s just realised their brilliant idea already exists.

There are students enjoying their first work-experience, as well as pensionados sharing their rich experience.

Throw some expert-knowledge, an always delivering network, and many serious workshops and fun drinks, and we’ve found it to be the perfect spot for toiling away at that potentially golden idea.

Eight years of DutchReview at PLNT

We moved into PLNT back in 2018, and we only see reasons to stay. Working next to people building things from scratch keeps you on your toes. 

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From humble beginnings to a full DutchReview team — all at PLNT. Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen

It’s handy for the day job, too: when we write about Leiden startups, we can sometimes just walk down the corridor to talk to their founders. 

We’ve covered a fair few of our neighbours over the years, from a whole cohort of game-changing startups sharing our building to the most promising Leiden names to watch.

The companies that started here and went on to bigger things

PLNT isn’t designed to keep companies forever. It’s designed to help them grow until they’re ready to head out on their own.

It takes you from validating that vague dream about a gamechanging business to actually making it happen with the right people.

entrepreneurs-at-plnt
With various workshops and all the right support, entrepreneurs at PLNT are set up for success. Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen

A good example is SeraNovo. The pharmaceutical startup was co-founded by Niall Hodgins, who, like many internationals in Leiden, originally moved here for a Master’s degree and started a company before he’d even graduated. 

SeraNovo tackles an enormous problem: most medicines in development aren’t absorbed well by the body, which means even a brilliant cure can be effectively useless. SeraNovo’s technology helps fix that.

The company went on to win the LifeSciences@Work Venture Challenge and is now a well-established name in the Leiden Bio Science Park community. 

That’s the PLNT journey in a nutshell: start small, grow up, spread your wings, and come back for the borrel.

dutch-startup-leyden-jar-team-unveils-first-anode-factory-in-eindhoven
LeydenJar was born in PLNT. Image: LeydenJar

And SeraNovo isn’t alone. Battery innovator LeydenJar and protein-from-CO2 startup Deep Branch both count PLNT among their old addresses, and there’s plenty of that same energy still in the building today.

The rooftop, the borrels, and what makes the community tick

Now, about the roof. PLNT has a rooftop garden, and it’s the sort of feature that sounds like a nice bonus until you spend time there. 

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A place to exchange ideas, or just have delicious lunch. Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen

Perched above the city, it’s where the accidental conversations happen (the ones over a coffee or a Friday borrel that somehow turn into collaborations).

Indeed, some of the best things about PLNT aren’t on the floor plan. They’re on the roof.

Ask people at PLNT what sets it apart, though, and most land on the same word: community.

It’s a close-knit crowd of like-minded people who help each other out, compare notes, and, by their own admission, laugh a lot.

There are biweekly borrels, an annual ski trip, and a general sense that everyone’s quietly rooting for everyone else. 

For a place built around competition and ambition, it’s remarkably warm a home away from home where you can build your innovative startup.

Ten years in, PLNT still feels like a place where something’s about to happen. Van harte gefeliciteerd PLNT!

Who’s your buddy? American-Dutch relations throughout times

Karan Narayan
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Who’s your buddy? American-Dutch relations throughout times

The Netherlands and the US have a long and closely intertwined history. In fact, it goes all the way back to the very beginning of the United States’ independence.

But what about now? And how did it start? Let’s take a history dive, shall we?

America and the Netherlands: We’re old mates!

The relationship began almost as soon as the United States was formed: as early as 1782, John Adams, one of the Founding Fathers, travelled to The Hague on a diplomatic mission.

The Netherlands became the second country, after France, to recognise the new nation (though a Dutch governor had already recognised the US without consent from the government).

Adams then purchased a house in The Hague, which became the first American embassy in the world and stands to this day.

However, in 2018 the US embassy moved to a brand-spanking-new location:

The Dutch got your back!

During the Second World War, the Dutch government-in-exile was at war in Europe. At the time, the Dutch also controlled the East Indies colony, which was rich in resources like oil and rubber.

READ NEXT | The Dutch East India Company was richer than Apple, Google, and Facebook combined

The Japanese empire wished to secure this supply and sought to invade the East Indies. And as tensions rose, the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, was a tipping point.

The Dutch declared war on Japan the very next day — even before the US did (according to reports, the Dutch government in London actually sent the proclamation of war before the news of the attack reached them).

Freedom!

More than 150 years after the Dutch recognised American independence, the US took the opportunity to return the favour.

Although it was the Canadian army that liberated the biggest parts of the country by May 5, 1945, the US played a key role in the liberation and eventual victory of the Allied forces.

READ MORE | Amsterdam liberated: the infamous shooting at Dam Square on May 7, 1945

However, this was only the beginning of American support for the Dutch.

american-dutch-relations-photo-liberation-of-the-netherlands-1945
A new beginning! Image: Tylerweatherill/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0

After the war

Once the war was over, the US continued to support the Netherlands through the Marshall Plan.

Officially known as the European Recovery Program, it was named after its originator, Secretary of State George Marshall.

READ NEXT | The Atlantic Wall: the remnants of Nazis on the Dutch coast

The plan provided billions of dollars in economic assistance to countries in Western Europe. The motive was to set up and preserve institutions of free trade and liberal democracy.

As a consequence, the US and the Netherlands still share a similar outlook and value system in politics and economics.

photo-george-marshall
George Marshall in 1947. Image: Unknown/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0

Economy

Currently, the two countries are close partners in trade and policy. The US is the largest foreign investor in the Netherlands, and the Netherlands is the third-largest foreign investor in the US.

The Dutch have also supported NATO’s war efforts in Korea, the Middle East, and the Balkans. With Brexit, the Netherlands is now perhaps the most transatlantic-leaning member of the EU.

However, the two countries have, of course, also had some sharp divergences.

The Hague hosted NATO — and a Dutchman ran the show

Fast forward to 2025, and the friendship got a very public stage. In June, The Hague hosted the NATO summit, the first time the Netherlands has ever thrown the alliance’s biggest party.

It wasn’t only a logistical flex. The headline result was a pledge by nearly every member (Spain wangled an exemption) to spend 5% of GDP on defence by 2035. That splits into 3.5% on core military needs and 1.5% on related bits like infrastructure and cyber defence.

Trump, never one to undersell a moment, called it a “historic achievement,” while NATO chief Mark Rutte went with “transformational leap.”

And here’s the twist for a Dutch-American story. The man steering the whole thing is Mark Rutte, the former Dutch prime minister who now runs NATO as its Secretary-General.

So a Dutchman welcomed the American president onto Dutch soil, having already spent months perfecting the delicate art of managing him. Buddies indeed.

Surprise! We have differences too

Sure, talking about American-Dutch relations, there have been some bones of contention along the way, most prominently the tolerant Dutch attitude towards soft drugs as opposed to the hard-line sometimes taken by the US.

The winds of political change under Trump created further discord, with the Dutch for example remaining strong supporters of the pro-choice movement on the international stage while American policy shifted to a pro-life focus.

We have to mention Pete Hoekstra

Back in 2018, the appointment of Pete Hoekstra as Dutch ambassador really brought American-Dutch relations into focus.

The Trump administration had sharply diverged from the long-term American Netherlands policy, which soured relations between the two countries for a while.

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This was exemplified by the now infamous exchange between Hoekstra and Dutch journalists, during which they confronted him about his claims of supposed fire and fury (pun intended) in Muslim-dominated areas in the Netherlands.

One journalist, in particular, offered Hoekstra a piquant reminder of the power of a free press by saying — “This is the Netherlands, you have to answer questions.”

A more recent sore point: the Nexperia saga

The old soft-drugs disagreement looks almost quaint next to what happened in late 2025.

Nexperia is a chipmaker based in Nijmegen but owned by China’s Wingtech. When Washington extended its trade blacklist to cover Chinese-owned firms and their affiliates, the Dutch government invoked a Cold War-era law to seize temporary control of the company.

According to CNN, American officials had signalled that Nexperia’s Chinese CEO would likely need to go if the firm wanted off the US list.

Beijing wasn’t amused. It hit back with export controls, briefly sending the global car industry into a chip-supply panic.

It’s an uncomfortable snapshot of the modern friendship — the Netherlands increasingly stuck between its old American ally and its biggest trading rival.

Where do we go from here?

Warmly or frostily? Honestly, it depends on the week.

Trump’s second term has come with tariffs. The EU and US settled on 15% duties on most European goods in 2025, and Dutch exports to the US have slipped since, down almost 5% over the first ten months of the year, as DutchReview has been tracking.

And the threats haven’t stopped: in September 2026, Trump warned of “very serious tariffs” on the EU, or cutting off trade with the bloc entirely, if it lets Canada become its first associate member, CNBC reported.

The share of Dutch people who see the US as a reliable partner has fallen off a cliff, from 88% in 2022 to just 41% by spring 2026, according to Pew Research Center.

A separate poll by the Netherlands Atlantic Association found more than eight in ten no longer count on unconditional American backing. Not quite the buddy energy the friendship started with.

There are new faces on both sides. The current US ambassador in The Hague is Joseph Popolo Jr., a businessman and Trump donor who took up the post in October 2025.

His predecessor in the role, Pete Hoekstra, star of that 2018 press-conference showdown, didn’t exactly leave the diplomatic stage. Trump sent him north to serve as US ambassador to Canada instead.

It’s going about as smoothly as the tariffs. A petition to declare Hoekstra persona non grata and have him removed from the country has climbed past 170,000 signatures and is still growing, and it’s due before Canada’s House of Commons this autumn.

Canadians accuse him of, among other things, cheerfully normalising Trump’s “51st state” talk. The full-circle bit? Hoekstra was born in Groningen — so it’s a Dutch-born ambassador ruffling feathers on the far side of the Atlantic.

So, friendship, marriage of convenience, or full-blown “it’s complicated”? Tell us how you’d label American-Dutch relations in the comments below!

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