This morning D66 leader Alexander Pechtold broke the Dutch internet with a picture of him and negotiating partner Wouter Koolmees walking hand in hand to the new coalition negotiations. No, they’re not gay – it was a statement against the dirty, stupid, and ridiculous homophobia that still lingers in the Netherlands. (Check the #allemannenhandinhand at twitter for more on this issue.)
From Alexander Pechtold’s Facebook
So what happened?
In Arnhem, at the goddamned Nelson Mandela Bridge, two men were brutally assaulted by six Moroccan youths (and yes, unfortunately, culture matters this time) because they were walking hand in hand together. One of the victims lost half his teeth because he was attacked with a fricking bolt cutter!
Two of the scumbag assailants were arrested. And this is just in, but four other young men between the ages of fourteen and sixteen, have just turned themselves in to the Arnhem police for their involvement.
The couple weren’t even openly kissing (not that that’s a reason for violence) or displaying affection other than simply holding hands when they thought and hoped no-one would see them. As one of the victims said to the NOS:
‘We don’t usually do that, holding hands in public, because we don’t want to provoke people. But we’d had a nice evening, it was late and we thought we were alone.’
Homophobia in Holland: These are the people causing it
Even in this country today, gay people are afraid to hold hands and it’s time to point some fingers now as well; because although only an extremely tiny mindless fraction of men in the Netherlands is practicing violent homophobia, there are still scores of people that incite this behavior with their intolerant attitudes.
Obviously there are the criminal Moroccan street youths, where homophobia is frequently rooted in the culture and this has to be changed. But they’re not the only ones: There are fundamentalist priests and imams who continue to promote homophobia; DENK, who are always quick to cry ‘racism’ but do nothing here; the fundamentalist Christians of the SGP who want to follow Jesus in every aspect – except when it comes to accepting a different sexual preference, and that’s just to name a few. And let’s not forget about all the companies and governmental institutions that still fire people when they find out that they’re gay. To atheist hell with them!
Not everyone has to be friends, but can’t we goddamn live and work together?
Oh and props to the Volkskrant for this coverpage of today, very fitting and well thought out:
Anyways, this story is developing today and as you can see my train of thought was a bit angry. What do you think of all this? Feel free to share in the comments.
Every country has one of these always classic duels and this Sunday will bring you the Dutch version of the Old firm or El Classico namely De Klassieker: Ajax-Feyenoord.
Vintage Classic:
Background of De Klassieker
The two Dutch traditional giants aren’t the illustrious teams from the sixties and seventies anymore, when they regularly competed for the Europa Cup I. Gone as well are the days of Louis van Gaal and Bert van Marwijk winning European Cups, there simply isn’t enough money nowadays in Dutch football to even allow for a serious Dutch effort to reach the latter stadiums of European Football (Although Feyenoord did beat Mourinho’s Manchester United this season in the UEFA Cup).
Both Feyenoord and Ajax have their Icons from the seventies with: Willen van Hanegem (pictured left) and the late Johan Cruijff.
But they are still the biggest supported clubs in Holland by far, and De Klassieker is always a match on its own. The classic match lost its relevancy a bit over the past few years since Feyenoord fell into a deep financial and sportive hole, and Ajax didn’t managed to win the league for quite some years. However this year the teams are pitched at the top 2 spots and the match is always worth watching even if it is just for all the heated moments.
Dutch Hooliganism
As idiotic and carnavalesque the Dutch supporters seem when supporting the National team, as freighting and idiotic the supporters of the Dutch clubs can be. Of course, well over 95% of the supporters of all clubs stay far away from violence and such. But it’s that small minority that ruins it for the rest from time to time.
In February 2009, the mayors of Amsterdam and Rotterdam made an agreement with the KNVB (Dutch FA) to ban visiting fans from the away games in an effort to curb the violence. So at De Klassieker it’s now relatively peaceful, and both firms seem to abstain more and more from making nasty references about the second world war. Although hooligans from both teams seem to be active still, with Feyenoorders storming their own (corporate) building a few years back, and with Ajax hoolies randomly disturbing games and festivities.
Wait what? Nazi jokes at a football game? Yeah, it’s just as moronic as it sounds. The Ajax supporters (or better said, just the hooligan kind) call themselves the Jews and continued to make ’jokes’ about the German bombardment on Rotterdam in may 1940. (Because the Jews weren’t harmed by the Germans in those years or something?)
The Feyenoord harde kern desperately tried to match this stupidity by making references about gassing Jews and shouting ‘Hamas Hamas’ slogans. Luckily the last few years this stupidity has somewhat subdued.
In 2011 at Ajax-AZ, a crazy hooligan stormed the field in an attempt to kick the AZ-goalie Esteban in the back. Esteban, being from Costa Rica, evaded this and proceeded to kick the shit out of Wesley the hooligan while the whole nation watched.
This Sunday: realistic expectation
Back to the game of today. Feyenoord is magically in command of the league and look to set Ajax 9 points behind, in which case championship fever would reach galactical levels in Rotterdam-South. Ajax showed to be in a decent form the last couple of games, but is missing their talented striket Dolberg.
But what I’m actually hoping for:
Yours truly is a dreamer and a big Feyenoord fan. So here’s hoping for a hattrick by Feyenoord’s hero Dirk Kuyt!
Graziano Pelle’s goal against Ajax 4 years back, we miss him…
Yes, finally it’s tax-season and time to do that tax return in the Netherlands! If you’ve received the well known blue envelop from the Dutch tax offices than you’re also ‘cordially invited’ to file a tax return in the Netherlands for 2016. Are you guys all just as excited as I am? And did you all study the whole year to ace this fiscal test of adulthood?
Yeah, probably not, that’s what I thought as well. Well, there is at least some good news – despite the organizational mess the Dutch tax bureaucracy is at a higher level these last months, they did invest time and money in making the whole process a bit smoother once again. But not too much of course (it’s still tax-season, not fun-season), first things first – when’s it all due?
1. The deadline for your tax return in the Netherlands
No worries, you’ve still got ample time to get your financial act together – the ultimate date to file your (income-) tax return is the 30th of April. Some Dutch people might be stressing that you’ve got until the 1st of April, but that’s just a lingering trauma – that date was extended a few years ago.
You do however get word and a possible refund from the tax office before the 1st of July if you did your tax return before the 1st of April.
Are you reading this somewhere in the last week of April? Don’t panic – you can get an extension of the deadline till the 1st of October. (Or better yet. Just get someone else to do it for you!)
2. Hypotheekrenteaftrek – Tax Return in the Netherlands when you bought a house
Buying a house certainly is a coming of age thing, and so it goes for the tax return that comes with the status of real estate ownership. Getting a mortgage may be fiscally more attractive than renting a house, but it certainly isn’t fiscally less complex.
First of all, let’s start with the jackpot-scrabble-winning word ‘hypotheekrenteaftrek’ (mortgage interest deduction). When you take out a mortgage loan the bank charges you the mortgage interest every month, it’s nice and low at some 1,5- 2% but still it will cost you. But the good news is that you can declare the interest you pay and this is deductible from your amount taxes you have to pay.
Obviously the ‘hypotheekrenteaftrek’ is a precious thing for many Dutchies, and it doesn’t look like a new cabinet will take it away from the home owners in any form.
There’s more!
Certain costs that you made when buying a house are also deductible from taxes, with an almost instant advance also possible. I’m talking valuation costs, the fee for the ‘NHG’ (National Mortgage Guarantee), mortgage advisor and some of the notary fee’s. It’s a big money safer when buying a house and personally I was so surprised that there was so much to be declared!
Especially if you’re living in Amsterdam you might have to deal with the ‘erfpacht‘, the groundlease, whatever it is you will be happy to hear that costs for that are also deductible! All in all it can be a complex affair, but definitely worth it financially.
3. Personal deductions for your tax return in the Netherlands
Well, it’s good to hear there’s a whole range of personal deductible items for your tax return in the Netherlands. The list changes frequently, every year the details are different, so it might be wise to consult a tax advisor if you’re not a 100% sure.
4. 30% ruling – it’s an expat thing!
There’s a fiscal reason we Dutchies think that we’re going to outshine Britain soon once it comes to drawing in heaps of expats, it’s a tax bonus! If you’re still considering moving to the Netherlands than the 30% tax free of your gross salary might just be the thing you need. The Dutch legislative bodies in all their wisdom recognized that expats might have to make more expenses than Dutch people, thus giving them a bit more financial room. So hurray for you guys and girls that qualify for this one!
Before you go out and buy an Amsterdam apartment, better check if you actually qualify for this ruling. For instance; you have to make at least 37K per year and have a job here before you register in the Netherlands.
Once again it’s a bit complex, which leads me to the following:
5. Have someone else do it for you and better
This picture says it all:
Filing a good and quality tax return can certainly help you out a lot. But it’s already troublesome for a Dutchie, so if you’re a home-buying expat it can be quite a daunting prospect. So it makes sense to have a professional party help you out with this one. Blue Umbrella can help you out with your tax return in the Netherlands, already making life easier for certain DutchReviewers. Added bonus is that they’re specialized in expat-affairs so checking up on all this 30% business or making sure you get the info you need in English is exactly their cup of tea.
Not only are some of the tax rulings in the Netherlands quite complex and bureaucratic, they can also be time-consuming. Registering with Blue Umbrella’s service of ‘Blue Tax’ can thus not only safe you money in the long run, but also safe you precious time which would otherwise go into ‘fiscal matters’.
Oh, and they can also totally extend that tax deadline for you.
Great news for Dutch universities, coffeeshops and DutchReview of course. There are now more international students in the Netherlands studying then ever. A whopping 112.000 students are enjoying a Dutch education at a University or ‘Hoge School’.
University in Utrecht
Where are these international students in the Netherlands from?
Research from Nuffic (the Dutch organisation for internationalizing our education, how cosmopolitan of us!) shows that there are 81.000 students doing full time stuff here, the rest of them are here for shorter stints -doing Erasmus for example. There are 164 nationalities hitting the books/bong here. Most of them are Germans, with 22.000 of our neighbours from the East here. After that are the Chinese (4300) and the Italians (3300). And no, I will not make those horrible biased jokes about the different demographics of the Chinese and Italians in the University libraries and innercity coffeeshops.
Why international students in the Netherlands are a good thing
Many of the international students stick to the Netherlands after graduating here, and one of our statistical offices (the CPB) has calculated that they contribute around 450 million euro’s to the Dutch economy each year (coffeeshop spending is not even included in this!). Low costs, good quality of education and of course the fact that both our uni’s as the regular Dutch folk (pretend to) speak superawesome English are the main reason why internationals students and the Netherlands is such a successful combination.
The Dutch being Dutch have also found that their schools can make money from international students, so it’s win win for everybody here (except for those people that long back to the coffeeshop-and-international-student- free Holland of the 50’s).
The good old days. Because screw diversity and multiculturalism
It’s one of those clichés we don’t really want to escape from (goodbye stupid clogs!) the blooming of the flower fields in the Netherlands is one of those seasonal traditions, like Kingsday, that has grown on the country. Not for a small part is this new found appreciation because of the genuine and massive attention and pure love for our brightly colored flower fields from abroad.
So every year there are more people flocking to them and every year we get better photos with 50% more flowery magic added to them. Now it’s almost prime time for the blossoming fields, should be about a week or so and we promise to get you tons of shots and movies, no worries.
But who wants to wait that one out ey?
So we hooked up with Roy Poots again (you might have heard from him, we also worked with him on these two insanely successful photo-reports about the Netherlands and Rotterdam) and bring you his magical shots of the flower fields in the Netherlands of the last season. So here are the Dutch tulips fields around Leiden and Lisse in their full glory. Enjoy!
Oh, don’t forget to like DutchReview’s Facebook page in order not to miss out on all the feature coverage of these fantastic flowers!
The Flower Fields in the Netherlands
This is why we wrote ‘Flower fields in the Netherlands’ and not just tulipfields. Plenty of other flowers to see!You’ll see plenty of tourists walking around, nothing to do about thatThe Netherlands looks like a giant colored testprint sometimes 😀Some lovely lakes in this area as well, such as the ‘Kaag’As usual, sunsets and sunrises make it look extra good!
Can’t get enough of the flower fields in the Netherlands?
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7 tips for finding an English-Speaking Job in Amsterdam
The fact that your reading this article, shows you’re seriously considering a change that will ultimately carve a career path, potentially paved in gold. Your destination – Amsterdam. Why? The Dutch are on a mission, creating Europe’s most prolific start-up community and the opportunities English speakers are endless.
How to Job Hunt Abroad, When You Have No Idea What You’re Doing
Being an outsider might make job hunting seem tough, but being fluent in English just gave you that competitive edge. Job hunting is never easy, golden rule of thumb is network and get noticed. Be prepared to put in real time and ready to face challenges, obstacles, possible rejection but ultimately this journey will be worth every piece of effort your prepared to commit.
Something like this, but more laptops and coffee
1. Don’t go at This Alone
Most likely you’re lucky enough to already be settled in the Netherlands, and seeing the benefits of being a global citizen. However, to get results on the job front fast, you really need to put yourself out there. Sounds daunting, right? Well it needn’t be and you don’t even need to leave your seat.
The first part of your strategy should be letting people know you’re considering a change and outreach. Social Media is your golden ingredient, LinkedIn and twitter are your key tools, if you not already set up on the platforms, this is the first place you need to start. Get yourself a cracking profile, follow your target companies and start making connections. Forbes have written a helpful guide on ‘how to market yourself on LinkedIn’.
Twitter offers more job opportunities than any other platform and direct access to key influencers who do the hiring and the firing! It’s really that simple – LinkedIn lets you know who they are, you’ve got one opportunity and 140 characters to sell yourself to that key person, don’t be afraid just do it. Tweet ?
2. Upgrade Your Skills
Ongoing professional development and keeping your skills current are vital to making you stand out from the crowd. We know, easier said than done. Top tip – take your CV, and pull it apart. Look at your strengths and weaknesses and decide what and where needs improvement. It might be your looking to jump back into a previous career path, retraining completely or upgrading your current qualifications. The Netherlands and Amsterdam offers so many opportunities for the English speaker, it could in fact be just as easy as going back to basics in the UK. Let’s say your previous career in the UK was a top CEO’s Executive Assistant, well in Amsterdam Executive Assistants who are English Speaking are in high demand and we’ve got a course for that, check out the well-known International training providers Souters. See if you can land yourself the opportunity to shadow a new connection or maybe a friend in there day to day role, get a taster for what it might be like to work in a start-up.
Any experience you can gain makes a bold statement on your CV.
3. Take Advice from Others
The best advice you can ever take, is from someone who’s made the change a success. The old saying ‘it’s not what you know, but who you know’ really can prove to be the most vital tool in securing your dream role. Many people even strangers are happy to share the success and hand out advice. What you really want to aim for is finding a mentor who can open doors and avenues that may not have been achievable without their assistance.
Start off by working online
Since we live in the age of technology there are lots of opportunities to find an online job. A lot of it involves freelance work and will require you to get creative at times. One of the more popular alternatives, in this case, is to start your writer career at a well-established paper writing service like this one. Overall this experience can be used as the basis of becoming a content writer for various websites in the future so it is an option worth taking into consideration.
5. Get out and Visit Industry Events
Creating your own luck can be the golden ticket. Being in the right place at the right time can go a long way in meeting the right people and businesses. Industry events like VRDAYS and business groups can be exactly the right place to get that ‘Big Break’ and land a English-Speaking Job in Amsterdam. Amsterdam’s top two accelerators: Rockstart and Startupbootcamp are always on the lookout for English speaking talent.
6. Hit Local Co-Working Spaces in Amsterdam
People thrive and share in co-working spaces, and that means endless opportunities to show your talent. Mixing and making new business friends can offer many advantages, opportunities and job leads you might not normally come across. This helpful site launchdesk offers you the chance to grab addresses where co working space exists and possibly rent co-working space if it takes your fancy.
7. Finding an English-Speaking Job in Amsterdam? Job Hunting Persistence is the Key to Success
Persistence in life will always pay off in anything you do. Fortunately, there are simple ways to stay motivated and tenacious when it comes to looking for the right job.
In the End: Stay steadfast and True to Yourself
Don’t be dishonest with yourself, it takes time to find and certainly land the job of your dreams. If you can budget for the inevitable or pick up some temporary work along the way it will lighten the load. Take a project management approach, plan your weekly efforts and stick to them, always, always remember to take time out for yourself as job hunting can be both daunting and draining experience. If you’re sending money from overseas accounts to your Dutch account then you definitely feel the fear of being jobless, never be guided by this fear, let it motivate you to find the job you’re passionate about.
And most importantly of all, Good Luck – Amsterdam’s waiting!
Any other tips for finding an English-Speaking job in Amsterdam? Feel free to share!
From this April, travelling to top European destinations has become even more enjoyable. With Nightjet’s new generation trains, you can travel overnight from one country to another — all while enjoying a whole new level of comfort. 🧘
This new, modern style of train cabins offers something for every traveller, from those on a budget to comfort seekers. After all, why not make your journey just as relaxing as the visit itself?
Looking good! Image: ÖBB/Harald Eisenberger/Supplied by Nightjet
Go to sleep in the Netherlands, wake up abroad
Nightjet’s latest trains allow you to snooze your way from Amsterdam to vibrant destinations such as Vienna, Innsbruck, Linz and Munich.
So, what’s so unique about Nightjet’s new generation of trains compared to a conventional train?
Beyond the sleek design and enhanced privacy, Nightjet’s new trains are made to enhance your comfort and experience of travelling by night train.
Instead of losing a night’s sleep while travelling, Nightjet wants you to gain a night of actual rest — unless you’re far too excited to sleep.
Luckily for insomniacs, the train also has services for you, such as unlimited free WiFi and a stable network connection to keep your loved ones up to date on your journey.
Choose your ideal travel format
When it comes to how you’d like to travel, Nightjet offers a range of options to fit your travel needs, such as:
Seat car: the most affordable option on Nightjet trains. Consisting of reserved seats in an open-plan car with washrooms and toilets on each coach.
Couchette car compartment: ideal for groups of up to four travellers. Offers a separate ladies’ compartment option, washrooms and toilets in each coach, and a complimentary small breakfast.
Mini Cabin: a cocoon-shaped compartment, perfect for solo travellers or couples that want to be connected by a sliding door. Offers enhanced privacy, lockers for hand luggage, charging facilities and a complimentary small breakfast.
Sleeping car comfort compartment: for one to two people, private bathroom with toilet and shower facility and a complimentary à la carte breakfast.
Sleeping car comfort plus compartment: includes all of the above, but with more space, comfort and a separate shower cabin.
Spoiled for choice? We know, right? However, two options stand out in particular: the Mini Cabin and the Comfort Plus.
Mini Cabin, maximum privacy
The Mini Cabin is basically a cosy cocoon on wheels.
Picture a private space for you to stretch out, relax and have some solitude on your journey.
The perfect spot for reading! Image: Nightjet/Supplied.
However, don’t be fooled by the name. The Mini Cabin fits one person comfortably.
It’s also suitable for couples, with the choice of sliding a small door between two cabins on the same level. How handy! 🤩
The Comfort Plus for hotel room comfort
For those who want a bit more space and luxury, Comfort Plus is the way to go. This is Nightjet’s largest compartment in the sleeping car and even includes a private bathroom with a shower.
Sneaky little getaway anyone? Image: Nightjet/Supplied.
While the regular Comfort Compartment also offers the luxury of a private toilet and shower facility, Comfort Plus takes it up a notch with more space, improved lounging and the type of comfort that makes you say, “Why can’t all trains be like this?”
Nightjet’s latest trains bring the luxury back to train travel — all while bringing you to your holiday destination.
So where will it be, Innsbruck or Vienna? If you were looking for a reason to go on a little getaway, this is your official sign to book that trip through Nightjet. 😋
Are you ready for an adventure? You can book your tickets online, via the app or at a ticket counter the old-fashioned way.
Want to get started with investing in the Netherlands but don’t know where to start? I’ve been there.
Investing is one of the most effective ways to grow your wealth over time, and with the Netherlands’ stable economy, you have plenty of opportunities to get started.
In fact, investing is getting more and more popular in the land of clogs, with recent studies suggesting that nearly 2 million households (a.k.a. one-fourth of the population) now invest in one form or another.
But whether you’re thinking about putting your money into stocks, ETFs, or cryptocurrencies, it’s important to know the basics before you jump into it. 👇
💡 Disclaimer: Investing always involves risks.
1. Choose an investment platform that fits your goals
Before you invest a single one of your hard-earned euros, you’ll need to find an investment platform to do it with. In doing so, it’s important to pick one that matches your financial goals, experience level, and personal preferences.
There are heaps of investment platforms out there, some better suited for those just getting started and others that cater to experienced traders looking for more advanced tools.
Do your research — it’ll pay off. Image: Freepik
When choosing the right one for you, there are certain factors to keep in mind:
Fees: Does the platform have trading commissions, account maintenance fees, or significant currency conversion costs?
Language: Is it available in English (or another language that you speak)?
Available products: Does it offer the types of investments you’re interested in (for example, Dutch stocks, global ETFs, cryptocurrencies, sustainable funds)?
Ease of use: Does it have an intuitive interface that makes investing easy and seamless?
Extra features: Are there extras like automatic investing, educational content, a credit or debit card?
While people may suggest different platforms and apps to you, it’s important that you take time to explore your options and pick one that suits your needs (trust me, you’ll thank yourself later).
Not sure what investment platform to go with? Scalable Capital is one of the most affordable online financial brokers out there. With its easy interface, smart tools and a wide variety of investment options, it’s a great option for anyone, from complete newbies to experienced investors.
2. Assess your risk appetite and investment goals
There’s always some risk involved in investing, but how much you take on depends on what you’re comfortable with — a.k.a. your risk tolerance.
Risk tolerance refers to how comfortable you are with the ups and downs of the market: Are you okay with seeing your investments dip temporarily if it means higher potential returns? Or do you prefer a more stable, lower-risk approach, even if the growth is slower?
To avoid panic later on, it’s important to be honest when you ask yourself these questions.
It’s also important to think about your investment goals and timeline, that is, whether you’re in it for the long term or the short term.
Lastly, make sure your investment strategy aligns with your financial goals and life situation. Are you saving for a house? Starting a business? Planning for retirement? All of these factors have an impact on your financial situation and, with that, should shape your investment strategy.
Looking to become a homeowner? This will have an impact on your investment strategy. Image: Freepik
3. Diversify your portfolio to spread the risk
Ever heard the saying “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket”? Well, that’s also (or especially) true when it comes to investing.
No matter how confident you feel about a single company or sector, investing all your money in one place is very risky. Sure, if that stock takes off, you’re good — but if it plummets, your entire portfolio suffers.
And that’s why diversification, or spreading your money across different types of assets, industries, or markets, is so important.
While investing in certain stocks in the Netherlands is a great start, adding global investments to your portfolio gives you exposure to different economies and industries, so you’re less affected if one market underperforms (or if Trump decides to crash one 😉).
Whether you’re interested in ETFs, individual stocks, or crypto, Scalable Capital has you covered. You can get started with as little as €1 and invest in over 2000 ETFs, 7000 stocks or 17 cryptocurrencies.
Speaking of diversification: If you’re new to investing, index funds and ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) are a great place to start. These offer a simple way to grow your money without having to pick individual stocks or constantly check the market.
They’re also great because they allow for diversification. With just one investment, you can own a small slice of dozens (or hundreds!) of companies, which helps spread out risk.
Some popular ETFs for Dutch and European investors include:
iShares AEX UCITS ETF, which tracks the Dutch AEX index (the top 25 companies listed in the Netherlands).
Vanguard FTSE All-World UCITS ETF, which lets you invest in developed and emerging markets from all over the world.
iShares MSCI World ETF, ideal for broad, long-term international diversification.
Scalable Xtrackers MSCI All Country World UCITS ETF, covering about 90% of global markets with a mix of direct investments and financial tools to track the market efficiently.
VanEck Sustainable World ETF, for those interested in socially responsible investing.
5. Know your Dutch tax rules
We hate to break it to you, but: Ja, the Belastingdienst will want its share of your investment profits, so it’s important to understand how the Netherlands taxes them.
In the Dutch tax system, your investments fall under Box 3, which covers your “wealth tax” (i.e. not income tax from work, which is Box 1).
Here’s how it works:
You pay tax on your net assets (your total assets minus debts) as of January 1 each year. This includes things like cash, stocks, ETFs, crypto, and second properties.
There’s a tax-free allowance (heffingsvrij vermogen) of around €57,000 per person (or €114,000 for tax partners) in 2025.
Anything above that amount is taxed based on a provisional return the government assumes you make, not on your actual investment gains (yes, it’s complicated, but there is help*).
The percentage of tax you pay depends on how much wealth you have, with higher wealth brackets assumed to earn a higher return.
*Sounds confusing? It is, but luckily, some investment platforms (such as Scalable and DEGIRO) provide you with a tax report that makes declaring your assets much easier.
6. Start small and be patient
One of the biggest myths about investing is that it’s only for people with a lot of money. In reality, you can start small, even with just a few euros, and build your portfolio over time.
The key is consistency and patience. Markets go up and down, and dips can feel discouraging. But historically, markets grow over time, so staying invested (even through the ups and downs) gives you the best chance to benefit from that growth.
There will be ups and downs, but patience will pay off. Image: Depositphotos
Since trying to guess the perfect moment to buy or sell is pretty much impossible, a great way of investing is the so-called DCA (Dollar-cost-averaging) strategy, where you invest a fixed amount of money at regular intervals, regardless of the market conditions.
This averages your buy price over time and keeps your emotions out of investing, letting consistency and time do the work for you.
💪 TIP: Many investment apps, such as Scalable, offer a DCA automation tool (Savings Plan). With this tool, money is automatically deducted from your account and invested at regular intervals.
7. Stay informed and keep learning
One thing about the stock market is that it is always changing and evolving, so staying informed is key to making smart investment decisions.
Luckily, there are plenty of (free!) resources out there to help you stay up-to-date and improve your financial knowledge, such as books, YouTube channels, and podcasts.
The more you know, the better equipped you are to handle market ups and downs, seize opportunities, and adjust your strategy when needed. So, keep educating yourself! 💪
What questions do you have about investing in the Netherlands? Or what tips would you give to beginners? Share them in the comments.
For years, Amsterdam has reigned supreme as the Netherlands’ darling among expats, with its bustling streets, historic canals, and a vibrant international vibe.
But a new trend is emerging: more and more internationals are swapping the hustle and bustle of the capital for the calm and character of smaller Dutch cities. But… why?
Big dreams, small cities
Sure, Amsterdam has its charm, but let’s be real: the cost of living is sky-high, the rental market is a blood sport, and the crowds are… relentless.
Renting in Amsterdam? Good luck… Image: Depositphotos
Enter the new wave of expat hotspots: cities like Eindhoven, Groningen, and Dordrecht, which are are stepping up as seriously attractive alternatives.
These smaller cities are ticking all the boxes — more affordable housing, a stronger sense of community, better work-life balance, and access to nature.
Space to breathe (and maybe even buy)
Housing in Amsterdam? Let’s just say you’d better have a solid income, a bucket of luck, and the patience of a saint. But in cities like Groningen, you can sometimes find rentals up to 50% cheaper.
Expats moving to these towns are discovering they can rent spacious apartments, or even buy property, while still enjoying a high quality of life.
And let’s not forget: being able to host a dinner party without your guests sitting on your bed? Priceless.
Peace, parks, and people who smile at you
Beyond the euros and square meters, there’s something deeper pulling expats to smaller cities: the quality of life. Think less traffic, more greenery, fewer tourists, and friendly locals who might actually say hoi to you on the street.
Cities like Eindhoven and Dordrecht offer a quieter, slower-paced life without sacrificing culture or convenience. You’ll still find great cafés, museums, and local markets, just with shorter queues.
These towns often have strong community initiatives too, making it easier for expats to settle in, meet people, and feel at home.
Not to mention, access to nature trails and parks gives your brain some much-needed space from everyday life (and the many casino’s zonder Cruks online).
Careers beyond the capital
Think all the good jobs are in Amsterdam? Think again. Cities like Eindhoven are booming, especially in the tech and innovation sectors; it’s not called the “Silicon Valley of Europe” for nothing.
With strong local economies and plenty of international companies setting up shop, these smaller cities are becoming serious career hubs.
Plus, the work-life balance? Chef’s kiss. You might even have time to pick up that Dutch hobby you keep putting off (hello, cycling club or pottery class!).
Amsterdam, just a train ride away
Of course, leaving the capital doesn’t mean cutting ties with it completely.
Thanks to the Netherlands’ world-class public transport system, cities like Utrecht, Leiden, and Amersfoort are just a quick train ride from Amsterdam.
The capital will always be there! Image: Dreamstime
So whether you need to commute occasionally or just want a weekend museum fix, it’s all within reach.
As the cost of living rises and the desire for balance grows, it’s no surprise that expats are rethinking where they put down roots.
So, if you’re dreaming of life in the Netherlands, don’t be afraid to think smaller. You might just find everything you’re looking for outside the Amsterdam spotlight.
Do you live in a smaller Dutch city? How does it compare to Amsterdam? Share your thoughts in the comments.
The Netherlands might be small, but when it comes to sharing its culture with the world, this little country punches well above its weight.
From orange-soaked King’s Day celebrations to innovative architecture, quirky humour, and a surprisingly forward-thinking education system — the Dutch have plenty to offer, and they’re not shy about putting it out there (in English, of course).
Here’s how the Netherlands is showing off its best bits — and why that’s a win for all of us.
Festivals: Putting Dutch culture on the global stage
Let’s start with the obvious: the Netherlands is famously gezellig, slightly chaotic on King’s Day, and suspiciously good at throwing a festival for just about anything (flowers, fish, fries — you name it).
The Dutch would never say ‘nee’ to a celebration. Image: Depositphotos
But beyond the stroopwafel stereotypes, Dutch culture is a fascinating mash-up of tradition, innovation, and international flair.
Events like Dutch Design Week, Pride Amsterdam, and, yes, even Eurovision, show off the country’s creative side, but not just for the locals, but for a global audience.
Education: It’s not just windmills and wooden shoes
The Netherlands is home to some of the most international universities in Europe — and no, it’s not just because everything is in English (though that definitely helps).
Dutch higher education is full of forward-thinking approaches, digital classrooms, and tech-savvy tools that are reshaping how we learn.
Dutch universities are among the best in the world. Image: Freepik
But it’s not all shiny apps and robot tutors. There’s also plenty of debate happening here about the balance between Dutch identity and internationalisation.
How much English is too much English? Can AI improve learning without turning students into zombies? The Dutch are asking all the right questions — and actually trying to answer them.
Satire: The Dutch way of saying “we care” (with a side-eye)
Let’s be honest — the Dutch have a unique sense of humour. It’s dry, direct, and often hilariously (or painfully) blunt.
And that humour shows up everywhere: in news commentary, in late-night shows, in memes, and in those weird-but-wonderful editorial cartoons that say more in a doodle than some politicians say in a year.
Nobody does social commentary like the Dutch. Image: Freepik
Satire plays a surprisingly big role in how the Dutch process politics and social issues. It’s a cultural tool that helps break down complex topics, challenge the status quo and, perhaps most importantly, keep things from getting too serious.
So if you ever wondered how a nation can laugh its way through housing crises and climate debates, you’ve clearly never seen a Dutch comedian in action.
Tech, tulips, and the future…well, of everything
Innovation is kind of a national sport in the Netherlands. Whether it’s creating sustainable floating neighbourhoods or rolling out a flashy online casino with quick payouts, the Dutch are quietly (or not-so-quietly) shaping the future.
You’ll also find that the latest tech trends often show up first in education. From AI in classrooms to digital administration systems that actually work (imagine!), Dutch schools and universities are busy experimenting with what learning might look like in the future.
Why does all this matter?
Because sharing culture isn’t just about exporting Gouda and tulips (though we fully support both), it’s about building bridges, sparking conversation, and creating space for global perspectives.
The Netherlands is doing that — not just through news articles and events, but through everyday openness, curiosity, and yes, a bit of Dutch directness.
Whether you’re an expat, a student, a tourist, or just a curious human scrolling the internet, there’s something refreshing about how the Dutch show up on the world stage — candid, clever, and always a little bit quirky.
And if you ever want to dive deeper into that world, you’re in the right place. 😉
How do you feel about Dutch culture as an international? Share your thoughts in the comments.
