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12 unmissable World Heritage Sites to visit in the Netherlands

Abigail Claire

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April 2, 2025

12 unmissable World Heritage Sites to visit in the Netherlands

There are now 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Netherlands. That’s right — this tiny country is filled to the brim with exciting and unique cultural sights!

Here is the full list of Dutch sites, ranked in the order they joined the world-renowned UNESCO list.

Want a quick breakdown? Jump to it!

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1. The prehistoric gem, Schokland island

Schokland and its surroundings possess a mysterious past as an archaeological monument and former island.

This World Heritage Site lies in the centre of Noordoostpolder and is steeped in cultural history.

It’s home to a sweet old church, a lighthouse keeper’s house, and the Schokland Museum. According to Statistics Netherlands, just five people live there!? 🤔

photo-of-schokland-museum-unesco-heritage-site-in-netherlands — The Schokland museum in all its glory. Image: Depositphotos

Due to the rising sea levels, residents of Schokland retreated to the three most elevated parts of the land by the 19th century, until a major flood in 1825.

Archaeologists later found a wealth of largely undamaged treasures buried in the ground.

There is evidence of human habitation going back more than 10,000 years (that’s prehistoric!), and they’ve dug up all sorts of things, from earthenware, tools, and man-made mounds, to the remains of houses and churches — and even entire graves. Eeek!

2. The Water Defence Lines of Amsterdam

Also known as the Stelling van Amsterdam. This monument is a ring of 46 forts stretching more than 135 kilometres around the city.

The line of defence was erected to protect the national stronghold built between 1883 and 1920. 🛡️

As well as the fortifications, the ring consists of an intricate system of dikes, sluices, canals, and inundation polders.

photo-of-world-heritage-site-stelling-van-amsterdam — The Stelling van Amsterdam, an interesting historical monument all about Dutch water management. Image: Fort bij Abcoude/Wikimedia Commons/CC2.0

In the Middle Ages, the Dutch created a defence system based on these inundations, referring to its flooding areas.

If people were to attack, the lower parts of the country could be flooded, making the area impassible.

Genius thinking to make use of what you’ve got, Dutchies!

3. The stunning windmills of Kinderdijk

In South Holland, the Windmills of Kinderdijk-Elshout are a charming Dutch mill network on a famous man-made landscape built between 1738 and 1740.

The area is constructed similarly to the Defence Line of Amsterdam, with polders, embankments, and dikes.

Not only is it a gorgeous and uniquely Dutch site to visit, but it also has a complex water management system.

It may not be the most exciting words you’ve ever seen, but this is a vital part of the Netherlands’ history.

The Dutch made a huge contribution to this water-handling technology, and these historic windmills can be seen as a way of paying homage to that (in addition to them being a pretty sight and wildly popular among tourists).

It has 19 drainage mills, three pumping stations, two discharge sluices, and two Water Board Assembly Houses, which work for the drainage of the land.

The windmills essentially keep water out of the polder.

4. The impressive D.F. Wouda steam pumping station

Another celebration of technology! They weren’t kidding when they said the Netherlands was the land of water.

Also known as the Woudagemaal Steam Pumping Station, this World Heritage Site is a steam-powered pumping station that pumps excess water out of Friesland.

photo-of-steam-pumps-D-F-Wouda-unesco-world-heritage-site-in-the-netherlands — The D.F. Wouda Steam Pumping Station is a must-visit for any eager traveller. Image: Depositphotos

It is the largest station of its kind that is still in use, which is impressive considering it opened in 1920.

It now runs on heavy fuel oil and can pump up to 4,000 cubic metres of water per minute!

Are you an engineering nerd? Then head to the busy seaside town called Lemmer to marvel at this beauty.

The visitor entrance provides information about the site’s history, an interactive museum experience that kids will love, and regular tours.

5. The charming Beemster polder

The Beemster Polder, a beautiful green expanse in North Holland, has been incredibly well-preserved since the 17th century.

The whole place used to be mostly water.

Now, thanks to ingenious and intricate planning, it’s an agricultural landscape made up of fields, roads, canals, dikes, and settlements.

photo-of-Beemster-polder-UNESCO-World-Heritage-Site-with-bridge-and-water — Isn’t the charming Beemster Polder just a sight for sore eyes? Image: Depositphotos

Middenbeemster, a little town in the countryside with horses, moats, a drawbridge, and a central market square, is sure to be a lovely summer outing.

You can get there using public transport from Amsterdam!

6. The architecturally unique Rietveld Schröder house

Rietveld Schröderhuis, located in Utrecht, is an outstanding piece of architecture designed in 1924 by Gerrit Rietveld.

It was built at the request of Truus Schröder-Schräder, whose husband had recently died.

Schröder played an important role in the design process because she knew she wanted it to be simple, spacious, and free.

photot-of-rietveld-schröder-house-one-of-the-unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-the-netherlands — The unique house has a speaking tube that lets you talk to visitors at the door without going downstairs! Image: Basvb/Wikimedia Commons/ CC3.0

She asked for it to be designed without walls — not to constrain her or hide the truth of her emotional life with her three children.

She wanted fluidity and a connection between the inside and outside to mirror their new commitment to openness.

Mrs Schröder lived in the house until her death in 1985.

Bertus Mulder restored it and turned it into a museum where visitors can learn more about her life and the Dutch artistic movement De Stijl, of which the Rietveld Schröder House is an embodiment.

7. The natural Wadden Sea

The Wadden Sea is an intertidal zone of the North Sea, meaning that the area is above water at low tide and underwater at high tide.

Why is a ‘seashore’ on this list? It is one of the largest unbroken intertidal sand and mudflats systems in the world — and is ridiculously biologically diverse. 🔬

As well as all the plants and fishies, it’s home to the harbour seal, grey seal, and harbour porpoise.

photo-of-seals-lounging-on-the-shore-of-the-dutch-waddenzee-wadden-sea — The Waddenzee is home to a number of animals and fish. Image: Depositphotos

The Dutch part of the Waddenzee belongs to North Holland, Friesland, and Groningen.

It has tidal channels, sandy shoals, sea-grass meadows, mussel beds, sandbars, mudflats, salt marshes, estuaries, beaches, and dunes.

And what’s more, you can take a tour to walk on them!

8. The famous canals of Amsterdam

The beautiful and picturesque canals of Amsterdam are an unmissable site if you’re in the Netherlands.

When people talk about “the canals of Amsterdam“, they typically refer to the historical Canal Ring built in the 17th century.

The four main canals are Herengracht, Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, and the Singel.

photo-of-keizergracht-canal-in-amsterdam-at-night-world-heritage-site — A gorgeous view of the Keizersgracht at dusk, a classic top cultural activity. Image: Massimo Catarinella/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0

The surrounding areas form the Amsterdam Canal District (Grachtengordel). These canal belts eventually lead into the Amstel River.

Why not experience this historical, cultural, and romantic part of the city by booking a boat?

From fancy culinary cruises to wading the waters with a paddleboard, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this World Heritage Site.

9. The interesting Van Nelle factory

Located on the Schie in Rotterdam is the former Van Nelle Factory (Van Nellefabriek).

The architecture of these buildings interestingly depicts a Russian Constructivist influence, and it is now a popular place for guided tours.

photo-of-unesco-world-heritage-site-Van-Nelle-Factory-building-with-grass-and-trees-in-the-Netherlands — A factory, beautiful? Yes — wait until you see the Van Nelle Factory’s unique architecture. Image: Depositphotos

In 2015, the Van Nelle Factory topped the list of The 25 Most Beautiful Factories in the World.

Le Corbusier, one of the pioneers of modern architecture, said the building was “the most beautiful spectacle of the modern age” in 1932.

Before that, Howard Robertson declared it “a poem in steel and glass” in 1930.

10. The historical Colonies of Benevolence

Within the last few years, the Netherlands has gained some new World Heritage Sites.

Coming in at number 11 are the transnational Colonies of Benevolence.

There are three settlements in the Netherlands: Frederiksoord, Wilhelminaoord, and Veenhuizen in Drenthe, and Wortel in Belgium — just south of the Dutch border.

The government set up the colonies in 1818 to combat poverty among the population.

Poverty-stricken families, beggars, and homeless people from the cities could go and work in the Colonies.

They were given their own homes and a section of land to learn to support themselves, and parents sent their children to school.

11. The New Dutch Water Defence Line

Remember the Defense Line of Amsterdam that we mentioned earlier?

Yup, the New Dutch Waterline is an extension of that. It’s the largest national monument and defence network in the Netherlands.

photo-of-Fort-Everdingen-surrounded-by-water-part-of-unesco-world-heritage-site-the-new-water-defence-line — The Fort Everdingen is part of the New Dutch Water Defence Line, a dream for photographers. Image: Johan Bakker/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0

This historical line of defence, dating back to 1815, includes embankments, locks, canals, and bunkers.

They came together to form an ingenious system designed to protect the Netherlands from enemy troops during wartime.

The system was designed to flood large land areas if enemy troops quickly approached.

The line is 220 kilometres long and runs like a green ribbon through four provinces.

12. The Eise-Eisinga Planetarium

Last but certainly not least, we have our latest addition to the family of Dutch World Heritage Sites: The Eise-Eisinga Planetarium in Franeker, located in the province of Friesland.

photo-of-the-interior-of-the-eise-eisinga-planetarium-world-heritage-site-in-2017-in-franeker-friesland — Dating back to the 18th century, this is the oldest planetarium in the world, and today it’s a museum that’s open to the public. Image: Depositphotos

Thanks to the new inclusion of the Royal Eise-Eisinga Planetarium, the oldest functioning planetarium in the world, Friesland now contains four different cultural heritage sites (the Wouda steam pumping station, the Wadden Sea, and the Colonies of Benevolence).

The planetarium was invented by the talented amateur astronomer Eise Eisinga to prove that a prophecy about planets being on a collision course was wrong — and we’re definitely glad he was right.

Bonus: The picture-perfect town and harbour of Willemstad, Curaçao

Ok, in order to reach this World Heritage Site, you might need to take a few extra buses (and planes). Willemstad is a town on the Caribbean Island of Curaçao.

Yes, you read that right — if you didn’t already know, Curaçao is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands! 😎

photo-of-the-Colourful-historic-city-centre-of-Willemstad-Curacao — You won’t be able to stop taking photos with these playful, colourful buildings in the historic city centre of Willemstad. Image: Depositphotos

Willemstad, a uniquely cute and colourful port town, is where the Dutch established a trading settlement. The site has become a symbol of the growing multicultural community in the Netherlands.

The island was one of the epicentres of the slave trade, so you should also stop by the Kura Hulanda Museum, which talks about the history of the slave trade on Willemstad.

You can also walk around the sandy beaches and colourful streets full of street art and book tours to learn about the community’s culture and history.

The Netherlands has a rich history and beautiful sites to visit — take advantage of your time here and visit these historical places!

Which one of the World Heritage Sites in the Netherlands is your favourite? Tell us in the comments below!

7 places named by the Dutch (that you might not know about)

Paola Ivanova Op den Kamp

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April 2, 2025

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7 places named by the Dutch (that you might not know about)

Before tulips, windmills, bikes, and happy children, the Dutch were seafarers, explorers and conquerors. Along the way, they named many places.

The Dutch sailing expeditions yielded various outcomes — some marked by tragedy, others by successful discoveries of new trade routes and lands. Naturally, as the first Europeans to arrive in many of these places, the Dutch took the opportunity to name them.

So, here are seven well-known places in the world whose names are Dutch, and their stories.👇

1. Tasmania and New Zealand: Searching for gold

Abel Tasman was a 17th-century Dutch explorer and merchant for the VOC. His voyages took him to places much warmer than those of Barentsz, leading him to “discover” four of the lands we know today as Tasmania, New Zealand, Tonga, and Fiji.

In August 1642, the Council of the Indies sent Tasman and Franchoijs Visscher to explore Beach — a mistranslation of Locach, long mistaken for northern Australia and described by Marco Polo as rich in gold. 💰

Cleopatra-pools-in-Abel-Tasman-National-Park-New-Zealand — Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand. 😍 Image: Depositphotos

By late November 1642, Tasman spotted a new coast after stopping in Mauritius and being blown northeast by a storm.

In line with tradition, he named it Van Diemen’s Land after his sponsor, Governor-General Antony van Diemen. It was renamed Tasmania on January 1, 1856, in honour of its first European visitor. 👣

abel-tasman-island-tasmania-places-named-by-the-dutch — Van Diemen’s Land! Or is it Tasmania? Image: Pixabay

Just 13 days later, Tasman sighted New Zealand. Unfortunately, he was unaware of that — he thought it was connected to Isla de los Estados in Argentina and named it Staten Landt, after the States-General.

In 1645, Dutch cartographers corrected Tasman’s mistake and named the land Nova Zeelandia, after the Dutch province of Zeeland.

On his return, Tasman and his ships passed through the Tongan archipelago, spotting the Fiji islands, which the explorer named Prince William’s Islands. 🌊

2. Easter Island: A troubled journey

In August 1721, the Dutch West India Company sent explorer Jacob Roggeveen to search for the mythical Terra Australis and explore a westward trade route to the Spice Islands (The Makulu).

Sailing through the South Atlantic into the Pacific, Roggeveen — like many before him — set out for one discovery and found another.

On April 5, 1722, Easter Sunday, he spotted new land and broke with tradition by naming it not after royalty, but the day itself: Easter Island. 🐣

picture-of-easter-island-named-by-the-dutch — Much controversy lies in Easter Island’s past with the Dutch. Image: Horacio_Fernandez/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0

Perhaps, he followed the example of British captain William Mynors, who saw an island in the Indian Ocean on Christmas Day of 1643 and named it… Christmas Island.

Roggeveen explored 12 islands, but the journey was rocky: he lost his flagship and clashed violently with some islanders, resulting in deaths.

In the Netherlands, the Dutch East India Company, VOC, arrested him for violating their monopoly and confiscated his remaining ships. He was only acquitted and compensated after a lengthy lawsuit.

3. Robben Island: The political prison

Most know about the Dutch colonial roots of Cape Town, founded in 1652 as a VOC trading post.

But just 7 km west lies Robben Island — not named after a person or bird, but the Dutch word robben, meaning seals, which they spotted in abundance. 🦭

robben-island-seen-from-above-places-the-dutch-named — Spot Cape Town in the background. Image: South African Tourism/Wikimedia Commons/CC2.0

Robben Island is perhaps most famous for the political prisoners that were detained there during the nation’s era of Apartheid.

Nelson Mandela, among others, was imprisoned on the island for 18 years before playing a key role in ending apartheid and later winning the Nobel Peace Prize.

entrance-robben-island-prison-discovered-by-dutch — The entrance to the Robben Island prison. Image: Depositphotos

Robben Island has held political prisoners since the 16th century, when the VOC used it to imprison leaders from other Dutch colonies.

4. Bluefields, Nicaragua: The Dutch pirate

Bluefields, a Nicaraguan municipality at the mouth of the Escondido River, is named after Abraham Blauvelt, a 17th-century Dutch East India Company employee who later turned pirate and used the area as a hiding place.

He was the first European to explore present-day Honduras and Nicaragua and traveled to England seeking support to establish a colony. When these efforts failed, Blauvelt turned privateer, raiding Spanish ships near Jamaica. ⚓

picture-of-street-with-signs-banners-people-in-bluefields-nicaragua — A modern-day look into the quaint town of Bluefields. Image: Danbob wind/Wikimedia Commons/Public domain

Blauvelt traded his spoils in New Amsterdam (now New York), but he was banished when the colony feared damaging its reputation by dealing with pirates. He fled to Bluefields — and the rest is history.

5. Barents Sea: The unbearable cold

The sea along the northern coasts of Norway and Russia was once known as Murmanskoye morye (Murman Sea), appearing on maps in the 16th and 17th centuries. In the 19th century, it was renamed the Barents Sea in honour of Dutch explorer Willem Barentsz and his Arctic expeditions. ❄️

Barentsz led three voyages seeking a Northeast Passage— believed to open each June due to melting ice — offering a potential trade route to the Indies.

Barents-Sea-map-discovered-by-the-dutch — Image: NormanEinstein/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0

During the voyages, Barentsz and his crew faced polar bear attacks and harsh weather, with icebergs and frozen seas ending the first two expeditions. As a result, the States-General refused to fund further trips.

Instead, they offered a reward for success. Amsterdam’s Town Council supported a third expedition, sending two ships under Jan Rijp and Jacob van Heemskerk, with Barentsz commanding.

The voyage began promisingly: Barentsz discovered Bear Island, Spitsbergen, and several fjords. A split between the captains followed, with Barentsz continuing northeast.

In July, his crew became trapped in ice near Novaya Zemlya and endured a brutal Arctic winter; the following June, they attempted to return. Barentsz died at sea after a week, and the survivors were rescued by a Russian ship seven weeks after that.

The 2011 film “Nova Zembla” by Reinout Oerlemans dramatises the harrowing journey.

6. Mauritius: The abandoned prince

Today’s independent state of Mauritius has a very long colonial history with the Dutch, the French, and the British. There is strong evidence that the island was known to Arab sailors even before the European expeditions.

In the 14th century, Portuguese sailors visited the then uninhabited land, and their cartographers named it Mascarenes — but took no interest in it.

white-beach-mauritius-places-the-dutch-named — White beaches and sun? Yes, please. ☀️ Image: Depositphotos

At the end of the 16th century (1598), bad weather whilst passing the Cape of Good Hope changed the route of five Dutch ships, which wound up sailing to the shores of Mauritius.

Under the command of Wybrand van Warwijck, they anchored and named the island Prins Maurits van Nassaueiland, after Prince Maurits of the House of Nassau.

The Dutch settled on Mauritius for their ships passing through this sea route and had it for 20 years. Eventually, they abandoned it. 👋

The French took over the island, changing its name to the Isle de France and using it, among other things, to raid British commercial ships. That lasted until 1810, when the British took control of the island and returned its Dutch name.

7. In and around New York

Many of today’s American toponyms came from the Dutch language because of the first settlers there. The Dutch heritage is visible in and around New York (previously known as New Amsterdam).

Here are just a tiny fraction of examples:

Rhode Island

One of the theories says that it was named by the Dutch trader Adriaen Block, who, when passing by it, described it as “een rodlich Eylande“ (a reddish Island), perhaps due to red clay.

Staten Island

Named after the States-General, Staaten Eylandt, from Staten-Generaal.

Harlem

Named after the Dutch city, Haarlem.

Wall Street

harlem-river-and-new-york-bronx-skyline-places-the-dutch-named — Harlem River and the Bronx. Image: Depositphotos

Located in 17th-century Nieuw Amsterdam on Manhattan’s southern tip, the street — then called de Waalstraat — was named after a wooden palisade built to defend against Native Americans and the British.

Did you know any of these places were named by the Dutch? If so, tell us which in the comments below! 💬

7 important things to check on your Dutch employment contract in 2025

DutchReview Crew

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April 1, 2025

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7 important things to check on your Dutch employment contract in 2025

✍️ Written by Seliz Demirci, employment lawyer at GMW lawyers.

Receiving a job offer in the Netherlands is exciting, and it can be tempting to sign the employment contract right away. However, the best thing you can do is resist this urge.

Why’s that? Because once signed, many of the agreements in an employment contract become legally binding.

While some may be overridden by statutory law, most will hold up, and you could find yourself committed to terms you didn’t fully agree with.

That’s why it’s important to be critical not only of the most obvious terms of employment, such as your salary but also of the other clauses.

So, let’s talk about the most important things to check on your Dutch employment contract. 👇

Starting a job in a foreign country is as exciting as it is intimidating. To make sure you get everything right, don’t hesitate to reach out to GMW lawyers to get help from one of their expert employment lawyers.

1. What is the type and duration of your contract?

Dutch employment law distinguishes between fixed-term and indefinite employment contracts — tijdelijk contract versus vast contract.

Usually, employers first offer a fixed-term employment contract, but with the current tight labour market, many choose to immediately offer indefinite-term contracts to secure talent.

woman-reading-employment-contract-that-was-offered-to-her-in-the-netherlands — Feel free to take your time to read and re-read the contract that was offered to you. Image: Depositphotos

So, what’s the difference? For one, a fixed-term contract (which can also be referred to as a temporary employment contract) ends automatically on a pre-determined date.

An indefinite employment contract (also known as a permanent contract) expires only when the employee resigns, or when the employer terminates the contract.

However, the two types of contracts also differ in other ways, such as the probationary period and the validity of a non-compete clause.

For example, a fixed-term contract lasting between six months and two years can only include a probationary period of up to 1 month. In contrast, a probationary period of up to 2 months can be agreed upon in an indefinite-term contract.

When it comes to non-compete clauses, these are generally prohibited in fixed-term contracts unless the employer provides written justification.

2. What are the terms for your working hours?

Your Dutch employment contract has to adhere to the Working Hours Act, which, among other things, regulates the maximum number of hours your employer can require you to work over a given period of time.

According to the Act, employees aged 18 and over can work a maximum of 12 hours per day and 60 hours per week.

photo-of-nurse-in-the-netherlands-discussing-medical-report-with-woman-patient-not-allowed-to-work-too-many-hours — No matter how much you love your job, there comes a time when you **have** to go home. Image: Freepik

However, this isn’t allowed permanently, and there are specific limits based on longer periods:

Over a 4-week period, you may work an average of 55 hours per week, though collective agreements or company policies can offer some flexibility. You can never work more than 60 hours in one week.

Over a 16-week period, you may work a maximum of 48 hours per week on average.

When it comes to your working hours and the terms surrounding them, it’s also important to check your employer’s policies around remote working.

Contrary to what many people think, there is no legal right to work remotely in the Netherlands — but you and your employer can make agreements in this regard.

3. Are you covered by a Collective Labor Agreement (CAO)?

Your employment contract may be governed by a Collective Labour Agreement (CAO, collectieve arbeidsovereenkomst), which outlines rules regarding various employment conditions.

This includes regulations on minimum salaries for specific positions, notice periods, and working hours.

These rules are negotiated between employers and unions or workers’ representatives, and your employer cannot modify them in a way that negatively impacts you as an employee.

photo-of-woman-wearing-blue-shirt-with-blonde-hair-at-job-interview-in-amsterdam-netherlands — You can also ask about the Collective Labour Agreement while you’re still interviewing. Image: Freepik

Your employment contract will usually indicate whether it falls under a Collective Labour Agreement and, if so, which one.

Your employer is obligated to Collective Labour Agreement if:

They have established a company-specific agreement (company collective agreement);

They are a member of an employers’ organisation that has concluded one for them (sectoral collective agreement);

There is an industry-wide collective agreement that has been declared generally binding to all employers in the sector.

4. Make sure you understand your base salary, incentives, and benefits

If your employment contract falls under a Collective Labour Agreement, it’s a good idea to consult this for any guidelines regarding your base salary.

If this is not the case, you and your employer are free to determine your base salary by mutual agreement.

On top of your base salary, you are legally entitled to holiday allowance — unless otherwise agreed in a Collective Labour Agreement. Additionally, your employer might offer a year-end bonus as an extra incentive.

If you’re part of a bonus or incentive scheme, it’s important to make sure that the eligibility criteria are clearly defined.

If these are too vague, it is wise to clarify them in advance to avoid your employer being too arbitrary with them.

5. How are your travel expenses reimbursed?

Speaking of benefits, it’s important to determine how (if at all) your travel expenses are reimbursed by your company.

Although public transport costs are quite high in the Netherlands, it’s important to know that your employer is not legally obliged to reimburse your commuting expenses. Many do, but they’re not required to.

photo-of-woman-holding-laptop-on-train-in-the-netherlands — Luckily, trains in the Netherlands run very regularly. Image: Freepik

If your employer does reimburse travel costs, the typical amount is up to €0.23 per kilometre, which is the maximum that remains tax-free. If they provide a higher reimbursement, the excess amount is considered part of your salary, meaning taxes must be withheld on it.

If you have a public transport OV card or a (lease) car through your employer, travel expenses are, in principle, not reimbursed separately.

Not sure whether all is in order with your Dutch employment contract? Get a professional involved! GMW’s employment lawyers are here to help you out with advice tailored to your situation.

6. Are there any non-compete and confidentiality clauses in your contract?

When signing your Dutch employment contract, you might find that it includes a non-compete or a confidentiality clause. It’s crucial to understand these, along with the impact they could have on your future career opportunities.

While non-compete clauses may not be the first items you consider in an employment contract, they hold significant importance. These clauses are legally valid if they are agreed upon in writing within an indefinite employment contract, even if their wording is vague.

In contrast, non-competition clauses in fixed-term contracts are often not legally enforceable unless there are compelling business interests that are clearly specified in the contract.

photo-of-man-shaking-hands-with-international-looking-for-job-in-Netherlands-during-interview — You shouldn’t sign an employment contract until you’re happy with all the clauses in it. Image: Freepik

It’s good to know that a non-compete clause can often be negotiated at the start of the employment contract, for example, by not including the clause in the contract at all or by limiting its duration or scope.

If you don’t do this when entering the employment contract, it is difficult to negotiate its waiver or adjustment upon termination.

Hence, it is smart to discuss with your future employer if and to what extent a such clause may be too restrictive for you and whether it is necessary to include it.

7. What are the terms and notice period for termination?

Naturally, there aren’t only things to look out for when you first start your job but also for later down the line when you may want to quit it. That’s why it’s important to check the terms of termination in your Dutch employment contract.

There are different ways in which an employment contract can be terminated in the Netherlands. They are:

By the employee: The employee can initiate the termination.

By a termination procedure through the court or the UWV: This involves formal proceedings for dismissal.

By summary dismissal: This is an immediate termination due to serious misconduct.

By mutual agreement: Both parties can agree to end the contract, resulting in a termination agreement.

By law, employees must give a notice period of one month. However, this can be extended by mutual agreement in your contract.

In such cases, the employer’s notice period must be double the employee’s, meaning a clause specifying a two-month notice period for both parties is not legally valid.

Have the statutory notice periods been declared applicable to your contract? If so, your employer’s notice period depends on how long your employment contract has lasted. The following notice periods for the employer then apply:

Less than 5 years: 1 month

Between 5 and 10 years: 2 months

Between 10 and 15 years: 3 months

15 years or longer: 4 months

Going through your Dutch employment contract can be tedious, but it’s crucial to make sure you fully understand all the terms and conditions that could impact your rights and obligations as an employee.

Success! 💪

Do you have experience working in the Netherlands? Share your thoughts in the comments!

BREAKING: The Netherlands is about to fully ban fireworks — for good

Lina Leskovec

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April 1, 2025

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BREAKING: The Netherlands is about to fully ban fireworks — for good

We may be well into 2025, but the New Year’s fireworks debate is still blazing hot, with yet another Dutch party backing a full ban. 🧨

That brings the total number of Dutch MPs opposing loud bangs to a very respectable 94, reports the NOS.

Doei doei, Dutch tradition

Support for a national fireworks ban has rapidly increased in the House of Representatives since last New Year’s, when over 8,000 attacks on police and emergency services were reported.

The newest recruit in the anti-fireworks brigade is the coalition party NSC, previously undecided due to the cherished Dutch tradition of blowing stuff up.

Now that they have decided to prioritise police and emergency services’ safety, the only important remaining opponents are the PVV, BBB, and SP — but that’s not enough to block the ban.

Will we see a complete fireworks ban?

Well, we’re likely to see an almost complete ban on the personal use of fireworks, as the finer details are still to be worked out in Thursday’s parliamentary debate.

What we do know so far is that the government wants to extend the ban to the second category (F2) of fireworks available on the Dutch market. These include fonteintjes (little fountains) and grondbloemen (ground flowers), among others.

The most dangerous categories of fireworks (F3 and F4) have been banned since 2020.

A change in policy means that only F1-rated fireworks (such as sparklers and certain firecrackers) would be allowed to be sold.

And what if you love ringing the new year in with a bang? Lucky for you, official fireworks shows will likely still be organised. 🎇

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A calmer 2026?

It is not yet certain when exactly the ban will happen, but it could already be implemented by the next holiday season.

However, it’s more likely it will take at least a year and a half, according to the State Secretary of Public Transport and Environment.

Part of that transition would also include paying €100 to €150 million as compensation to the fireworks industry. Not a bad parting gift, right?

In that case, 2026 will be your last chance to let out all your pyromaniac tendencies — after that, it’s official fireworks shows only. 😉

What do you think of a complete fireworks ban? Let us know in the comments!

9 common financial mistakes expats in the Netherlands make (and how to avoid them)

Lyna Meyrer 🇱🇺

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April 1, 2025

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9 common financial mistakes expats in the Netherlands make (and how to avoid them)

Living in a foreign country is exciting, but amidst this emotion, many internationals make financial mistakes that could easily be avoided.

From using the wrong bank account to losing money on unnecessary expenses, here are nine common financial mistakes expats make in the Netherlands.

1. Missing out on government allowances

Many internationals in the Netherlands aren’t aware that the Dutch government offers various allowances (toeslagen) to help residents manage living costs.

Expats who meet the income requirements can apply for:

Huurtoeslag (rent allowance)

Zorgtoeslag (healthcare allowance)

Kinderopvangtoeslag (childcare allowance)

Those expats who do know about these benefits often don’t look into them — be it because they don’t realise they could qualify for them or because the application process seems intimidating.

However, missing out on government allowances could cost you hundreds of euros each month. So, check your eligibility!

2. Using a foreign bank account for too long

While your foreign bank account might still work in the Netherlands, using it is not always the most practical.

Not only could a Dutch bank account be required for things like paying your rent, receiving your salary, and getting a Dutch phone number, but a foreign account could also lead to high transaction fees or payment issues.

The solution? Getting a Dutch bank account! Many banks let new customers open an account online, so avoiding these issues and making daily financial transactions smoother has never been easier.

Our top financial tip for expats in the Netherlands? Find a bank that truly understands what it’s like to build a life in a new country. ING makes everyday banking simple, stress-free, and tailored to the needs of internationals — from low fees and helpful budgeting tools to a user-friendly experience that just makes sense.

Open an ING account

3. Paying unnecessary wealth tax

Did you know you might be paying more wealth tax (vermogensbelasting) than necessary? Wealth tax in the Netherlands is the tax you pay based on your savings and investments — even if you haven’t actually earned much from them.

While Dutch wealth tax is relatively low compared to other countries, once your assets exceed the tax-free threshold, you’ll have to pay tax in box 3 of the income tax system.

man-paying-taxes-in-the-netherlands-saving-on-wealth-tax-because-he-avoided-a-financial-mistake-in-the-netherlands — Tax season is stressful enough, so do yourself a favour. Image: Depositphotos

Instead of taxing your actual income, the Belastingdienst assumes you earn a certain return on your assets each year. The higher your assets, the higher the assumed return — and the more tax you pay.

That’s why it’s smart to regularly review your finances and see if there are ways to reduce what you owe. There are some smart ways to do this. For example:

Invest in a pension product: Depending on your income, you can invest a certain amount of money into your so-called jaarruimte each year, tax-free.

Take advantage of tax relief on green investments: You can put up to €26,312 (€52,624 for tax partners) tax-free into green investments.

Gift money to your children: You can reduce your taxable assets by giving your children a tax-free gift of up to €6,713 annually, or up to €32,195 for a specific purpose, such as a house purchase.

4. Tipping when it’s not necessary

In the Netherlands, tipping is appreciated but not expected. While rounding up the bill at a restaurant is common, no one expects you to leave a 20% tip (we’re looking at you, Americans).

Not only do internationals often tip excessively at restaurants, but they also tip at places where it’s not customary to tip in the Netherlands at all, such as the hairdresser or the nail salon.

woman-getting-a-haircut-not-tipping-because-its-a-financial-mistake-in-the-netherlands — Tipping after a haircut? Not necessary in the Netherlands! Image: Depositphotos

Of course, your tip is always appreciated — but remember that nobody would hold it against you if you didn’t tip. Remember, unnecessary tipping can add unnecessary expenses, so this is an easy way to save some money.

5. Being over-insured

Being insured is important, but being over-insured is an easily avoidable financial mistake.

Many internationals end up with overlapping insurance policies, such as health insurance, travel insurance, and liability insurance.

While it might seem like more coverage means better protection, it often just means you’re paying double for the same protection.

For example, if your health insurance already covers emergency medical expenses abroad, getting additional travel insurance for the same coverage might be unnecessary.

To avoid this, review your existing coverage before signing up for new policies, or simply check with your insurance provider.

Being over-insured will cost you, but you don’t want to be under-insured either. Our tip? Keep all your insurances in one place with ING, and ensure you’re covered for what matters without paying extra.

6. Staying uninformed about Dutch pension options

Failing to build a Dutch pension can be a costly mistake, even if you don’t want to think about it right now. This is especially important for internationals who plan on staying in the Netherlands long-term.

In the Netherlands, the pension system is made up of three pillars:

State pension (AOW): Provided by the government but only fully available to those who have lived and worked in the Netherlands for 50 years before retirement.

Employer pension schemes: Many Dutch employers offer pension contributions, but participation and benefits vary by industry and employer.

Private pensions and investments: Expats who don’t qualify for a full AOW or an employer pension can supplement their retirement savings with private pension plans or investment accounts.

Many expats don’t think about pension planning much or assume they’ll eventually rely on their home country’s pension system. However, it’s important to build your pension without gaps as much as possible to ensure financial security in retirement.

7. Skipping the GP (and going straight to a specialist)

Navigating the Dutch healthcare system can be tricky, and many expats don’t take the time to properly deal with it until it’s too late.

Between long waiting lists at general practitioners (GPs) and their less-than-ideal reputation, internationals often decide to skip the GP and go straight to a specialist when dealing with a health issue.

dutch-woman-seeing-dermatologist-after-getting-referral-from-GP-no-financial-mistake-in-the-netherlands — Need to see a dermatologist? Talk to your GP first. Image: Depositphotos

Does this cut the waiting time? Sure, but it also costs you money.

You see, the only way to get your specialist treatment covered by health insurance in the Netherlands is if you’ve been referred by a GP. If you decide, for example, to seek out a dermatologist before first consulting your GP, then you’ll be paying out of your own pocket.

Getting your Dutch GP to refer you to another doctor can be difficult, but it’s worth fighting for if you want to save some money.

8. Refusing to hop on a bike

Riding a bike on a crowded Dutch bike lane can be scary — especially for those of us who, unlike the local kids, didn’t learn to bike before we could walk.

But here’s the thing: public transport in the Netherlands is expensive, and relying only on trains, trams, buses and metros is a costly affair.

Sure, getting a car is an option, but for most people it’s not really necessary in the Netherlands (and also costs a lot of money).

So, what’s the solution? Take a deep breath and hop on that fiets. Trust me, it’s a lot of fun — and your wallet will thank you.

9. Not getting a public transport subscription

Even if you are a bike enthusiast, there will inevitably be times when you’ll have to make use of public transport.

When that happens, it’s highly advisable that you get an NS abonnement — a subscription for your public transport travel.

While the NS offers many different options here, the most profitable for most of us is their NS Flex Dal Voordeel. This subscription gives you a 40% discount in off-peak hours, on holidays, and on weekends, for just €5.95 per month.

Pensions, bank accounts, benefits — navigating finances in a foreign country can be overwhelming.

But hey, now that you know the nine most common financial mistakes of expats in the Netherlands, you know what to look out for!

Can you think of any more financial mistakes you made in the Netherlands? Share them in the comments and help others out!

Trump’s anti-DEI crusade hits Europe: Dutch officials alarmed by ‘worrying’ request

Federica Marconi

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April 1, 2025

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Trump’s anti-DEI crusade hits Europe: Dutch officials alarmed by ‘worrying’ request

Just when you thought US politics couldn’t get louder abroad: American embassies have sent letters to European companies urging them to ditch their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes.

Waarom? Because America said so! Refuse, and say goodbye to those juicy US government contracts. 👋

The DEI crackdown goes global

The letters trace back to an executive order from Trump’s first presidency, banning DEI initiatives in the US federal government, reports Trouw.

US embassies are now exporting that drama overseas, reshaping HR policies via diplomatic pressure.

America has always cheated itself out of accelerate progress, innovation and economic value by discounting the contributions of non-white, non-male talent. The anti-DEI wave is this country’s attempt to default to coddling white men at the expense of collective progress.
— AT (@primediscussion) March 21, 2025

According to French newspaper Les Echos (which has the letters), the ban affects all US government contractors, “regardless of their nationality or place of establishment.”

Recipients are asked to sign a certification of compliance with the US federal Anti-Discrimination Act, via an English-language form attached to the letter.

Want a US government contract? You’ve got five days to fill out a form swearing you don’t promote DEI. Should you decline, you’d best prepare to explain yourself to American lawyers. Gezellig. 😬

Dutch reaction: “Wait, what?”

Dutch Minister of Foreign Trade, Reinette Klever, called the move “worrying” and warned it could bring “more uncertainty for Dutch companies.”

So far, not a peep from firms like Philips or Boskalis about receiving that letter. 🤐

Meanwhile, the US embassy in The Hague isn’t spilling any tea, giving the classic: “We do not respond to private correspondence.”

I wonder if it has occurred to him that in Europe, Americans are foreigners – WE are the DEI hires. Eliminating DEI in France wouldn’t be “America First”, it would be “France First”.
— Norman Jefferson (@jeffnorm.bsky.social) March 29, 2025 at 5:05 PM

It’s an awkward clash, as the Netherlands has had a gender diversity law since 2002, while the U.S. seems to say “nah, we’re good.” Mixed signals, anyone?

More than just policy: It’s about people

In conversation with Trouw, Professor Jojanneke van der Toorn uses her research to address how diverse workplaces matter to underrepresented folks (shocking, right?). Without them, people aren’t just quitting jobs — they’re quitting the country.

She says, “What do you lose if you do not implement an inclusive policy? Then you run the risk of missing out on talent.”

And it’s not just the Dutch side-eyeing — France and Belgium aren’t thrilled either. As the Belgian Minister of Finance put it: “We have a culture of non-discrimination in Europe and we must continue that.’’

He followed that up with a rather cutting put-down of the current US president, stating that the country has “no lessons to learn from the boss of America.”

Seriously, who invited Uncle Sam to the EU office party? 🙄

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

Mental healthcare in the Netherlands: all you need to know for 2025

Emma Brown

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April 1, 2025

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Mental healthcare in the Netherlands: all you need to know for 2025

Mental healthcare is more important than ever in the Netherlands, with more and more people coming forward to talk about their struggles with their mental health.

Anyone can suffer from mental health issues, and we should all be able to seek help and get support to heal and improve our well-being.

Mental healthcare is especially important for internationals in the Netherlands, who face the struggles of moving to another country (often unaccompanied by family) and settling into a completely foreign world.

It’s important to know that you don’t have to go through it alone. We understand the difficulty of wanting to seek help and not knowing where to start or how to do it.

Here’s all you need to know about mental healthcare in the Netherlands.

Have a specific question? Check it out:

If you or someone you know has suffered from a breakdown or needs help, then contact a GP as soon as possible. This is especially important if it concerns suicidal thoughts or self-harming.

You will then be referred to a crisis intervention team. In the case of an emergency, the following phone numbers are available:

Suicide prevention Netherlands: 0800 – 0113

Samaritans: 116 – 123

Where can I get help for mental health problems in the Netherlands?

If you are suffering from mental health problems, there are a few options that you can try.

Before we begin, it’s important that you first take out Dutch healthcare insurance, as this is compulsory in the Netherlands.

Once you’ve done this, you must register with a huisarts (general practitioner). This way, you can easily make appointments to be seen by a doctor or physician.

Visiting your GP for mental healthcare in the Netherlands

It’s recommended that you visit your GP, as they’ll be the ones who will refer you to a mental health specialist (especially if you have a complex mental health condition).

However, if your symptoms are mild, you can usually just get treated by the GP.

Online mental healthcare in the Netherlands

If you feel like you’re not yet ready to go to see a GP, you can also find support online or from an online mental health specialist.

This is especially recommended if you find it hard to go outside or find social situations difficult and prefer to remain anonymous.

Image-of-a-young-blonde-woman-sitting-at-a-computer-attentively-reading-how-to-find-a-mental-health-specialist-online-in-the-Netherlands — Plenty of options are available if you’re uncomfortable meeting in person. Image: Depositphotos

Workplace mental healthcare in the Netherlands

Some workplaces have a company doctor or welfare support you can visit if you seek professional help about a (mental) health issue.

All in all, it’s important to note there is always someone there to help, and we strongly recommend that you see or talk to at least one person if you are struggling with mental health problems.

Will my basic healthcare insurance cover mental healthcare?

According to the Dutch government’s website, health insurance has to cover all or part of mental health care costs. However, it depends on the insurance company you’ve signed with and the policy you have.

For example, if you have a more severe mental health condition that may need additional treatment, your insurer might not cover all of your primary or secondary care.

Make sure to read up on your insurance policy before undergoing any treatment. You might end up having to pay for additional mental healthcare alongside your basic healthcare insurance.

When you are first referred to a mental healthcare specialist by your GP, you will have a meeting to discuss your treatment.

From this, your total cost of treatment will be estimated.

Woman-about-to-sign-a-health-insurance-form-to-get-mental-healthcare-in-the-Netherlands — Upon your arrival in the Netherlands, getting your health insurance sorted sooner rather than later is better. Image: Depositphotos

If your insurance does not cover your mental health treatment, it’s essential to note that you won’t be able to pay per session.

Since doctors can’t know exactly when you will get better, a total bill will be calculated at the end of your recovery journey.

If your mental health is severe and you are admitted to a mental health institution, your insurance will cover the first three years of your hospital stay under the Long-term Care Act. After that, it’s at your discretion.

The difference between primary and secondary mental health care in the Netherlands

There are two different types of mental health care services in the Netherlands, primary and secondary care.

Primary care

If your mental illness is seen as too complex for your GP’s (or another doctor’s) level of training, you will be referred to a primary mental healthcare service.

Primary mental healthcare is for people with mild to moderate mental health issues, but whose issues are too severe to be treated without intervention.

man-dressed-in-business-casual-attire-sitting-on-a-sofa-explaining-his-mental-health-struggles-to-a-primary-mental-healthcare-provider-in-the-Netherlands-who-is-a-young-woman-therapist-sitting-in-a-chair-opposite-him-listening-carefully — Your mental illness doesn’t need to be considered severe for you to seek help. Image: Depositphotos

It consists of services such as online mental health support and counselling services with a psychologist, psychotherapist, or psychiatrist. Sometimes, you can have both, depending on the severity of your illness.

Secondary care

If your mental illness is seen as too severe for the GP’s (or another doctor’s) level of training and is more complex than primary care, then you will be referred to a secondary mental healthcare service.

These include psychiatrists or clinical psychologists working in a mental health institution, hospital or private practice.

This service is for very serious disorders, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Borderline Personality Disorder, and Schizophrenia, to name but a few. This care will be different and may require hospital stays.

What happens if you are admitted to a mental health institution in the Netherlands?

You may be admitted to a mental health institution if you have a complex and very serious mental illness.

You will be admitted without consent in serious incidents where you are a danger to yourself or others around you.

In usual circumstances, though, it is voluntary, and there is a meeting with everyone to discuss if this is the right course of action for you.

A long-term plan is sometimes created to provide supported accommodation to ensure that the patient is independent and in a safe environment.

What is mental health support like for young people in the Netherlands?

You may have a child or friend under the age of 18 who’s struggling with mental health problems, and you’re wondering what options are available for them to get help.

Well, the system for youngsters is generally the same as it is for adults. They should first go to their GP and get referred for additional help.

photo-of-a-mother-holding-the-hand-of-her-teenage-dauther-seeking-mental-healthcare-in-the-Netherlands — Young people in the Netherlands can access the same help as adults. Image: Depositphotos

They will usually obtain help from the pediatric mental health services (Jeugd GGZ), who specialise in child psychological development and associated parenting and behavioural problems.

Will I come across any issues with mental healthcare in the Netherlands?

Overall, getting help for your mental health problems shouldn’t be difficult if you’re living in the Netherlands.

The main issue you might encounter is a language barrier if you’re not fluent in English or Dutch.

The Netherlands has quite a notorious reputation when it comes to providing health care. Some say the country is known for its amazing healthcare, while others say it’s seriously lacking in this area.

However, the Dutch tend to be very laid-back and down-to-earth people when it comes to mental health. In fact, they’re pretty open-minded about mental health issues.

With that being said, don’t hesitate to seek help if you have any mental illness — whether that be anxiety or depression, an eating disorder, or PTSD.

We should continue to fight the stigma surrounding mental health issues and spread awareness about the importance of mental health to society.

What are your experiences with mental healthcare in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below! 👇

7 ways a realtor will sell your Dutch home as fast as possible

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪

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April 1, 2025

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7 ways a realtor will sell your Dutch home as fast as possible

So you found yourself a Dutch home, loved it, lived in it, and now it’s time to part ways. How can you sell it quickly and efficiently? The answer is simple: with a realtor.

While we’d all like to think that in this market, your house is going to sell fast, it’s important to remember that the process of selling a home is something that involves expertise.

Sure, you love and value your house — but that doesn’t mean selling it to others will be easy or quick.

Here’s what a verkoopmakelaar (selling realtor) can do to improve and speed up the process.

1. A realtor will get your house up on Funda

Ahhh Funda. The Facebook of houses and the hunting ground for house hunters.

Getting your home up on Funda is a ‘funda-mental’ step in getting your home on the market — but did you know that you can only do this through a realtor?

photo-of-man-and-woman-pointing-and-smiling-at-laptop-after-Dutch-realtor-put-their-home-up-on-Funda — Want your beloved home to catch some attention? A Dutch realtor will put it up on Funda for you! Image: Freepik

Yep. It’s not as simple as creating your own account and uploading a few pretty pics. Your home will only be able to reach the pearly gates of Funda if a realtor is the one to guide it there.

While it is possible to sell your home without putting it up on Funda, if you’re looking to make the process quick, placing it in the spot where most people look is your best bet.

In the second quarter of 2024, the average time between a house going up for sale and new buyers signing the dotted line was just 27 days. By putting your house up on Funda, you could enjoy similar stats.

Decided to sell your house and opt for a realtor — but don’t know where to begin? Geen probleem. Mijn Verkoopmakelaar helps people find and choose a realtor that suits them. Their realtors can give you a competitive quote in advance, and you can even compare the average selling times and estimation accuracy of different brokers!

2. Dutch realtors are highly qualified

And why can’t you do this yourself? Surely it’s not that hard, right? Wrong. Let’s cut to the chase: there’s a lot more to selling a home than most people realise.

Not only can a verkoopmakelaar get your house properly set up on the market, they can also perform a valuation, handle all the documentation and take on the negotiations — but more on this later.

What’s important to note is that verkoopmakelaars are highly qualified, licensed real estate agents.

With these qualifications, they’ll perform a number of important tasks behind the scenes that may otherwise slow down, confuse, or overwhelm the average person during the selling process.

(By the way: how’s your Dutch? Good enough for complex legal transactions involving hundreds of thousands of euros? Mine isn’t.)

3. A realtor will have the time and energy

Are you around during the day to host viewings? Do you know all the relevant information surrounding your home? You’ve made up a floor plan, right? And taken professional-quality photos?

Not only does organising all these elements require your time to complete, but without a realtor, you also have to organise them all by yourself.

photo-of-realtor-showing-man-house-in-the-Netherlands — It’s a realtor’s job to have time for viewings, it shouldn’t be yours. Image: Freepik

With a realtor by your side, you don’t have to surrender additional hours for organising and hosting house viewings. Instead, they’ll handle it all for you while you carry on with your everyday life.

So you head off to work or take a walk in the park — your realtor will tell you the highlights later.

4. Dutch realtors know the value of your home (and how to improve it!)

Of course, a house can be sold quickly, but you also need to make sure that standards don’t slide — especially when it comes to the selling price of your home.

But did you know that when you’re trying to decide on a verkoopmakelaar in the Netherlands, you can opt for someone who is also a licensed appraiser?

photo-of-Dutch-realtor-showing-ways-to-sell-house-faster-to-man-and-woman-smiling — Your realtor sees attributes in your home that you may not, let them emphasise these and sell your home faster. Image: Freepik

This means that you don’t have to waste time looking for an external appraisal, but you also don’t run the risk of undervaluing or overvaluing your home in the heat of it all!

On top of this, a realtor can also advise you on how to raise the value of your home with minimal costs. For example, even the types of lightbulbs you use can influence the value of your home — and in turn, how quickly it sells. 💡

5. You can let the realtor do the talking

Once you’ve caught the eyes of buyers, it’s time to really sell your place to them. Again, the negotiation process can require time — especially if it’s all in Dutch!

This is where you can let your selling realtor step in.

Not only are they skilled in the art of verbal duels, but your realtor will also ensure that the process runs as efficiently as possible — saving you both time and moolah. 💰

Internationals can easily fall prey to higher fees when looking for realtors. Mijn Verkoopmakerlaar offers the perfect comparison tool. Simply fill in the details of your home and where you’re living, and the realtors will come to you! Not only can you enjoy competitive pricing, but they also estimate how much you should sell for.

6. A realtor can advise on any offers you receive

Speaking of moolah, once you have snagged a buyer, you may be tempted to agree to any conditions in order to close the sale. They’re offering you hundreds of thousands of euros, so it’s easy to get a little starry-eyed. 🤩

But hang on just a second. What are their resolutive conditions? When do they plan on moving in? What do they want to do with your home?

photo-of-realtor-walking-through-bid-on-house-they-are-selling--at-desk-with-clients-Netherlands — A realtor can walk you through your offers and help make a decision. Image: Dreamstime

A realtor can ensure that all conditions are properly negotiated and are ideal for your situation before you sign on the dotted line.

Once your needs have been met, they’ll also write up a legally binding preliminary contract for everyone to sign.

Note: When selling a house in the Netherlands, the buyer may agree to buy your home as long as certain conditions are met. For example, they can keep all the furniture in the home. These conditions are known as resolutive conditions.

7. A Dutch realtor will close the deal for you

Now, the price has been negotiated, hands have been shaken, and you’re ready to pop the champagne. 🍾 And you should!

But far too many real estate deals still fall apart at this point. That’s why you need to seal the deal by heading to the notary office, where both you and the buyers will sign the transfer deed.

photo-of-couple-taking-keys-from-Dutch-realtor-after-selling-them-house — Kick back and let your Dutch realtor seal the deal. Image: Freepik

Worried about signing such an important document? Don’t stress: your real estate agent will also attend this meeting with you to make sure the process runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

All that you’ll have to do is sign, blow your old home a farewell kiss, and hand over the keys. 🥂

Have you sold your house in the Netherlands with a realtor? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!

Make New York Dutch again: Netherlands lays claim to old territory

Lina Leskovec

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April 1, 2025

1

Make New York Dutch again: Netherlands lays claim to old territory

Update: Hold your horses and look at the publishing date. Hope you had a good laugh, and we’ll catch you next April Fool’s — and remember, always check your sources. 🤭

The souring of Dutch-US relations since the election of Donald Trump has finally hit a breaking point. The Dutch have decided to enforce old legal documents and take New York back.

This decision comes as a consequence of Trump’s recent acquittal of New York mayor Eric Adams for corruption charges.

The straw that broke the camel’s back

The Department of Justice dropped all corruption charges against Adams this February, in a move many see as blatant quid pro quo for supporting Trump, reports The Guardian.

“Adams’ acquittal shows us the US has gone too far,” says the leader of the Nieuw New Amsterdam (NNA) initiative, Marjolijn Jester.

Since the new US administration has been making claims to all sorts of land, the Dutch decided to take a page out of their book and are planning to reclaim New York City.

Is that even possible?

Sounds impossible to just demand a city back, right? Apparently it isn’t.

The British took over the former Dutch colony in 1664; however, British law isn’t codified, while Dutch law is. This means that the only actual records of NYC ownership still call the city New Amsterdam, with the Netherlands as its rightful owner.

The Netherlands didn’t decide to dispute the ownership in 1664, and ever since then it’s belonged to the US solely based on precedent.

America did not build New York. The Netherlands did.

America did not pay for New York. The Netherlands did.

America did not bring thousands of settlers to live in New York. The Netherlands did.

It is perfectly fair for the Netherlands to be raising questions about New York.… https://t.co/xchN41mr79 pic.twitter.com/ZycbzdA0Pu
— Nelis (@NielsHonkoop) January 31, 2025

“But all of Trump’s moves show us that precedent doesn’t matter anymore,” explains NNA’s Head of Litigation, “so who’s stopping us from breaking it as well?”

The practicalities

The Dutch announcement is already gaining a lot of support in largely democratic New York, where the civil initiative Save US! was started to work out how a transition to being a part of the Netherlands would go.

In a transitional period of five years, New Amsterdam would have the status of a territory, meaning its residents wouldn’t have full Dutch citizenship.

They wouldn’t be able to vote in national elections, but would get to participate in Amsterdam municipal elections as an introduction into the Dutch political system.

New Amsterdammers would have to take part in an intensive integration course that would include Dutch culture and language lessons, as well as volume adjusting lessons to make these Americans’ reintroduction to the Netherlands more seamless.

A Dutch feel

The Netherlands is investing roughly €7 million into a lobbying initiative to increase support for New Amsterdam.

They’re setting up poffertje stands across the city to showcase the sweeter side of Dutch life, and have promised that the Yankee’s uniform would become orange.

Additionally, Roxy Dekker is set to have a tour of concerts in NYC malls to show a merging of Dutch and American culture.

The Hudson would also be separated into 37 canals, with the new land in between being transformed into a Dutch-style neighbourhood.

Not only would this give the city a Dutch feel, but it would also help accommodate the flow of immigration from other American states if New York were to become part of the EU, says Save US! spokesperson April Lloyd.

If the five-year period proves to be successful, New Amsterdammers would gain full citizenship rights.

If not, they would remain a territory, but that’s okay according to April: “Our rights are getting diminished anyway, we might as well get free healthcare for it.”

What do you think of the Dutch plans for New York? Tell us in the comments!

12 realisations every expat in the Netherlands can relate to

Shaakira Vania

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April 1, 2025

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12 realisations every expat in the Netherlands can relate to

There’s a saying that goes, “celebrate the little moments because one day you’ll look back and realise they were big moments.”

It doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, and when I first read this quote many moons ago, I rolled my eyes at the tragic Instagram-ness of the quote.

Ironically, since that very first eye roll, I’ve come to realise how very true that simple thought is. If you don’t take the time to reflect and celebrate the small moments, who will?!

My recent small moment of significance is my one-year anniversary of moving to the Netherlands. So, in honour of my first 12 months in the lowlands, I’m sharing 12 realisations, opinions, and tidbits about the Netherlands that I have gleaned over my time here.

1. Cyclists rule the roost

And that’s all there is to it. Most cyclists are impatient, and some like to take their time, but all are in it for themselves. It’s just the lay of the land (pun intended) here in the Netherlands.

A-large-group-of-cyclists-in-an-Amsterdam-street — Seeing people riding their bikes from every direction is normal in the Netherlands! Image: Depositphotos

2. Dutch people like to pretend they are very healthy people

I say “pretend” because some of their typical foods include: stroopwafels (I’m biased, these are just delicious), bitterballen (hello, high cholesterol), frikandel (whatever the hell that is) and kaassouffle (another fave, so no comment 🤐).

They also call a ham and cheese sandwich a broodje gezond — a healthy sandwich, for some reason.

But, I kid. All that cycling around keeps them fit as a horse!

Bitterballen-in-the-Netherlands — I mean, look how good those bitterballen look! Image: Depositphotos

3. All Dutch people can speak English

That is something every modern tour guide, book, person, and website will tell you, and it is indeed the truth. What they fail to elaborate on is the fact that “Dunglish” is also spoken by many Dutch people.

For example, who a Dutch person’s cousin and their niece/nephew are can only be understood if you get a short family history first. Neef means cousin AND niece/nephew, but is fully dependent on context.

4. A “normal” cup of tea is black

That means no milk. It’s a personal tragedy that so few Dutchies understand why on earth I would drink milk with my tea — and even fewer Dutchies would ever do so themselves.

Earl Grey tea and hot milk. Is there any greater combination?! I think not, but apparently, the Dutch think otherwise.

Black-tea-in-the-Netherlands — Black tea is the norm here! Image: Pexels

5. Going Dutch is the way to go

Love it or hate it, but who doesn’t like a good bargain?

I have heard some crazy stories of Dutch people being cheap, like insisting on showering at the gym to save on water costs at home, but the benefits of this phenomenon are also that splitting the bill at a restaurant is a breeze.

If you’ve ever had a group dinner, you’ll understand why it’s so important that you can pay only for the water and broodje you had, and your mate Jelle can settle his steak, frites, and red wine on his own account.

Photo-of-a-large-group-of-people-eating-and-chatting-at-a-Dutch-restaurant-where-they-will-easily-split-the-bill — Going Dutch is the way to go. Image: Unsplash

6. Never trust Apple weather

Ironically, even though I know this, Apple Weather is still the only weather app I have on my phone.

Dutch people swear by Buienradar, but based on personal experience, this is also not the most reliable (I can practically hear you forming your argument as I type this.)

But here’s my top advice for being fashionable and weather-ready, despite what your choice of app says: just wear whatever, pop on a jacket, and take an umbrella.

7. Never trust the weather in general

You rise in the morning and see a welcoming, sunny day.

Yet what that sunny day will fail to reveal is that its master plan is to pour all afternoon, leaving you stranded at work with no umbrella or jacket because you were gullible and let yourself be lulled into a false sense of security.

Wet-bicycles-on-rainy-day-in-Leiden-why-does-it-rain-so-much-in-the-netherlands — Rain, rain, go away. ☔️ Image: Depositphotos

8. The Dutch limit overseas vacations to a small number of areas

When you ask Dutchies about their valuable vakantie tijd, the destinations will include Bali, Thailand, South America, and occasionally a bit more Asia (Japan, China, Singapore).

This is a gross generalisation based on a sample of my many Dutch friends, but I don’t think it’s too far from the truth.

Also, the norm here is to take about six weeks of solid vacation time. It’s appealing, but how do you survive the rest of the year without a break? It remains a Dutch mystery, I suppose.

9. The Dutch healthcare system leaves a lot to be desired

Am I wrong? Seriously, I want to hear if I am. I have heard really tough stories from friends who have struggled to see specialists and get adequate medication to alleviate their symptoms.

Dutch doctors are notorious for prescribing paracetamol for every ache and pain. Menstrual cramps? Back pain? Headaches? Just pop paracetamol, and you’ll be good — not what most expats expect.

For any expat, it’s enough to make you take a trip to your birth country for all the procedures and meds you might need — but then you consider how expensive basic insurance here is, and you figure you may as well try to make the best of what you’ve paid for. 🤷

photograph-of-a-doctor-consulting-files-while-talking-to-their-patient — Paracetamol is the way to go. Image: Freepik

10. Schiphol bag scanners are the best thing since sliced bread

No joke.

There’s no hassle about trying to fit all of your toiletries into a tiny plastic bag. At Schiphol, I’m just told to “Keep everything in your bag”. Simple. It’s about time the rest of the airports join us here in the Dutch lands.

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11. Spreek jij Nederlands? (Do you speak Dutch?)

This one is for the expats: When you are coming in, or out of the Netherlands and you hand over your residence card at passport control the question they will undoubtedly ask is: “Spreek jij Nederlands?”

It’s like a trick question, a test to see how much you truly deserve that residence card and if you really should be in this country.

The answer is always: “Een beetje, maar ik leer”. Even as my Dutch improves, there’s always that split second (okay, multiple split seconds) when I think in English and get too shy to speak Dutch, so I just pretend I don’t know.

women-laughing-learning-dutch-in-the-netherlands — My tip? Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, just speak! Image: Depositphotos

12. The strangest Dutch word

Magnetron. It means “microwave”, but it sounds like the name of the newest Transformer movie that I’ll be able to catch in my local Pathé next month at the “Unlimited Night” screening.

There are more strange Dutch words than you’d imagine, and getting to the point where you can overhear a Dutch conversation without letting out a chuckle may take some time.

What realisations did you come to after living in the Netherlands? Let us know in the comments below!

DutchReview

DUTCHREVIEW

DutchReview

1. The prehistoric gem, Schokland island

2. The Water Defence Lines of Amsterdam

3. The stunning windmills of Kinderdijk

4. The impressive D.F. Wouda steam pumping station

5. The charming Beemster polder

6. The architecturally unique Rietveld Schröder house

7. The natural Wadden Sea

8. The famous canals of Amsterdam

9. The interesting Van Nelle factory

10. The historical Colonies of Benevolence

11. The New Dutch Water Defence Line

12. The Eise-Eisinga Planetarium

Bonus: The picture-perfect town and harbour of Willemstad, Curaçao

1. Tasmania and New Zealand: Searching for gold

2. Easter Island: A troubled journey

3. Robben Island: The political prison

4. Bluefields, Nicaragua: The Dutch pirate

5. Barents Sea: The unbearable cold

6. Mauritius: The abandoned prince

7. In and around New York

Rhode Island

Staten Island

Harlem

Wall Street

1. What is the type and duration of your contract?

2. What are the terms for your working hours?

3. Are you covered by a Collective Labor Agreement (CAO)?

4. Make sure you understand your base salary, incentives, and benefits

5. How are your travel expenses reimbursed?

6. Are there any non-compete and confidentiality clauses in your contract?

7. What are the terms and notice period for termination?

Doei doei, Dutch tradition

Will we see a complete fireworks ban?

A calmer 2026?

1. Missing out on government allowances

2. Using a foreign bank account for too long

3. Paying unnecessary wealth tax

4. Tipping when it’s not necessary

5. Being over-insured

6. Staying uninformed about Dutch pension options

7. Skipping the GP (and going straight to a specialist)

8. Refusing to hop on a bike

9. Not getting a public transport subscription

The DEI crackdown goes global

Dutch reaction: “Wait, what?”

More than just policy: It’s about people

Where can I get help for mental health problems in the Netherlands?

Visiting your GP for mental healthcare in the Netherlands

Online mental healthcare in the Netherlands

Workplace mental healthcare in the Netherlands

Will my basic healthcare insurance cover mental healthcare?

The difference between primary and secondary mental health care in the Netherlands

Primary care

Secondary care

What happens if you are admitted to a mental health institution in the Netherlands?

What is mental health support like for young people in the Netherlands?

Will I come across any issues with mental healthcare in the Netherlands?

1. A realtor will get your house up on Funda

2. Dutch realtors are highly qualified

3. A realtor will have the time and energy

4. Dutch realtors know the value of your home (and how to improve it!)

5. You can let the realtor do the talking

6. A realtor can advise on any offers you receive

7. A Dutch realtor will close the deal for you

The straw that broke the camel’s back

Is that even possible?

The practicalities

A Dutch feel

1. Cyclists rule the roost

2. Dutch people like to pretend they are very healthy people

3. All Dutch people can speak English

4. A “normal” cup of tea is black

5. Going Dutch is the way to go

6. Never trust Apple weather

7. Never trust the weather in general

8. The Dutch limit overseas vacations to a small number of areas

9. The Dutch healthcare system leaves a lot to be desired