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4 ways gaming is shaping the modern Dutch life

DutchReview Crew
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4 ways gaming is shaping the modern Dutch life

Once just a niche hobby, gaming in the Netherlands has evolved into an everyday lifestyle. 

More than seven million Dutchies spend about an hour a day on gaming. Across all ages, gaming is gaining broad cultural acceptance.

It’s interwoven into daily life in the lowlands, from commuters gaming on mobile during their NS train rides to families playing cooperative games together on weekends.

So in what ways exactly is gaming shaping Dutch life?

1. Creating communities

Gaming in the Netherlands is no longer a solitary activity; it’s become a proper social phenomenon. In 2024, 47% of Dutch gamers played with friends or family, up from 35% in 2019. 

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Gamin in the Netherlands is a social activity. Image: Freepik

Online multiplayer games, local co-op experiences, and gaming events have turned digital play into a shared cultural activity. Whether it’s families gathering for gezellige Mario Kart nights or friends teaming up in Fortnite, games have become modern social hubs. 

Even platforms like Discord and Twitch are enabling Dutch gamers to form communities across regions, age groups, and backgrounds. For many, gaming isn’t just entertainment — it’s a way of staying connected.

2. Leveling up minds

The strategic side of gaming is also gaining popularity. Many Dutch players are diving deep into complex betting strategies that mirror the tactical thinking you find in games, such as for example combination betting.

But, as a Dutchie would say, hoe werkt een combinatie weddenschap (how does a combination with betting work)? The concept involves placing multiple selections in one bet, where each prediction must be correct to win. It’s more risky but also offers potentially higher payouts.

The rise of strategic gaming shows that Dutch players are also looking for challenges beyond the screen. Whether it’s planning an attack in a multiplayer game or analyzing sports odds, this way of thinking reflects a broad appreciation for well-thought-out decisions. 

3. Boosting the economy

The gaming sector is booming. Its revenue grew by 10.5% between 2021 and 2023, reaching a record high of €763 million during that period. The number of active gaming companies increased to 614, and the sector employed 4,291 people. 

three-male-friends-in-the-netherlands-drinking-beer-eaiting-pizza-and-gaming
The gaming world engances innovation and creativity. Image: Freepik

And it’s about more than just the money. The Dutch gaming world has become a breeding ground for innovation and creativity. Cities like Utrecht have become centers for game development, supported by initiatives like the Dutch Game Garden, which provided a home to around 130 studios until its closure in 2025. 

On top of that, sectors like software development, audio production, localization, and education also benefit. Dutch universities now offer programs in game design, ensuring a constant influx of new talent. 

All of this has put the Netherlands on the map as an influential player within the global gaming industry.

4. Shaping the future

The increasing popularity of esports, the expansion of mobile gaming, and the use of game principles in education and training point to a future where gaming is way more than a subculture.

READ MORE | 17 arcades in the Netherlands: gaming in Amsterdam and beyond

The Dutch government actively supports this development by officially recognizing video games as a creative industry. Subsidies for non-commercial, artistic, or experimental games show there’s confidence in the social and cultural value of games. 

As gaming expands into areas like digital art, virtual events, and skills development, a hybrid cultural space emerges where entertainment, education, and work come together. 

With emerging technologies like VR and AI making new forms of experience possible, gaming in the Netherlands isn’t just a growing industry: it reflects the modern Dutch lifestyle. 

The Netherlands has truly embraced gaming culture, and frankly, we’re here for it. Whether you’re into competitive esports, casual mobile gaming, or discovering that the country is an underrated gamer’s paradise, there’s something for everyone in this gaming-mad nation. 🇳🇱

This Disney satire laughing at Trump is the best thing you’ll watch all week

Emanuela Occhipinti
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This Disney satire laughing at Trump is the best thing you’ll watch all week

Dutch comedian Arjen Lubach has released a Disney parody that once again proves satire can cut sharper than any political speech.

On his show LUBACH, the host responded to the recent cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel’s American late-night show, Jimmy Kimmel Live! Hosted by Disney.

The network’s decision followed Kimmel’s biting comments on Monday about the murder of activist Charlie Kirk: “The MAGA Gang desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.”

The remark prompted President Trump to cheer on the cancellation.

The happiest place on earth (for Trump)

Lubach didn’t hold back. “Trump is trying to silence anyone who criticises him,” he told his audience, adding that major companies like Disney are “terrified of Trump.”

To underline his point, he rolled out a scathing Disney-themed satire that’s quickly being called one of his best sketches to date.

The parody reimagined beloved Disney classics through a Trump-tinted lens:

  • Timon and Pumba cheerfully belted out Hakuna MAGA-ta, a jab at Trump’s campaign slogan.
  • Belle’s father dropped disturbingly inappropriate comments about his daughter, skewering the president’s history of controversial remarks about women.
  • Aladdin found himself hauled away by ICE, a dark nod to Trump’s immigration policies.

READ MORE | Bob Vylan’s controversial Amsterdam gig has the Netherlands talking (and it’s messy)

From Bruno to Jeffrey

And Lubach didn’t stop there. He took on Disney’s modern hits, too.

A parody of We Don’t Talk About Bruno was reworked into We Don’t Talk About Jeffrey, a scalding reminder of Jeffrey Epstein’s ties to Trump.

The result is equal parts hilarious and uncomfortable.

Is cancel culture turning into a political silencing tool for the right? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Dutch prisons are releasing inmates early due to overcrowding

Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺
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Dutch prisons are releasing inmates early due to overcrowding

The Dutch prison system is increasingly struggling with overcrowding — so much so that detainees are now being released two weeks earlier than their sentences officially end.

The Netherlands was earlier applauded after their prison populations decreased by more than 40% over a 20-year period. Yet in 2025, the situation is very different.

To relieve pressure, an emergency measure has allowed inmates to leave prison up to two weeks before their planned release. Officials are warning that prisoners may need to be released even earlier, reports the NOS.

Government warnings versus reality

The cabinet had insisted that exemptions should be used sparingly. However, the crisis is already so severe that every eligible prisoner will be able to take advantage of early release.

READ NEXT | I lived in a former Dutch prison: here’s what it was like

Of course, not all prisoners are eligible. They must have not had a penalty for more than a year or been convicted of a sex crime.

Backlogs and staff shortages

The problems run deeper than overcrowding. People sentenced to short terms who must report voluntarily are often not even being summoned, creating a growing backlog.

Staff shortages, combined with ongoing renovations, continue to plague the system. In the coming years, another 100 prison places will disappear, further worsening the situation.

An ongoing problem

Without change, emergency measures could be further instated, such as releasing prisoners even earlier than two weeks before their expected date.

The government has earmarked €25 million for prisons in the upcoming budget, with another €25 million to follow. Yet the prison system had requested €400 million — leaving a major gap in funding.

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Taalthuis turns 20 this year: Here’s why this Dutch language school stands out

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
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Taalthuis turns 20 this year: Here’s why this Dutch language school stands out

Twenty years ago, Margreet van ‘t Haaff had a simple idea: make learning Dutch fun for internationals. Fast-forward to 2025, and Taalthuis has become the language school that can take you from “Ik spreek geen Nederlands” to confidently debating Dutch politics with your neighbours.

Back in 2006, most schools treated Dutch like a necessary evil, something to endure rather than enjoy. 

But Margreet, armed with her Dutch language and literature degree from Leiden University and a decade of teaching experience, had other plans.

Her vision? Create a language school that didn’t just teach you to survive a visit to the in-laws, but actually helped you thrive in Dutch society.

From humble beginnings to nationwide success

Today, Taalthuis operates across eight different cities in the Netherlands, making Dutch learning accessible whether you’re based in Amsterdam, Utrecht, Leiden, Den Haag, Den Bosch, Haarlem, Hilversum, or even Wassenaar (their newest location).

But their growth isn’t stopping there: Eindhoven is joining the party from January 2026, because even the tech hub of the south needs proper Dutch lessons.

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With branches opening up across the country, Taalthuis is one of the most accessible language schools in the Netherlands. Image: Taalthuis

The numbers speak for themselves. Since 2006, thousands of expats, international students, and au pairs have learned Dutch at Taalthuis. 

And now, as the school celebrates 20 years of courses on September 15, it’s worth reflecting on how they’ve evolved from a single teacher’s vision into a comprehensive Dutch learning ecosystem. 

More than just grammar drills

One thing that sets Taalthuis apart from the “just memorise these verb conjugations and pray” approach? They’ve developed their own teaching materials. 

Taalthuis uses its own course material for Beginners and Intermediate levels, specifically designed to help make the initial stages of learning Dutch as structured and straightforward as possible.

As someone who took their courses at this level, this was super helpful. We covered a specific topic in class, and at home we could pick up our grammar and exercise books to practice exactly what we had just learned. 

Courses to suit your availability

Twenty years in, Taalthuis has also mastered the art of flexibility. 

They offer both online and face-to-face courses, because sometimes you want to learn Dutch in your pyjamas, and sometimes you need the accountability of showing up to an actual classroom.

taalthuis-teacher-giving-students-a-lesson-on-the-dutch-language
Whether you’re a busy university student or part-time employee, they’ve got courses to fit your schedule. Image: Taalthuis

Their online courses run from Beginners Basic A1 up to Advanced C1 (and yes, that C1 level is as impressive as it sounds). Very few schools can get you to C1 level Dutch, but Taalthuis specialises in taking determined internationals all the way to near-native fluency.

READ MORE | This is one of the only Dutch schools that can take your level to C1 — Meet Taalthuis

The beauty of their system is that each lesson takes 2 hours and 15 minutes, giving you enough time to properly digest those tricky Dutch grammar rules without your brain melting.

Beyond basic Dutch courses 

However, Taalthuis has expanded far beyond basic language instruction. 

Want to understand why Dutch people think “gezelligheid” is the answer to everything? Their Culture Course will give you some insight into that. 

Struggling with the mysteries of Dutch grammar even after completing a course? There’s a dedicated grammar module for that.

Students can practice their speaking skills during the fun conversation courses at either A2 or B1 level. Because what’s the point of learning Dutch if you can’t use it to complain about the weather with proper conviction?

And for those who prefer learning at their own pace, Taalthuis offers self-study options alongside their traditional classroom approach. It’s like having a Dutch learning buffet, where you pick what works for your schedule and learning style.

Bringing Dutch to your workplace

Taalthuis even offers in-company classes, making it easy for international employees to pick up Dutch as a team.

Whether you’re all A0 or B1, Taalthuis has the teachers you need to level up your Dutch language skills alongside your colleagues in the comfort of your own office or online. 

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Ready to supercharge your Dutch in the workplace? There’s a class for that, too! Image: Taalthuis

Plus, there’s the added bonus of shared suffering when everyone collectively struggles with de/het articles.

Certified, enthusiastic teachers

At the heart of Taalthuis are its instructors: more than 120 professionally trained, NT2-certified teachers who are not only experts but also genuinely enthusiastic about teaching. 

Take it from someone who has been taught by multiple Taalthuis teachers — they know what they’re doing. 

And that enthusiasm is surprisingly contagious, especially when you’re trying to master Dutch pronunciation.

Whether you’re a complete beginner who breaks into a cold sweat at the sight of a Dutch menu, or an advanced learner ready to tackle the mysteries of the konjunktief, Taalthuis has spent two decades perfecting the art of making Dutch learning actually enjoyable.

Have you conquered Dutch, or are you still wrestling with those infamous Dutch grammar rules? Share your language learning triumphs (or disasters) in the comments below!

Dutch Quirk #90: Go through a ridiculous number of dating stages before committing

Cara Räker 🇩🇪
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Dutch Quirk #90: Go through a ridiculous number of dating stages before committing

So, you’ve been seeing someone for six months, you go on dates regularly, and you’ve met each other’s friends… but are you actually dating?

If you’re in the Netherlands or dating a Dutchie, you’re probably scratching your head thinking: “Maybe? How the hell am I supposed to know?”

What is it?

You’re confused because many Dutch people go through several stages of dating before even thinking of any kind of serious commitment.

In the meantime, you’re left wondering how long you can tread the thin line between friends with benefits, a situationship, and a relationship.

It’s all very confusing, but this American TikToker has hit the nail on the head and identified three stages of Dutch dating that makes it just the tiniest bit clearer.

@cl_audio

The 3 stages of dating a #Dutch person 🇳🇱 and the corresponding slang

♬ one summer’s day ~ spirited away lofi – Closed on Sunday
Here are the 3 stages of Dutch dating summed up, for those who are still confused:
  • The Scharrel: At this stage, you’re having loose, sexual relations with someone you’re friendly with. There are no real commitments on either side. It’s all fun and games!
  • The Prela: You can reach this level-up only after the Scharrel has proven successful.
    Feeling like you want to spend more time with each other? Maybe even go official, buy a nice gift for Valentine’s, or meet each other’s friends?
    Congrats, you’ve entered the pre-relationship phase.
  • The Rela: This is the hardest stage to reach and takes a lot out of a Dutchie. The Rela stage is nice because it doesn’t require meeting the other’s family or abstaining from seeing other people
    But who knows? Maybe you’ve found someone you really like, and you want to keep them around. Then an actual, committed relationship might be a good way to go.

Why do they do it?

Aside from a liberal attitude towards drugs, the Dutch are also very easygoing when it comes to their sex lives and have an open mind.

Sex is no taboo subject in the Netherlands, and dating is not restricted by ideals of purity, abstinence or even monogamy. Without these societal pressures, there really is a lot of flexibility in the Dutch dating scene.

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The Netherlands is also a very LGBTQ+ friendly country. Image: Depositphotos

What’s more, the Dutch are, in essence, very pragmatic and liberal people.

Why work your way up to the relationship stage if you can simply enjoy the freedom of the Scharrel or Prela? Valid question.

Why is it quirky? 

As a single-ready-to-mingle in the Netherlands, entering the Dutch dating scene can be quite confusing.

This is true even for Dutchies, but even more so for people who are from more conservative countries and kissing for the first time marks the beginning of the relationship.

(This is really not the case in the Netherlands! 😉)

The upside? The Dutch are direct and good at telling you what they want and need! Just ask to clarify any unnecessary confusion.

Should you join in? 

To be honest, you don’t have to!

Every Dutchie will understand if you’re not the friends-with-benefits kind of person. There are also single Nederlanders looking for a committed relationship.

On the flip side, if you know what you want and communicate it clearly, there really is no need for confusion at all.

Don’t forget, dating is meant to be fun! Even in the Netherlands.

What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below!

More internationals are buying than renting in the Netherlands: Here’s why (and where)

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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More internationals are buying than renting in the Netherlands: Here’s why (and where)

Thanks to sky-high rents and limited availability in the Dutch housing market, more internationals are saying “doei!” to landlords and opting to buy homes instead.

If you came to the Netherlands planning to rent a place but ended up buying one, you’re not alone.

Buying is sometimes the only option

A study by the NVM (the Dutch Association of Realtors) found that 60% of internationals initially wanted to rent but felt pushed toward purchasing due to market factors.

In many cases, this decision is also more economical. With the 30% ruling boosting many expats’ borrowing power, buying beats renting for those planning to stay in the Netherlands for longer than three years.

Amsterdam-city-view-rows-of-houses-cost-of-living-in-Amsterdam-the-Netherlands
In many neighbourhoods, high-earning expats are outcompeting the Dutch for the same properties. Image: Depositphotos

This extra money also gives internationals a leg up when it comes to buying a home, with many willing and able to offer a bid above the asking price.

READ MORE | How much do I have to earn to buy a house in the Netherlands?

According to the study, the average purchase price in neighbourhoods popular with expats is €591,000. That’s about €16,000 higher than the average purchase price offered by other buyers.

Where international buyers are making an impact

Of course, certain regions in the Netherlands are more popular for aspiring expat homeowners than others.

For example, nearly 50-60% of all home buyers in some neighbourhoods of Eindhoven and Veldhoven are internationals, while 75% of Hoofddorp’s Hyde Park project is owned by expats.

READ MORE | Moving to the Netherlands: all you need to know

But are internationals really buying up all homes in the Netherlands? We’ll let the figures speak for themselves:

CityPercentage of expat home-buyers
Amstelveen20%
Veldhoven14%
Ouder-Amstel13%
Eindhoven12%
Amsterdam11%
Uithoorn10%
Haarlemmermeer9%
Geldrop-Mierlo7%
Aalsmeer7%
Waalre7%

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Netherlands becomes the EU’s priciest flying destination as flight taxes soar

Abuzer van Leeuwen 🇳🇱
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Netherlands becomes the EU’s priciest flying destination as flight taxes soar

New flight tax increases announced on Prinsjesdag (Budget Day) will make Dutch airports the most expensive in the entire European Union, with families facing an extra €200 or more for long-haul holidays.

It looks like the Netherlands is officially pricing itself out of the skies.

While other European countries keep their aviation taxes modest, the Dutch government is going full throttle on what critics call a misguided environmental policy that’s more likely to send travellers to Belgian and German airports than reduce emissions.

The eye-watering numbers

The current flight tax (vliegbelasting) has risen by 2.9% to €30.25 per person in 2025. But the real shock comes in 2027 when long-haul flight taxes jump by €50 to €70 per ticket.

READ MORE | Dutch budget plan 2025: These changes will affect your wallet

For a family of four planning that dream trip to New York or Bangkok, this means at least €200 extra in taxes alone, according to AD.

Compare this to Belgium, where families pay a maximum flight tax of €10 per flight, and you understand why KLM CEO Marjan Rintel is sounding the alarms.

Border-hopping becomes the norm

But here’s the delicious Dutch irony: a policy designed to reduce emissions is encouraging more car journeys.

Research by KLM shows 74% of Dutch travellers will now consider driving to Belgian or German airports if prices keep rising.

Facade-of-Schiphol-airport-with-man-pushing-long-line-of-baggage-carriages-now-less-popular-due-to-higher-flight-tax
With cheaper ticket prices elsewhere, more travellers will likely ditch Schiphol for Belgian or German airports. Image: Depositphotos

“This doesn’t help the climate,” Rintel tells AD.

Of course, it’s KLM pointing this out, but she’s right. When families can save hundreds by driving two hours to Brussels, the environmental maths looks questionable.

READ MORE | KLM just landed in the top 10 worst European airlines list (and are we surprised?)

And, although the government plans to raise €1.1 billion annually by 2027, not a cent goes toward making aviation more sustainable. It all flows into the general treasury, whilst 87% of Dutch people think the money should make flying greener.

What this means for internationals

If you’re an expat, this hits particularly hard. Unlike locals with extensive train networks, you depend on flights to visit family abroad.

The tax structure especially punishes long-haul flights, affecting internationals who travel greater distances to see family in Asia or the Americas, for example.

However, smart money is already eyeing Brussels Airport or Düsseldorf as alternatives, despite the travel hassle.

Will you join the exodus to foreign airports, or pay the premium to fly from the Netherlands? Share your travel strategy in the comments.

Flying with KLM soon? Even more flights could be cancelled at Schiphol

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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Flying with KLM soon? Even more flights could be cancelled at Schiphol

Are you flying to or from Schiphol with KLM in the coming weeks? Brace yourself, because delays and cancellations could be on the horizon.

Due to today’s union strike for KLM ground staff, thousands of passengers are seeing their flights delayed or cancelled.

However, things are about to get even more chaotic at Schiphol, as KLM ground staff have announced a second strike for next Wednesday, September 24.

This will be followed by an eight-hour stoppage on the following Wednesday (October 1), with the promise of further action if KLM’s management refuses to meet their demands.

Is my KLM flight going to be affected?

In September, these disruptions will affect both domestic and international flights, primarily between the hours of 8 AM and 12 PM (CEST). On October 1, the disruptions will last even longer — from 6 AM to 2 PM.

If you’ve got a flight booked for any of the affected days, the airline warns that you “may be impacted on this date and on the days before and after.”

While there’s no guarantee that your flight is going to be affected, it’s best to stay prepared. KLM advises checking your flight status on the KLM app or My Trip and ensuring that you have push notifications turned on.

Good to know: You can also check current and future flight statuses on Schiphol’s website. These are the expected arrivals and departures for all KLM flights on September 24.

As thousands of passengers are currently affected, rebooking flights may take longer than usual. Therefore, if you’ve got a tight connection or important meetings to attend, you may want to consider alternatives like the train or using a different airline.

Why are KLM flights being cancelled?

With these strikes, the Federation of Dutch Trade Unions (FNV) is protesting what they view as KLM’s unequal pay distribution, inadequate protection for vulnerable employees, and the lack of balance between permanent and fixed contracts (among other issues).

“We find it incredibly frustrating for the passengers,” FNV director John Dorland admits, “but management is giving us no other option than to strike.”

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Short Dutch “summer” on the way, with temperatures up to 27 degrees

Emanuela Occhipinti
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Short Dutch “summer” on the way, with temperatures up to 27 degrees

After a stormy start to the week with umbrellas flipping inside out and temperatures struggling to reach 17 degrees Celsius, the Netherlands will get a brief but glorious taste of summer.

According to Weeronline, although this Wednesday will still be cold and rainy, from Thursday onwards the skies will begin to brighten.

The south could enjoy temperatures of up to 24 degrees Celsius, while the north basks in a solid 20 degrees.

It’s summer again…

But the real treat comes on Friday and Saturday morning: dry, sunny weather with late-summer warmth.

Expect 23 degrees Celsius in the north and highs of 25 to 27 degrees in the centre and southern regions. With a peak of 28 degrees in Limburg, it’s the perfect excuse for a terrace drink or a spontaneous bike ride.

But don’t pack away your rain gear just yet, though.

Blink, and it’s gone

Although Saturday morning is set to remain sunny, come afternoon, there’s a big chance of showers from the west.

READ MORE | Why does it rain so much in the Netherlands?

This chance of rain grows astronomically by evening, with a chance of showers throughout the whole country.

Helaas, Sunday promises a full return to grey skies and much cooler weather, with temperatures hovering around 18 to 20 degrees Celsius.

Have you been waiting for one last burst of summer? Tell us what you’re gonna do in the comments below!

Dutch budget plan 2025: These changes will affect your wallet

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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Dutch budget plan 2025: These changes will affect your wallet

We’ve blown past a gusty Prinsjesdag (Budget day), which means it’s time to reveal the Dutch cabinet’s plans for you and your money.

In their summary, the Dutch government has highlighted a series of changes that will come into effect in 2026. Let’s dive in!

Rising purchasing power

With wages rising faster than inflation, the Dutch government has predicted that you’ll receive a slight increase in purchasing power: on average, around 1.3%.

While that may not sound particularly exciting, the silver lining will be lower taxes. If you’re in the first tax bracket, you’ll see both a lower tax rate and an increase in your earned tax credits (i.e. deductions from your calculated income tax).

More affordable housing and rental benefits

If you’re sick and tired of the Dutch housing shortage, there’s some good news coming your way!

Thanks to the government’s Realisation Incentive Scheme, a whopping €330 million has now been allocated for the construction of more affordable housing in 2026. This will include both owner-occupied and rental housing.

dutch-government-to-build-more-affordable-housing-in-2026-new-budget-plans
With more funding to spend on affordable housing, the Dutch government hopes to make a dent in the housing crisis. Image: Depositphotos

In addition to this, lower-income households with rent exceeding €900.07 per month will be eligible for housing benefits from 2026 onwards.

More expensive long-haul flights

Let op: your flight tickets could get even pricier, with the cabinet planning to adjust flight tax by January 1, 2027.

In particular, the government is planning to increase taxes for flights over longer distances.

At present, the current flight tax sits at €29.40 per passenger, irrespective of the flight’s distance. However, from 2027 onwards, the proposed rates may increase to:

  • €29.40 for short flights
  • €47.24 for medium-haul flights
  • €70.86 for long-haul flights

What are short, medium-haul, and long-haul flights?

The government defines short flights as those within the EU and “up to approximately 2,000 kilometres from Amsterdam.”

A medium-haul flight, on the other hand, is approximately 2,000 to 5,500 kilometres. Meanwhile, a long-haul flight is any flight that exceeds 5,500 kilometres from Amsterdam.

plane-taking-off-from-schiphol-before-dutch-cabinet-new-flight-tax-comes-into-effect
With ticket prices on the rise, will we see more people catching flights from neighbouring countries? Image: Depositphotos

However, this proposed tax hike won’t apply to the Caribbean Netherlands (Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius) or countries to which the Netherlands has special ties. The full list is available in Dutch here.

Higher health insurance premiums

With total healthcare expenditure predicted to hit €114.1 billion in 2026, it looks like our healthcare isn’t going to get any cheaper.

Here’s a brief rundown of the cabinet’s plans:

  • Health insurance premiums will rise by €3, to an average of €159 per month
  • Healthcare allowance will be capped at €131 per month
  • Meanwhile, your deductible or eigen risico will remain €385

Higher tax discount on your energy bill

In their Budget Memorandum, the government notes that they want to “ensure that the transition to sustainable energy remains affordable for households.”

As such, they plan to introduce a larger discount on your energy bill from 2026, to the tune of €529.10 (excluding VAT).

This amount will be automatically deducted from your energy bill, and isn’t dependent on the amount of gas or electricity you use.

More accessible childcare for working parents

The cabinet is taking several bold new steps towards “almost free childcare” for working parents.

If you’re a pair of working parents with a combined yearly income of up to approximately €55,000, you could be looking at a reimbursement rate of 96% on your childcare allowance.

Do you have a combined income higher than €55,000? You’ll likely receive an even higher reimbursement rate.

woman-holding-child-getting-new-childcare-costs-in-2026-with-dutch-budget-plan
By 2027, many working households could be looking at “almost free” childcare. Image: Freepik

Further, come 2027, the government will look into increasing the childcare allowance even further, with the end goal of “making childcare almost free for middle-income earners with a combined income of almost twice the modal income.”

These changes will be implemented to offset the rise in childcare expenses, with increases in the maximum hourly rate for daycare, after-school care, and childcare costs:

Type of care2025 rates2026 rates
Daycare€10.71€11.23
After-school care€9.52€9.98
Childcare€8.10€8.49

More funding for women’s shelters

With increasing incidents of violence against women in the Netherlands, women’s shelters are a non-negotiable. At present, there are often insufficient places in these shelters — an issue the Dutch government plans to remedy.

Starting from 2026, €12 million will be allocated annually for the creation of additional women’s shelters.

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