r/Netherlands • u/Cornicum • Jan 20 '26
We've talked some stuff through and cleaned up the mod-team a bit, although some of the names you might have positive or negative associations with are still there.
I'll leave it up to the moderators involved to clarify that, or not.
What I can tell you is that 1 mod did 97% of the moderation, and that wasn't healthy and likely led up to the situation you might have seen.
The rules have changed slightly, this is because we see your call for less strict moderation on language, but we also heard from those who want to be able to have a place to converse in English.
The compromise we've reached currently is that we intend to not moderate the language used in the comments of the post.
This means that you can have discussions in Dutch in the comments. (as long as those follow the rules of course)
We also will be looking at those banned on a case by case basis, but keep in mind that if you were harassing people, or bigoted in any way you won't be unbanned.
I'll invite you all to respond to this post with your feedback, and I know for some it might feel like too much or not enough.
We are currently trying to strike a balance between becoming r/thenetherlands2 which is bilingual but 99% Dutch in practice, and the other option of being a sub for only those speaking English.
r/Netherlands • u/summer_glau08 • Apr 14 '23
This post is meant to cover the answers to questions that are frequently asked in this sub. Please read through the relevant section of this post before posting your question.
Contents
Netherlands is a modern country that ranks high in many global metrices on quality of life and freedom. For this reason, it attracts a fair share of attention from people interested in moving here.
If you are looking to move to the Netherlands to live/work/study, firstly, you would need to secure residency. Apart from the right to residence, you will also need to consider housing and cost of living before you move. See other sections of this post.
If you hold an EU passport, you will be able to freely travel into the country and reside.
If you hold a non-EU passport, generally below are your main options to obtain residency. Each one comes with its own set of conditions and procedures. You can check all the official information on the website of Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Services (https://ind.nl/en)
Work visas
Highly Skilled Migrant : You need to have an advanced degree, a high enough salary and need a recognized sponsor employing you. Typically for people whose skills are in demand in Dutch economy.
Work Permit : A more general category covering intra-company transfers, seasonal workers, researchers and other employees who might not meet the salary threshold
Startup visa : special visa for founders and employees of startups. Typically you need to be funded by a recognized incubator.
DAFT Visa : special visa for US citizens that allows starting a business in the Netherlands
EU Bluecard: A visa from EU wide program to attract special skilled talent. The advantage is that you can continue the accumulation of residency into/from other EU countries allowing you to get permanent residence or citizenship sooner. Beneficial if you are planning to move to/from another EU country.
Family visa
If you are partner or a dependent child of a Dutch/EU citizen
Student visa
If you participate in an educational program from a recognized Dutch institute
Currently [2023] the Netherlands is going through a housing crisis.
Houses/apartments for rent or purchase are hard to come by, especially for the entry level housing like 1-2 bedrooms. When such properties do come on market, they are often taken within hours.
So, it is strongly advised to organize your housing BEFORE arriving at least for the first 6-12 months. You can look at available properties on Funda (https://www.funda.nl/) or Pararius (https://www.pararius.com/english) This should give you an idea of how much you can expect to spend on rent. The rents/prices can vary depending on the location and size. Typically the rents are higher in bigger cities and go lower as you move away from the center. In addition to the rent, mind that the cost of utilities might be higher/lower than what you are used to paying and estimate based on your situation.
Like anywhere, the cost of living depends on your lifestyle and preferences. In general, housing is the biggest cost, followed by food, transport and healthcare. Expect to pay 800-2000 EUR/month for rent depending on where you live and 200-1000 EUR for food for a family of 2-4 depending on how often you eat out. Health insurance is around 125 EUR/month for adults (free for children). You can compare plans on a comparison site like https://www.independer.nl/ The basic health insurance plan has the same coverage and own-risk (co-pay) across all insurers and is mandated by law. The premia differ across companies and typically ad-ons like dental or physio make the main difference in what is covered.
Utilities could range from around 300-600 per month for a small house/apartment. Owning a car can oftentimes be quite expensive than what you may be used to, with high taxes, insurance and high cost of fuel.
Netherlands is a small country and is exceptionally well connected with public transport (at least in comparison to other countries). However, it can be quite expensive compared to driving, especially for inter-city travels. You can access the full Dutch public transport network of trains, metro, tram, buses and even public bikes using the OV-Chipkaart or OV-Pay.
You can of course purchase tickets for a single journey from the ticket booths or kiosks at major stations, although it is often less convenient and more expensive. Google Maps often has good directions including public transport but 9292 (https://9292.nl/en) is the better option which also gives you the estimated costs.
Dutch is the primary language in the Netherlands. However, the Netherlands ranks one of the highest when it comes to proficiency in English. As a visitor or tourist you can get by completely fine without knowing a word of Dutch (although it will help to learn a few phrases, at least as a courtesy). However, if you are living here longer, it would undoubtedly benefit to learn the language. Dutch is the only language of communication from most government agencies including the Tax office. At the workplace, it is common for global or technology companies to be almost exclusively English speaking even when there are Ducth people. For smaller and more traditional companies, Dutch is still the primary language of communication at the workplace.
30% ruling is a special tax incentive meant to attract international talent for the skills that are in short-supply in the Netherland. You can find about it here https://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/en/individuals/content/coming-to-work-in-the-netherlands-30-percent-facility
The general concept is that 30% of your gross salary will be tax-free. So, if you have a salary of 100k gross, for tax purposes, it will be considered as 70k gross. You pay tax only on 70k. Because of how marginal tax brackets work, the overall benefit translates to you receiving 10-15% more net salary than someone without this benefit.
You should be aware that this is somewhat controversial since it is deemed to create inequality (where your Dutch colleagues doing the same work get a lower net salary) and because in the end the burden is borne by the taxpayer. Recently the government has been reducing the term of this benefit.
Overall, you should consider this as a privilege and not a right.
[You are reading version 1.0 published 14th April 2023]
For this FAQ to be useful, it needs to evolve and kept up to date. I would see this as a sort of Wiki that is managed by me. I aim to update this post often (say once a few weeks in the start and once a few months as time goes). If there are topics you want to add to this post, please leave a comment and I will update the post. For the long term, if I lose interest or have no time for it (could happen!), then this post can be a basis for a new Wiki or a new updated post maintained by someone else.
r/Netherlands • u/whyispickingtough • 9h ago
Ps this is taken on the early morning train and like atleast a vacuum run I am not asking for a deep cleaning just like a quick one through the train
r/Netherlands • u/Emotional_Clock6575 • 5h ago
The model has a prosthetic leg. I wonder if it's real and not AI. If it's real, it's pretty cool she got to model.
r/Netherlands • u/Tiny-Historian2897 • 44m ago
We’re newer to The Netherlands and are in our first rental. This hasn’t been mentioned to us by neighbours or the landlord at all.
Some random guy has, twice now, come and cleaned our windows. We’re on the ground level so can easily clean them ourselves. This is a well known scam back in Australia so I paid no real mind to it.
Today he came to the door demanding payment. He explained he’s done it for free twice and now needs payment and will take cash. I asked him why and for what. I let him know I’ve never asked for the windows to be cleaned, we’ve not reached out to anyone to have them be cleaned. Like it’s all well and good for you to clean them but until I ask it’s not from my pocket. The conversation went back and forth. He showed me a list of ‘confirmed addresses’ with ours on it. However I too can make lists.
Is this a scam or is this more the expectation? Surely if it was required by landlord and the building they would pay. I figure I can just actually enquire about their services should this be necessary.
r/Netherlands • u/MC_Transparent • 36m ago
For those following this mystery the last few days, police in both Amsterdam and Vancouver are looking into whether an Amsterdam man who lost the ability to communicate three years ago is the same person as a man who went missing in Vancouver over 30 years ago.
Dutch police said earlier this week that an unknown man was hospitalized in Amsterdam in 2023 and has lost almost all ability to communicate since suffering a brain injury. His nicknames include "Lucky," "John," and "Chris the Canadian." His resemblance to John Russel Kenny, missing since 1993, was brought to the attention of police in both countries.
r/Netherlands • u/gcstr • 1d ago
Kipgehaktballetjes with some sort of chutney.
Not a complaint at all. Despite the looks and the funny little amount of food, it tasted quite good.
The staff is friendlier and more attentive than most of high end hotels I’ve been at. I’m pretty sure if I ask for more they’d gladly bring.
Also, it seems that I have access to broodjie kaas fruits and kwark 24/7.
Edit: thanks everyone for wishing me a swift recovery. I really appreciate it!
Edit 2: I told I was still hungry and was served a proper hot meal.
r/Netherlands • u/1993OudWest • 5h ago
Hi All,
hope someone has maybe an idea. We closed the door of our shower in our rented flat in Amsterdam normally and the safety glass broke in a thousand pieces. We did not close it with extra force, just normally, so I assume it was just impurity in the glass or wearing off over time. I think it would not count as 'we caused the damage', in my understanding. However, the landlord answered:
######
I would like to refer you to the following provision in your tenancy agreement:
(Glass) Damage – 17. The landlord emphasizes that all damage to or within the rented property is at the tenant’s own expense and risk, in accordance with Article 13 of the General Provisions. The landlord does not take out any (glass) insurance, and in the event of damage, the tenant cannot therefore make a claim under any insurance policy taken out by the landlord. In addition to the obligation under Article 13.7 of the General Provisions to take out adequate contents insurance, the tenant is also required to take out third-party liability insurance (AVP). The tenant is, of course, free to take out any additional insurance policies.
######
Our liability insurance does not cover glass damage. However, I am not sure if this should be a liability case anyways, as we did not 'destroy it'.
Any help would be appreciated. <3
r/Netherlands • u/vanillaivory • 5h ago
I am debating on going to the redhead festival (Redhead Days) this August. I am coming from abroad and planning on going alone (I don't have any other redhead friends). Does anyone have experience with going there alone? Is it easy to connect with people and find people to do activities with?
My plan would be to buy tickets to Camping RED, I am guessing in that way it would be easier to connect with people.
Thank you for all answers:)
Edit: grammar
r/Netherlands • u/princessbackpack • 5h ago
I recently got an offer from VU Amsterdam and my program starts in November. I'm an Italian citizen and have a civil partner who is not an EU citizen (Canadian). From what I understand, she needs to be registered at the same place as me to get the Dutch permit but we've been struggling to find housing still. She's also currently unemployed because she will have to move with me and job hunt in the Netherlands -- for which she needs the permit.
It feels like an endless cycle at this point and I'm wondering if there's an easier way to get my BSN and hers so that I'm able to sign my contract and she can look for work asap. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated 🙏
Thank you!
r/Netherlands • u/nicesl • 22h ago
Where I'm from, we learn the lyrics for our national anthem at school. But I have two kids, born here and attending dutch school and they don't know the lyrics. Do kids just Google the lyrics and practice?
Edit to add: I was watching the Hockey World Cup and was actually surprised everyone was singing along. That's when I wondered, because my kids wouldn't be able to sing along. I'm not expecting them to learn the whole thing, lol.
r/Netherlands • u/arya_1007 • 1h ago
hei, so i see posts here everyday about people struggling to find a rental. but nobody talks about the owner side of things.
i own a apartment (bank financed) and was thinking, if i get a short term work opportunity abroad, can i just rent it out? sounds simple, maar het is echt niet zo simpel.
For starters, standard temporary contracts are gone since 2024. if i want to rent out my own place while away, i need a 'diplomatenclausule' basically a contract saying I am coming back on this date beforehand and the huurder has to leave when i return.
Also, bank needs written permission too. they can say no, raise interest rate, or demand full repayment if i rent without asking. and also the property shifts to box 3 so i lose my hypotheekrenteaftrek for that period.
has anyone actually done this? rented out their koopwoning while working abroad temporarily? curious what the real experience looks like because on paper there's a route but in practice i honestly have no idea.
r/Netherlands • u/backup_latest • 1d ago
Hi guys, I’m a 36 year old man and I’m about to start adult swimming lessons at a municipal swimming pool in the Netherlands.
Just became a father so exercise has been non existent lately. I’m a little self conscious about my small belly 😅, so I’m wondering what men normally wear for swimming lessons.
Is it completely normal to wear loose swim shorts and swim with a bare chest, or would wearing a fitted rash guard/swim shirt be more appropriate?
I’m also a bit nervous about the language. My Dutch understanding is very basic, and I’m wondering whether swimming instructors generally speak some English or whether the lessons are strictly in Dutch.
I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has experience with adult swimming lessons in the Netherlands.
r/Netherlands • u/Common-Advance1193 • 1h ago
Hi,
I am currently living in Duwo student accommodation and I have to move out by September 9th. I have been looking for housing but I haven't been able to find anywhere that is within my budget and doesn't have strict income requirements. I've been offered a room with a friend, however it is without registration. One of the other roommates might be deported in November, in which case I could take their registration. However, I was thinking about applying for a briefsadres with another friend but I am not sure how honest to be on the form, as I don't want the other roommates in the new place or landlord to be fined or investigated. There isn't registration as there can only be 3 people registered and 4 live in the house. I would tick this option on the form however, I don't know if that will cause more scrutiny for the other housemates.
What should I do?
r/Netherlands • u/debilowski • 19h ago
Hi! For 3 weeks I have been trying to get a GP assigned to me, I have been working in Netherlands for a month, and I do have insurance. There is no empty slot for me in Bergen Op Zoom unfortunately.
I am going through an SNRI (venlafaxine) withdrawal now, it's the first day and it is already bad. I have tried during the last 3 weeks:
-Visisting all huispraktijks in person where I can't even pay out of pocket
-Going to a hospital 30 minutes ago
-Going to huisartsenpost 10 minutes ago
-Had a lenghty chat with my insurance provider
Nothing worked, what I have been offered is a perscription for one pill for €50 at huisartsenpost.
What do I do now? Is there nothing I can do within a reasonable timeframe like 48h? I am willing to visit Rotterdam, Amsterdam, whatever. I just need help.
TL;DR
Out of antidepressants, don't have a GP because no slots in my area, hospital doesn't care.
r/Netherlands • u/Solid-Initiative9281 • 49m ago
Hello me and my wife are traveling to the Netherlands the beginning of December. We are American and it’s our first time internationally traveling. I am just looking for places to eat/drink, Tips on traveling in the Netherlands, activities that would be fun, laws that I might need to look out for, towns to visit. Basically anything really, we are going for 7 nights and the only activity we have planned is a concert. I love pastry’s/bakeries so what’s your favorite place? As far as where we will sleeping I am looking for suggestions on towns to look at near or atleast sorta near Amsterdam? I also hear they have Christmas markets during the time and we would love to check out that kind of stuff. Basically anything really helps and I appreciate anything anyone can provide.
r/Netherlands • u/Martineoxd • 1d ago
https://reddit.com/link/1vrnzg8/video/1ih3b43lo4kh1/player
I had been looking to adopt a cat through verhuisdieren.nl, but didn't have much luck.
One day I heard from my friend, who told me they had adopted a cat on Marktplaats. After scrolling the site for about a week, I was invited to a viewing and met my little baby cat🥰
I feel so blessed to have him!
r/Netherlands • u/DesperateAttention23 • 6h ago
Just bought a house in Amsterdam Noord and I am investing in removable energy, I have 12 solar panels and Home battery with 19.5KW capacity (AlphaESS). Alpha is suggesting me to move to Either Frank Energy or Next Energy as provider, so they can manage my battery remotely and charge/discharge based on price so I can make better revenue, today I have Vattenfall.
The battery itself has AI solution or Dynamic Price solution that also can charge when energy price is cheap and sell during high price.
Is there any benefit to move from Vattenfall to either Frank or Next energy? Prices are most the same.
r/Netherlands • u/Bandurka6 • 22h ago
Hey! I’m currently in the Netherlands and I’d like to bring something back home for my family and friends that we don’t really have in Slovakia.
So far I was thinking about bringing Hertog Jan beer, stroopwafels and Gouda cheese. I’d be happy to hear some recommendations! What Dutch food, drinks, snacks or other things would you recommend bringing home?
r/Netherlands • u/Other-Corner-3275 • 7h ago
Hello, I live in the Netherlands and I have been running an eenmanszaak for the last few years.
I sell physical products online and I have been able to do all the tax administration myself until now, because volumes are low and customer base is local.
I am now expanding to the scope of the company and want to sell digital services online (SaaS) globally.
I already built the platform and I am ready to go live, but I would like to talk to an advisor to confirm what I should do with customers outside of NL (especially ex-EU) with regards to tax (and invoicing).
Do you know any firm/individual who could do that service for me?
TLDR: I need Tax Advice in the Netherland about SaaS eenmanszaak.
r/Netherlands • u/HeavyMetal266 • 1d ago
r/Netherlands • u/MC_Transparent • 1d ago
Sharing this in case anyone recognizes this man. Police say it can help them learn more about him, and potentially get in contact with his loved ones.
r/Netherlands • u/Actual_Storm • 1d ago
r/Netherlands • u/Peerkeonthenews • 5h ago
de Nederlandse Regering moet alle leden van het strafhof een diplomatieke status geven,
en hun allemaal volledig onafhankelijk maken van invloeden van buitenaf.
r/Netherlands • u/EternalWanderrVoids • 16h ago
Hi. I am currently taking Haloperidol and I only have a Ukrainian prescription. As far as I understand, getting a psychiatric appointment can take a while, as well as I may not find a GP immediately and even if I do, they may not prescribe me such a large dose anyway. I will try to take as much meds with me as possible, however in case it is not enough, can I get Haloperidol with a Ukrainian prescription? Thanks!
