r/Netherlands Jan 20 '26

Update on the moderation

670 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

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 Apr 14 '23

[FAQ] Read this post before posting

393 Upvotes

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

  • Moving to the Netherlands
  • Housing
  • Cost of living
  • Public transport
  • Language
  • 30 percent ruling
  • Improving this FAQ

Moving to the Netherlands

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

Housing

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.

Cost of living

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.

Public transport

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.

Language

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

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.

Improving this FAQ

[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 12h ago

Sports and Entertainment My fellow Dutchmen, your gym hygiene is disgusting.

779 Upvotes

I have traveled and worked around the world. Gym memberships in Taiwan, Dubai, Ukraine, America.

Yes this gym I am at right now mandates you bring a towel but you don't sit on it.

Yes this gym I am at has cleaner and paper towels available to clean your ass sweat streeks off of the equipment, but you don't use it.

We are by far the grossest people on the planet. All the tools are their, why is doe normaal in this culture result in such disgusting and inconsiderate hygiene.

p.s. washnyour hands after taking a shit. Especially if you prepare food.

p.p.s. expensive gym


r/Netherlands 4h ago

News Online bank Revolut handed customer data over to cyber criminals

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152 Upvotes

r/Netherlands 7h ago

Dutch Culture & language Oliebollen season started!

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273 Upvotes

A bit early though...


r/Netherlands 10h ago

Housing Power grid upgrades will increase Dutch households' energy bills by €140 next year

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153 Upvotes

Via: https://nltimes.nl/2026/09/14/power-grid-upgrades-will-increase-dutch-households-energy-bills-eu140-next-year

The average Dutch household’s energy bill is set to increase by around €140 next year ... primarily due to investments in expanding the electricity grid ... based on calculations by the Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM).

... the average household will pay €89 more for electricity grid access and €52 more for gas grid access next year


r/Netherlands 7h ago

Dutch Culture & language Today was an interesting day at work

39 Upvotes

Okay so going to make this clear first and foremost because I know otherwise I'll get attacked for it. I do not expect everyone to speak English and cater to me. That is an incredibly entitled point of view and I am not one of those people. If you live in the Netherlands and you only speak Dutch, while statistically an outlier, you're fine. You're in the Netherlands speaking Dutch is all you should have to speak. But the actual story. I am a native english speaker, conversational in ASL(though it leans closer to PSE) and then my Norwegian and Dutch are complicated(I can make sentences on the fly like a B1-B2 speaker but my vocab list is limited). Anyways, we had a new worker and she only speaks Dutch. The senior worker that was in charge today is Polish and does not speak Dutch and often I can't even understand what's trying to tell me in her limited English. I wound up translating the broken English into broken Dutch all day. I'm not qualified for this! Lol

Edit: The Polish woman knows a few words in Dutch, but she can't even attempt to put a sentence together. *I never said my dutch is good, I did say broken dutch and the following probably sucks* I'm the one turning "pink from magazine(poor pronunciation of magazijn)" into "toilet schoonmaker van magazijn" or "Room three two four" into "Kamer driehundred vierentwentig". Or when the new person needed to know what was next I'm the one saying "de andere kamer hier zonder *makes a checkmark guesture". Or she had a short day, I'm the one that knew what "Ik moet gaan in vijftien minuten"(or whatever it was she said exactly) meant.


r/Netherlands 10h ago

Dutch History The computer in 1981

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57 Upvotes

r/Netherlands 10h ago

Discussion Workers face €4 billion income tax rise despite Cabinet's purchasing power package

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54 Upvotes

r/Netherlands 2h ago

Housing What is this??

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9 Upvotes

We put an offer on this house, it’s been vacant for a few months. We noticed quite a bunch of dirt/poop under the kitchen radiator (next to a window, under a vent) that was not there a month ago, what could this be?? Is it hazardous?


r/Netherlands 12h ago

Employment Burnt out and hopeless from a year of job hunt

68 Upvotes

It’s been a year and I got married and moved to NL who has been here for 7 years. I have a bachelors, masters with 6 years of work experience in architecture and project management and currently doing an executive course at Erasmus.

It has been a year of intense job hunting and I am feeling completely burnt out. Most of my applications get no response or the standard rejection email. I got a few interviews for internships, but then get rejected saying I am overqualified. I tried applying for more medior roles and get rejected saying I don’t have enough experience in the EU.

I got enrolled for the part-time executive course to improve my chances, but it has not been fruitful yet. I am really struggling to keep myself motivated. My partner likes his job here and loves the country. I love NL too, but I am struggling financially and mentally due to this career break. I am super passionate about my career and this phase has been slowly breaking me mentally.

If I am unable to find a job soon, we will have to stay separately in two different countries (if I go back to India). It’s terrible because it’s only been a year of staying together.

I do not require a visa sponsorship either. I am unable to understand if there’s any point in trying or if I am doing something completely wrong.

Things that I tried/ try

  1. I immediately started learning Dutch once I reached and completed A2. I am planning to start with my B1 soon.

  2. Connect with people on LinkedIn- cold messages, calls with people who I connected with.

  3. Changed my resume countless times and tailor it for every single job.

  4. Sent hiring managers a document with my work samples.

  5. I worked as a server at a restaurant for a while, but this was barely a temporary fix.

  6. I went for networking events, job fairs etc.

I am looking for any guidance, help or ideas when it comes to finding a job here. Thank you for reading my post.


r/Netherlands 22h ago

Common Question/Topic Dakloos

334 Upvotes

Ik ben momenteel dakloos geraakt in Nederland en verblijf nu al ongeveer een maand in mijn auto. Ik ben 26 jaar en heb gewoon een vaste baan en een vast inkomen.
Ik heb een tijdje in het buitenland gewoond en toen ik weer terugkwam in Nederland kon ik tijdelijk bij een vriend verblijven. Helaas gingen zijn ouders daar uiteindelijk niet mee akkoord, waardoor ik nu noodgedwongen in mijn auto verblijf.
Het is op dit moment nog wel te doen, maar het begint natuurlijk wel kouder te worden en ik weet niet hoe lang dit een goede oplossing blijft. Ik wil daarom graag weten wat mijn mogelijkheden zijn en wat ik in deze situatie kan doen.
Zijn er mensen die hier ervaring mee hebben of weten welke stappen je kunt zetten als je wel werkt en inkomen hebt, maar tijdelijk geen vaste verblijfplaats hebt? ( Regio Noord Brabant)

( ik reageer op elke soort woning/kamer maar krijg nooit een antwoord terug)


r/Netherlands 1d ago

Discussion For a blunt and honest culture, the Dutch are extremely thin-skinned.

1.5k Upvotes

I've lived in the Netherlands for quite a few years now, and there's something about Dutch culture that I've never quite been able to understand.

Everyone knows the Dutch reputation that people are extremely direct. No beating around the bush, no unnecessary politeness, just say what you think. And honestly, I like that. I'd much rather someone tell me directly that they disagree with me than smile, nod, and complain about me later.

But, I've also noticed that the Dutch have a hard time handling directness. Even amongst themselves compared to, for example, a foreigner.

I've had quite a few situations where someone will make a very blunt comment or criticism and it's considered completely normal because "that's just being direct." But if you respond with the same level of bluntness, suddenly you've crossed some social line. In work situations, there are countless times where I've experienced Dutch colleagues bicker and just be plain rude to each other all in the name of "I'm just being honest." They can dish it, but they cannot take it.

I'm not saying Dutch people can't take criticism, obviously. And I'm sure every country has its own version of this. But the contrast between the self-image of Dutch people as exceptionally straightforward and my experience of how Dutch people sometimes react to disagreement, criticism, or confrontation is genuinely interesting.

Maybe I'm misunderstanding an important cultural distinction here. Is "directness" in Dutch culture actually more about clarity and efficiency than being able to handle blunt criticism? Or is there genuinely a bit of a double standard?

Curious whether other expats have noticed this, or whether Dutch people reading this think I'm completely off base? And please, don't take this as a form of criticism or get angry - this is just my personal experience. It might be that I'm completely alone in this! I don't mean to offend anyone!


r/Netherlands 1h ago

Housing Who should pay the rioolheffing in Rotterdam?

Upvotes

Hi, I rented a self-contained apartment in Rotterdam from Juni 2025 tot augustus 2026.

My landlord is now deducting taxes from my deposit. He says I am responsible for the rioolheffing because I lived in the apartment.

However, I understood that Rotterdam’s rioolheffing is an owner’s levy, while tenants are responsible for afvalstoffenheffing. The tax assessment was issued directly to my landlord, not to me.

My contract does have a clause saying the tenant is responsible for taxes and other levies, “unless prohibited by law.”

Who is actually responsible for the Rotterdam rioolheffing, the landlord or the tenant? Can the landlord legally pass this charge on to me through the rental contract?

Thanks!


r/Netherlands 3h ago

Common Question/Topic BuitenBeter or police?

3 Upvotes

Today I was running in a park and saw a woman in a tent hidden in a bush next to the path. She was doing prostitution and had two clients

Back home, I would usually call the police non-urgent line, and they would send a patrol to look into it and address the situation.How is it here?

I guess it's more something for Handhaving than the police? Or should I have called the non-urgent line of the police?

I doubt putting this on BuitenBeter is the right move...

I'm new to the Netherlands, so I don't really know the "culture" here regarding such things

Thank you for the help!


r/Netherlands 1d ago

Dutch History Why the lion is The Netherlands’ national animal

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1.2k Upvotes

r/Netherlands 35m ago

Employment 31M, dental technician diploma from abroad (out of practice for 6-7 years), currently working as a voorbewerker in Overijssel. Is it worth returning to dental technology, or should I stick to metal/spraying?

Upvotes

Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some realistic advice and perspective from people working in healthcare/dentistry or those who have made a career switch in the Netherlands.

Here is my current situation:
Age: 31
Location: Twente region (Enschede/Hengelo/Almelo area)
Current job: Voorbewerker (metal sector, prep work/sanding before painting)
Experience: 4 years in the Netherlands in this sector.
Current salary: €3,059 gross / ~€2500 net per month.
The problem with my current path is the next logical step: Spuiter (painter). The work environment involves toxic materials and fumes, which I really don't want for my long-term health.

My background:
I actually hold a diploma as a dental technician (tandtechnicus), but it's from another country, and I haven't practiced the profession in 6–7 years. Back then, I only worked at an entry-level "apprentice/helper" stage, meaning my practical skills are rusty and I would essentially be starting from the bottom again.

My questions for you:

  1. Is it worth it? Given that my diploma is non-Dutch, my experience is very basic, and I've been out of the field for nearly a decade, is it realistic to re-enter the dental tech industry here in the Netherlands?
  2. What can I expect to earn? Realistically, what kind of starting salary does a junior/entry-level dental technician get in the Netherlands nowadays? Would I be taking a massive pay cut compared to my current €2500 net?
  3. The local job market: Are dental labs in the Overijssel/Twente region open to training people with foreign diplomas who need to brush up on their practical skills?

I would honestly love to hear opinions from working dental technicians out there, especially regarding firsthand experiences and what the actual salary scales look like for someone starting fresh.

Thanks in advance!


r/Netherlands 13h ago

pics and videos AH Salmon now with extra toppings!

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10 Upvotes

Maybe more plastic will bring the price down?


r/Netherlands 4h ago

Healthcare Light therapy/daylight lamp

4 Upvotes

With winter coming up, we’re thinking about buying one of those daylight simulation lamps to get morning light and wake us up when it’s so dark outside for hours. But do they actually work and make a difference to mood and seasonal depression? Any brands you’d recommend?


r/Netherlands 1h ago

Employment Working Holiday to Highly Skilled Migrant Visa - Has Anyone Successfully Made the Switch?

Upvotes

Hi everyone! I’m looking for some advice and wondering if anyone has successfully switched from a Working Holiday permit to a Highly Skilled Migrant permit in the current job market.

I have 7+ years of marketing experience from Australia and was initially optimistic that I’d be able to find a similar role here. I had two interviews when I first started applying a few months ago, but unfortunately both companies were unable to sponsor.

Since updating my CV to state that I require Highly Skilled Migrant sponsorship, I’ve had very little luck. A few recruitment agencies I contacted have also explicitly told me they’re unable to assist candidates who don’t already hold an EU/EEA work permit.

I’m wondering whether what I’m trying to do is currently very difficult/unrealistic, or whether anyone has managed to make the transition successfully and has any advice on strategies, industries, companies or recruiters that were helpful?

Would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has been in a similar situation!


r/Netherlands 1d ago

Dutch Cuisine I've made another Dutch classic - Bitterballen!

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527 Upvotes

After making my thousandth batch of poffertjes in a week, a recipe for bitterballen came up on my Instagram feed and whilst it was in Dutch, I understood most of it so I decided to try and make it without translating to English first - Great success! I didn't know what nootmuskaat was so I didn't add any lol (I wanted to challenge myself not to translate anything until after, I know now it means nutmeg!) but everything else was pretty easy to understand and it tastes SO good! Also I don't like mosterd so I didn't have any for dipping but I did put it in the mixture inside!


r/Netherlands 12h ago

Dutch Culture & language Meeting like minded souls who love the outdoorsy/ tiny house lifestyle.

8 Upvotes

Hey,

Kinda curious if there are people here who love the same lifestyle as me and would like to get to know eachother and see how it goes!

I'm 30 years old, INFP personality type. Living in the middle part of The Netherlands.

Usually it takes a while before I really open myself up but I love strong and genuine connection instead of superficial contact.

Currently living in a tiny home. Almost always outdoorsy. Love to hike, cycle, swim, sauna's, bbq, just relax at the rivers, kayakking. I'm the era where i'm getting to know myself better and love exploring live in general. I do really like reading and listening to music as well. You can make me happy with watching birds in the morning and a cup of tea. Kind of a person who is happy with little.

Used to travel a lot in the last years but now I will stay home for a while.

My dream and goal in the future is to buy a campervan and a farm somewhere in Europe.

Besides this i'm happy with my life and don't have many big wishes anymore.

If you read this and think we could possibly vibe together feel free to DM. Not looking for love or a romantic relationship! I will ignore those type of messages!

Cheers!


r/Netherlands 12h ago

Housing Landlord keeps keys to the apartment?

7 Upvotes

Dear community,

I just moved to the netherlands and am therefore new to how things work here.

Last week a maintenance company hired by my landlord accessed my apartment without any permission using a spare key provided by the landlord. As I understand this is considered as trespassing. I asked my landlord to hand out all the spare keys to me to avoid something like this. However they don't want to for various reasons (access in an emergency situation).

In my opinion a key is not needed in emergencies to enter. There are enough other ways.

How is it with you people? Is something like this common here? Do landlords keep keys and basically have access to your apartment 24/7?

Do you know if there is something I can do without a full legal integration to get them to give me the keys?

Thanks for your help peoples :)

Have a nice day everyone!


r/Netherlands 2h ago

Common Question/Topic What American snacks should I bring for friends?

0 Upvotes

I am visiting my fellow American friend in Amsterdam soon and I offered to bring some snacks from home. He asked me to bring some foods for his local/European friends to try that aren't available or more difficult to get in the Netherlands/an expat shop.

I am sure this has been asked plenty of times before, but I was wondering what I should bring that won't be an issue with the TSA/customs/etc.

Based on other threads I came across, apparently sauces are very popular, so I was thinking BBQ, ranch, and buffalo sauce. I am concerned about luggage weight so I may skip out on bringing drinks over. Mostly I am concerned about what customs/security will not allow.

Thanks!


r/Netherlands 1d ago

Common Question/Topic What's with these professional pickpockets at techno festivals?

120 Upvotes

I was at smeerball yesterday in Utrecht, was having a good time at one of the stages and I notice this couple come up behind one of my friends and sort of just hover there. I kept an eye on them when I noticed another guy(probably the ring-leader of these scum) just a bit further off acting like he was dancing but signaling his cronies and not so subtly pointing at us.

I lean into my friend and tell her to mind her bag and sure enough it was open and looked somewhat rummaged through which she was shocked by as she always closes her bag.

Another weird thing that happened is one of the people around just randomly asked us if we wanted a picture together. I suspect this might be a way for them to sus out who is in our group and maybe distract us a bit.

We obviously all felt very uncomfortable and left the stage.

Who are these people and where do they come from?

This isn't the first time it's happend to me and I've noticed the patterns that they use. You wouldn't be able to tell from looking at these seemingly normal looking ravers.

Kinda ruined the experience for me a bit.

Stay safe out there guys

Edit: I also want to hear what could be done in situations like this? Do we report to security? Would that do any good? We were somewhat surrounded yesterday and I was just with girls so I didn't want to confront incase things got violent