Imagine you receive an important letter from the tax department and have no idea what it reads. Or you’re watching some critical news update on TV, but you don’t understand what the reporter is saying. Once you arrive in a country as an expat, learning the local language is an advantage, if not a necessity. It makes it easier for you to understand official documents and make you feel involved in day-to-day activities. The Netherlands has always been accepting of people from varied cultures and diversities. However, there are many areas where knowledge of the Dutch language comes in handy. Know ..read more

In the Netherlands, you’ll find some beautiful examples of historic architecture—and you’ll also get the chance to live inside! The country is known for its innovative and diverse approach to housing. It reflects its rich history, unique geography, and forward-thinking urban planning. As a result, the Dutch housing landscape offers residents various options. You’ll find charming canal boats and impressive townhouses through to eco-friendly communities. We’ve compiled a straightforward list exploring some of the most common housing types in the Netherlands! Canal Houses (grachtenpanden) Let’s ..read more

Life in the Netherlands is generally enjoyable, with a welcoming, safe atmosphere. But in any country, emergencies can happen. Whether you’re new to the Netherlands or need a refresher, this handy guide lists the essential Dutch emergency numbers you’ll want to know. From fires and medical emergencies to lost pets and a safe walk home, we’ve got you covered! It’s important to note that our list is not comprehensive – many hyper-specific hotlines are set up for different events or concerns. Be sure to check government websites for more detailed information. You can also find the contact details ..read more

Under Dutch employment law, terminating an employment contract is not easily permitted. If it does happen and your employer intends to dismiss you, they often offer a settlement agreement to terminate the employment contract. In such circumstances, consider the following points before signing this settlement agreement. Termination Notice In the event of dismissal, the employer must comply with the statutory notice period, or the notice period specified in the employment contract. Failure to do so will result in the employer being liable for a fixed compensation. This compensation is calculate ..read more

Since the dawn of 2024, the Netherlands has witnessed a prominent surge in the number of classic rides—those compelling vehicles that have narrated stories for 40 years or more. The freshest report from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) showcases an impressive 28% surge in recorded classic automobiles, totaling an astounding 217,000 over the last five years. This is an upswing of 47,000 compared to the 2019 data. The vintage car demographic in the Netherlands has seen transformations over the years. Almost half of these vehicles now fall within the 40-50 year bracket, a considerable drop from the ..read more

A fresh study has unmasked the financial habits of men and women in the Netherlands, taking us behind the curtains of their household payment autonomy and security. It also delves into the adoption of digital payment modes and consciousness regarding fraud. The study brings an encouraging trend amongst youngsters who are taking strides towards closing the gender gap in financial matters. Payment Breakdown Breaking down the division of financial responsibilities in Dutch homes, a distinctive pattern emerges. Women are often found managing day-to-day bills and social transactions. In perspectiv ..read more

There are many reasons why the Netherlands is so popular with expats. Think great employee benefits and protection, positive work-life balance, and a standard of living that consistently ranks in the top ten globally. In addition, many internationally recognized brands base their European activities here. With well-developed infrastructure and a strong economy, the Netherlands has attracted some of the most prestigious global companies, including many American ones. But why mention this? Well, for non-Dutch speakers, finding an English-speaking job is likely the top priority when moving to the ..read more

As an Indian expat living in the Netherlands, your euro income is sufficient to cover your essential and lifestyle expenses. But sometimes you may need to send money to your home country. One of the main reasons why Indians transfer money back home is a family emergency. Someone in your family falls sick or gets hospitalized, and they have insufficient savings in their bank to bear the costs. In such a difficult situation, you must immediately transfer money to India. If there is a wedding or function in your family, you may also need extra money. Another reason why Indians need funds in their ..read more

In today’s dynamic business landscape, influenced by the transformative effects of the post-COVID and ChatGPT eras, the relevance of certain MBA specializations has surged within multinational corporations. This surge is primarily driven by industries’ evolving needs and the rapid advancement of new technologies. While traditional areas such as finance, marketing, HR, and operations remain significant, there is a palpable excitement surrounding a host of emerging fields. These newer domains have piqued the interest of companies worldwide, all eager to secure senior managers capable of dri ..read more

In November last year, I posted a blog about non-competition clauses in employment contracts. More often than not, these clauses are accompanied by so-called non-solicitation clauses (Dutch: relatiebedingen). In short, these clauses forbid an ex-employee to do business with “customers, suppliers, or any other person, firm or corporation with respect to the relevant products and services delivered by the ex-employer.” To complete the triad, anti-poaching clauses are sometimes also included, which prohibit the ex-employee to “directly or indirectly solicit or recruit, or attempt to solicit or re ..read more