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

Amid the year of global upheaval in 2023, the Netherlands became a beacon of hope for those seeking safe harbor. The amount of asylum seekers in the Netherlands notably increased to over 38,000, an 8% increase from 2022, as per the latest data from CBS. Demographic Insights into Asylum Seekers in the Netherlands The latter half of the year saw a surge in applications, with over 23,000 asylum seekers in the Netherlands. Yet, the tale of migration isn’t straightforward, as noted by the decrease in Ukrainian applicants to just 600, down by 460. Syrians continue to make up the largest group, with ..read more

In 2023, the Netherlands saw an impressive bounce-back in air travel following the pandemic’s impact, with its’ five major airports playing host to a whopping 71.3 million passengers – over 16% more than in 2022! Although we have yet to quite hit the lofty pre-pandemic air travel numbers, we’re definitely on our way up. Ironically, while the total number of commercial flights in 2023 soared by 9% from the previous year to nearly 506,000, the air freight sector took a bit of a hit with an almost 9% decrease in transported goods. The Peaks and Valleys of 2023 Air Travel Taking a closer look at ..read more

Stepping into a foreign job market can feel like finding your way out of a maze. Confusing, uncertain, and overwhelming. And with so much information flying around, it’s easy to stumble upon misconceptions that might lead you the wrong way. Let’s break down the five most common misconceptions about the Dutch job market, unraveling them one by one. Misconception 1: You Must Speak Dutch The Dutch have consistently ranked as the world’s best non-native English speakers five years in a row. So, if you believe that language fluency is required to work here, it’s time to toss that idea out the wind ..read more

As an American expat nestled in the heart of the Netherlands, you have probably come to embrace the rhythmic clatter of bicycles, the serene canals, and the quaint coffee shops that define Dutch living. However, amidst the charm, there are moments when the heart yearns for a slice of Americana. If you’re on the cusp of your Dutch journey or have recently unpacked your life here, you might find these ten quintessentially American comforts tugging at your memories. 24/7 Convenience Stores In the U.S., round-the-clock stores are a staple, offering everything from midnight snacks to emergency ess ..read more