Living

Take a plunge into the weird world of Dutch toilets, from the pay-to-pee phenomenon to the good (questionable) inspection shelf.

A love of pea soup, a potato masher, hot chocolate and eternal hope is a good start to assembling your Dutch winter survival kit.

Learning to cope with a new language can sometimes be like trying to negotiate your way through a maze. The Dutch love of abbreviations can make things worse. Pep Mac Ruairi offers a road map.

Research shows that sustained happiness results from a high perceived level of stability and democracy. Micheala Smith looks further at the issue, with focus on expats’ happiness in Holland.

From finding a home and registering as a resident to sorting insurance and more, here are 10 things to do when you arrive in the Netherlands.

Thinking about moving to the land of stroopwafels, King’s Day, and bicycles? Find out what it’s like to be an expat in the Netherlands.

Polite or pushy? Navigating Dutch etiquette means rethinking what you thought you knew about manners and everyday conversations.

Each country has its own peculiarities when it comes to socializing, but the Dutch circle party can be especially bizarre for a newcomer.

A wide array of organisations assists people with special needs in the Netherlands, from transport to education to holidays.

Discover the rules for buying, adopting, and importing pets in the Netherlands as well as how to register, insure, and care for them.

From home births and benefits to finding the right school, here are all the ins and outs of Dutch parenting.

If you have a family member living in the Netherlands, find out if you’re eligible to join them with a family or partner visa.

From fairy tale forests and magic pancake houses to wildlife safaris and epic theme parks, we share the best attractions for kids in the Netherlands.

Raising a child the Dutch way? It’s never too early to consider your childcare options in the Netherlands, as this article explains.

If you’re living in the Netherlands, learn more about the options available for childcare and preschool (peuterspeelzaal) in the Netherlands.

For expat parents in the Netherlands, sending your children to a Dutch daycare can be a great solution to prepare them for better integration, especially when it comes to learning Dutch before the school years.

You can claim different types of child benefits in the Netherlands, to help with the costs of child-rearing, schooling, and childcare.

Learn more about tenant rights in the Netherlands, including contracts, deposits, and evictions, to stay protected every step of the way.

Who is Dick Schoof, where is the Tweede Kamer, and does the king even do anything? Find out in this article on the Dutch government.

Here are the Dutch public holidays you need to know for 2024, 2025, and 2026, as well as other important dates to mark on your calendar.

What ridiculous laws can land you in Dutch jail? From foraging to making chalk art, here are 15 examples of crazy laws in the Netherlands.

You won’t get very far in the Netherlands without a Burgerservicenummer. From banking to housing, the Dutch BSN is a must-have.

You can claim different types of child benefits in the Netherlands, to help with the costs of child-rearing, schooling, and childcare.

Expats in the Netherlands must pay social security. Find out about contributions and claims in case of illness, pregnancy, or unemployment.

Having some problems in the Netherlands? This list of Dutch emergency numbers and helplines will get you out of any sticky situation.

Where can you find information on coronavirus in the Netherlands? Use our guide for official resources and the latest regulations.

Curious about democracy in the Netherlands? Here’s all you need to know about Dutch elections, from who can vote to when, where, and how.

From crime rates and minor offenses to court proceedings and common sentences, here’s a deep dive into the justice system in the Netherlands.

From the right to protest to protection from discrimination, here’s what you need to know about human rights in the Netherlands.

Many think that the Dutch have legalized drugs, but this isn’t actually the case. Here’s more on the soft drug policy in the Netherlands.

Turn your new Dutch house into a home with our expert guide to setting up utilities in the Netherlands, including water, gas, and electricity.

Discover the most reliable Dutch and English-language news sources to stay up to date with current events in the Netherlands and worldwide.

Get connected with your new friends and colleagues with our guide to getting a mobile phone and SIM card in the Netherlands.

Find out all you need to know about home insurance in the Netherlands and protect your property, from the walls to your personal belongings.

Moving into your new Dutch home? Get yourself connected with our guide to setting up TV, home phone, and the internet in the Netherlands.

If you get a Dutch mortgage, you could take advantage of the bouwdepot, which you can use for house renovations in the Netherlands.

Want to make your new Dutch life greener? Find out how with our list of 10 ways to live sustainably in the Netherlands.

Getting a taste for Dutch life? Find out more about food shopping in the Netherlands with our guide to Dutch supermarkets and grocery stores.

From home furnishings to the latest must-have toys, find out where to buy all the essentials with our guide to shopping in the Netherlands.

New to the Netherlands? Make your life easier in your new home country by downloading these must-have apps in the Netherlands.

How much do you know about garbage collection and recycling in the Netherlands? Find out with our guide that covers all the essentials.

Learn everything about the postal service in the Netherlands, from receiving packages and sending letters overseas to finding a post box.

Want to keep up with the news? Looking to binge your favorite series? Here’s all you need to know about TV and radio in the Netherlands.

If you moved to the Netherlands and are looking to date, there are several ways to meet single expats and find your soul mate.

If you are living in the Netherlands and want to formalise your relationship without a traditional wedding, a registered partnership (geregistreerd partnerschap) is worth knowing about. It gives you and your partner almost the same legal rights as marriage, and the process is open to couples of any nationality – including expats and international residents […]

Tying the knot in the Netherlands? Discover how to plan a Dutch wedding and learn all about the requirements, processes, and paperwork.

Dating in the Netherlands? Bring ultra-direct honesty, a sense of humor, and maybe a waterproof jacket (you’ll definitely need all three).

Had enough? (Good for you!) Here’s what you need to know about filing for a divorce or dissolution in the Netherlands.

Getting married in the Netherlands is exciting, especially when it brings together multiple cultures. With an international couple, one half introduces traditions from their native country, while the other half incorporates wedding traditions from the Netherlands.

From sand dunes to castles, and windmills to tulip fields, these scenic cycling routes showcase the most beautiful landscapes in the Netherlands.

The best way to appreciate Dutch life is to travel like a local and hop on a bicycle. Here’s a guide to cycling in the Netherlands.

Discover everything you need to know about driving in the Netherlands, including road regulations and how to get your driving license.

Planning to get behind the wheel in the Netherlands? Make sure you’re covered with our complete guide to car insurance in the Netherlands.

Learn everything you need to know about trains, buses, metros, and more with our guide to public transport in the Netherlands.

Ready to exchange your bicycle for something a little heavier? Find out all there is to know about getting a Dutch driver’s license.

Do bicycles just not answer your need for speed? Learn how you can upgrade to four wheels with this article on buying a car in the Netherlands.