With an increase in the language requirements for the integration exams imminent, smart candidates are signing up for a new self-access course with InburgeringOnline.nl to prepare for their exams in advance of the change. Newcomers to the Netherlands, whose residency permit is issued on the condition that they integrate, will be affected by a revision of the 2013 Civic Integration Act. The changes come into force in January 2022 and demand a higher level of Dutch than before. What’s changed?... More >

When you land in the Netherlands, you aren’t just dealing with a different language, employer and queuing etiquette – ­you also have to deal with the Belastingdienst. The Dutch tax office, or Belastingdienst, has been making efforts to employ more of a ‘personal’ approach, which will be good news for expats. Nowadays, there’s a comprehensive set of English pages at www.government.nl about everything from the basics of the income tax system to coronavirus support measures for business. But tax advisers... More >

The new school year is exciting for children and their parents and the settling into the new school year can bring about challenges for the whole family. The team at Zein International Childcare share their top tips to ensure a smooth beginning to the school year for your family. Create a time capsule listing what your child is looking forward to: Include photos of their first day at school, a painting they have done, and other keepsakes that record your... More >

Some one million households in the Netherlands now have solar panels on their roof and solar energy is an increasingly important part of the Dutch energy mix. If you have been thinking about installing solar panels on your home, here are some things to think about. The cost The cost of installing solar panels on your roof depends on a number of factors: the number of panels, the type, the transformer (omvormer) you choose and the mounts (zonnepanelen montagemateriaal) that... More >

The summer break may be over, or almost over for some, but you still have time to  catch up on some Dutch culture with the DutchNews.nl inburgering course. Lesson 24: 10 films you must see The Dutch are world famous for their documentaries and animation films, and over the years some of their feature films have also had an international impact. Here are 10 films which encompass the history of Dutch cinema. Een Carmen van het noorden (1919) Director: Maurits Binger... More >

After last year’s hiatus, Amsterdam Fashion Week 2021 kicks off on September 1 and this year’s programme is the most accessible and inclusive in Fashion Week history. High couture must-sees and quality streetwear must-haves, collections from established designers, labels, international brands, and red-hot, young talent will dictate fashion trends for the next few years. Many designers have embraced sustainable production, upcycling and zero-waste practices, appealing to young consumers. Museumplein hosts a coronavirus-safe schedule of runway shows and time-slot appointments for... More >

The summer break may be over, or almost over for some, but you still have time to  catch up on some Dutch culture with the DutchNews.nl inburgering course. Lesson 24: Key facts about death Enough of the jollity and fun. Never let it be said we shy away from difficult topics. So here’s some useful information about death in the Netherlands. Insured for death Some 60% of Dutch households have funeral insurance –  the Dutch love insurance after all and... More >

Finished your holiday books and looking for something else to pick up, or just wanting to catch up on items you may have missed? Here are some of the best DutchNew.nl reads so far this year. Dutch exceptionalism: Superior failure in the year of coronavirus The Dutch are very fond of international comparisons if they come out well, but when it comes to coronavirus, they see the Netherlands’ position as one of ‘superior failure’, writes Ben Coates. Read on Who... More >

It’s summer, so the time is right to get into that sunny vibe, settle back in your easy chair and relax with a Caribbean cocktail. To help you really slip into summer, luxury hotel Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam has reopened the doors to The Grand Beach after the great success of last year’s edition. This year, The Grand’s atmospheric courtyard has been transformed into a real sandy city beach, inspired by the beauty of the Caribbean. Step barefoot into... More >

The summer break may be in full swing, but why not catch up on some Dutch culture with the DutchNews.nl inburgering course? Lesson 23: Key facts about marriage Planning to marry a Dutchie or attend the wedding of Dutch friends? Here’s a few key facts and other things you ought to know first. 1 How many weddings? Around 50,000 couples tied the knot in the Netherlands in 2020 (of which 1,114 were same sex couples). In addition around 24,000 people... More >

You have probably heard about VPNs and maybe you have even been thinking about getting one for yourself. But how much do you really know about how they work in the Netherlands? Here are five key questions and answers to help you get started. 1 What is a VPN? VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It is a tool that enhances the privacy and security of internet users. ‘A VPN essentially does two things,’ says Koen Kuijper from VPN.nl. ‘First... More >

An ABN AMRO banking expert shares his decades of experiences in helping people move to the Netherlands and set up their affairs here. Two decades ago, moving to the Netherlands was quite an adventure. ‘A client came not knowing what was happening here,’ recalls Daniel Poot, who has spent his 50-year career at ABN AMRO assisting all kinds of immigrants from well-travelled diplomats to first-time expats. ‘I was downstairs at a desk and everyone who wanted to open an account... More >

With rain at home and the prospects for summer breaks abroad still open to question, why not catch up on some Dutch culture instead? Back by popular demand – the DutchNews.nl inburgering course. Lesson 22: What you need to know about having a baby in the Netherlands The Netherlands is notorious for its painkiller-free home births. But there are lots of other essential things you need to know to make sure you have a baby the Dutch way. The home... More >