The blog
The Netherlands, from the inside.
Paperwork, daily life, neighbourhoods, budget, culture: everything we wish we had known before unpacking.
The 30% ruling in the Netherlands: who qualifies and what changes in 2027
The 30% ruling in the Netherlands (Expat Scheme): 2026 salary thresholds, the 150 km rule, the €78,600 cap and the drop to 27% from 2027, explained.
6 min readBudgetTaxes in the Netherlands for new residents: the three boxes and your first return
Taxes in the Netherlands for new residents: the three boxes, 2026 box 1 rates, tax credits, the M return in your first year and the common traps.
6 min readFamily and workSchools in the Netherlands: how to enrol your child and what it costs
Schools in the Netherlands for expat families: start at 4, register from age 3, no tuition at primary level, voluntary parent contribution, childcare help.
6 min readBudgetRetire in the Netherlands: AOW, foreign pensions and S1 health cover
Retire in the Netherlands with a foreign pension: how the AOW works (2% cut per uninsured year), S1 cover via a Dutch insurer, and the tax on pensions.
6 min readPaperworkResidence in the Netherlands for EU citizens: registering with the municipality
Residence in the Netherlands for EU citizens: no permit, but register in the BRP within 5 days. See the three-month rule, income tests and permanent stay.
6 min readWhere to liveRenting in the Netherlands: contracts, deposit and the housing crisis
Renting in the Netherlands in 2026: permanent contracts are the norm, the deposit is capped at two months, rent points limit prices and housing is scarce.
6 min readPaperworkOpening a bank account in the Netherlands: ID, BSN and your IBAN
Bank account in the Netherlands for EU residents: what banks check, why they ask for a BSN, your right to a basic account and foreign IBAN rules.
6 min readPaperworkMoving to the Netherlands: the step-by-step guide to your first weeks
Moving to the Netherlands as a European: register within 5 days, get your BSN and DigiD, take health insurance within 4 months and avoid the usual traps.
6 min readPaperworkMoving to the Netherlands from the UK after Brexit: what you need now
Moving to the Netherlands from the UK after Brexit: why you need a residence permit, who keeps Withdrawal Agreement rights, and what changes for work.
6 min readHealthHealth insurance in the Netherlands: the compulsory basic cover explained
Health insurance Netherlands: basic cover is compulsory within 4 months of arrival. Premiums, the €385 deductible, the healthcare allowance and fines.
6 min readFamily and workFreelance in the Netherlands: ZZP, KVK registration and false self-employment
Freelance in the Netherlands: register an eenmanszaak at the KVK for €85.15, VAT small-business scheme, 2026 deductions and false self-employment risk.
7 min readPaperworkDriving in the Netherlands: licence exchange and importing your car
Driving licence Netherlands: an EU licence stays valid 15 years from issue, exchange it at the municipality and register your car with the RDW.
7 min readPaperworkDigiD in the Netherlands: how to get your digital ID and what it unlocks
DigiD Netherlands: apply once you have your BSN, activate the code within 21 days, use the app and see which tax and allowance services it opens for you.
6 min readCultureDaily life in the Netherlands: language, bikes, directness and public holidays
Daily life in the Netherlands: appointments for everything, direct talk, English and Dutch, bikes, card payments, 2026-27 holidays and emergency numbers.
5 min readBudgetCost of living in the Netherlands: what official figures say
Cost of living in the Netherlands in 2026 from official sources: minimum wage, health premium and deductible, rent rules, house prices and childcare help.
6 min readWhere to liveBuying property in the Netherlands: notary, transfer tax and mortgage
Buying property in the Netherlands in 2026: 3-day cooling-off period, notary, 2% transfer tax (0% under 35), mortgage rules and NHG for newcomers.
6 min readPaperworkBSN number in the Netherlands: how to get your citizen service number
BSN number Netherlands: free when you register with your municipality within 5 days. See the RNI route for short stays and how to protect your number.
6 min readWhere to liveBest places to live in the Netherlands: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Eindhoven
Best places to live in the Netherlands for expats: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht and Eindhoven compared by work, housing and expat centres.
6 min readYour move, one step at a time.
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