It is that time of year again; the new and annually-updated version of The Holland Handbook is here and ready to be enjoyed! Not only that, but this is the 24th edition!

More than twenty years ago, a modest group of three people sat around a table to discuss the possibility of creating a handbook for expats coming to live here. Those were different times; the types of expats, the budget they had, the amount of time they spent here and the family members they brought with them have changed over time.

Over the past two decades, it has been updated completely every year, with easy-to-read and entertaining infographics and fresh photographs, while it has, of course, retained its familiar feel and trusted format. As always, The Holland Handbook has been expanded upon to reflect the latest political developments in the country, while it also includes topics that have gained in importance and relevance since the book first appeared, adapting to the new generation of foreign nationals, immigrants and students who have come to the Netherlands – either for a few months or for a longer period of time.

The Holland Handbook offers a wealth of information to those who have just moved here – or are preparing for their move here – on issues such as permits, bank accounts, international schools, universities, job-searching, employment law, the citizen service number (burgerservicenummer), finding a place to live, and insurances. However, The Holland Handbook goes beyond covering the very first steps you will be taking towards starting a life in the Netherlands; it also prepares you for what comes next, such as learning the language, getting to know your Dutch neighbors, celebrating life’s milestones and holidays the Dutch way, as well as perhaps more impactful issues, such as the health care system, the education system – ranging from pre-kindergarten to obtaining a Ph.D. – public transportation, legal problems, things to do in your free time, importing your car, having a baby, and much, much more.

Starting from the front to the back cover, it is a joy to behold; chock-a-block with beautiful photographs, it will enthuse you for all there is to see in the Netherlands, as well as remind you, once your career or other life developments have taken you to another country, of all the beautiful things that Holland had to offer while you were here. And last but not least, it will serve as a written and photographed source of information for your family and friends who would like to know what it is – or was – like for you to live here.

Recently Posted on XPat.nl

If you’re an expat living and looking for work in the Netherlands then there are some vital differences you should know about in regards to your job applications. In the Netherlands, as with most places in Europe, the norm is a CV rather than the resume which is commonly used in the United States amongst … Continue reading "The Difference Between a Resume and a CV"
It is that time of year again; the new and annually-updated version of The Holland Handbook is here and ready to be enjoyed! Not only that, but this is the 24th edition! More than twenty years ago, a modest group of three people sat around a table to discuss the possibility of creating a handbook … Continue reading "The Holland Handbook 2024"
Taxes are always complicated. If you have moved to the Netherlands from another country, they can be especially confusing! Many expats carry out business, and therefore earn an income, internationally. This makes what they get taxed on, and by whom, a complex matter. To figure out your own personal tax liability, your residency status and … Continue reading "Dutch Taxes"
The 30%-ruling is a tax advantage, created for employees who are posted or recruited from abroad, to work in the Netherlands. The purpose of this advantage is to cover all the various costs they incur, as a result of moving their lives oversees to. This can be a real blessing to expats! In order to … Continue reading "Dutch 30%-ruling Tax Facility"
Following the legendary previous 8 editions of The UnDutchables, the 9th edition of this all time best seller (more than 300,000 copies sold since 1999) is now available in the Netherlands. The UnDutchables takes an in-depth humorous look at Dutch life, quirks and character. With subjects varying from coffee drinking habits to child rearing, from … Continue reading "The UnDutchables 9.0"
Hello there, future Dutchie! Do you plan to move to Amsterdam or somewhere else in our beautiful country to work or live there? And are you going to stay for more than 90 days? Then you are in the right place! Because when you move to the Netherlands, there are some things you need to … Continue reading "This is your checklist for moving to the Netherlands"

The Holland Handbook 2024

It is that time of year again; the new and annually-updated version of The ...

Dutch Taxes

Taxes are always complicated. If you have moved to the Netherlands from another country they ...

The UnDutchables 9.0

Following the legendary previous eight editions of The UnDutchables, the 9th edition of this all ...

Making the most of your Dutch home

Whether you are renting, staying in a long-term AirBNB or have just bought a ...

Gift giving in the Netherlands-all ...

If you feel like skipping your birthday, you may be in for a challenge when ...

10 things you will find in every Du ...

The Dutch are very fond of houseplants, the more the merrier! You will find the ...

Obtaining a Mortgage as an Expat in ...

Obtaining a mortgage as an expat in the Netherlands can be a complex process, as ...

Help me move to the Netherlands!

Obviously, the decision to move to the Netherlands is not one to be taken lightly ...

The Impact of Technology on Educati ...

Education is unending and pivotal in society. Technology is one of the most dynamic entities ...

Five Renovation Tips to Increase yo ...

Learn how much home renovations cost – and which repairs increase the home value, and which ...