Before starting your new Dutch life, you’ll likely need to arrange a visa or residence permit to live in the Netherlands.

With its entrancing fields of tulips, delicious stroopwafels, and healthy work-life balance, the Netherlands is definitely one of the best countries to visit or live in.

However, moving into a new country isn’t as simple as following your heart. Like opening a bank account or filing your taxes, there are some legal requirements that you’ll need to tackle before the IND (Department of Immigration) hands your visa or residence permit to you.

We’ve been there, so here’s our full guide to walk you through the process. Veel success (best of luck)!

Do I need a visa to travel to the Netherlands?

The first question is always: Are you an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen? 

If you’re lucky enough to have a passport from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, then the process is as easy as pie.

This is because EU/EEA/Swiss residents do not need a visa to travel or live in the Netherlands.

Wait… but what if you aren’t in that club? Unfortunately, almost everyone else is required to apply (or be exempt) for a Dutch visa or residence permit.

Not sure if you need a visa to visit or live in the Netherlands? If in doubt, use the government’s visa requirement check.

Types of Dutch visas and residence permits

Like flavours of stroopwafel, visas to the Netherlands come in many different forms. They typically depend on your reason for travelling and country of origin, and have varying legal and financial requirements.

Keen as a bean to start your journey, but don’t quite know where to start? Let’s run through the most common types of visas and residence permits!

Visas for tourism in the Netherlands

If you’ve always dreamed of vacationing amongst the tulips and windmills, you will likely need to apply for a tourist visa.

The Netherlands doesn’t offer its own tourism visas, as it’s a part of the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area is a group of European countries that have no physical borders.

Once you have permission to visit the Schengen Area, you can visit the Netherlands too!

In addition to this, citizens from some countries (like Australia, Canada, Ireland, the UK, the US, and more) are visa-exempt for the Schengen area — which means that their citizens do not require a tourist visa to travel to the Netherlands. 

However, from mid-2025, these citizens will need to have a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) travel authorisation. It’s expected that the authorisation process will take just a few minutes to process. 

For longer stays, citizens from these countries are typically required to obtain a residence permit.

For those that are not included in the lists above, you’ll need a short-term visa. The most popular options are:

Short-stay Schengen visa (C-type): Best for tourists

A short-stay C-type Schengen visa allows you to travel within the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days. 

This visa is valid for a 180-day period and is only intended for tourism (essentially, you are not permitted to work in any of the Schengen countries).

Unfortunately, you can’t apply for a residence permit whilst on a short-stay Schengen visa.

In addition to this, a C-type visa is only valid for a single entry to and exit from the Schengen Area. In other words, you cannot leave and enter the Schengen Area multiple times whilst on this visa.

Multiple-entry Schengen visas: Best for travel flexibility

C-type Schengen visas are single-entry visas, which only permit one entry to and exit from the Schengen Area.

In comparison, a multiple-entry visa allows you to leave and re-enter the Schengen Area multiple times.

Like the short-stay Schengen visa, the maximum time you are allowed to remain in the zone is 90 days.

Visas and residence permits to live in the Netherlands

Well, what if you’re in search of a bit more commitment and want a longer stay in the Netherlands? It sounds like you may want to apply for a Dutch residence permit!

READ MORE | Registration in the Netherlands: the complete guide for 2023

There are many different types of residence permits, so let’s walk through some of the most common ones and the steps involved.

Long-stay visas (MVVs): Best first step to a Dutch residence permit

Also known as an authorisation for temporary stay, an MVV is a provisional residence permit granting the right to stay in the Netherlands for up to 90 days.

As an MVV is meant to be the stepping stone to long-stay residence in the Netherlands for most foreigners. To stay longer, you will need to apply for a Dutch residence permit within your 90-days.

Want special treatment? Residents of Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Vatican City, United States, and South Korea can apply for Dutch residence permits without needing an MVV first.

Student residence permit: Best for international students

If you’re dreaming of studying at a Dutch university or have already applied to one, then you will likely require a student residence permit.

Thankfully, Dutch universities generally help facilitate the visa and residence permit process, so you won’t need to tackle the beast of bureaucracy on your own.

The Dutch student visa process

The visa process for students in the Netherlands can look a bit tricky but don’t stress — tens of thousands of students have navigated it successfully and you can too.

To start, after you’ve confirmed your enrolment in Studielink, the Dutch university system, your university will begin facilitating the visa process.

When approved by the Dutch immigration service, you will then need to collect your MVV from the Dutch embassy in your home country (unless you’re exempt).

You will also need to check the Visa tab of your university account to see what documents they require you to upload.

Many of these documents will need to be sent prior to travelling to the Netherlands (i.e. a copy of your passport and a completed antecedents certificate), but others such as Dutch insurance information and a Dutch bank account can be arranged once you’ve landed.

In general, you will need:

• A copy of your passport or ID
• A bank statement, to indicate you have sufficient money to cover your stay
• An antecedents certificate
• A copy of your insurance policy, with coverage for your entire stay

Once you’ve uploaded all your documents and your university’s visa team has had a chance to approve them, they will send them to the IND for final approval.

Once your documents have been sent to the IND, the approval process can take anywhere from a few business days to several weeks.

When your residence permit has been approved by the IND, you will then need to make an appointment with an IND kantoor (office) near you to have a photograph and biometric information taken for your ID.

This ID will serve as a physical copy of your residence permit.

Residence permits for partners and family (where one person is a Dutch resident)

Found yourself a Dutchie to love? Great! The good news is that a relationship visa is relatively simple to receive.

This visa is primarily for partners, spouses, or foreign family members of Dutch nationals, who are hoping to stay in the Netherlands for longer than 90 days.

Not sure of the steps involved? Let’s have a look!

Done and dusted? Gefeliciteerd, you’ve just finished applying for a partner/family residence permit!

These visas are typically valid for five years. However, if the sponsor only has a temporary residence permit, the relationship visa expires at the same time as the sponsor’s permit.

Working holiday residence permit: Best for Dutch work experience

Maybe a cultural exchange permit to the Netherlands sounds like a dream come true, but you also need the funds to support yourself.

We’ve got great news: you might be eligible for a working holiday residence permit!

Like the general cultural exchange residence permit, you’ll need to be between 18 and 30 years of age to apply. You will also need to be a citizen of Argentina, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, or Uruguay.

As the main purpose of this permit is to experience Dutch culture, applicants can only carry out work to support their stay financially — and not undertake full-time, contractual employment.

In addition to this, this permit is only valid for one year.

Cultural exchange residence permit: Best for experiencing Dutch culture

Have you ever dreamed of living in the Netherlands for up to a year and learning all about Dutch culture and society? 

Are you also between 18 to 30 years old and a citizen of Argentina, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, or Uruguay? 

Then you may want to consider a cultural exchange residence permit.

Because this is a cultural exchange, you are not allowed to work in the Netherlands whilst on this visa.

Residence permit for orientation year: Best for graduates from Dutch universities

If you’re a recent graduate of a Dutch university, you can also apply for an orientation year residence permit.

This Dutch visa will allow you to spend an orientation year (or zoekjaar) in the Netherlands, easing you into one of the world’s most future-facing job markets.

Qualifying for this residence permit will give you free access to the Dutch labour market — meaning that your employer doesn’t need to apply for a work permit for you.

What if you haven’t graduated from a Dutch university, but would still like to take advantage of the zoekjaar visa?

Well, if you possess a foreign diploma (i.e. a degree not provided by a Dutch university), it will need to be assessed by Nuffic (the Dutch organisation for internationalisation in education) before it is approved and your zoekjaar visa is granted.

The only exception to this assessment rule are diplomas from higher education programmes in Flanders (Belgium), which are automatically accepted.

Residence permit for self-employed individuals

Not to be confused with the working holiday residence permit, a residence permit for self-employed individuals is exclusively for freelancers.

Enterprising freelancers from in-demand fields who want to launch their own business in the Netherlands can also apply for a special residence permit for foreign start-ups.

This permit allows you to live in the country for up to one year, learning handy tips and tricks to boost your entrepreneurial skills.

However, let op: in order to be eligible for this residence permit, you will need to undertake work that will be especially beneficial for the Dutch economy — or completely new to the Netherlands.

Other visas and residence permits

If none of the options above fit your situation, don’t stress! There are also a few more niche  visas and residence permits available:

Dutch-American Friendship Treaty: Best for American citizens

If you hold American citizenship and want to work as a freelancer in the Netherlands, you can apply for this residence permit.

The permit is valid for two years, after which it can be renewed for another five years.

However, the IND requires that you invest at least €4500 in your business to be eligible.

Dutch-Japanese Trade Treaty: Best for Japanese citizens

Are you a Japanese citizen that wants to freelance in the Netherlands? Hoera, you can opt for this residence permit.

Like the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty, the Dutch-Japanese Trade Treaty requires you to invest at least €4500 in your business and is valid for two years.

Au pair residence permit: Best for internationals seeking au pair work in the Netherlands

If you’re dying to visit the Netherlands and don’t mind picking up some au pair work along the way, the au pair residence permit might be right up your alley!

You will need to register with an au pair agency, as they will need to apply for this residence permit on your behalf.

However, let op: the requirements for this residence permit can be rather strict.

Some of these requirements include being between 18 and 25 years of age, being registered with a recognised au pair agency, and working for a host family that meets the IND’s income requirements.

How to apply for a visa or permit in the Netherlands

If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably champing at the bit to arrange your very own Dutch visa or residence permit.

There are two ways to go about this: either arranging the visa/permit yourself or having a sponsor do it for you.

Applying for a visa/permit yourself

Although the process of applying for a Dutch visa or residence permit can seem daunting at first, it’s thankfully quite straightforward.

Requirements for a Dutch residence permit

To apply for a Dutch residence permit, you will need to provide the IND with several important documents. This can all be carried out online, so don’t stress about needing to head to a Dutch immigration office.

These documents include:

• Bank statements to indicate that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses, insurance, and other costs during your stay
• A copy of your passport or ID that will remain valid throughout your stay
• Health insurance coverage for the full duration of your stay
• A completed antecedents certificate

Having your sponsor apply for a visa/permit on your behalf

In certain situations, like for when you’re applying for a visa to reunite with your partner of family, your “sponsor” will need to apply for your visa on your behallf.

Requirements for a sponsored Dutch residence permit

If you’re looking to sponsor a foreign national or have a Dutch resident sponsor you, several conditions will need to be met. A sponsor will need to:

• Reside in the Netherlands
• Have a valid BSN (citizen service number)
• Earn at least the minimum gross income
• Fill in a proof of sponsorship (or private accommodation) form

In addition to these conditions, potential sponsors may also have to file certain documents. These can include:

• Proof of identification, such as a copy of their ID/passport/Dutch residence permit
• Proof of employment if you work for a Dutch company, such as a copy of their employment contract, their last three payslips, and an employer’s declaration
• For Dutch freelancers, this can include proof of registration with the KvK (Dutch Chamber of Commerce), a profit and loss statement for their business, and their most recent income tax assessment

What do I do if my visa to the Netherlands has been denied?

Helaas, stuff happens sometimes, and your visa may not meet all the requirements set by the IND.

Whilst this setback can be scary and frustrating, it’s important to remember that you can still lodge an objection to the IND’s decision.

First, write an objection letter that clearly states why you are opposing the IND’s decision. Your letter must also include your name, address, the date of its compilation, and your signature.

Next, enclose the official document you received from the IND with your objection letter and mail it to the IND’s general postal address. That’s it, done and dusted!

However, it’s important that you submit your objection in time. This window of time can vary from 15 to 90 days, depending on which visa you’re applying for, so it’s best to check the official IND website for any queries.

Whether you’re here to earn a degree, marry the love of your life, or simply tiptoe through the tulips, there’s likely to be a visa/residence permit that’ll allow you to do just that.

Are you applying for a Dutch visa or residence permit? Tell us all about your journey in the comments below!

Dutch permits and visas: Frequently asked questions

Permits and visas can be tricky beasts to get one’s head around, even without Dutch bureaucracy muddying the waters.

It’s understandable that you have some questions, so we’ll do our best to clear up some common doubts!

With Easter steadily approaching, many of us may be keen on getting our fill of delicious Easter stollen. Unfortunately, if you bought one from a Jumbo supermarket, you may need to hit the brakes on that thought!

In a recent press release, Jumbo warned that some of its feeststollen (party stollen) may contain potentially carcinogenic compounds.

Yikes, which stollen?

If you’ve recently purchased a La Place Kleine Feest Stol (Small Party Stollen) with Amarena cherries, pistachio, and hazelnuts… well, you’d best be asking for a refund.

Product: “La Place Luxe Kleine Feeststol met Amarena Kers, Pistache & Hazelnoten 400g”
EAN code: 8718452752058
Best before: March 6, 2024 and March 12, 2024

If you’ve bought this stollen at the store or online and would like your money back, you can simply pop back and hand it over — no receipt needed!

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Ahh, the monthly Dutch air raid sirens… They might befuddle newcomers to the Netherlands, but those who’ve been here for a while no longer bat an eye at its shrill noonday calls.

However, according to a letter to the House of Representatives by outgoing Justice and Security Minister Dilan Yesilgöz, these monthly alarms will soon be on their way out.

NL Alerts will take over

As reported by the NOS, the Netherlands’ 4,200 alarm poles can currently only be heard by around 75% of the population.

People in rural areas and those close to the country’s borders, for example, have a particularly hard time receiving the sirens’ alerts.

In contrast, NL-Alerts (government notifications sent straight to mobile devices) reached a whopping 92% of the Dutch populace during its last testing phase.

READ MORE | Monthly alarm sirens in the Netherlands: what you need to know

Minister Yesilgöz intends to replace most sirens with NL-Alerts by the end of next year, though some alarm poles will still remain in high-risk areas.

What do you think of the impending switch to NL-Alerts? Tell us all your thoughts in the comments below!

If you’re intending to take the train to or from The Hague this weekend (March 2 and 3), let’s just say that you may want to take a rain-check on those plans!

According to a recent press release by the NS, some much-needed work has to be conducted on the tracks, platforms, overhead lines, and other components around Den Haag Centraal.

As a result, no trains will run between Den Haag Laan van NOI and Den Haag Centraal from Saturday, March 2, to Sunday, March 3.

Hoera — no trains the following weekend, either

Trains to and from Den Haag Centraal will also be at a standstill from Saturday, March 9, to Wednesday, March 13.

In a bid to curb the ensuing chaos (and, presumably, some furious complaints!), the NS will be deploying extra buses to ferry commuters to nearby stations instead.

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As anyone who’s used the Dutch rail system in the past year knows, the steep ticket prices feel like the NS adding insult to injury — especially after countless delays and stranded trains.

However, with the NS reporting a €191 million loss for 2023 (as reported by the NOS), the rail carrier is left scrambling to find a solution to its current nosedive into the red.

And that solution? Hike up ticket prices even further.

But why!?

Though a comparatively smaller loss than a year earlier, the rail company has already been forced to increase the prices of most train tickets.

Unfortunately, this price hike hasn’t been sufficient to battle inflation and the growing costs plaguing the company.

As reported by the NOS, this means that a much larger rate increase will be on the cards for 2025 — amounting to more than 10%.

READ MORE | Public transport in the Netherlands: the complete guide

However, that 10% could well be a conservative estimate. According to NS CEO Wouter Koolmees, there could actually be “a double price increase for tickets”, AD reports

Ageing infrastructure and delayed deliveries

Another thorn in the NS’ side appears to have been the Netherlands’ own ageing rail infrastructure.

For example, NS CEO Koolmees pointed to defective viaducts along the HSL (high-speed railway line), growing subsidence along the Zeeland line, and the work that needed to be carried out near Rotterdam and Schiphol.

READ MORE | Train etiquette on Dutch trains: 8 things you’ll always see

In addition to this, the delayed delivery of new ICNGs (Intercity Nieuwe Generatie trains) due to issues along the HSL also impacted the NS’ rail plans.

Staff shortages are also currently being dealt with

The NS is certainly no stranger to the resulting chaos from staff shortages, having previously been forced to cancel trains due to staffing issues in 2022.

Although recruiting staff is still an ongoing issue, AD reports that around 3,715 new employees were hired — of which 1,006 are to become new train conductors and drivers.

It’s hoped that this surge in new recruits will allow the NS to run a smoother timetable over the coming period with far fewer delays.

What do you think of a possible price hike in NS train tickets? Tell us all your thoughts in the comments below!

The insurance company ANWB just surveyed nearly 2,000 Dutchies with a singular goal in mind: figure out their holiday plans.

The result? A whopping nine out of ten Dutch people will still be going on holiday this year, according to ANWB spokesperson Sanne Over.

In conversation with RTL Nieuws, Over reveals that while many Dutch people will still enjoy a vacay in classic destinations — think Germany, Spain, and France — more and more are opting for more affordable alternatives.

“People are choosing alternatives more often than last year because of the expensive airline tickets,” she explains.

But where exactly will they be going?

Say hoi to Slovenia and Albania

Thanks to recent changes in the holiday market — such as more expensive flight tickets — there’s a heightened interest in cheaper European destinations, such as Slovenia and Albania.

“They go to Slovenia or Albania, for example, because the destination itself is cheaper than Italy or Spain, for example. The Dutch love holidays, but are price-conscious,” Over tells RTL Nieuws.

While we like to poke fun at the Dutch for their stingy nature, this really doesn’t seem like such a bad idea.

For example, the average cost for a hotel room in Albania sits between just €25-40 per night!

In Slovenia, B&Bs hover around €55, holiday inns and rooms can be found for around €40, whilst hotel prices can run around €80 to €130 per night.

*Furiously Googles flights to Albania*

What are your travel plans for 2024? Tell us all about them in the comments below!

Anyone looking for a room or flat to rent in the Netherlands knows that finding one in your budget is as difficult as a trek to Mordor. One recent room listing, however, just about takes the cake for sheer audacity.

Rotterdam resident Vanessa Bruin took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share screenshots of a rental listing that had caught her eye.

And, at €1050 a month for a 9m2 room, the screenshots raised as much ire as they did brows.

Say goodbye to long showers!

The room was advertised on HousingAnywhere — an international website for mid to long-term rentals — that’s popular with international students and expats in the Netherlands.

Whilst the audacious price may have garnered the most criticism, it was the line ‘you are only allowed to shower for FIVE minutes a day’ that truly pushed things over the top.

Translation of the first tweet: Room to rent, 9m2, the rest of the facilities must be shared with two other tenants. Price 1,050 euros per month. And oh yes… you are only allowed to shower for 5 minutes a day. Is this extortion? Dishonest*?

Translation of the text in the second tweet:
You will rent a:

• Beautiful neat room with bed, desk, and open cabinet.
• Your room has direct access to a balcony.
• You can make use of the beautiful adjacent bathroom with a shower and washbasin. Shower for a maximum of 5 minutes per day, more use will incur additional costs charged.
• You can use the kitchen.

What are your thoughts on this divisive rental listing? Tell us all your thoughts in the comments below!

*Our editorial team actually had a big discussion on the best way to translate this word. Other options appear to include ‘fraudulent’, ‘malicious’, and ‘malpractice’.

The topic of Dutch higher education has made quite a splash in the news lately — often not entirely for good reasons. (*cough* There’s a five-year wait for student housing. *cough*)

However, now it’s time to celebrate a major win instead!

According to The Campus Advisor, the Netherlands is the sixth-best destination for higher education in Europe.

Among the best in Europe

Each of the countries on The Campus Advisor’s list were scored on metrics such as graduate career prospects, quality of education, student diversity, and cost of living — so, how did we do?

With an average score of 4.32 out of 5, the Netherlands ranked highly. However, its highest rating of 4.58 out of 5 was given in the category of job prospects.

The general level of education followed closely behind with a rating of 4.57. In fact, most areas were given a generous rating of 4.5 or higher, except for one.

It was the cost of living as a student that brought down the Netherlands’ average, with a score of only 3.19 out of 5.

Overall though, people are impressed with the Netherlands’ level of higher education.

In the words of one reviewer: “I’ve had an amazing experience here, and you will get a high-quality education. I’d love to stay in the Netherlands even after I graduate.”

What other countries made the list?

D’you want to know which other countries landed on The Campus Advisor’s hot list? Here’s the full ranking!

Do you agree with The Campus Advisor’s rankings? Tell us all your thoughts in the comments below!

Choosing the best Dutch credit card often involves wading through pages of information on interest rates, annual fees, and handy benefits. 

In this guide, we’ve sourced the most popular credit cards in the Netherlands — for personal use, travel, and all your business-related financial needs — and put them into one place.

READ MORE | Banking in the Netherlands: the complete guide

Here’s how to get the most bang for your buck!

^{This post might have affiliate links that help us write the articles you love, at no extra cost to you. Read our statement.}

Best Dutch credit cards for personal use

If you’re looking for a personal credit card that’ll offer you some powerful rewards, you can’t go wrong with the below options.

ABN AMRO Credit Card: Best for expats on a budget

At just €1.70 per month, this ABN AMRO credit card is super easy on your wallet.

Don’t let the price fool you, though, because this baby will also earn you a nifty 8% discount on rental cars and a 4% cashback on hotels for that much-needed trip back home.

Check it out

bunq Credit Mastercard: Best for cashback offers

Though technically a debit card, the bunq Credit Mastercard can be used as a credit card — with no debt.

Even better, it can get you 1% cashback on bars and restaurants and 2% cashback on public transport (depending on your subscription). 

Check it out

ING Credit Card: Best for everyday use

The ING Credit Card is a solid option for a daily card that’ll cover your groceries, shopping trips, and anything else, at the low price of just €19.80 per year.

The only downside? You’ll need to have an ING Payment account and an income of more than €1000 per month to be eligible for this card.

Check it out

Openbank eCommerce Card: Best for online shopping

Although this is technically a virtual prepaid bank card, Openbank’s eCommerce Card is a stellar option if you want the benefits of a credit card without the costs.

With zero commissions on purchases with foreign currency and full control over how much money you load on this card, it’s the perfect choice for online shopping enthusiasts.

Check it out

Rabocard: Best starter credit card

Costing a maximum of €2 per month on the Rabo DirectPackage, the Rabocard is one of the cheapest credit cards available in the Netherlands.

However, cheap doesn’t mean stingy, as the card’s standard lending limit of €1000 per month can be raised to a generous €10,000, depending on income.

Check it out

Best Dutch credit cards for travel

Frequent flyers, on the other hand, often have different requirements for their credit cards. While most of these cards aren’t widely accepted for day-to-day purchases in the Netherlands, they’re great for buying flights!

Their benefits can range from flight benefits to a smoother travel experience, and their credit card of choice will need to do some heavy lifting to open those doors for them.

Our top picks are:

American Express Platinum card: Best for luxury travel

With open access to Schiphol’s exclusive Privium Plus benefits — such as faster security and border checks, priority parking, and the luxuries of the Privium Lounges — the American Express Platinum card ensures that your journey is as relaxing and stress-free as possible.

Of course, good things don’t come cheap, and neither does the AMEX Platinum card! Costing €65 per month, you’ll also need a gross yearly income of €30,000 to apply for this card.

Check it out

Flying Blue Platinum American Express card: Best for KLM frequent flyers

At €55 per month, the Flying Blue Platinum AMEX unlocks the door to KLM’s handy Flying Blue loyalty programme, with the ability to earn Miles whenever you book a flight.

You can spend your Miles on countless exclusive rewards, such as baggage allowance, seat upgrades — or even a reward ticket!

Check it out

Mastercard Black: Best for earning Air Miles

A cheaper alternative to the AMEX Platinum and Flying Blue Platinum cards, the ICS Mastercard Black offers great benefits for the price, including continuous travel insurance and access to over 1000 lounges in 75 different countries.

Costing €204 per year, this credit card also provides you seamless opportunities to earn Air Miles for most airlines — which can then be redeemed in the form of seat upgrades, discounts, and exclusive shopping deals.

Check it out

Best Dutch credit cards for business

Perhaps you’re a businessperson or freelancer? Then these handy cards might be far more your speed.

N26 Business Mastercard: Best for freelancers

With nifty cashback features, in-depth spending insights, and deposit protection, the N26 Business Mastercard is a fabulous asset in any freelancer’s arsenal.

Even better — depending on your N26 plan, you may even be eligible for travel insurance to cover delays, emergencies, and cancellations.

Check it out

American Express Business Green Card: Best affordable AMEX business card

The AMEX Business Green Card comes with comprehensive financial security — combining flexible spending limits, deferred payment plans, and a thorough overview of your business expenses.

Costing €85 per year, it also provides you with membership reward points for every euro spent.

Check it out

Visa World Card Business: Best for small businesses

At €42 per year, the Visa World Card Business is an excellent choice for new start-ups and small businesses.

Jam-packed with handy features such as flight delay insurance and SafeGuard Support in the event of emergencies, it also offers ICS’ 24/7 Fraud Protection system — so you can rest assured that your capital is as safe as can be.

Check it out

How to get the most out of your Dutch credit card

Hoera, you’ve got yourself a Dutch credit card… but how can you make the most of the new asset in your wallet?

Here are some handy tips and tricks that’ll serve you well during your time in the Netherlands:

Get a discount on your trip back home

Stunning though the Netherlands is, a trip back to your family and home country can really be the best mood-booster known to man. Travel, unfortunately, can be a rather expensive hobby.

Well, with your fancy new credit card, you’re in luck! It can help you score discounts on flight tickets, handy upgrades, and even travel insurance.

Choose a prepaid credit card for the best of both worlds

Prepaid credit cards function very similarly to debit cards, where you load a certain amount of money on your card in advance and can only spend up to that value. This often makes them a safer option than traditional credit cards.

However, where prepaid credit cards differ from debit cards is that your card needn’t be affiliated with a bank or banking account to operate. In addition to this, they offer many of the vast benefits that credit cards do — from cashback offers to travel insurance and more.

3 things to know about credit cards in the Netherlands

It’s only natural to have a few questions about what it’s like to own a Dutch credit card.

Let’s run through some important things you need to know.

1. A credit check is generally mandatory

In order to apply for a credit card in the Netherlands, applicants will need to complete a BKR assessment.

Also known as the Bureau Krediet Registratie (Credit Registration Office), this assessment determines how much money you have borrowed — and whether you’ve paid those bills on time.

READ MORE | The best banks in the Netherlands for internationals in 2024

Many credit card companies will refuse your application if you have a negative BKR.

2. Many credit cards have an income requirement

Depending on your desired credit card, you will very likely have to meet a certain monthly or yearly income requirement in order to be eligible.

Some banks (such as ING) may still offer you a credit card even if you don’t meet all their income criteria — but your spending limit may be drastically reduced.

3. It’s easy to avoid paying interest on your credit card

One important thing to know about credit cards is that you’ll be billed for all expenses charged on your card at the end of every month.

As long as you pay any outstanding balances within your card’s grace period, you won’t need to pay any interest on this money.

Have you used any of the credit cards on our list? Tell us all about your experiences in the comments below!

Credit cards in the Netherlands: Frequently Asked Questions

Hoera, you’ve landed in the Netherlands, tried your first stroopwafel, and now you’re looking for the perfect unlimited data plan to power your mobile phone — and, ultimately, your new lifestyle as an aspiring Dutchie.

However, looking for the perfect unlimited data plan isn’t as easy as eating boterkoek. 

First of all, unlimited data isn’t really unlimited. Then there are the fair use policies and the manual upgrades… basically, there’s a wealth of head-scratchingly confusing terms.

We’ve definitely been there, so geen stress, we’ve got something to help you through all the double Dutch: a guide to unlimited mobile data plans in the Netherlands.

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What is an unlimited data plan?

An unlimited data plan is pretty much exactly what it says on the tin!

This is a mobile plan that (theoretically) lets you use as much internet data as you’d like, giving you far more freedom than a stereotypical data package.

That means you can WhatsApp, surf the web, watch YouTube, or even send Tikkies as much as you like. They’re perfect if you don’t have a home internet subscription, too!

Why do these unlimited data plans seem to have limits?

Despite the name, many unlimited data plans in the Netherlands aren’t really ‘unlimited’ — you can’t hotspot an entire office, unfortunately.

Instead, mobile data is often capped at a certain amount between 10GB to 4GB per day, depending on your mobile data provider. Luckily, most providers will then let you grab free top-ups through a text message or an app!

The best unlimited data providers in the Netherlands

When it comes to unlimited data providers, the Netherlands has more choices than flavours of hagelslag at an Albert Heijn.

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To make things a little easier for you to decide, here are the best unlimited data providers in the Netherlands!

Best unlimited data SIM for those travelling Europe: KPN

KPN is one of the largest phone companies in the Netherlands, and their unlimited data SIM does not disappoint. You’ll get excellent coverage, good service, and the benefit of being able to walk into a shop to buy your SIM card.

As someone who’s used KPN for around six years, this is my top unlimited SIM card pick if you’re planning on doing some jet-setting around EU countries. This means that you’ll be able to use your KPN SIM like you’re at home, with a 50GB monthly limit!

These benefits come at a slightly higher price point, with unlimited data packages starting at €25 if you have KPN home internet and a two-year subscription, going up to €35 for just the SIM card and no minimum contract length.

Best Dutch unlimited data SIM for people who stream videos: Vodafone

Vodafone’s unlimited data pre-paid SIM option technically includes 10GB per day — but if you use that, it automatically gives you an extra 2GB and you can activate even more via their app (subject to fair use, of course ).

Combine that with their ultra-fast 5G internet, and you have a top combo for those who can’t miss the latest Selling Sunset or the current football match.

Going on holiday? No problem! Post all your vacation snaps with a lavish 40GB per month in the EU. Are you a Ziggo customer? Then you even get a discount!

The only downside: you need to commit to a 12-month or 24-month contract.

Best Dutch SIM for people who want speed and coverage: Odido

Merging telecommunications heavyweights T-Mobile and Tele2, Odido is a solid choice for data lovers who want generous and blazing-fast subscriptions.

Boasting speeds of up to 300 Mb/s for an Unlimited Basis subscription, an Unlimited Premium package kicks things up several notches to 1 Gb/s. That’s nearly ten times as fast as the average internet speed in the Netherlands!

Oké, but what if you need to make some calls? Unlike other providers that cap your minutes, with Odido, you can enjoy unlimited calls throughout the EU. You’ll also get 35GB of data, messages, and calling time to use within the EU so that you’re always connected — no matter whether you’re on the road or chilling at home.

Again, however, this option is for those of us who plan on staying long-term: the minimum contract is one year.

Cheapest unlimited data SIM card in the Netherlands: Budget Mobiel

Dedicated to giving you unlimited data at an affordable price, Budget Mobiel is a great option if you love surfing the net, but also want to watch your wallet.

Of course, with savings like these, there are some things you have to give up. The daily bundle maxes out at 4GB (but you can add extra 1 GB packages for free), there’s a speed limit of 5 MBp/s, there’s no 5G, no e-SIM, and you only have 17 GB of data to use in the EU.

In saying that, our editors swear by BudgetMobiel: it’s cheap, works brilliantly, and the online customer service is decent!

Things to consider before getting an unlimited data plan in the Netherlands

As with any data plan, there are a few things to mull over before you whip out your debit card and plonk down €30 per month.

The fair-use policy

Most mobile data providers have a fair use policy that dictates the terms under which they’re providing you unlimited data.

READ MORE | 5 reasons why a SIM-only subscription is the best choice for internationals in the NL

This is intended to ensure that consumers do not use the service for things it’s not intended for, which generally includes:

• using the mobile data plan as a replacement for a fixed internet connection
• using large amounts of mobile data ( for example, to stream films over Netflix)

In order to calculate the amount of data that may reasonably fall under “fair use”, data providers look at the average consumption of mobile data per person per day in the Netherlands.

There are manual upgrades for unlimited data plans

If you’re a heavy data user like me, I’ve found that a great way of extending your data plan is by requesting manual upgrades of 1GB, 2GB, or higher.

This means that if you’ve almost used up your daily data allowance, you won’t be left stranded with no mobile data.

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As the daily data allowance resets each day, you’ll only need to shell out for upgrades on days when you have the heaviest data usage.

Unlimited data plans in the Netherlands and travelling abroad

Well, unlimited data is all fine and dandy, but I’m sure you’re dying to find out what happens to your Dutch data package when you travel.

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Worry no longer, because we’re here to answer your burning questions.

Can I use my unlimited data outside of the Netherlands?

Maybe you have a romantic weekend planned in Italy, and you’re wondering if your unlimited data package will help you upload some super #leuk pictures to the ‘gram?

Blame it on EU regulations, but you likely won’t have access to the entirety of your unlimited data package whilst abroad.

Most data providers in the Netherlands will allow you to use a large bundle of data known as a roaming allowance. Any data usage over this, unfortunately, you’ll need to pay extra for.

Will my unlimited data work outside of the EU?

If you’ve decided on a thrilling vacation outside of the EU, and have your bags packed for Iceland, Norway, or Liechtenstein, you’ll still have access to much of your data package. 

This is because these countries are in the EEA (European Economic Area), and can also enjoy “roam like at home” privileges.

That tropical vacay to Bali, on the other hand?

The drinks may be flowing and the waters may be stunningly blue, but you’ll likely need to splurge on a roaming package.

Having read the whats, whys, and hows of unlimited data in the Netherlands, we hope you feel you can now make the best choice for you and your phone.

Will you be checking out an unlimited data plan? Tell us all about it in the comments below!

Unlimited data plans in the Netherlands: FAQ