Every May, workers in the Netherlands receive an extra payment in their bank account which initially confounds many newcomers: the vakantiegeld. Some mistake it for a bonus, others don’t understand why their payslip looks different that month, and almost everyone asks the same question upon seeing it: why are they deducting so much in tax?
May marks the favourite time of the year for many workers in the Netherlands: the vakantiegeld (holiday pay). It’s 8% of your gross annual salary that your employer accrues throughout the year and pays out in one go — usually between May and June. Transparency: this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product
What to do with your vakantiegeld? 5 options ordered by financial impact Read More »
If you have a car in the Netherlands, you’ll have already experienced it: filling up the tank costs an arm and a leg. Petrol here is among the most expensive in Europe, mainly due to taxes. Almost everyone assumes it’s something that can’t be changed, but there’s a simple way to get a few cents
How to Save on Petrol in the Netherlands with a tankpas (2026) Read More »
Trade Republic is launching a card that “gives you 1% back on your purchases” and everyone’s eyes light up: free cashback for spending? Well, yes and no. That 1% exists, but it doesn’t come back to you as cash to spend: it’s invested. It’s called Saveback and, properly understood, it’s quite a clever idea. Misunderstood,
The Trade Republic Card and its cashback: how Saveback works (2026) Read More »
Credit cards in the Netherlands (2026): compare ABN AMRO, ING, Rabobank, Bunq and Revolut, see prices and which one suits expats.
Credit Cards in the Netherlands (2026): comparison, prices and which one suits expats Read More »
If you’ve been living in the Netherlands for a while and have tried to apply for a loan, buy a phone on instalments, or even rent a house, you’ve probably heard the acronym BKR. But what exactly is it? Do you have one? Is it a bad thing? In this article, I’ll tell you everything
What is the BKR and how to check your registration in the Netherlands? (2026) Read More »
If you have just arrived in the Netherlands or are about to, one of the first things you will need is a bank account. Without it, you cannot receive your salary, pay rent, or set up direct debits for basic services. The problem is that there are several options in the Netherlands, and prices change
Did you know that from January 2026 in the Netherlands, they can pay you for charging your electric car at home? This is not a marketing trick or an unusual offer. It’s an official system of the Dutch government that forces fuel companies to compensate their emissions, and you could get part of that money.
Get Paid for Charging Your Electric Car at Home: How It Works in the Netherlands Read More »
Every May or June, your employer pays out your vakantiegeld (holiday pay) — 8% of your annual gross salary in one lump sum. Here are 5 options for making the most of it, ranked by long-term financial impact.
What to do with your vakantiegeld? 5 options ranked by financial impact Read More »
In the Netherlands, the government distributes hundreds of euros each month in direct subsidies to the bank accounts of millions of residents. These are called toeslagen and are designed to help those with lower and middle incomes cover essential expenses such as rent, healthcare insurance, or childcare. What’s surprising is that a significant portion of
The Four Dutch Government Subsidies You Might Be Missing (toeslagen 2026) Read More »
