Blog > Welcome

Blog

In our Blog section guest writers and the Team writes about topics related to your life in the Netherlands as an expat. You will find blogs about Taxes, Housing but also fun stuff. Like to contribute? Click below.
Expat Guide Blog
Blog > Welcome

7 things that might cheer you up about learning Dutch

What is your first reaction when you think about learning and speaking Dutch? It may not always be positive. Many people somehow feel some frustrations. But learning and speaking Dutch could be less awful than you think. Here are 7 ideas that could cheer you up!

Your Dutch health insurance in 2025

Everyone in the Netherlands can change their health insurance between the 13th of November and the 31st of December. During this period, you can either switch to a different health insurance provider or modify your existing policy, such as adjusting your personal contribution (eigen bijdrage).

The 30% ruling : changes & future prospects for expats

Are you an expat and are you moving to The Netherlands? Then you might be eligible for the 30%-ruling.

Every 2 Years an Eye Exam = Sharp Vision and Healthy Eyes

It's Eye Check Weeks at Pearle. Make an appointment and visit one of their stores for a free and comprehensive eye exam. Even if you're unsure or have no complaints, just do it! Then you'll be sure that you always have optimal vision and healthy eyes, which is nice!

Dutch income tax in 2024

As we step into the new year, it's crucial for taxpayers in the Netherlands to be aware of the recent changes in the income tax system that came into effect on January 1, 2024. The modifications primarily revolve around the three income tax boxes - Box 1, Box 2, and Box 3 - each playing a...

Real estate transfer tax in the Netherlands

Have you found your Dutch dream home? Apart from having the buying process concluded properly, it is of particular importance to also comprehend all aspects relating to acquiring the ownership of your new abode. A part of this acquisition process is the payment of transfer tax.<br...

Your Health Insurance in 2024

Everyone in the Netherlands can change his or her health insurance between the 13th of November and the 31st of December. You can decide to move to a different health insurance provider or change your current health insurance by for example change your personal contribution (eigen bijdrage). Your...

Discovering the city of Haarlem as a new inhabitant!

Nestled in the heart of North Holland, this charming city offers a perfect blend of historical charm, cultural richness, and a high quality of life. But what does living in Haarlem look like? And what activities should you not miss during your stay in Haarlem? In this comprehensive guide, we'll...

The legal downsides of cohabiting

For years, the fact has been that individuals have been getting married less frequently and less quickly. For many, marriage is an excuse to throw a fancy party. In itself, it is seen as old-fashioned. Indeed, in this day and age, there is no need to affirm your relationship by getting...

Finishes of Furniture

The devil is in the details, as they say. Or as we like to say at AKKA, the beauty is in the details. In fact, it is the details that make the difference. In interior design, the things we tend to overlook at first glance end up being the elements that contribute to the...

Dutch income taxes: 6 income tax deductions

Income taxes are complex and filing your tax return optimally in the Netherlands can be quite a challenge. In this article the team from taxt will give you a handy list of possible...

Mindfulness Meditation Exercises for Corporate Wellness

Whether working from home or reporting to the office headquarters, finding inner peace and balance in an ever-changing workplace can be a challenge. But with the right tools, mindful meditation practices can help create a more positive environment for employees to get their...

2023 Interior Design Trends

Trends in interior design may not come and go as quickly as fashion trends, but something new always emerges to inspire us, whether we want to update our space or we've just moved and are starting from scratch. Grounding with Earthy Tones We have...

Renovation Timeline

You thought about it, you asked around, you made a plan and you even did the math. That&rsquo;s it, you have now decided to do the renovation to create the home you always dreamed of. Before you embark on this project,&nbsp;make sure you have considered not only the costs, but also the time...

Why having a living will is crucial.

In a "regular" will, one generally describes how assets should be divided upon death. What should happen to your assets, though, if you haven't passed away yet, but you're merely not able to make decisions concerning your assets? This could be the case if you're in a coma due to an accident or if...