What were our most popular reads in 2016? What did expats in the Netherlands most want to know about? From immigration law changes to bike theft prevention, here are 15 of the most-read articles published on IamExpat over the last 12 months.

Don’t forget to check out the profiles of authors you particularly enjoyed, to see their other writing. Happy reading and Happy New Year for 2017!

Proposed changes to Dutch naturalisation laws in 2016

by Hermie de Voer
New amendments to the Dutch Citizenship Act have been proposed; including a longer waiting period for citizenship by naturalisation and the end of applications from abroad.

Six ways of saying sorry in Dutch

by Ruud Hisgen
Ever offended a Dutch person and didn't know how to apologise? Here are six ways of saying sorry in Dutch by Ruud Hisgen.

How not to get your bike stolen in the Netherlands

Bicycle theft is a big problem in the Netherlands, with an average of 311 bikes stolen each day. Read about easy preventative measures and what to do if your bike disappears.

New salary criterion in 2016 for highly skilled migrants

Would you qualify as a skilled migrant in 2016? The Dutch government has set new income requirements for this kind of residence permit.

5 special cycle lanes in the Netherlands

The Dutch are experimenting with some creative approaches to cycle lanes. Some are environmentally friendly, others just pretty. Here are our five favourites!

Losing your job as an expat in the Netherlands

by Reinier Wolters
Find out what you need to know and do if you lose your job as an expat in the Netherlands. De Vreede Advocaten explains how you can protect yourself.

The Máxima effect: a Dutch love lesson for expats

by Margreet van 't Haaff
Falling in love with a Dutch person is the first step, but how do you show you’re serious? Follow Máxima, who won the heart of the king, even if she didn't speak his language!

5 magical mazes in the Netherlands

It may seem impossible to get well and truly lost in the small and flat country of the Netherlands, but you just might take a wrong turn in one of these Dutch mazes!

10 things I love about life in the Netherlands

We like to complain about the weather and food, but expats often stay longer than expected in the Netherlands. Here are 10 reasons why.

A crash course in Dutch cursing

by Albert Both
Learning how to curse properly is an essential part of mastering a new language and integrating into a new culture. Here are some classic Dutch swear words and what they mean!

Invader Stu: A Dutch guide to camping

by Stuart B
The Dutch love to go camping, but it is not camping as most of us might know it. Invader Stu investigates the Dutch take on sleeping in the outdoors.

British and in the Netherlands? How to keep your EU citizenship

by Christine Sullivan
The stunning news that the UK voted to leave the European Union has UK nationals who live abroad throughout Europe asking: what does this mean for me?

Filing your Dutch tax return: 10 things you need to know

by Lennart Suurmond
Find out about 10 of the main rules, benefits and refund opportunities that apply to the annual Dutch tax return.

8 ways to recognise a Dutch tourist on your holiday

So you’re taking a break from the country with a well-deserved holiday? Beware, the Netherlands just might be coming with you!

Dutch words in the English language you’d never expect

The Netherlands may be a small country, but its colonial past and rich maritime trade history enabled the Dutch language to leave a lasting mark in languages all across the globe.

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