Holland Handbook: 25 Years, 200,000 Copies
- This spring marks the release of the 25th edition of the Holland Handbook.
- The expat guide covers a wide array of topics, from practical advice to cultural insights, making it a go-to resource for newcomers. Publisher Bert van Essen notes a...
- The 2025 edition, spanning 289 pages, addresses a multitude of questions and concerns that expats may have.
The Holland Handbook: Your Complete Guide to Expat Life in the Netherlands
Table of Contents
- The Holland Handbook: Your Complete Guide to Expat Life in the Netherlands
- The Holland Handbook: Your Questions About Expat Life in the Netherlands Answered
- What is the Holland Handbook?
- What kind of information can I find in the Holland Handbook?
- How long has the Holland Handbook been around?
- What was the origin of the Holland Handbook?
- Why is the Holland Handbook updated annually?
- Is the Holland Handbook available online?
- What is the future of the Holland Handbook?
- Key information About the Holland Handbook
Published: 2025-03-14
The “Expat Bible” Reaches its 25th Edition
This spring marks the release of the 25th edition of the Holland Handbook. Since its initial publication in 2000, this resource, often referred to as the “expat Bible,” has sold over 200,000 copies. The Holland handbook serves as an indispensable guide for individuals, companies, and universities with international employees navigating life in the Netherlands.
The expat guide covers a wide array of topics, from practical advice to cultural insights, making it a go-to resource for newcomers. Publisher Bert van Essen notes a recent surge in interest, particularly from Americans seeking guidance on settling into Dutch life.
Everything You Need to Know About Living in the Netherlands
The 2025 edition, spanning 289 pages, addresses a multitude of questions and concerns that expats may have. Whether you need a reliable whether app, are curious about the history of the Dutch royal family, or need to decipher road signs, this handbook has you covered. It also provides essential information on topics such as maternity leave rights and the process of renting a house.
The Holland Handbook is designed to be a one-stop resource for all things related to expat life in the Netherlands.
From Quarterly Magazine to Annual Handbook
The genesis of the Holland Handbook can be traced back to a quarterly magazine called The XPat Journal. according to publisher Bert van Essen, “At the turn of the century we were publishing a quarterly magazine for expats, called The XPat Journal, which had a loyal readership.” However,it soon became evident that a more comprehensive and regularly updated resource was needed. “But it soon became clear that there was also a need for a complete handbook that offered up-to-date, practical and comprehensible information.”
Recognizing the dynamic nature of expat-related information, the decision was made to publish an annual, updated version. “We also realised that a book that covers so many diffrent topics would have a short shelf life, due to legislative changes and political and practical developments, so we decided to make it an annual, updated version.” This commitment to providing current and relevant information has been a key factor in the handbook’s enduring success.
The enduring Relevance of a Printed Guide
Despite the proliferation of online resources,the Holland Handbook remains a popular choice for expats. In the early days of the internet, finding reliable information about expat issues was challenging. Even with the numerous websites and online organizations available today, the book continues to be in high demand.
Editor Stephanie Dijkstra explains, “For a while, we had an app-version, offering the same information, but our readers clearly preferred having the physical book to browse through and earmark.” While online content is utilized, particularly for younger expats, the tangible nature of the book offers a unique appeal. “We use some of the content for our website, as we know that especially younger expats really onyl search online.”
The Future of the holland Handbook
Looking ahead, the future of printed media is uncertain. publisher Bert van Essen acknowledges the impact of AI and the shift away from print. “With the arrival of AI and the disappearance of printed media, we don’t expect to be publishing 25 more issues.” Though, he remains optimistic about the handbook’s continued relevance in the near term. “We are realistic enough to be aware of what is ahead of us. But we do see a market for this book for a while yet. After all, we’ve made a name for ourselves.”
The Holland Handbook has become a trusted resource for expats, and its legacy is highly likely to endure even as the publishing landscape evolves.
The Holland Handbook: Your Questions About Expat Life in the Netherlands Answered
Are you planning a move to the Netherlands? The Holland Handbook is designed to be your comprehensive guide. This Q&A will provide key information about the handbook, including its content, history, and how it can help you navigate Dutch life.
What is the Holland Handbook?
The Holland Handbook is a comprehensive guide for expatriates (expats), international employees, and students moving to or living in the Netherlands.It covers a wide range of topics, from practical advice on housing and healthcare to cultural insights and understanding Dutch customs. Frequently enough referred to as the ”expat Bible,” it serves as a one-stop resource for navigating all aspects of expat life in the Netherlands.
What kind of information can I find in the Holland Handbook?
The 2025 edition of the Holland Handbook, which spans 289 pages, covers a multitude of topics relevant to expats, including:
Practical Matters:
finding reliable weather apps.
Deciphering Dutch road signs and understanding traffic laws.
Understanding maternity leave rights.
Navigating the process of renting a house.
Cultural insights:
Learning about the history of the Dutch Royal Family.
Understanding Dutch customs and etiquette.
essential Information:
A wide array of topics, from practical advice to cultural insights.
How long has the Holland Handbook been around?
The Holland Handbook has a long history, with the first edition published in 2000. The 2025 edition marks its 25th year as a leading resource for expats in the Netherlands. In those 25 years, it has sold over 200,000 copies.
What was the origin of the Holland Handbook?
The Holland Handbook evolved from a quarterly magazine called The XPat Journal. Recognizing the need for a more comprehensive and regularly updated resource, the publishers transitioned to an annual handbook format.
Why is the Holland Handbook updated annually?
The Holland Handbook is updated annually to ensure that the information remains current and relevant. Legislative changes, political developments, and practical updates related to expat life in the Netherlands necessitate regular revisions.
Is the Holland Handbook available online?
Yes, some of the content of the holland Handbook is available on their website, catering to younger expats who primarily search online. However, the physical book remains a popular choice among readers.
Why do people still prefer the printed handbook?
Despite the abundance of online resources, many expats prefer the tangible nature of the physical Holland Handbook as they enjoy browsing through it and earmarking important sections. While a digital app version was available for a time, feedback indicated readers favored the printed format.
What is the future of the Holland Handbook?
Publisher Bert van Essen acknowledges the challenges facing printed media due to the rise of AI and digital resources. While he anticipates a continued market for the Holland Handbook in the near term, the long-term future of the printed guide is uncertain.
Key information About the Holland Handbook
| Feature | Description |
| ————————- | ———————————————————————————————————- |
| Purpose | comprehensive guide for expats living and working in the Netherlands |
| first Edition | 2000 |
| 2025 Edition Length | 289 pages |
| Update Frequency | Annually |
| Predecessor | The XPat Journal (quarterly magazine) |
| Availability | Printed book and online content |
| Topics covered | Housing, healthcare, culture, legal matters, practical tips, history of the Dutch Royal Family, and more. |