April 2025: 9 things expats in the Netherlands need to know

Spring has officially arrived in the Netherlands, the clocks have gone forward, and we have made it to a new month. As the days get longer and the sun shines more often, there’s loads more to do and enjoy. From King’s Day to taxes, here’s what expats living and working in the Netherlands need to be aware of in April 2025. 

1. Interim driving test in the Netherlands to be scrapped

As of April 1, the interim driving test will be scrapped for a year. The temporary removal of the test, which acts as a trial exam for the driving practical exam in the Netherlands, will relieve pressure on limited staff and reduce the backlog of applicants waiting to take their driving tests. 

2. Pleasure boats banned from Amsterdam city centre

Amsterdam is implementing an emission-free zone for pleasure boats from April 1. Only boats that are powered by electricity, hydrogen and muscle power will be allowed in the city centre. Boat owners who have a valid BHG permit will also have access to the canals in the centre of the Dutch capital. 

3. Travelling to the UK from the Netherlands requires ETA

People who want to travel to the United Kingdom from the Netherlands, excluding UK and Irish citizens, will soon require a digital ETA or Electronic Travel Authorisation. The ETA is required for all types of travel and is valid for two years, during which travellers can enter and leave the country as many times as they like and spend up to 180 days there. It costs 10 pounds per person, approximately 12 euros.

The fee will apply to citizens of EU and EEA countries from April 2, though applications for an ETA have been open since March 5.

4. Deadline for filing annual Dutch tax returns looms

All Dutch residents have been able to submit their taxes from March 1, and the deadline to get those annual tax forms in is already fast approaching. April is the last month that you can submit your tax returns, with the tax season ending on May 1. However, extensions are possible. 

5. The Netherlands enjoys a break for Easter weekend

It has been a long couple of months in the Netherlands with nary a public holiday in sight. Luckily, April brings with it a chance to have a bit of a break. Easter weekend is right around the corner, and while Good Friday is a holiday in the Netherlands, most people do not get the day off from work or school. However, Easter Monday on April 21 is a public holiday, so residents can still enjoy a long weekend.

6. King’s Day celebrations return to the Netherlands

The ultimate Dutch holiday also takes place in April: King’s Day! The traditional date for Koningsdag is April 27, but in 2025 this falls on a Sunday, which means that the festivities will be moved a day earlier to April 26. This also means that the Netherlands misses out on the chance of another public holiday, but the usual festivals, parties and orange attire on the weekend will more than makeup for it. 

7. Schools in the Netherlands close for May holidays

Kids in the Netherlands will enjoy some time off too as Dutch schools close their doors for the May holidays. From April 26 to May 4, schools across the country will be closed, giving children a week-long break to relax and hopefully enjoy the warmer weather. 

8. Docuseries about Amsterdam Centraal airs

On April 17 at 9.30pm, the first six episodes of the docuseries titled Amsterdam Centraal 24 / 7 will be released on National Geographic. Viewers can expect a behind-the-scenes look at the 135-year-old building and its employees throughout the TV show. 

9. Lyrids meteor shower to be visible above the Netherlands

The Dutch skies will light up with the Lyrids meteor shower from April 14 to 30. The peak of the annual event will take place on the night of April 22 to 23, so be sure to look up to get a glimpse of one of the oldest meteor showers ever recorded.

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