April 2026: 8 things expats in the Netherlands need to know

It’s a brand new month: spring is here, the clocks have gone forward and we all get to enjoy a nice little break for Easter weekend - hopefully with lots of sunshine! From King’s Day to taxes, here’s what expats in the Netherlands need to be aware of in April 2026.

1. Dutch government workers to strike on April 14

On April 14, Dutch civil servants will go on strike again to protest the zero-line wage system which dictates that central government workers will receive no salary increases or inflation adjustments for 2026. This means that services could be disrupted at agencies such as the Education Executive Agency (DUO), Public Works and Water Management (Rijkswaterstaat), the Dutch tax office (Belastingdienst) and Immigration and Naturalisation Services (IND). 

2. NS security staff to begin carrying batons

Earlier this year, Dutch rail company NS launched a pilot scheme that arms security staff with batons after rising violence on trains. Until now, NS enforcement officers have been undergoing training on how to use the baton, but from the end of April, they are expected to start carrying batons in public.

The trial will last one year and will first be rolled out at train stations in Rotterdam, The Hague, Zwolle and Den Bosch.

3. Deadline for annual Dutch tax returns approaches

As of March 1, Dutch residents have been able to submit their taxes. The deadline of May 1 is fast approaching, which makes April the final month that you can file your tax returns, unless you have already requested an extension.

4. Biometric facial scan needed to use Tinder

To deter catfishers and scammers, popular dating app Tinder is introducing a biometric face scan to estimate a user’s age and verify their profile, while reducing fraud and preventing others from stealing your identity. From April, Tinder users in the Netherlands will not be able to use the dating app without first submitting a facial scan. 

However, there are privacy concerns, as Tinder will store data through an American company, which could share it with a third party. According to the company, “By continuing to use Tinder after April 4, you agree to the updated privacy policy”. 

5. Easter brings weekend break for the Netherlands

After a long while in the Netherlands without any public holidays, residents will be happy to enjoy a hard-earned extra day off or two in April. Starting the month off right, we have Easter weekend. While Good Friday is not a holiday in the Netherlands, most people do not get the day off from work or school, but Easter Monday on April 6 is a public holiday, so residents can still enjoy a long weekend.

6. The Netherlands celebrates King’s Day

The ultimate Dutch holiday will also take place in April: King’s Day! Across the Netherlands, people will don their best orange clothes and head out to enjoy the usual festivals and parties. This year, Koningsdag on April 27 falls on a Monday, and with it being a public holiday, we can enjoy another long weekend!

It is also worth noting that Amsterdam is implementing stricter rules for King’s Day 2026 by cracking down on illegal alcohol sales and illegal parties, along with other measures, to prevent “anything goes” behaviour. 

7. Dutch schools close for May holidays

Adults won’t be the only ones enjoying a well-deserved break. Children in the Netherlands will also get some time off as Dutch schools close their doors for the May holidays. From April 25 to May 3, schools across the country will be closed, giving kids a week-long break to relax.

8. Lyrids meteor shower visible in the Netherlands

In the second half of April, the Lyrids meteor shower will light up the skies above the Netherlands. 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.