September 2025: 8 things expats in the Netherlands need to know

As the Dutch weather returns to its typical unpredictable ways, we say goodbye to summer and welcome autumn with a brand new month! Other than cooler temperatures and changing leaves, there are plenty of important things happening this month. Here’s what expats in the Netherlands can expect in September 2025:

1. Dutch government to reveal 2026 budget on Prinsjesdag

The government is back from summer recess, and we all know what that means: budget day is coming. However, this year might be an odd one, after PVV leaving the coalition caused the cabinet to collapse earlier this year. On September 16, the caretaker government will still announce some policies on Prince’s Day (Prinsjesdag), before the new government takes over following the national election in October. 

2. Deadline for benefits and allowances for 2024

Wondering if you are eligible for the healthcare allowance, rent benefit, or child benefit? September 1, 2025, is your last chance to retroactively apply for Dutch benefits and allowances for 2024.

3. Academic year begins for Dutch universities

While children already returned to school last month, older students will resume lessons as the academic year for higher education begins. Universities across the Netherlands, including institutions in Amsterdam, Leiden and Utrecht, will open for the first semester on September 1.

4. NS switches to post-summer timetable

Trains are set to get busier as people head back to work and school after the summer holidays. With more rail passengers expected, the NS is adjusting its timetable from September 1 to run more frequent and longer trains, especially on busy routes. Make sure to check the travel planner for the departure time of your train, as it could change. 

5. KLM to implement new hand luggage fees

As of September 9, anyone travelling to select European destinations with KLM will have to pay extra for hand luggage, as the Dutch airline implements a new carry-on policy. This will apply to bookings from Amsterdam or Paris to Athens, Dublin, Florence, Helsinki, Munich, Prague, Stockholm, Turin and Vienna.

6. Eurostar adds daily trains to London-Amsterdam route

Want to take a quick weekend trip to London before the cold weather arrives? Eurostar will add a fourth daily train service taking travellers between Amsterdam and London from September 9. Before, Eurostar only ran trains between the UK and the Netherlands three times a day. A fifth connection will also be added in December. 

7. Babies in the Netherlands to be vaccinated against RSV

From September 1, babies in the Netherlands can be vaccinated against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which causes respiratory infections that land hundreds of young children in the hospital every year. As RSV peaks in the winter, the National Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM) has planned the vaccination schedule based on date of birth.

Babies born after April 1 this year will be the first to be vaccinated, while babies born between October 1, 2025 and March 1, 2026, will receive the vaccination before they reach two weeks old. 

8. Autumn arrives in the Netherlands

While it may feel like summer just started, cooler temperatures are set to return soon. On September 22, the autumnal equinox will usher in the new season. Luckily, there are still many events and festivals to enjoy in the autumn that will soften the blow of the end of the summer.