July 2025: 12 things expats in the Netherlands need to know

With the arrival of July comes many important changes in the Netherlands. From minimum wage changes to rent price hikes, here’s what expats living in the Netherlands should take note of in July 2025. 

2. Dutch state pension and benefits to rise

The higher minimum wage will also have knock-on effects on benefits and allowances in the Netherlands, including the state pension which is set to increase by 30 euros per month. This means that, as of July 1, the rates for the following benefits will increase: 

• Participatiewet (social assistance benefit, income supplement)
• IOAW and IOAZ (benefits for the unemployed elderly)
• WIA, WAO, Wajong, and ZW (disability and sickness benefits)
• WW (unemployment benefits)
• Toeslagenwet (covers WW, WIA, WAO, Wajong and ZW allowances)
• AOW (state pension)
• Anw (survivor’s benefits)

3. Dutch rent price hike to go ahead

While the government was working on freezing social housing rents, these plans came to an end when the Schoof I cabinet collapsed. Several coalition parties and Dutch municipalities had called for a halt to the planned rent hikes, but unfortunately the increase will go ahead.

Based on the maximum rent increase set by the government, from July 1, tenants in mid-range rentals can expect a rent increase of a maximum of 7,7 percent, while those in social housing could pay up to 5 percent more. Private sector tenants will see rents rise by 4,1 percent. 

4. Child benefit paid out to families in the Netherlands

Families with children up to the age of 17 in the Netherlands who are eligible for the child benefit (kinderbijslag) will receive the benefit for the second quarter on July 1, 2025. Depending on the age of the child, parents or carers could receive 286,45 to 409,21 euros. 

For those with children who need extra care up to the age of 18, the child benefit will double from July 1. This is specifically for children who fall under the Long-Term Care Act.

5. Amsterdam implements permit system for mid-range rental housing

The Dutch capital is introducing a new permit system to ensure a person’s income level fits the cost of the home they’re living in. As of July 1, new tenants of properties in Amsterdam with 144 to 186 property valuation points or a monthly rent of 1.184,82 euros must apply for a housing permit with the municipality.

6. New EU energy-saving labels for tumble dryers

In March 2021, the EU introduced a new set of energy labels for household appliances, designed to help customers reduce their utility bills and carbon footprint. Appliances are given a rating between A and G, and information about the product’s rating is shown on the sticker.

These new labels were initially only required for specific appliances, including refrigerators, freezers, and washing machines. From July 1, all tumble dryers sold in the EU will also bear an energy information sticker.

7. Higher prices for Dutch internet and TV subscriptions

Internet and TV subscriptions will cost Dutch residents more this month. Ziggo and KPN are each increasing their prices by 3,3 percent, reports AD. Delta is also set to raise its subscription price for its 105 Mbps line by 2,50 euros for a total cost of 42,50 euros. 

8. NS scraps youth day ticket

The NS youth day ticket (Jongerendagkaart) which allows children aged 12 to 18 unlimited travel during off-peak periods for just 8,50 euros will be discontinued. From July 1, young travellers will be able to get a 40 percent discount instead, which costs 5,95 euros per month. 

9. PostNL raises the price of stamps

Stamps will cost 8,3 percent more from July 1 as Dutch mail carrier PostNL increases the price by 10 cents to 1,31 euros per stamp. According to the company, this is necessary because residents are posting fewer and fewer letters. The cost of sending letters abroad will also go up by 10 cents. Additionally, registered letters and parcels will each see a price hike of 50 cents.

10. Schools in the Netherlands close for the summer holidays

Dutch schools will close their doors for the summer holidays in July. While the dates will be staggered between the three regions (North, Central and South), this year all children will be free from school from July before returning to classes in August. 

Schools in the North region will be closed from July 12 to August 24, schools in the Central region will be closed from July 19 to August 31, and schools in the South region will be closed from July 5 to August 17.

11. Amsterdam Pride kicks off and other events

The internationally renowned Amsterdam Pride returns to the Dutch capital for the 28th time this July! From July 26 - August 3, the Dutch city will be filled with parties, films, exhibitions, debates and other activities to celebrate diversity and acceptance in the Netherlands.

Some other events and festivals happening in July include the important Keti Koti Festival, Edam Cheese Market and Paarspop.

12. Meteor showers to light up Dutch skies

Stargazers can turn their eyes to the sky for nature’s fireworks this month as the Alpha Capricornids and Delta Aquariids brighten the skies above the Netherlands. The Alpha Capricornid meteor shower will be active from July 3 to August 15 and the Delta Aquariids will be active from July 12 to August 23. Both meteor showers are expected to peak on July 30.