June 2026: 7 things expats in the Netherlands need to know

The Netherlands has enjoyed the last public holiday until Christmas and the sun is shining more often, which can only mean summer is almost here! Aside from a season change, here’s some other changes expats living in the Netherlands can expect in June 2026. 

1. EU introduces pay transparency law

The European Union will begin enforcing a law on pay transparency that will make the hiring process and employment conditions fairer for employees. The new law requires employers to inform workers about starting salaries during the hiring process and use gender neutral language in job descriptions, among other obligations. 

EU member states, including the Netherlands, have until June 7 to transpose the new directive into national employment law.

2. Dutch public transport strike planned for June 24

Dutch trade unions threatened strikes earlier in May if the government failed to scrap plans to cut unemployment benefits and disability benefits and to raise the state pension age. If the cabinet fails to meet demands, the first strike will affect public transport in the Netherlands.

This will take place on June 24. As part of the action, trains, buses, trams and metros will not start running until 8am on this day. Further strikes are possible. 

3. Discount travel pass for Dutch public transport set to launch

A 49-euro ticket that allows unlimited travel on Dutch public transport during off-peak hours and on weekends is set to launch on June 24 and will apply until September 1. The ticket is meant to encourage residents to use public transport instead of driving. 

The discount travel pass is an additional measure forming part of the government’s 1-billion-euro crisis relief package.

4. Amsterdam to start offering free bicycle parking 

As of June 1, the city of Amsterdam will allow people to park their bicycles for free for up to seven days at municipal bike parking facilities. Previously, cyclists would only get the first 24 hours free, after which they would need to pay 1,50 euros per day. 

5. TikTok Shop comes to the Netherlands

From June 15, TikTok Shop will be available to users of the social media platform in the Netherlands. This means that any products promoted by TikTok creators can be purchased directly in the app. 

6. Summer officially arrives in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has already had a taste of summer weather in the past weeks, with temperatures topping 30 degrees celsius, but the official start of the next season will only begin in the new month. 

The longest day of the year (the summer solstice) will kick off the summer season on June 21. Let’s hope the sunny weather continues so we can enjoy the myriad of events and festivals taking place this month. 

7. Pride month kicks off in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands and in many other countries across the globe, June is Pride Month. For the entire month, the LGBTQIA+ community will be celebrated with several parades, demonstrations and events taking place across the country. The celebrations of love, inclusion, equality and diversity last even longer in the Netherlands, extending into July and August.