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

The weather in the Netherlands is slowly getting warmer and the sun is peeking out more often - that can only mean that spring is on the way! As we welcome a new month and season, there are also some important changes coming up. Here are some key things expats need to know about March 2026 in the Netherlands.

1. IamExpat Fair takes place in Amsterdam

That’s right, the IamExpat Fair in Amsterdam is back! On Saturday, March 7, the must-attend expat event will take place at the Beurs van Berlage, where visitors can interact with the many exhibitors offering their expertise on everything an expat could need.

Whether you’re looking for a Dutch language course, planning on buying a house in the Netherlands or are on the hunt for a job, you’ll have the opportunity to get advice on almost any topic you can think of as an international living in the Netherlands. 

You can also attend one of the workshops at the fair, where experts go into more detail about a variety of topics from Dutch taxes to getting a mortgage and more. The IamExpat team looks forward to seeing you there!

2. Dutch tax season begins

Tax season in the Netherlands is here again. As of March 1, residents in the Netherlands can file their annual tax returns for 2025 until the deadline of May 1, 2026. With your DigiD ready, you can fill in all your information online by yourself or you can consult with a tax advisor for guidance.

3. Local elections in the Netherlands on March 18

On March 18, residents across the country will head to the polls to cast their votes in the 2026 local elections to fill 342 municipal council seats. These elections allow residents to decide who will make decisions on their behalf regarding local issues such as housing, healthcare, sustainability and liveability in their municipalities.

Thousands of internationals can also take part, including citizens from EU countries and non-EU citizens who have lived in the Netherlands for at least five years.

4. Schools in the north reopen after spring break

After enjoying a nice little break, children will return to class as schools in the northern region of the Netherlands open their doors after the spring holidays on March 1. The southern and central regions already returned to the classroom on February 22. 

5. Start of daylight savings time 

Over the past few weeks, the sun has been rising earlier and setting later - get ready for these times to change again slightly. March marks the start of Daylight Savings Time (DST) in the Netherlands, with the clocks set to go forward by one hour. This means that you’ll lose an hour of sleep on March 29, but afterwards you’ll be rewarded with longer evenings and more hours of sunlight. 

6. Arrival of spring in the Netherlands

With the days getting longer, spring is just around the corner! The spring equinox is on March 20, ushering in the official start of the new season. While summer is the favourite for many, there are many events and activities to celebrate the springtime, from boating in canals to strolling between cherry blossom trees in Dutch cities.

7. Keukenhof opens its doors

As spring arrives with colourful blooms and warmer weather, the famous Dutch tulips will once again be ready for visitors. Keukenhof, one of the Netherlands’ most popular attractions, will open its doors to the public on March 19. Showcasing some of the country’s most beautiful flowers for only two months a year, the gardens make for the perfect spring outing!