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

Along with the sunny spring weather and a bunch of public holidays, there are a few things to take note of in May. Here’s what the new month has in store for people living and working in the Netherlands. 

1. Dutch tax return deadline arrives

Reading this on April 30, and haven’t submitted your Dutch tax return yet? It is important to note that the deadline for submitting your 2025 tax return is midnight on May 1, unless you’ve filed for an extension. If you want to avoid any last-minute filing stress next year, aim to be like the 77.000 residents this year who filed their returns by 7am the day tax season began. 

2. Public holidays in May

With not many public holidays to enjoy in the Netherlands, it's best to make the most of the multiple days off in May! Some workers might be lucky enough to have Liberation Day on May 5 as a paid day off, but most of us only get to enjoy the holiday away from work every five years, and unfortunately 2026 is not that year.

If you’re not part of the growing population of workers with Liberation Day off, don’t worry because there are still two more public holidays in May: Ascension Day (Hemelvaart) on May 14 and Whit Monday (Tweede Pinksterdag) on May 25. 

3. Schools in the Netherlands reopen after May holidays

After enjoying a short break, children across the Netherlands will prepare to return to the classroom as schools open their doors once more from May 2. The next school break will be for summer vacation in July. 

4. New bank account for Dutch tax office

The Dutch tax office (Belastingdienst) is switching banks in May, from ING to Rabobank. This means that the tax office will have a new account number. Taxpayers are advised to check the official account number before making any payments. And if you accidentally send money to the old account number, don’t fret, this account will remain open for a year to give residents and businesses time to note the switch. 

5. Airlines scrap flights in May 

Dutch airline KLM and its subsidiary Transavia have both cancelled a number of flights in May due to the rising kerosene prices. KLM scrapped 160 European flights to and from Amsterdam, and Transavia cut around 2 percent of its flights during the busy May holidays.

If you’re travelling in May, make sure to check any updates for your flight information. 

6. Meat and fossil fuel-related ads banned in Amsterdam

From May 1, advertising of meat- and fossil-fuel-related products and services will be banned in public spaces in Amsterdam. This includes petrol and diesel, cruises and air travel, making Amsterdam the first capital city in the world to pass such a ban.

7. Holiday allowance gets paid out

The public holidays aren’t the only thing many workers look forward to in May; the holiday allowance, also known as vakantiegeld, is another! The 8 percent bonus is usually paid out in May or June, depending on your employer. Note that some employers spread the allowance out over the 12 months of the year. 

8. Keukenhof closes its doors

After almost two months of frolicking through the gorgeous tulips at Keukenhof, the Dutch park is closing its doors in May. For any last-minute visitors who still want to enjoy a trip to the tulip gardens, do so soon, as Keukenhof’s spring season ends on Sunday, May 10.