October 2026: 8 changes expats in the Netherlands need to know about

The clocks are going back and the days are getting colder, but October also brings a list of new rules and information internationals need to know. Here’s what’s changing in the Netherlands in October 2026.

1. Unregistered debt collectors can’t charge collection fees

Under the Debt Collection Services Quality Act (Wki), debt collection services in the Netherlands must be registered in the public Justis Register to protect people and prevent unprofessional conduct. Starting from October 1, those who receive a debt notice from an unregistered agency are legally exempt from paying any extra collection costs. You only need to pay the original debt.

2. Public transport officers can consult the driving-licence register 

As of October 1, public-transport enforcement officers can use the driving-licence register driving-licence register driving-licence register to help identify passengers who are not carrying an ID. With this change, officers can issue fines without having to consult the police. It is important to carry your ID whenever travelling on Dutch public transport to avoid such trouble.

3. Clocks are turning back 

Daylight Saving Time ends in the early hours of Sunday, October 25. At 3am, clocks fall back to 2am, giving an extra hour of sleep on the weekend. The downside is that evening daylight will end much earlier from Sunday afternoon onwards.

4. Grid congestion application window opens

To tackle national power grid congestion (netcongestie), network operators, such as Enexis Netbeheer, are opening applications from October 1 to October 23. Municipalities and housing developers can apply for grid capacity up to 10 years in advance for housing and school construction projects.

Applying early helps with planning ahead and means there will be greater security in knowing whether there is room for a project on the power grid.

5. Excavation permits merge into one form

If you're renovating, extending your home or building something on your plot, you need to report your soil excavation through the online Omgevingsloket. From October 1, the two separate excavation activities (graven in bodem) become one, with a notification form and an information form. In other words, less paperwork.

Already started an application or saved a permit check? It's advised to complete them before the change, as they cannot be altered afterwards. The exact legal start date is yet to be confirmed and will be announced separately.

6. Cheaper transport fares in Utrecht

Between October and December, those who travel by bus or tram within Utrecht will only be charged a maximum of 50 euros per month in fares. Off-peak subscriptions will also be cheaper, discounted from 30 euros to 15 euros during these months. 

7. The rising of the Hunter’s Moon

October's full moon, traditionally known as the Hunter's Moon (Jagersmaan), rises on October 26, 2026. The name is well-deserved, as it is the moon that comes when farmers have finalised the reaping of the fields and are ready to hunt animals to cook for winter meals. The moon may appear yellow-orange in colour as it’s closer to the horizon.

8. No more free sandwiches on KLM flights

The Dutch airline KLM has announced that it will no longer provide free sandwiches on European flights. Instead, meals will be available for a fee through the introduction of Grad Cafe KLM, which will let passengers pre-order a meal before departure. Otherwise, the classic option of onboard menus will also be available for a fee.