September 2024: 9 things expats in the Netherlands need to know

While it may feel like summer has only just gotten started, the arrival of September will usher in the autumn season. Alongside cooler weather and changing leaves, there are plenty of important things happening this month. Here’s what expats in the Netherlands can expect in September 2024.

1. Remaining Dutch schools reopen after summer holidays

The summer holidays are officially over and all children will be back in school this month. While most schools in the Netherlands reopened their doors in August, the remaining schools, mainly in the northern region of the country, will only resume classes on September 1.

2. Government to reveal 2025 budget on Prinsjesdag

It’s the ninth month of the year and we all know what that means: budget day is coming. On September 17, the first Prince’s Day (Prinsjesdag) with the new Dutch government will take place and could see some important changes coming in. After King Willem-Alexander takes a ride in his Glass Coach in The Hague, he will deliver a speech covering the costs and plans for the country. Later that day, the Minister of Finance will give an overview of the plans to the House of Representatives.

3. Deadline for benefits and allowances for 2023

Wondering if you are eligible for the healthcare allowance, rent benefit or child benefit? September 1, 2024 is your last chance to retroactively apply for Dutch benefits and allowances for 2023. 

4. Public transport strikes across the Netherlands

Nationwide strikes in public transport will take place in the Netherlands during the second week of September, affecting the NS, urban and regional transport. Almost all public transport will come to a standstill on September 11 as unions demand that the government extend the early retirement scheme (RVU). 

5. Airports in the Netherlands to enforce 100ml liquid rule again

New guidelines from the European Commission mean that Dutch airports will again be implementing the 100 millilitres liquid rule. This means that plane passengers will be limited to carrying a total of one litre in liquids in their carry-on luggage, stored in containers no larger than 100 millilitres. 

6. KLM to start using new planes

From mid-September, KLM passengers will experience more comfort and convenience with the introduction of new aircraft. Travellers to cities like Copenhagen, Berlin and Stockholm get to fly with wider seats, wider aisles and easy-to-open overhead luggage bins. The more climate-friendly A321neo aircraft will begin serving several European destinations and will initiate the replacement of the Boeing 737 fleet. 

7. Academic year begins for Dutch universities

As children make their way back to school, older students will also resume lessons as the academic year for higher education kicks off. Universities across the Netherlands, including institutions in Amsterdam, Leiden and Utrecht, will open for the first semester on September 2. 

8. NS switches to post-summer timetable

With the end of the summer holidays, trains get busier as people go back to work and school. With more train passengers expected,  on September 2 the NS will adjust its timetable so that trains run more frequently and are longer, especially on busy routes. Make sure to check the travel planner for the departure time of your train as it could change.  

9. Autumn to arrive in the Netherlands

The weather in the Netherlands took it’s sweet time to warm up and before we know it, cooler temperatures will be back again. On September 22, the autumnal equinox will usher in the new season. Luckily, there are still many events and festivals to enjoy in autumn that will soften the blow of the end of summer. 

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