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Silas

The Netherlands is entering a busy September as political, economic, and cultural changes shape life in the country. The caretaker Dutch government, following the coalition’s collapse earlier this year, is set to present the 2026 budget on Prinsjesdag (September 16, 2025). This announcement takes place just weeks ahead of the general election set for October 29, 2025, which was triggered by the government’s resignation due to internal divisions over immigration policy[1][3].

For expats, September 1, 2025, is the final deadline to apply retroactively for benefits and allowances from 2024, including healthcare, rent, and child benefits. Meanwhile, the academic year for Dutch universities begins, welcoming students back to campuses across the country[1].

Celebrations and festivals define September’s cultural calendar. Amsterdam hosts the Fringe Festival (September 4-14), TAPT Beer Festival (September 12-13), KOHA classical music festival (September 19-20), and special events such as the Amsterdam Tattoo Convention (September 5-7) and Unseen Amsterdam photography fair (September 18-21). The Heritage Days on September 13-14 see museums and historical buildings open for public tours free of charge nationwide[2][4][6]. Neighborhoods throughout the country will also take part in Corso Zundert, the iconic flower parade, on September 7-8[6].

From an economic perspective, national house prices continued to rise in every area of the Netherlands during the second quarter of 2025, with the national annual increase averaging about 10% due to low interest rates and high personal savings[7]. Meanwhile, expat-related policies are at a turning point: the caretaker government is planning further cuts to the “30 percent ruling” tax benefit for highly skilled migrants, aiming to save €20 million per year for the national budget. The specifics will be confirmed on Prinsjesdag, but uncertainty continues for expats and employers[5].

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