March 2023 in the Netherlands: What Expats Need to Know
February has come and gone in a flash, and it’s hard to believe that March is already upon us. The month of March marks the start of tulip season, and for those living and working in the Netherlands, it also marks the start of tax season.
Provincial and water board elections: On Wednesday, March 15, people all over the Netherlands will be heading to the polls to vote for their representatives on the provincial councils and water boards. While only Dutch citizens are eligible to vote in the provincial elections, many expats will be able to vote in the water board elections if they have Dutch or EU citizenship or a Dutch residence permit. Polls are open from 7.30 am to 9 pm.
Hospital strikes: Workers at over 50 Dutch hospitals will be going on strike in mid-March to bargain for higher wages and better working conditions. Departments at 64 hospitals will be operating on Sunday shifts on strike days, which means only emergency care will be available.
Tax season: As of March 1, everyone living in the Netherlands can submit their annual tax return for 2022. You can fill it in yourself online or consult a tax advisor for additional guidance. While extensions are possible, please note that the deadline set out by the Dutch tax office is May 1, 2023.
Interest rate hikes: On March 1, ABN Amro and ING raised their interest rates on savings accounts from 0.25 to 0.5 percent. Rabobank made the same change on February 16.
School reopening: Schools in the Northern and Central regions of the Netherlands will reopen their doors on March 6 after the spring break.
Passenger number caps at Schiphol Airport: From March 31 through to mid-May, Schiphol Airport will be reducing the number of departing travellers by 5 percent each day to limit disruption during the spring.
Public transport strikes: Thousands of employees across the country are due to strike on various dates in March to demand higher wages and better contracts and working conditions. It’s not yet clear exactly how many and which public transport services will be affected.
Daylight Savings Time (DST): On the night of Saturday, March 25, the clocks will be going forward by one hour to start DST. This means that the evenings will be lighter for longer but that you’ll be losing one hour of sleep.
Keukenhof opening: On March 23, Keukenhof will open its doors, marking the return of one of the Netherlands’ most popular attractions. The gardens are filled with hundreds of tulips in all their glory, making it a must-visit location during tulip season.
Overall, March is a busy and exciting month in the Netherlands, with plenty of things to look forward to and stay on top of. From casting your vote in the provincial and water board elections to filing your tax return and enjoying the start of tulip season, there’s something for everyone this month.
