Hello Going Expat people,
Today we focus on the event of the 16th of September, Dutch Budget Day – Prinsjedag – and what is relevant for expats to know.
Lat year I have published an article with the news of that time, some of course affect the budget for 2026 still today.
What is this day about?
Each mid-September, the Netherlands pauses its routine to look ahead: Prinsjesdag, when the King delivers his Speech from the Throne, the budget (Miljoenennota) is unveiled, and the country’s priorities for the next year are laid bare. In 2025, Prinsjesdag carried extra significance: a caretaker government, upcoming elections, economic pressures, and growing concerns about trust in politics. In this article, we’ll walk through what has been announced for 2026, what it means for life here, and what expats should watch for.
In 2025, the budget is more about stability than big reforms. The government is in caretaker mode until elections in October, so most measures are small but still worth knowing if you live and work here.
Everyday Finances
Purchasing power: On average, households will be about 1.3% better off next year. Pensioners may see a bit more (+1.5%), while workers will gain around +1.2%.
Taxes: Income tax brackets are shifting slightly to keep pace with inflation. The first bracket now starts at €38,883 (instead of €38,441) and the second at €79,137 (instead of €76,817). This means a little less tax pressure for most workers.
Healthcare: Monthly health insurance premiums are expected to rise by about €3 per person.
Transport and Energy
Driving electric: Road tax will remain reduced for zero-emission cars until 2030, making EVs cheaper to own.
Conventional cars: A special discount known as the “quarter rate” in road tax will be phased out.
Business Measures
Tap water tax: A new levy will be introduced, but only for businesses and industries , households won’t pay this on their water bills.
Innovation: From 2026, the government will invest over €500 million in the technology sector, including microchips and green innovation.
Housing and Public Services
Housing: Plans include four large new building areas plus several smaller sites, but these projects will take years to affect supply.
Public transport: Earlier cuts to city transport budgets (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht) have been cancelled, meaning no sudden drop in service.
Healthcare and elderly care: More money is earmarked for reforms and improving access, though details will depend on the next government.
What This Means for Expats
For expats, the changes are modest but relevant:
You should see a small boost in take-home pay thanks to tax bracket adjustments.
Health insurance will get slightly more expensive, as it does most years.
If you benefit from the 30% ruling, nothing changes for now, but the scheme remains under political debate.
Housing supply may improve in the long run, but prices will stay tight in the short term.
If you rely on city transport, it’s good news, planned budget cuts have been reversed.
Prinsjesdag 2025 is more of a holding pattern than a big reset. The government is avoiding major reforms until after the elections on October 29, 2025. For expats, the key takeaway is to expect small financial relief, some modest cost increases, and bigger decisions still to come later this year when a new cabinet takes charge.
Keep an eye on my blog to be always informed on the news about the Netherlands
Rossella
Written by
Rossella Daví
