All accounts mentioned are protected by the EU deposit guarantee.

Savings interest rates in the Netherlands have been quite volatile over the last few years. After years of extremely low yields, rates were increased significantly but are now on the way back down again.

When you account for surging inflation (which has been running between 3% and 15%) and box 3 wealth tax (about 1%) the reality is that you likely face negative real returns on your money.

Below we give an overview of the:

• top Dutch savings accounts
• best standard savings account rates in the Netherlands
• best 1 year fixed rate deposit accounts in the Netherlands
• best 2 year fixed rate deposit accounts in the Netherlands

If your savings are parked in one of the big 3 banks (ABN Amro, ING and Rabobank) then at least consider securing a better rate elsewhere.

Rates updated weekly – latest check: 7 Oct 2026

Best Variable Savings Account Rates Netherlands

Bank Account	Interest Rate
EuroExtra & Carrefour Banque via Raisin +3.05% bonus	2.35%	Open Account
Resurs Bank via Raisin +3.05% bonus	2.27%	Open Account
Openbank Open Spaarrekening	2.25%
Klarna Flex Rekening	2.20%	Open Account
Bigbank Flexibel Sparen +3.00% bonus	2.00%	Open Account
Anadolubank Smart Savings	1.90%
Argenta Spaarrekening	1.90%
Ayvens Bank Flexibel Sparen	1.85%
DHB Bank S@veOnlinerekening	1.85%
Yapi-Kredi Euro-Plus Savings	1.80%
Garanti BBVA Bank Gouden Internet Rekening	1.55%
NIBC Direct Spaarrekening	1.55%
bunq Savings 3.01% bonus rate	1.51%	Open Account
Lloyds Bank Internet Spaarrekening	1.50%
Rabobank Rabo SpaarRekening	up to 1.50%
ABN AMRO Direct Sparen	up to 1.45%	Open Account
ASN Bank Ideaalsparen	up to 1.30%
Nationale Nederlanden Internetsparen	up to 1.30%
KNAB Flexibel Sparen	1.25%
ING Bank Oranje Spaarrekening	up to 1.25%
Triodos Bank Internet Sparen	up to 1.15%
N26 Instant Savings 1.50% – new Metal accounts	0.30%	Open Account

These are variable interest rates and can change at any time.

Flags denote country of deposit guarantee with links to info from the respective finance authorities:

Netherlands  Austria  Belgium  Estonia
France Germany Latvia Lithuania Portugal
Spain Sweden

Banks registered in the EU will have deposits covered by €100,000 (or equivalent).

For slightly higher rates you may choose to tie your money up for a fixed amount of time with ‘deposito’ accounts. Note that some term accounts require a minimum investment.

Here is an overview of 1 year (12 months) accounts:

Best 1 Year Fixed Rate Accounts in the Netherlands 2026

Bank Account 1yr	Interest Rate
Bigbank Deposito min €1,000	3.40%	Open account
BluOr Bank & SME Bank via Raisin min €10,000/€20,000	3.35%	Open account
Garanti BBVA Bank Gouden Termijn Deposito	3.15%
Anadolubank Time Deposit	3.10%
Yapi-Kredi Euro-Plus Deposit	3.10%
Klarna Vaste Rekening No min deposit	3.00%	Open account
NIBC Direct Termijndeposito	2.86%
DHB Bank MaxiSpaarrekening	2.85%
Ayvens Bank Deposito sparen	2.75%
Argenta Termijndeposito	2.70%
Triodos Bank Spaar Deposito	2.35%
bunq Termijndeposito	2.11%	Open account
Nationale Nederlanden Depositosparen	2.00%
KNAB Deposito sparen	1.80%

Here is an overview of 2 year (24 months) high yield accounts:

Best 2 Year Fixed Rate Accounts in the Netherlands 2026

Bank Account 2yrs	Interest Rate
Bigbank Deposito min €1,000	3.40%	Open account
BluOr Bank & Fjord Bank via Raisin min €10,000	3.35%	Open account
Garanti BBVA Bank Gouden Termijn Deposito	3.20%
Anadolubank Time Deposit	3.15%
Klarna Vaste Rekening No min deposit	3.15%	Open account
DHB Bank MaxiSpaarrekening	3.10%
Yapi-Kredi Euro-Plus Deposit	3.10%
Argenta Termijndeposito	3.00%
Ayvens Bank Deposito sparen	2.85%
NIBC Direct Termijndeposito	2.61%
Triodos Bank Spaar Deposito	2.40%
Nationale Nederlanden Depositosparen	2.10%
bunq Termijndeposito	1.91%	Open account
KNAB Deposito sparen	1.90%

Are foreign EU banks safe?

You may have noted the presence of some foreign banks in the Netherlands listings above. All are covered by the EU deposit scheme.

• The Turkish banks Anadolubank, DHB Bank (Demir-Halk Bank), Garanti BBVA Bank and Yapi-Kredi are all registered in the Netherlands and are covered by the Dutch deposit guarantee.
• Argenta is an independent bank from Belgium.
• Lloyds Bank is from the UK but its Dutch business is registered in Germany.
• Openbank is part of the Santander Group in Spain.
• Klarna is a well known Swedish financial services firm.
• Raisin is an international portal based in Germany which offers free access to high-rate savings and fixed term accounts across the EU. Deposit guarantee depends on location of partner bank.
• N26 is an app-based bank from Germany with free and paid accounts.
• Bigbank is an Estonian financial institution involved in consumer credit with an online presence in the Netherlands.
• KNAB is a Dutch digital bank which is now owned by Austrian BAWAG Group and is covered by the Austrian deposit guarantee.

The following are Dutch banks headquartered in the Netherlands: ABN AMRO, ASN Bank, Ayvens Bank, bunq, ING Bank, Nationale Nederlanden, NIBC Direct, Rabobank and Triodos Bank. See our guide How to Open a Dutch bank account

Netherlands Interest Rates

Netherlands is in the Eurozone and uses the euro (€) as its currency.

The European Central Bank (ECB) sets interest rates across the entire eurozone. Netherlands interest rates are therefore set by the ECB.

There are 2 key rates:

• Deposit Rate (banks use this to make overnight deposits with the ECB)
• Base rate (also called Main refinancing operations, a higher rate where banks can borrow funds from the ECB on a weekly basis)

Current ECB rate

The current ECB rates stand at 2.65% (base rate) and 2.50% (deposit rate). Source: ECB

• Following the 2007-8 financial crisis Eurozone interest rates were reduced to practically 0%
• The deposit rate was actually negative between 2014-2022
• Interest rates rose in 2022-23 with the deposit rate peaking at 4.00%
• Interest rates were cut 7 times during 2024-45 down to 2.00% (deposit rate)
• Rates have been raised 50 basis points in 2026 (last raise 16 Sep 2026)

De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) is the national central bank for the Netherlands within the Eurosystem. It is headquartered in Amsterdam and manages the the Dutch deposit guarantee scheme.

When the guilder was replaced by the Euro in 2002 the DNB stopped setting interest rates in the Netherlands.

How to Choose a Savings Account in the Netherlands

Choosing the best savings account in the Netherlands depends on your goals, flexibility needs and risk preferences. Here are a few key factors:

1. Variable vs Fixed Interest Rates

Variable savings accounts (spaarrekening or flexibel sparen) offer the most flexibility and you can generally withdraw your money at any time. However the underlying rate can change.

Fixed-term deposits (deposito) on the other hand offers a fixed higher interest rate, but your money is locked in for a set period (e.g. 1 or 2 years). Interest rates are usually higher for longer dated terms, however the yield curve flattens out after about 2 years.

If you think you may need access to your funds, a variable account is usually the better choice.

2. Interest Rate (and Bonus Rates)

Some banks offer introductory bonus rates for new customers but note these typically last only a few months. Make sure to check the standard rate after the bonus period ends as your rate could fall significantly.

3. Deposit Guarantee Scheme (Safety)

As we have seen, savings in the Netherlands and across the EU are protected under the
Deposit Guarantee Scheme. This covers up to €100,000 per bank (or banking group) per person. De Nederlandsche Bank manages this facility in the Netherlands.

4. Foreign vs Dutch Banks

Many of the highest savings rates in the Dutch market come from foreign EU banks. These are generally run via online platforms such as Raisin and there may be no physical branches in the Netherlands. Customer service could be international rather than local.

5. Minimum Deposits & Withdrawal Conditions

Some accounts require a minimum deposit – for example Bigbank requires €1,000 minimum for a fixed rate account. Some accounts may have restrictions on withdrawals so always check the terms before opening an account.

6. Taxes on Savings (Box 3)

Assets and savings in the Netherlands are subject to ‘Box 3’ reporting on tax returns. Any assets are taxed on assumed returns, not on the actual interest earned. See more on taxation in the Netherlands

7. Ease of Use & Access

You should also consider some practical factors such as whether there is an English-language interface, how quickly accounts can be opened, what are the ID requirements, how easy it is to deposit or withdraw funds. Neobanks like bunq and N26 offer an app-based banking ecosystem.

Banks using English portals for Netherlands customers are: ABN Amro, Anadolubank, bunq, N26 and Yapi Kredi.

Choosing a higher rate savings account is one aspect of managing your finances. If you need flexibility choose a variable account. If you seek high returns then consider foreign banks like Raisin or fixed deposit rates.

This page is for information purposes only, we are not offering any financial advice. Interest rates in tables are listed in order (highest to lowest) – any equal rates are listed in alphabetical order of bank name.

We try to present accurate info but as ever products and interest rates can change at any time beyond our control.

Last checked and updated 7 October 2026.

Links on AmsterdamTips.com may pay us an affiliate commission.

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Is the Amex Platinum card worth paying this fee? In this guide we will take a detailed look at the raft of travel and insurance benefits the Platinum card has to offer.

The American Express Platinum Card is a charge card – not a credit card – and the balance has to be paid in full each month. It is issued directly by the American Express Company.

The card fee is €65 per month which is €780 on an annual basis.

A supplementary Platinum card with full benefits is charged at €10 per month extra – which is €120 per year or €900 total per year for 2 cards.

Apply for the American Express Platinum Card here

Benefits of the Amex Platinum card in the Netherlands

Amex Platinum comes with a significant range of benefits, significantly more than any other card product on the Dutch market.

Lounge Access with Amex Platinum

American Express Centurion Lounges

The Platinum Card will also get you direct entry into the high-end American Express Centurion lounges. These are located mainly in the US plus international lounges at Hong Kong/Sydney/Melbourne/London Heathrow T3/Stockholm.

Amex opened a Centurion lounge at Amsterdam Schiphol in September 2026 between the E and F piers for non-Schengen departures.

Priority Pass

The cardholder and main supplementary cardholder will each receive a special Priority Pass membership.

This allows free entry into one of 1,400 airport lounges worldwide and 1 free guest is allowed per card.

Thus with 2 Platinum cards a group of 4 people could all get free access into a lounge – excellent for a couple with 2 children, for example.

If you were to purchase the equivalent Priority Pass ‘Prestige’ membership separately it would normally cost €459 per person. On top of this you would always pay €30 each time for any guests.

Let’s say our family of 4 made the following 3 return trips in a year with lounge access at each departure and transfer point:

1. Amsterdam-Tenerife
2. Amsterdam-London
3. Amsterdam-Vienna-Dubai

With the Platinum card, you would be saving 16x€30=€480 in guest fees. If you paid for the Priority Pass, your total annual bill would be €459×2=€918 (membership) + €480 which is €1,398. This sum is already higher than the €900 Platinum Card+supplementary card annual fee.

TIP: The Vienna Lounge at Vienna T1 is rated the best Priority Pass lounge in Europe.

Here are the Priority Pass lounges in the Netherlands and at nearby airports:

• Aspire Lounge 26 (Schengen), Amsterdam Schiphol
• Aspire Lounge 41 (non-Schengen), Amsterdam Schiphol
• Hugo Junkers Lounge, Dussledorf
• Open Sky Lounge, Dusseldorf
• The Lounge T1/T2, Brussels Charleroi

One should note that some lounges on the Priority Pass network can be very busy and it may not always be possible to access!

Plaza Premium Lounges

Plaza Premium Group operates a large network of international airport lounges – over 250 lounge locations at over 80 international airports in 30 countries.

The Amex Platinum card gives direct entry into any Plaza Premium branded lounge worldwide.

Plaza Premium lounges in Europe are located at the following airports:

Budapest (BUD), Copenhagen (CPH), Edinburgh (EDI), Geneva (GVA), Gothenburg (GOT), Helsinki (HEL), Isle of Man (IOM), Istanbul (SAW), London Gatwick (LGW), London Heathrow (LHR), Rome (FCO), Stockholm (ARN), Zurich (ZRH).

Other Lounges

Access is granted to Delta Sky Club lounges (no free guests) when flying on Delta Air Lines – these are also mainly located in the US.

Platinum Card holders can also access select Lufthansa lounges (no free guests) if flying on LH Group airlines Lufthansa, SWISS or Austrian. Economy flyers get access to Lufthansa Business Lounge; business class flyers can access the Lufthansa Senator Lounge.

The combined lounge access possibilities with the Platinum card is valued at over €900 per year.

Note, holders of Netherlands-issued Platinum cards do NOT get access to the Eurostar Premier lounges in London, Paris and Brussels. Holders of Platinum cards issued in Belgium, France and the UK do get access.

Privium Membership

An exclusive arrangement for Netherlands-issued Platinum cardholders is a complimentary Privium Plus membership. This offers a dedicated border control gate using an iris scan to pass through.

It also offers fast-track security, business class check-in at selected airlines, use of the 5 Privium lounges and the paid option of the Privium parking garage at Schiphol.

Privium lounges are as follows:

• Privium ClubLounge Departures (Amsterdam Schiphol, before security)
  
• Privium ClubLounge South (Amsterdam Schiphol, Schengen)
• Privium ClubLounge West (Amsterdam Schiphol, non-Schengen)
  
• Privium ExpressLounge (Amsterdam Schiphol, Schengen)
  
• Privium ExpressLounge (Eindhoven)

Privium Plus membership normally costs €370 per year. Supplementary cardholders can make use of a free Privium Partner membership which normally costs €210. So the total value of the Privium benefit is €580.

Privium is a subscription service available for nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. Note, you cannot join Privium with a United Kingdom or United States passport.

Loungebox

At Schiphol Airport Amsterdam, Netherlands-issued Platinum cardholders get a light freshly-prepared meal (‘Loungebox on the go’ in a blue Amex branded bag) at one of the 6 GRAB&FLY outlets on presentation of your Amex card and boarding pass.

There are also participating outlets at Rotterdam-The Hague and Brussels airport.

This benefit is valid twice a month for the cardholder and supplementary cardholder – and only applies if you choose not to enter one of the (Aspire) lounges on that day.

Amex Platinum Card – Apply here

Hotels

If you book 4 and 5 star hotels with the Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) program via Amex Travel, you can get room upgrades and benefits such as late check-out, hotel credit and free breakfasts.

There are around 1,800 premium hotels worldwide in the FHR scheme with 12 properties in the Netherlands – including Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, De L’Europe, Intercontinental Amstel, Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium, Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Maurits, Pulitzer, Rosewood, Sofitel Legend The Grand, The Dylan, Tivoli Doelen, Waldorf Astoria.

Hotel Status

The Platinum Card also gives instant status in a number of hotel schemes:

Hilton Honors Gold status
MeliáRewards Gold status
Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
Radisson Rewards Premium status

Of these the Hilton Honors Gold membership is probably the stand-out. This normally requires 25 nights, 15 stays or $6,000 USD equivalent spend.

The benefits of Hilton Honors Gold are:

• Free continental breakfast (outside US) or daily food and beverage credit
• 80% points bonus on stays
• Space-available room upgrades
• Free WiFi + free bottled water
• Milestone bonus points every 10 nights (after staying 40 nights)

Hilton brands in the Netherlands include Waldorf Astoria (Amsterdam), Hilton, Doubletree by Hilton and Hampton by Hilton.

MeliáRewards Gold status usually requires at least 10 stays or 20,000 points or 20 nights.

Melia is a Spanish brand with lots of hotels and resorts in Spain. It has 1 hotel in the Netherlands: INNSiDE Amsterdam (at Amsterdam Zuid).

It offers Gold status members a 2nd breakfast for free. You also get 3 discount vouchers for 20% off stays – redeemable in 1 calendar year – which can be valuable if booking a resort stay

For example, we priced a Deluxe Ocean Front View at Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora on Tenerife (all inclusive) at €6,013 for 1 week in February half-term. Your 20% voucher could take €1,200 off the cost – more than the Amex Platinum card annual fee.

Car Rental Status

For car rentals you get Avis Preferred and Hertz Gold Plus Rewards status which gives discounts of 15-25% and vehicle upgrades.

There is also car rental insurance coverage – see details below – so you save money by not needing to pay for the car rental company’s collision damage insurance.

Dining for 2 Credit

Platinum cardholders get a 2-course lunch or dinner for 2 (valued at €50 per person) at over 100 selected restaurants in the Benelux. This can be done 3 times a year in April, June and October with reservations (mandatory) open 10 days before the start of the respective month.

If used in full the total value of the dining credit is €300. Dining for 2 can only be accessed through the Amex Experiences App.

Restaurants in Amsterdam include Arles / Café De Kroon / Brasserie OCCO (The Dylan) / Full Moon Garden / Heck’s Amsterdam / Kitchen & Bar Van Rijn / Maris Piper / Mitts Restaurant / Sea Palace / The Traveller Zuid / The Traveller Zuid-Oost / Visaandeschelde – though check the app for any updates.

Comprehensive Travel Insurance

Insurance coverage is available to the main cardholder, their partner and children (under 25) and the supplementary card holder. You should pay for your trip using the card to ensure coverage which includes:

• up to €3,000,000 for medical expenses
• up to € 3,000 per trip for lost, damaged or stolen personal property
• up to € 10,000 for trip cancellation or postponement
• up to € 75,000 travel accident insurance
• up to € 400 for travel inconveniences per claim after 4 hours of baggage delay
• up to € 200 for travel inconveniences per claim after 4 hours of flight delay
• up to € 75,000 car rental insurance for damage and theft and up to € 750,000 liability with
  car rental insurance

The coverage is underwritten by Europ Assistance, part of Generali Group. Please contact Amex regarding any pre-existing medical conditions.

Membership Rewards – Points Earning

Membership Rewards is the in-house American Express points program which allows the flexibility to transfer points to other airline and hotel programs.

The Platinum Card earns the standard 1 Membership Rewards (MR) point for every €1 spent on the card.

Generally the Dutch-issued Platinum card offers no bonus points for applying.

It is currently possible for Dutch-based Membership Rewards cardholders to transfer their MR points into points/miles of 7 frequent flyer programs and 3 hotel programs.

Note, the partners and transfer rates are slightly different for Netherlands American Express cards compared to UK and US cards.

As an example, if you wanted 40,000 Avios you would need 50,000 MR points for a British Airways transfer but a higher 60,000 MR points for Iberia.

Amex Platinum Card FAQ

What is a Membership Reward point worth?

Amex quotes a standard value at €0.003 per MR point (just under a third of a euro cent). However the points are more valuable on the basis that they are transferable. By carefully redeeming for business class flights you can get a lot higher value.

What is the fee on non-Euro payments for the American Express Platinum card?

American Express charges 2.5% for payments made in other (non-euro) currencies. The card can be used forex fee-free anywhere in the 19 member states of the eurozone.

What is the income requirement for an Amex Platinum Card?

You require a minimum gross income of €30,000 per year – this used to be €60,000 per year – which means the card is open to many more people.

What are the supplementary card options with the Platinum Card?

1 supplementary Platinum Card (€10 per month) with full benefits can be applied for.

In addition, 4 free supplementary Amex Green Cards can be taken out for family or friends.

Can I use this as a business card?

If you use the card solely for business expenses (no personal spending) then it could be used as a business card. As a freelancer/ZZP’er you should be able to offset the annual fee as an expense against tax, but please check this with your accountant or book keeper.

How long does it take to apply for an American Express Platinum card in the Netherlands?

Applications are normally processed within 10 working days.

What are the general requirements for an American Express card in the Netherlands?

You need to be aged 18 or over and have a Dutch address.

You should have no negative records on the ‘BKR’ Dutch credit register.

You should have a Dutch bank account. You need to verify your identity using the iDIN online identification system using your bank account login credentials.

You also have to upload a copy of your identity – valid passport or ID card (driving license not accepted) – which is verified via Onfido.

How can I manage my American Express account?

The account can be managed online through the American Express NL website or via the American Express app.

American Express can also be contacted by phone and Dutch/English is spoken.

Can I use Apple Pay with an American Express Platinum card?

Yes, Apple Pay is available for all Amex Membership Rewards cards.

Can I cancel or change my American Express Platinum card?

Yes, American Express is generally very flexible with cancellations. Since the card fee is paid monthly you effectively get a pro-rata refund if cancelling the card. Many other card providers will charge you for the full year.

You can also easily downgrade to other American Express cards should you wish.

Which retailers in the Netherlands accept American Express cards?

ALDI, Dirk van den Broek and Jumbo supermarkets, De Bijenkorf department store, HEMA, IKEA stores and major petrol stations all accept AMEX payments.

Transport companies accepting AMEX include NS (Dutch Railways), KLM and Transavia. You can book experiences and activities with the likes of GetYourGuide and Tiqets.

American Express quotes the total value of the average annual benefits at over €2,400. We rate this the top travel credit card in the Netherlands

Though expensive, if you travel extensively and make use of the card features you could find excellent value and benefits from the card.

You could give the card a try for a year to see it it works for you.

You can apply for the American Express Platinum Card here

Note: Card name is a registered trademark. You should pay your credit card or charge card balance in full every month. We are not offering any financial advice, we are merely describing the main card benefits and features. Always read the terms and conditions carefully before taking out any financial product.

First published in 2025, last checked and updated on 17 September 2026.

Links on AmsterdamTips.com may pay us an affiliate commission.

The post American Express Platinum Card (Netherlands) Review appeared first on AmsterdamTips.com.

Note, some figures should only be taken as a guideline – prices can vary and are subject to change. As with elsewhere in the world, inflation has been significantly high of late in the Netherlands.

Cost of Eating and Drinking Out in Amsterdam

Prices for meals out vary considerably in Amsterdam and range from the budget fast-food places, cheap eetcafé-style restaurants to the more upscale establishments.

Drinks prices are generally consistent overall although higher prices can be found at either “tourist traps” or trendier bars and clubs. The Dutch are not great tippers, however a small tip is always appreciated by your server.

Cost of Travel in Amsterdam

Public transport in Amsterdam and Netherlands is normally quite reliable and offers reasonable value. Of late, fuel prices have reached near record levels.

Cost of Miscellaneous Items in Amsterdam

Cultural activities such as the theatre and museums are not that cheap although there are some free concerts and festivals.

Expats should consider investing in the Museum Card which gives unlimited free entry to 400 museums over the whole year.

Cost of Utilities for Living in Amsterdam

From mandatory health insurance for residents to utility bills and telecom charges.

Cost of Education/Childcare

Childcare in the Netherlands is expensive, although you may be able to get a rebate from the tax system, depending on your income. International schools can charge hefty tuition fees, whilst local primary and secondary schools are tuition-free.

Cost of Flat/House Rental in Amsterdam

Renting a flat or house in Amsterdam is likely to be your biggest monthly outgoing. Prices range from cheaper flat shares, social housing (you will either have to wait some years on the list, have a Dutch partner renting one or be lucky to find a sublet) to more expensive properties on the private rental market.

Renthunter is a subscription-based search bot that scans over 1,000 local housing sites covering virtually all rental properties in the Netherlands.

You sign up and enter your desired housing search parameters and when a suitable house/flat comes on the market you immediately get notified by WhatsApp and email.

This article was originally published in 2010. Last updated 21 August 2026.

The post Cost of Living Amsterdam – Price Listing (2026) appeared first on AmsterdamTips.com.

What are the public holidays in the Netherlands?

Public holidays in the Netherlands are nationally recognised festive days when many businesses, government offices and schools close. While Dutch law does not guarantee paid leave, most employees receive these days off through employment contracts or collective labour agreements (CAOs).

The official public holidays in the Netherlands include:

• New Year’s Day
• Good Friday
• Easter Sunday
• Easter Monday
• King’s Day
• Ascension Day
• Pentecost (Whit Sunday & Whit Monday)
• Christmas Day
• Boxing Day
• Liberation Day (every 5 years)

Dutch public holidays by year

Below is the official public holiday calendar in the Netherlands:

• Netherlands public holidays 2026
• Netherlands public holidays 2027
• Netherlands public holidays 2028

Netherlands public holidays 2026

So if you’re wondering whether today is a public holiday in the Netherlands, check the calendar above for the official Dutch holiday dates!

Netherlands public holidays 2027

Netherlands public holidays 2028

• Official public holidays in Netherlands is translated in Dutch as officiële feestdagen in Nederland
• The Netherlands holiday calendar is quite distinctive – most of the holidays cluster around the spring period between Easter and May.
• Unlike many countries in Europe, there are no Dutch national holidays in the summer. This can mean a large 7-8 months gap with no bank holidays between Whit Monday and Christmas day!
• The Dutch name some of their multi-day holidays as first (eerste) and second (tweede) days.
• Christmas Day is known as Eerste kerstdag or ‘First Christmas Day’ and Boxing Day is called Tweede kerstdag or ‘Second Christmas Day’. This naming also applies to Easter and Whitsun as well.
• The structure of the Dutch public holiday calendar will remain similar for 2029, 2030 and beyond – with only the Easter, Ascension day and Pentecost holidays shifting slightly each year.

Dutch public holiday calendar

The Dutch holiday calendar is based mainly on traditional Christian holidays. Here is a brief overview of each holiday:

New Year’s Day

Held on 1st January, this holiday marks the beginning of the new year from the Gregorian calendar. It is celebrated in the Netherlands with parties and fireworks.

Easter

This is Christian holiday observed over 4 days, typically in March or April. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is celebrated by religious services and family gatherings.

Good Friday is not an official public holiday for most workers, although some government employees and sectors may receive the day off.

King’s Day (Koningsdag)

King’s Day (Koningsdag) is one of the largest and most distinctive national celebrations in the Netherlands. Held every year on 27th April, the holiday celebrates the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. If the date falls on a Sunday, the celebrations are moved to the previous day.

Across the country towns and cities fill with street markets, outdoor concerts and parties. People traditionally wear orange clothing – the national colour linked to the Dutch royal family, the House of House of Oranje-Nassau.

In Amsterdam the day is particularly lively with canals crowded by party boats and neighbourhoods hosting vrijmarkten (free markets) where anyone can sell second-hand goods on the street without a permit. These markets are a long-standing tradition and attract both locals and visitors alike.

See King’s Day and April events in Amsterdam

Liberation Day

Observed on 5th May, this commemorates the liberation of the Netherlands from Nazi occupation at the end of World War 2, marking the country’s freedom. You can find out a lot more by visiting the Dutch Resistance (Verzets) museum in Amsterdam.

Liberation Day is an official public holiday only once every five years (most recently 2025 and next in 2030).

On 4th May is the annual Remembrance Day (not a public holiday) which always includes a 2 minute silence at 20:00. In Amsterdam there is an annual service at the National War Memorial on Dam Square.

Ascension Day

A Christian holiday falling 40 days after Easter, marking the day Jesus Christ ascended to heaven. It always falls on a Thursday. It is traditionally celebrated by some at church services and taking an early morning walk in the dew (Dauwtrappen).

Whitsun / Pentecost

Another late spring Christian holiday occurring 50 days after Easter, this commemorate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. Whit Monday is always a public holiday.

Sinterklaas (St Nicholas Day) in the Netherlands

Sinterklaas is one of the most important festive traditions in the Netherlands, celebrated on 5 December – but it is not an official public holiday.

Christmas

Christmas marks the winter holiday season to commemorate the birth of Jesus. It is celebrated as a public holiday on 25th-26th December. See December events in Amsterdam

Dutch school holidays 2026-2027-2028

Dutch primary and secondary school holidays are staggered by 3 main regions – North (Noord), Central (Midden) and South (Zuid) of the Netherlands. Amsterdam falls into the Noord region.

The dates are staggered to stop the entire country travelling away on holiday at the same time!

The main holiday is the Zomervakantie (summer holidays) which will be around 6 weeks in July and August.

There are 2 week holidays for both Christmas (Kerstvakantie) and the May period (Meivakantie) – which aligns with many of the May public holidays.

Finally there are ‘half-term’ holidays in spring (Voorjaarsvakantie) and autumn (Herfstvakantie) which are 1 week – however a limited number of schools will give 2 weeks off.

Schools will also announce additional inset days (studiedagen) which are days of for staff training.

Prices for travel and accommodation do spike for the school holidays so it makes sense to plan your holidays well in advance.

Let’s take a look at the official advisory school holidays in 2026, 2027 and 2028 by region – though you should always confirm with your child’s school as there may be some variation.

School holidays Netherlands 2026

Dutch public holidays FAQ

Are public holidays paid days off in the Netherlands?

There is no law requiring employers to give paid leave on public holidays in the Netherlands. Whether employees get the day off usually depends on their employment contract or collective labour agreement (CAO).

Is Good Friday a public holiday in the Netherlands?

Good Friday is not an official public holiday for most workers, although some government offices and schools may close. In practice many employees still work on this day.

Why is Liberation Day only a holiday every five years?

Liberation Day (5 May) celebrates the liberation of the Netherlands from Nazi occupation in 1945 at the end of World War II.

To limit the economic impact of adding another annual public holiday, the Dutch government agreed that Liberation Day would only be a nationwide paid holiday once every five years. In those anniversary years the day is marked with larger national celebrations and festivals.

The most recent nationwide holiday was 2025, with the next one scheduled for 2030.

Are shops open on public holidays in the Netherlands?

Many shops, supermarkets and restaurants remain open on Dutch public holidays, especially in larger cities like Amsterdam. However opening hours may be reduced and smaller stores may close.

See also our Sport Calendar for Amsterdam/Netherlands

and Festival Calendar for Amsterdam

Sources: Government of the Netherlands, Time and Date AS

This article was originally published in 2025, last checked and updated 11 June 2026.

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