The Netherlands is a popular destination for digital nomads and expats, with thousands of people moving to the country every year. Find out what changes foreigners can expect in the Netherlands in February 2025

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Life for foreigners in the Netherlands is interesting and eventful, as the country is known for its ideal work-life balance, favorable social environment and good career prospects.

However, it is important for an expat living abroad to keep their finger on the pulse and closely monitor the main changes in local legislation. The second month of the year will be quite eventful for all foreigners in the Netherlands, including citizens of Latvia, Turkmenistan and Australia.

We will tell you about the changes in February 2025 that are important for foreigners living and working in the Netherlands to know about.

Education

The 2025 school spring break in the Netherlands is almost here

At first glance, it seems that the Christmas holidays have just ended, but this month schools in the Netherlands are already preparing for the spring break. In 2025, the spring break schedule, also known as voorjaarsvakantie (or carnavalsvakantie or krokusvakantie), is as follows:

- Schools in the North of the Netherlands – from 15 to 23 February 2025.

- Schools in the Central and Southern regions – from 22 February to 2 March 2025.

Travel

Eurostar launches direct trains from Amsterdam to London

In June 2024, Eurostar announced a temporary reduction in the Amsterdam-London train route due to extensive renovation work at Amsterdam Centralal. All this time, travelers passed through passport control in Brussels.

However, from 10 February 2025, the international Amsterdam-London train will once again run directly from the Netherlands to the capital of the United Kingdom.

KLM to start testing new in-flight menu

In 2024, Dutch airline KLM announced that it was considering eliminating free sandwiches on European flights. In addition, the company’s management began looking for alternative menu options that passengers could pay for.

As part of the changes, the airline will start testing a new in-flight menu for economy class on flights to Oslo, Porto and Lisbon in mid-February, a KLM representative said.

Passengers will still receive free snacks and drinks, while the main menu will be available for an additional fee.

Fares and connectivity

Viaplay subscription prices to increase in the Netherlands

From February 3, 2025, streaming service Viaplay will increase subscription prices in the Netherlands. In addition to the price increase, advertising will also begin to be shown during broadcasts.

- Viaplay prices in the Netherlands in 2025

1. The minimum “Basis” tariff with advertising will be available for 19.99 euros per month.

2. The “Standard” tariff plan without advertising will cost 21.99 euros.

As a reminder, the current price is 17.99 euros per month.

WhatsApp will stop working on certain phones

WhatsApp users should be aware that from February 2025, WhatsApp functionality will be discontinued on various “old” phones. In particular, the change will affect all mobile phones that use the KaiOS operating system, which is usually used by push-button mobile phones such as Nokia.

Those affected by the change are advised to either upgrade to a newer phone or use an alternative messaging service.

In order to safely move, travel or work in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can issue an extended policy on our website using the link.

Entry rules

Vanuatu citizens will need a visa to enter the Netherlands

Vanuatu is a Pacific island country with a population of around 300,000. Since 2015, Vanuatu citizens have been exempted from the EU short-stay visa requirement, but from 4 February 2025, Vanuatu citizens will need a visa to visit the Netherlands and other Schengen area countries.

The main reason for this decision is that Vanuatu grants citizenship to foreign investors in exchange for investment, and the EU has decided that a visa-free regime for its citizens now poses a security risk in the region.

As a result, all Vanuatu citizens will now need to apply for a visa to enter the Netherlands.

Celebrations

Valentine's Day in the Netherlands

February is usually a rather gloomy month for most Europeans, as the weather is not always sunny and welcoming, but there is one holiday that adds color, and that is Valentine's Day.

Whether it's a romantic dinner in Amsterdam with your significant other or a cozy evening at home watching your favorite romantic comedy with a friend, the day is fun for both couples and singles. So don't forget to plan a trip to a restaurant or other entertainment for February 14. Most shopping centers also have interesting events and discounts planned, so stay tuned.

Carnival season in the Netherlands

In 2025, Ash Wednesday falls on March 5, and in several Dutch cities, Carnival celebrations will begin at the end of February.

From the Eindhoven Carnival to the Enschede Carnival Parade, you can expect colorful costumes, traditional music, and lots and lots of parades. Get ready to bid farewell to winter and welcome spring.

February 2025 in the Netherlands is full of events and changes. The same can be said about other countries in the world. Therefore, to stay up to date with all the latest news from the world of travel and migration, be sure to follow the “Blog” section on the Visit World portal.

Let us remind you! The Netherlands is experiencing an acute shortage of highly qualified specialists, with the largest number of vacancies in the country available in the healthcare, finance, industry, and IT sectors. We have already told you what a foreigner needs to find a job in the Netherlands in 2024.

Consultation with a Visit World migration lawyer will help you understand all the intricacies of Dutch migration legislation. Contact a specialist today to live in peace in one of the best countries in the world.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents for Netherlands;

Legal advice on immigration to Netherlands;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Netherlands;

Medical insurance all over the world.

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.