On 18 March 2026, municipal elections will be held in the Netherlands. Voters across 333 Dutch municipalities will elect new city councils for the coming four years. These local elections matter because municipal governments decide on crucial aspects of daily life, including housing, mobility, sustainability, safety, and local services.
Many foreign residents are allowed to vote, making it one of the most inclusive civic moments in the Dutch political cycle.
Who can vote at the municipal elections in the Netherlands? Voting rights for non Dutch nationals
Unlike national elections, Dutch municipal elections are open not only to Dutch citizens but also to thousands of internationals.
EU nationals
EU citizens may vote as long as they are officially registered in their municipality.
NonEU nationals
NonEU nationals can vote if they have:
- lived in the Netherlands for at least five consecutive years, and
- hold a valid residence permit.
Who cannot vote?
- Tourists or short-term residents
- Recent EU arrivals who have not yet complied with registration rules
- NonEU residents who have lived in the Netherlands for less than five years
- Staff of embassies and consulates (unless they have Dutch nationality). [thehaguein…lcentre.nl]
How voting works
Eligible residents have already received a “stempas” (voting pass) at home. They must bring this pass and valid ID, Dutch or EU ID, or a residence permit (even if expired by up to five years).
Why these municipal elections in the Netherlands matter for internationals
City councils shape major policies that directly influence the lives of expats and international employees. City councils determine:
- urban development and housing
- transport and infrastructure
- sustainability and innovation
- community and social welfare
- education
- safety
Key themes in the most popular expat destinations in the Netherlands
While issues vary between municipalities, the most popular expat destinations; Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, and Eindhoven, share a set of dominant themes in this election cycle.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s 2026 city council election focuses on:
1. Housing and affordability; housing remains the most pressing issue, as the city continues to face high demand and limited supply.
2. Mobility and public space; sustainable mobility, bike friendly infrastructure, and management of increasing tourism remain central.
3. Sustainability and climate adaptation; Amsterdam has ambitious climate goals and continues investing in green infrastructure.
The city highlights the importance of international participation, noting that Amsterdam’s electorate includes a large share of internationals. [iamsterdam.com]
Rotterdam
Rotterdam’s election themes are shaped by its identity as an international port city. Key issues include:
1. Urban development and housing; largescale redevelopment projects and housing availability dominate the agenda.
2. Transport and logistics; infrastructure remains crucial due to the port’s economic importance.
3. Sustainability and innovation; major sustainability projects, including energy transition efforts, influence local politics.
Rotterdam also emphasizes the impact of these policies on global professionals and international companies. [rotterdam.info]
The Hague
As the seat of international institutions, The Hague’s themes reflect both local and global priorities:
1. Safety and security; a recurring issue in the city that hosts global organizations.
2. Housing pressures; high demand from both locals and international staff shapes the housing debate.
3. Inclusivity of the international community; the municipality actively informs internationals about their voting rights and civic participation. [thehaguein…lcentre.nl]
Utrecht
Utrecht focuses on:
1. Housing supply; rapid population growth increases pressure on the housing market.
2. Sustainable mobility; Utrecht leads national policy on car free zones and cycling infrastructure.
3. Green urban development; environmental planning is a core theme given the city’s climate ambitions.
Eindhoven
Eindhoven, the heart of the Brainport region, has several central issues:
1. Urban growth and housing; housing expansion is critical as Eindhoven continues to attract tech talent.
2. Innovation and economic development; the municipal government collaborates closely with tech companies and universities.
3. International community engagement; local organizations highlight increasing outreach to internationals, recognizing their growing electoral importance. [iwce.nl]
Conclusion
The 2026 municipal elections offer internationals a meaningful opportunity to influence their cities. Whether you are an EU citizen or a longterm non-EU resident, your vote can influence policies affecting housing, mobility, sustainability, education, and the overall quality of life in your municipality.
With local governments becoming increasingly responsive to the international community, this election marks a moment when foreign residents can contribute directly to the future of Dutch cities.
