Interactive Checklist: Moving to the Netherlands

How:

• •Valid Passport: Ensure your passport will be valid for at least 3+ months after arrival. EU citizens can travel on a national ID card.
• •Entry Visa (MVV): If required based on your nationality, obtain a long-stay entry visa (MVV) before traveling. This is often arranged by your sponsor as part of a combined application.
• •Residence Permit Approval: Have proof of your residence permit approval or application. For work and study, an IND-recognised sponsor usually applies on your behalf.
• •Supporting Documents: Prepare documents like employment contract, university acceptance letter, proof of sufficient funds, and possibly a cleared background check.

How:

• •Recognized Employer/Sponsor: If you're a highly skilled migrant, your employer must be an IND-recognised sponsor and will apply for your work/residence permit.
• •Work Permit (TWV): For other employment categories, your employer may need to obtain a work permit (TWV) from UWV in addition to your residence permit.
• •Visa/Permit Endorsement: Check that your residence document or visa sticker explicitly allows work. Look for "arbeid vrij toegestaan" which means work is permitted freely.

How:

• •Birth and Marriage Certificates: Original certificates that should be legalised or carry an apostille from the issuing country. If not in English, Dutch, German or French, have them translated by a sworn translator.
• •Diplomas and Transcripts: If you plan to work in a regulated profession or continue studies, bring proof of qualifications.
• •Other Legal Documents: If relevant, gather documents like divorce decrees, adoption papers, or police clearances.
• •Municipality-Specific Requirements: Check your destination city's website for any additional documents needed to register.

How:

• •Research Housing Options: Explore rental listings online (Funda, Pararius) to understand prices and locations. Consider accredited housing agencies.
• •Temporary Accommodation: If you haven't secured long-term housing, book short-term accommodation for a few weeks as a base while you search locally.
• •Address for Registration: You'll need a residential address to register at the municipality. Ask about short-stay address acceptance if needed.
• •Rental Documents/Furniture: Prepare documents like proof of income. Note that many Dutch rentals come unfurnished ("kaal").

How:

• •Make an Appointment: Most municipalities require you to book an appointment for this first-time registration. Cities like Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, etc., provide online booking. Amsterdam's main City Office normally allows walk-ins, though it still has appointments for special cases. In practice, you should aim to make the registration appointment as soon as possible (ideally within five days of arrival).
• •Expat Centers: Major cities maintain specialized international/expat centers to help newcomers. Places like Amsterdam (IN Amsterdam), The Hague (International Centre), Rotterdam (Rotterdam International Center), Utrecht (Utrecht International Center), Eindhoven (Holland Expat Center South), Maastricht, Wageningen, etc., all have dedicated centers that handle both municipality registration and IND formalities for internationals.
• •Combined Services: These centers are geared towards highly skilled migrants and other expat categories, and can often arrange a single combined appointment to register with the municipality and do IND formalities in one go. For example, the Utrecht International Center lets you "make a combined appointment to register with the municipalities of Utrecht, Amersfoort, Hilversum... while collecting your residence permit".
• •Valid ID: Bring your passport or national ID card. Non-EU nationals should use the passport with the entry visa sticker if applicable.
• •Proof of Address: You'll need a document showing where you live - signed rental contract, purchase deed, or written permission letter from main occupant.
• •Civil Documents: Bring the civil status documents you prepared (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.). Documents should be legalised and translated. Visit your specific municipality's website beforehand to confirm exactly which documents they require for first-time registration, as requirements can vary slightly between cities.
• •At the Appointment: A clerk will enter your details into the population register; you and any family members register together. At the end you will be given (or later sent) your Burger Service Nummer (BSN), the Dutch citizen service number required for work, banking, healthcare, etc.

How:

• •IND Approval Letter: You will receive a letter or My IND notification telling you where and when to pick up your residence card. You can only pick up your document at that specific location as instructed in your approval letter.
• •Separate IND Appointment: In most cases the Dutch residence card is not handed out at the municipality's registration desk, but rather at an IND office or expat center. You must make a separate appointment at the specified location.
• •Fast-Track Exception: If your company used a "fast-track" or combined procedure, you may indeed collect the card at the same time as your BSN registration at an expat center.
• •Follow Instructions: If an expat center appointment was arranged (e.g. IN Amsterdam or the Hague International Centre), you will get the card there. If not, you may have to schedule at an IND desk (such as in Amsterdam, 's-Hertogenbosch, Zwolle, or another designated office).
• •Biometric Data: If you did not provide biometrics (photo/fingerprints) beforehand, you'll do this at the IND when picking up the permit.
• •TB Test (if required): If you signed a declaration for a tuberculosis test, complete this health check within 3 months of arrival. Schedule with Municipal Health Service (GGD).
• •Two-Step Process: In summary, plan for two steps: first register with the gemeente to get your BSN, then soon afterwards attend the IND appointment to collect your permit (unless using a special welcome program that combines both).

How:

• •BSN and Address: You typically need a BSN number and a Dutch address to sign up for health insurance.
• •Choose Basic Policy: Select a basic health insurance package. The basic package covers general practitioners, hospital care, most medications for around €120-150/month.
• •Optional Supplemental Insurance: Decide if you need any supplemental insurance (dental, physio, eye care), since the basic package doesn't cover things like adult dental care.
• •Apply Within 4 Months: Ensure you apply within 4 months of arrival or starting work. Do not delay , failing to get insured can result in fines.
• •If Not Eligible Yet: If you cannot get Dutch insurance immediately, maintain other health coverage like international travel insurance or EU Health Insurance Card.

How:

• •Identity Documents: For EU/EEA citizens this is simply a valid passport or national ID card. Non-EU citizens should present their Dutch residence permit (the plastic "GVV/VVR" card), which counts as an official ID. Dutch banks explicitly accept a valid residence permit as proof of identity. In practice it's wise to carry your passport as well, but the permit card itself is sufficient for identification.
• •Proof of Address: In addition to ID, banks will ask for proof that you have a Dutch address , typically a recent lease or utility bill in your name. Even if your permit shows your address, some banks still want a separate document like a rental agreement.
• •BSN Required: You must provide your BSN (Burger Service Nummer) when opening the account. This number is given when you register with the municipality. Some online banks (e.g. bunq) allow you to open an account before your BSN arrives, but most traditional banks will ask for it at account opening or soon thereafter.
• •Standard Requirements: All Dutch banks have the same basic requirements: a government-issued ID (passport, EU ID, or Dutch residence permit) and proof of address/BSN. None of them require you to mention the 30% ruling or any tax scheme , that is strictly a tax filing matter, not a banking one.
• •Initial Deposit: Be prepared to deposit a small amount when opening the account. You'll receive a debit card and online banking instructions.

How:

• •BSN and Address: You must have your BSN and a registered address in the Netherlands. You'll receive an activation code by mail to your Dutch address for security.
• •Phone Number (optional): It's recommended to have a Dutch phone number for SMS verification or app-based two-factor login.
• •Apply Online: Go to the official DigiD website (digid.nl) to apply. Fill in your details and create a username and password.
• •Activation Code: A letter with an activation code will be mailed to your registered address within about a week. Enter the code to activate your account within the deadline (usually 20 days).
• •Use DigiD: Once active, you can log in to services like MijnOverheid, file taxes, register for healthcare, etc. Consider downloading the DigiD mobile app.

How:

• •Find a Local GP: Use websites like ZorgkaartNederland or your city's expat center resources to find general practitioners accepting new patients in your neighborhood.
• •Provide Information: The GP practice will usually ask for your BSN, insurance details, address, and date of birth. Registration is typically free.
• •Register with a Dentist: Similarly, find a dentist (tandarts) near your home or work. Regular dental care is not covered by basic insurance for adults.
• •When You Need Care: After registration, you can make appointments with your GP for any health concerns. For urgent after-hours care, contact the local huisartsenpost.
• •Note: The Netherlands has a very proactive healthcare system: you are expected to reach out to your GP when you have health issues. Most Dutch GPs speak English.

How:

• •Eligibility Check: You must have a Dutch employer, be recruited from outside Netherlands (lived 150+ km away for 16+ months), earn above €65,000 gross annually (or €50,000 if under 30 with master's degree), and have scarce expertise.
• •Joint Application: You and your employer must complete the application form together ("Application Income tax and national insurance contributions - 30% facility") available in English from the Belastingdienst.
• •Required Documents: Include copy of ID/passport, proof of previous address abroad, employment contract, evidence of qualifications, and employer statement about your skills.
• •Submit Within Deadline: Mail the complete application to Belastingdienst within 4 months of your employment start date for retroactive application.
• •Processing Time: Expect 2-6 months for a decision. The ruling is valid for up to 5 years and significantly reduces your tax burden.

How:

• •Choose between contract plan or prepaid
• •Popular providers: KPN, Vodafone, T-Mobile, Lebara
• •For home internet: Ziggo, KPN, T-Mobile Home
• •Installation can take a couple of weeks

How:

• •Identify regional water company (e.g., Waternet in Amsterdam)
• •Choose electricity/gas provider (Vattenfall, Eneco, GreenChoice)
• •Use comparison sites to find deals
• •Register for local garbage/recycling service

How:

• •Pick up an OV-chipkaart from a station or supermarket
• •Load credit on it for trains, trams, buses, and metro
• •Consider personal OV-chipkaart for discounts
• •Buy a second-hand bike from Marktplaats or Facebook groups

How:

• •Learn basic Dutch phrases (Dankjewel!, Goedemorgen)
• •Read up on Dutch customs and social norms
• •Understand Dutch directness in communication
• •Learn about Dutch celebrations like King's Day and Sinterklaas

How:

• •Join local expat groups on Facebook or Meetup
• •Attend networking events or social meetups
• •Visit municipality welcome events for newcomers
• •Join international clubs or sports teams