Moving to Netherlands 2026: Complete pre-arrival checklist with EES changes
The Netherlands is implementing major border changes in 2026. Here's everything you need to know and do before arriving.
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What is EES & why it matters for your move
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new digital border system replacing manual passport stamping for non-EU visitors. Starting October 12, 2025, it's gradually rolling out across all EU countries, with full implementation by April 10, 2026.
Who is affected:
- • Non-EU nationals visiting for stays up to 90 days
- • Short-stay visa holders
- • Anyone arriving in Netherlands for the first time
Who is NOT affected:
- • EU/EEA/Swiss citizens (no changes)
- • Anyone with long-term residence permit
- • Highly skilled migrants with valid Dutch permits
6 months before arrival
Essential planning for your move to Netherlands
Calculate total moving costs
Plan your complete moving budget including deposits, admin costs, and initial expenses. Total typical costs range from €2,500-€5,000+ depending on family size and city.
- •Total moving costs: €2,500-€5,000+ typical
- •Housing deposits: €1,500-€2,500 (first month + deposit)
- •Utilities deposits: €100-€300
- •Initial admin costs: €300-€500 (BSN registration, permits, translations)
- •Open international bank account or arrange transfer method (Wise, Revolut, bunq)
- •Budget buffer: €500-€1,000 for unexpected expenses
💡 Tip: Who it applies to: All expats moving to Netherlands. Consider opening a Wise or bunq account before arrival for easier money management.
Research housing options
Start researching Netherlands housing market early. Major cities have competitive rental markets requiring 2-3 months advance planning.
- •Use Funda.nl, HousingAnywhere, Pararius for rental search
- •Arrange temporary accommodation for 2-4 weeks minimum (Airbnb, short-stay)
- •Consider room rental vs apartment: €600-€1,200 for single room, €1,500-€3,000 for apartment
- •Check if furnished ("gemeubileerd") or unfurnished ("kaal")
- •Verify landlord allows municipal registration (required for BSN)
- •Research neighborhoods: Amsterdam (expensive), Rotterdam (more affordable), Utrecht (family-friendly)
💡 Tip: Who it applies to: All expats. Amsterdam housing is most competitive - consider Rotterdam or Utrecht for better availability. Many rentals require 1 month rent + 1-2 months deposit.
3-4 months before arrival
Documentation and preparation phase
Gather required documentation
Collect all essential documents needed for visa applications, BSN registration, and municipal registration. All non-Dutch documents must be apostilled and translated.
- •Valid passport with 6+ months validity (EU citizens can use national ID card)
- •Birth certificate - original + certified copy (apostilled if from non-EU)
- •Employment contract or job offer letter (if applicable)
- •Proof of accommodation booking/address
- •Health insurance proof (mandatory for non-EU citizens)
- •Criminal record check (if required for visa type)
- •Educational certificates/diplomas (apostilled for regulated professions)
- •Marriage certificate (if applicable, apostilled)
- •All documents not in Dutch/English/French/German must be translated by sworn translator
💡 Tip: Who it applies to: All expats (EU/EEA and non-EU). Apostille process takes 2-6 weeks depending on country. Order certified translations early (€30-€100 per document).
Complete health preparation
Arrange medical records, vaccinations, and research Dutch healthcare system. Health insurance is mandatory from day 1 of arrival.
- •Schedule doctor appointment for general health check
- •Get vaccination records or schedule required vaccines (routine vaccines up to date)
- •Arrange prescription copies from current doctor (3-6 month supply if possible)
- •Research English-speaking GPs in your destination city
- •Register with international health insurance (if moving from non-EU)
- •Understand Dutch healthcare system: choose between "natura" (direct claims) or "restitutie" (reimbursement) insurance
💡 Tip: Who it applies to: All expats. Dutch health insurance is mandatory within 4 months of arrival. Cost: €100-€150/month for basic package. No pre-existing condition exclusions.
Official Resources:
Arrange pet travel documentation (if applicable)
If bringing pets, prepare required documentation well in advance. EU and non-EU pets have different requirements.
- •EU pets: Microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant) + Rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel)
- •Non-EU pets: Add blood test (rabies antibody titration) + health certificate from official vet
- •EU Pet Passport required for EU-origin pets
- •Reserve spot with pet travel service if needed (airline cargo, specialized transport)
- •Check breed restrictions (dangerous dog breeds require special permits)
- •Quarantine: Not required from most countries if documentation complete
💡 Tip: Who it applies to: Pet owners only. Process takes 4-6 months for non-EU pets due to blood test waiting period. Cost: €200-€500 for documentation + €300-€1,000 for transport.
Official Resources:
4-6 weeks before arrival
Finalize visa, housing, and logistics
Complete visa & permit applications
Finalize your visa and residence permit applications. Non-EU citizens need MVV (entry visa) and/or residence permit before arrival.
- •Non-EU visitors staying 90+ days: Confirm whether you need MVV (entry visa)
- •Highly skilled migrants: IND approval should be in place (employer applies)
- •Students: University provides residence permit documentation (IND approval letter)
- •Knowledge migrants: Confirm MVV residence permit approved
- •Get appointment at Dutch embassy for MVV pickup (if required)
- •Arrange travel with MVV in passport (do NOT travel without it)
- •Processing time: 2-3 months typical for MVV/residence permit
💡 Tip: Who it applies to: Non-EU/EEA nationals only. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do NOT need visa or residence permit. Cost: €300-€900 depending on permit type.
Finalize housing arrangements
Confirm your accommodation with signed contract and deposit paid. You need a valid address for BSN registration.
- •Confirm accommodation booking with signed rental contract
- •Pay deposit (typically 1-2 months rent): €1,500-€3,000
- •Arrange contents insurance quote (inboedelverzekering) if needed: €5-€15/month
- •Confirm address for BSN registration with municipality
- •Verify landlord allows municipal registration (toestemming for registratie)
- •Document initial condition with photos (for deposit return later)
- •Confirm move-in date and key collection process
💡 Tip: Who it applies to: All expats. Without a valid address, you cannot register for BSN. Ensure landlord provides written permission for municipal registration.
Official Resources:
2-3 weeks before arrival
Arrange utilities and services
Arrange utilities & internet
Set up electricity, gas, water, and internet services. Check if utilities are included in your rental or if you must arrange separately.
- •Check if housing includes utilities (ask landlord for clarity)
- •Electricity/gas providers: Essent, Vattenfall, Eneco, Greenchoice
- •Typical costs: Electricity/gas €100-€150/month, Water €20-€30/month
- •Internet providers: KPN, Ziggo, T-Mobile, Odido
- •Internet cost: €25-€50/month (fiber available in most cities)
- •Setup date: Schedule for move-in day or day after
- •Most providers require BSN (can arrange provisionally, finalize after BSN received)
💡 Tip: Who it applies to: All expats renting. Many landlords include utilities ("inclusief") - verify before arranging. Use comparison sites like Gaslicht.com for best energy rates.
Official Resources:
Plan your arrival day
Book transportation and arrange logistics for smooth arrival. Prepare for EES border procedures if arriving from non-EU country.
- •Book transportation: Flight, train (Eurostar from UK), or car
- •Major airports: Amsterdam Schiphol (largest), Rotterdam The Hague, Eindhoven
- •Arrange airport pickup or public transport to accommodation (trains, buses well-connected)
- •Check if you need International Driving Permit (UK/non-EU drivers)
- •Have Euro cash ready: €100-€300 for initial expenses (taxis, food, small purchases)
- •Download apps: 9292 (public transport), Google Maps, Tikkie (payment app)
- •Know your address in Dutch format (postcode + house number + addition)
💡 Tip: Who it applies to: All expats. Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam city center: 15-20 min by train (€5.90). Rotterdam Airport to city: 20 min by bus (€4).
Official Resources:
Arrange insurance (health & household)
Set up mandatory health insurance and optional household insurance before arrival. Health insurance must be active from day 1.
- •Health insurance (mandatory): Choose provider (Zilveren Kruis, VGZ, CZ, Menzis)
- •Basic package cost: €100-€150/month (legally required minimum)
- •Household/renters insurance (inboedelverzekering): €5-€15/month (optional but recommended)
- •Liability insurance (aansprakelijkheidsverzekering): €3-€8/month (recommended)
- •Bicycle insurance: €5-€15/month if you plan to cycle
- •Insurance effective date: Your arrival date or first day of month
- •Can arrange online before arrival (confirmation sent via email)
💡 Tip: Who it applies to: All expats - health insurance mandatory from arrival date. Household insurance covers theft, fire, water damage. Compare at Zorgwijzer.nl.
Official Resources:
1 week before arrival
Final preparations and EES readiness
Check EES implementation status
Verify current EES (Entry/Exit System) status for your arrival date. EES is gradually rolling out October 2025 - April 2026.
- •Visit government.nl/topics/holidays-and-travels/ees for latest updates
- •EES rollout: October 12, 2025 (start) to April 10, 2026 (full implementation)
- •During transition: Passport stamping continues alongside EES registration
- •Who needs EES: Non-EU nationals on short stays (90 days or less)
- •Who does NOT need EES: EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, long-term residence permit holders
- •Transition period: Gradual system switch across different EU entry points
- •Allow extra 10-15 minutes at border for EES registration
💡 Tip: Who it applies to: Non-EU nationals without long-term residence permits. EU citizens continue as normal (no EES registration).
Official Resources:
Prepare for EES border registration
Understand the EES registration process at Dutch borders. Biometric data collection is now mandatory for non-EU visitors.
- •At border: Provide biometric data (facial image + fingerprints)
- •Process: Scan passport → facial image → 2-4 fingerprints → confirm data accuracy
- •Children under 12: No biometric data required (facial image only)
- •Estimated time: 5-10 minutes per person
- •Data stored: 3 years (deleted after 3 years or immediately if you get residence permit)
- •Required for: Visa-exempt travelers and short-stay visa holders
- •First-time registration: Allow extra time at border (especially peak travel times)
💡 Tip: Who it applies to: Non-EU nationals entering for stays up to 90 days. If you have MVV/residence permit, EES does not apply to you.
Official Resources:
Finalize financial arrangements
Ensure you have sufficient funds and payment methods for your first weeks in Netherlands. Banking setup requires proof of address.
- •Have €500-€1,000 in EUR for first weeks (rent deposit, admin costs, groceries)
- •Arrange European bank account or prepaid card access (Wise, Revolut, bunq)
- •Have copy of proof of funds (bank statement showing €3,000-€5,000 minimum)
- •Credit/debit cards: Mastercard and Visa widely accepted
- •Contactless payment (PIN): Standard in Netherlands
- •Mobile payment: Apple Pay, Google Pay accepted in most places
- •Dutch banks require BSN for account opening (can use international account initially)
💡 Tip: Who it applies to: All expats. Wise and bunq allow account opening before arrival. Traditional Dutch banks (ING, ABN AMRO) require BSN + proof of address.
Official Resources:
Arrival day
Border procedures and EES registration
Border control - required documents
Have all required documents ready for border control and EES registration. Missing documents can cause entry delays or denial.
- •Valid passport (6+ months validity) or EU national ID card
- •Proof of accommodation: Booking confirmation email, rental contract, or hotel reservation
- •Return ticket or proof of onward travel (required for short-stay visitors)
- •Proof of funds: Bank statement showing €80-€100 per day minimum
- •For work permit holders: MVV visa sticker in passport + IND approval letter
- •For students: University acceptance letter + proof of enrollment
- •Health insurance confirmation (especially for non-EU nationals)
💡 Tip: Who it applies to: All non-EU arrivals (border checks). EU citizens can use national ID card and face minimal checks.
Official Resources:
Complete EES registration at border
Follow the EES registration process at border control. This applies to non-EU nationals on short stays (90 days or less).
- •Queue at EES registration kiosk or border desk
- •Scan your passport at the kiosk
- •Provide facial image (look at camera, remove glasses)
- •Provide fingerprints (2-4 fingers, follow instructions)
- •Confirm data accuracy on screen
- •Receive EES registration confirmation (electronic, not stamped on passport during transition)
- •Do NOT need: Printed EES confirmation, special visa stamps (yet), embassy letters
💡 Tip: Who it applies to: Non-EU nationals WITHOUT long-term residence permits. If you have MVV/residence permit, skip EES registration.
Official Resources:
First week in Netherlands
Critical tasks to complete immediately
Complete housing move-in
Finalize move-in procedures with your landlord and document the property condition. This protects your deposit and ensures smooth tenancy.
- •Confirm move-in appointment with landlord or rental agency
- •Collect house keys and gate/door codes
- •Document initial condition with photos (any damage, marks, defects)
- •Sign rental inventory list (opstaat) if provided
- •Arrange utility activation date (if not included)
- •Get landlord contact details for emergencies
- •Confirm waste collection days and recycling rules for your area
💡 Tip: Who it applies to: All renters. Take extensive photos on move-in day - this protects your deposit (1-2 months rent) when you move out.
Official Resources:
Open local bank account
Open a Dutch bank account for salary payments, rent, and utilities. Most banks require BSN, but some allow provisional accounts.
- •Major banks: ING (most expat-friendly), ABN AMRO, Rabobank
- •Online banks: bunq (no BSN required initially), Revolut, Wise
- •Required documents: Passport + proof of address (rental contract)
- •BSN: Most banks require BSN (can open provisional account, finalize after BSN received)
- •Account opening time: 1-2 days for online banks, 1-2 weeks for traditional banks
- •Monthly fees: €0-€10/month depending on account type
- •IBAN format: NL## BANK #### #### ## (needed for salary, rent payments)
💡 Tip: Who it applies to: All expats. bunq and Wise allow account opening without BSN. Traditional banks require BSN first.
Official Resources:
Register mobile phone contract
Set up a Dutch mobile phone number for communication and two-factor authentication. Needed for banking, DigiD, and daily life.
- •Prepaid SIM (no contract): Lebara, Lycamobile (€5-€15/month, available immediately)
- •Contract providers: KPN, Vodafone, T-Mobile, Odido (€10-€30/month)
- •Most contracts require BSN (use prepaid initially if no BSN yet)
- •Coverage: Excellent nationwide (4G/5G widely available)
- •Typical bundle: Unlimited calls/texts + 5-10GB data = €15-€25/month
- •Activation: Immediate for prepaid, 1-3 days for contract SIM
- •Buy at: Supermarkets (prepaid), phone shops, provider stores (contract)
💡 Tip: Who it applies to: All expats. Prepaid SIM available without BSN at Albert Heijn, Jumbo supermarkets. Contract SIMs require BSN.
Official Resources:
Buy bicycle (if needed)
Consider buying a bicycle for daily transport. Cycling is the most efficient and cost-effective way to navigate Dutch cities.
- •Used bicycle: €30-€100 (swapfiets.nl, marktplaats.nl, local bike shops)
- •New bicycle: €300-€800 depending on quality
- •Essential accessories: Lock (€20-€50 - invest in quality), lights (€10-€30, legally required)
- •Bicycle insurance: €5-€15/month (recommended for bikes over €300)
- •Where to buy: Swapfiets (subscription €15-€20/month), Decathlon, local bike shops
- •Bike parking: Free at most train stations and public areas (use designated racks)
- •Cycling rules: Bike lanes (fietspaden) mandatory where available, lights required after dark
💡 Tip: Who it applies to: Highly recommended for all expats in cities. Cycling is fastest transport within 5km radius. Invest in a good lock - bike theft common.
Official Resources:
Schedule BSN registration appointment
Register with your local municipality (gemeente) to receive your BSN (Burger Service Nummer). This is legally required within 5 days of arrival and essential for work, banking, and healthcare.
- •Call municipality for BSN registration appointment (within 5 days of arrival)
- •Required documents: Passport, proof of accommodation (rental contract), birth certificate (apostilled + translated), employer letter (if applicable)
- •Appointment wait time: 1-2 weeks typical (Amsterdam longer, smaller cities faster)
- •BSN received: Same day at appointment or sent by post within 5-7 days
- •Cost: Free (no fees for BSN registration)
- •Expat centers: Amsterdam (IN Amsterdam), Rotterdam (Rotterdam International Center), Utrecht (Utrecht International Center) offer combined appointments
- •BSN format: 9-digit number (needed for EVERYTHING in Netherlands)
💡 Tip: Who it applies to: All expats staying 4+ months (both EU/EEA and non-EU). BSN is your most important number - needed for work, banking, healthcare, taxes, DigiD. Schedule ASAP!
Activate health insurance
Finalize your Dutch health insurance contract effective from your arrival date. This is legally mandatory and must be active within 4 months.
- •Select provider: Use Zorgwijzer.nl to compare (independent comparison site)
- •Sign contract with effective date = your arrival date
- •Basic package (basisverzekering): €100-€150/month (legally required minimum)
- •Optional additions: Dental (€5-€20/month), physiotherapy (€3-€10/month)
- •Annual deductible (eigen risico): €385 minimum (you pay first €385 of costs)
- •Choose policy type: Natura (direct claims) or Restitutie (reimbursement)
- •Payment: Automatic monthly deduction after providing IBAN
- •Grace period: 4 months from arrival to arrange insurance (but retroactive payments apply)
💡 Tip: Who it applies to: All expats - health insurance is legally mandatory from arrival. Fines for non-compliance: €130/month + retroactive premiums. No pre-existing condition exclusions!
Complete municipal registration
Attend your BSN appointment and complete full municipal registration. This registers you in the BRP (Dutch population database).
- •Attend scheduled gemeente appointment
- •Bring all required documents: Passport, birth certificate, rental contract, employer letter
- •Register family members together (if applicable)
- •Clerk enters your details into BRP (Basisregistratie Personen) population database
- •Receive BSN number (same day or within 5-7 days by post)
- •Update address with employer immediately after receiving BSN
- •DigiD application: Apply online after receiving BSN (needed for government services)
💡 Tip: Who it applies to: All expats staying 4+ months. After receiving BSN, apply for DigiD immediately (5 days activation time). DigiD is needed for tax returns, benefits applications.
Official Resources:
Arrange furniture (if unfurnished)
Set up your living space with furniture and essentials. Many Dutch rentals are "kaal" (unfurnished), requiring complete furnishing.
- •Budget furniture: IKEA (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht locations)
- •Second-hand: Marktplaats.nl (Dutch Craigslist), Vinted, local thrift stores
- •Free furniture: Check "Gratis af te halen" on Marktplaats
- •Essential items: Bed, desk, chair, wardrobe, kitchen basics
- •Budget: €500-€1,500 for basic furnished room
- •Budget: €2,000-€5,000 for fully furnished apartment
- •Delivery: IKEA delivers (€29-€99), or rent a van (€50-€100/day)
- •Build service: TaskRabbit, local handyman (€25-€50/hour)
💡 Tip: Who it applies to: Renters of unfurnished properties. Check if your rental is "gemeubileerd" (furnished) or "kaal" (unfurnished) before arrival.
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CRITICAL FACTS: Verified 2026 changes
| Item | Current (2025) | 2026 Update | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| EES Implementation | Started Oct 12, 2025 | Fully live April 10, 2026 | Confirmed (EU) |
| Passport Stamping | Last until April 9, 2026 | Replaced by EES | Confirmed |
| Biometric Data | Gradual collection | Mandatory for all by April 2026 | Confirmed |
| Visa Exemption | US/UK/Canada/etc: 90 days | Unchanged | Confirmed |
| EU Citizens | Manual stamps | Unchanged | Confirmed |
Common pre-arrival mistakes to avoid
Don't: Arrive with housing uncertainty
✓ Do: Confirm accommodation BEFORE departure
Don't: Plan to get bank account on day 1
✓ Do: Open remote account before arriving (bunq, Wise, etc.)
Don't: Ignore health insurance
✓ Do: Arrange coverage for arrival day onwards
Don't: Assume all utilities are included
✓ Do: Confirm with landlord what's included
Don't: Plan large cash-only expenses
✓ Do: Have debit card + small cash buffer
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I'm EU/Swiss citizen. Do I need EES registration?
A: No. The EES (Entry/Exit System) doesn't apply to EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. You can enter Netherlands normally using your passport or national ID card without biometric registration. EES only applies to non-EU nationals on short stays (90 days or less).
Q: My visa is pending. Can I travel during the EES transition period?
A: If your visa is approved, yes - ensure you have all documentation (MVV in passport, IND approval letter). Even without final visa approval, you'll complete EES registration at the border if you're a visa-exempt traveler. The transition period (October 2025 - April 2026) allows for gradual implementation.
Q: EES data stays 3 years - what happens after that?
A: After 3 years, your EES registration data is automatically deleted from the system. However, if you obtain a long-term residence permit before the 3 years expire, your EES data is deleted immediately as you're no longer considered a short-stay visitor.
Q: Can I apply for BSN before arriving in Netherlands?
A: No, you must be physically present in your municipality to register for BSN. You cannot apply online or from abroad. Schedule your appointment after arrival - ideally within 5 days as legally required. Bring passport, rental contract, and birth certificate to the appointment.
Q: What if I lose my passport after EES registration?
A: Report the loss to Dutch police immediately and get a police report. Apply for a new passport at your embassy/consulate. Since EES data is linked to your passport number, you'll need to complete a new EES registration when you next enter the Schengen area with your replacement passport.
Q: How much does it cost to move to Netherlands in 2026?
A: Total moving costs range from €2,500-€5,000+ including housing deposits (€1,500-€2,500), visa fees (€300-€900 for non-EU), moving services (€500-€2,000), and initial living expenses (€1,000-€2,000). Costs vary significantly by city - Amsterdam is most expensive, Rotterdam more affordable.
Q: Do I need Dutch health insurance from day 1?
A: Legally, you have 4 months from arrival to arrange Dutch health insurance, but it's retroactive - meaning you'll pay premiums from your arrival date. It's strongly recommended to arrange it before or immediately upon arrival. Cost: €100-€150/month for basic package. Mandatory for all residents.
Last updated: November 2025 | All information verified from official sources