Moving to the Netherlands is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. While you’ve probably already done your fair share of research, there are some crucial things to know and take care of before you can really settle in. Therefore, we have composed a Survival Checklist for expats in the Netherlands. These practical tips help you start your new life as smoothly as possible. Let’s dive in!
Survival Checklist for expats in the Netherlands
#1. Register with the BRP
All expats in the Netherlands are required to register with the BRP or Basisregistratie Personen (Municipal Personal Records Database) within five days after arrival. You can do this by making an appointment at your local municipality. Once you’re registered, you get a burgerservicenummer (bsn) – a personal identification number. Unless you are from an EU country, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway or Liechtenstein, you will also require a residence permit from the IND or Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (Immigration and Naturalisation Service). We recommend making an appointment as soon as possible; they may have long waiting times, and you will need to submit a significant amount of paperwork. Carefully read the IND’s requirements. Incomplete documents or documents that don’t have the right stamps can cause serious delays.
#2. Open a Dutch bank account
Want to make your new life in the Netherlands easier from the start? Open a Dutch bank account! Regardless of which bank you choose, you will need the following:
- Your passport;
- Residence permit (if applicable);
- Burgerservicenummer (bsn);
- Proof of address;
- Evidence of (future) income, like a payslip or contract of employment.
#3. Get a Dutch health insurance
Everyone who is living and/or working in the Netherlands, is legally required to have Dutch health insurance. A basisverzekering (basic health insurance) is sufficient. In 2025, this will cost you around €150 per month. Navigating the Dutch healthcare system may seem daunting at first. Especially because there are many different health insurance companies to choose from, and they all have different packages and policies. Therefore, it’s good to know that all basic health insurance policies are (for the most part) equal because the Dutch government specifies what care must be covered in these policies. If you find yourself unhappy with the health insurance company you picked, you can easily switch to a different one at the end of the year.
#4. Find a place to live
While it can be a challenge to find a place to live – especially in bigger cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht – there are plenty of options you can explore, starting with our guide on housing for expats in the Netherlands. Don’t be afraid to tell everyone you meet that you’re looking for a place. Sometimes the best solutions come from the most unexpected people!
#5. Sort out your necessities
Once you have found a place to call home, you need to ensure you have water, electricity, heating and internet. Check out our guide on setting up home for expats in the Netherlands for more information.
#6. Make sure you know how to get around
When you come to the Netherlands to live here, you can drive with your foreign driver’s license for the first 185 days. Before the end of this period, you may need to exchange your driver’s license at the municipality that you’re registered at. Exchanging a valid EU/EFTA driving license is always possible, but additional rules may apply depending on the country that issued your license. Before you get behind the wheel, make sure you are familiar with Dutch road rules. Using public transport? Find out what you need to know about how it works and apply for a personal OV (Openbaar Vervoer) chipcard. For more information, see our guide on transport for expats in the Netherlands.
#7. Get a job
Some expats are already assured of employment when they come to the Netherlands. If you’re not in this group, you’ll need to find a job. If you don’t need a work permit or already have one, start your job hunt by searching online. It’s also a good idea to sign up with one or more employment service providers that specialize in helping expats find the right match.
#8. Find out if you qualify for expat benefits
The Dutch government’s benefit system provides various ‘toeslagen’ for Dutch citizens and residents who need it to (temporarily) cover their basic living expenses. Expats in the Netherlands can also apply for these financial contributions. Depending on your living situation and income, you may be eligible for financial support in the form of huurtoeslag (rent allowance), zorgtoeslag (health care benefits) and/or kinderbijslag (childcare benefits).
#9. Don’t forget to do your taxes
Everyone in the Netherlands must submit the annual aangifte inkomstenbelasting (income tax declaration). It is important that this is done in time and correctly, as it determines the amount of taxes you have to pay. Depending on the complexity of your situation, the way you earn your money and your income, you may want to hire a tax consultant to help you navigate the Dutch tax system – even if it’s only for the first tax declaration, so that you can do it yourself the next time. A tax consultant can also tell you if you qualify for certain tax benefits, like loonheffingskorting (labour tax credit) and/or algemene heffingskorting (general tax credit).
#10. Make friends with locals
There is no better way to adjust to your new life than by befriending Dutch people. No matter how thorough you’ve been in doing research, all expats in the Netherlands will inevitably have new questions arise. When that happens, it is very nice to have some locals around that can provide you with answers. Hanging out with Dutch natives is also the most efficient and fun way to learn the language and immerse yourself in Dutch culture. Trying to get to know some locals may result in wonderful and meaningful new connections that could last a lifetime!
