Moving to the Netherlands Guide: Relocation & Essentials

Moving to the Netherlands represents an exciting opportunity to experience one of Europe’s most progressive and prosperous countries. With its robust economy, excellent infrastructure, high English proficiency, and outstanding quality of life, the Netherlands attracts thousands of international residents each year. However, relocating here involves navigating a complex series of legal requirements, bureaucratic processes, and cultural adjustments that require careful planning and preparation.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about moving to the Netherlands for stays longer than 90 days, when you’ll be considered to be emigrating. Whether you’re an EU citizen with freedom of movement or a non-EU national requiring permits and visas, understanding the relocation process is essential for a smooth transition to Dutch life

Netherlands Visa Guide: Types, Applications, Residency & Citizenship Requirements

Before Moving to the Netherlands

Visa and Residence Permits

Your visa and residence permit requirements depend entirely on your nationality and purpose for moving to the Netherlands.

EU/EEA and Swiss Citizens enjoy significant advantages when relocating. If you’re a national of the Netherlands, another EU/EEA country, or Switzerland, you generally don’t need a visa, residence permit, or work permit to live, work, or study in the Netherlands. However, you must still register with your local municipality upon arrival.

Non-EU/EEA Citizens face more complex requirements. A residence permit is mandatory for stays longer than 90 days, and you may also need a specific visa to travel to the Netherlands initially. The application process typically involves submitting documents including a valid passport, proof of income, health insurance coverage, and completed application forms. Employers or sponsors often handle this process on your behalf. For detailed information about residence permits, visit the official Dutch government immigration website.

Residence permits are usually issued for one to five years and require timely renewal. The specific type of permit you need depends on your circumstances:

Tourist Visa: Short-term stays up to 90 days
Highly Skilled Migrant Permit: Employer-sponsored permits often come with beneficial tax conditions like the 30% ruling
Startup Visa: Available for entrepreneurs with a recognized facilitator
Student Visa: Required for higher education
Family Visa: For family members of Dutch residents or citizens
Working Holiday Visa: Available for young people from specific countries

Most non-EU/EEA nationals need employer sponsorship for work visas or residence permits, unless applying for startup or working holiday visas.

Work and Recognizing Foreign Qualifications

Working in the Netherlands involves different requirements depending on your visa status and profession. Special rules may apply for students, knowledge workers, or artists.

If you have foreign qualifications, you may need to take steps to use them in the Netherlands or have them evaluated by relevant authorities. The NUFFIC organization provides credential evaluation services for educational qualifications. For regulated professions, additional requirements like work experience and language skills may apply, and you might need to apply for professional recognition through the appropriate regulatory body.

Entrepreneurs have specific arrangements and should consult Business.gov.nl for detailed guidance on starting a business in the Netherlands.

Civic Integration (Inburgering)

Civic integration involves learning Dutch language and culture and is mandatory if you’re over 18 and not a national of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland. For comprehensive information about civic integration requirements, visit the official DUO website.

If you’re moving to live with a partner or spouse, or as a spiritual counselor, you must begin civic integration in your country of residence. This means taking the civic integration exam abroad at a Dutch embassy or consulate, paying the required fee, and passing it before applying for your visa and residence permit.

Even if you take the exam abroad, you must continue the civic integration process after arriving in the Netherlands. This comprehensive approach ensures you have the language skills and cultural knowledge needed to integrate successfully into Dutch society.

Preparing Official Documents

Gathering necessary documents early prevents delays and complications in your relocation process. Documents typically needed include proof of nationality, residence history, and changes in civil status.

Essential documents often include:

Current visa or residence permit from your country of residence
Immigration history statements
Birth certificates (yours and your parents’)
Old passports (yours and your parents’)
Naturalization documents
Marriage, divorce, or death certificates
School certificates and transcripts
Military service documents
Employment history documentation

Legalization and Translation processes are crucial for document preparation. You may need to have documents legalized for use in the Netherlands, depending on the issuing country. Documents not in Dutch, English, French, or German must be professionally translated. After translation, both the source document and translation may require legalization.

Apostille procedures apply if your document comes from a country party to the Apostille Convention (over 100 countries). An apostille is a special sticker or stamp that authenticates signatures, making further legalization unnecessary. However, translation is still required if the document isn’t in Dutch, English, French, or German. You can request an apostille from local authorities in the issuing country.

For documents from other EU countries, an apostille or e-apostille is not necessary, simplifying the process for European residents.

You can also have certain foreign official documents (birth, marriage, registered partnership, death, divorce) converted into Dutch official documents by the municipality of The Hague, which can be helpful for future administrative needs.

Passport Validity

Passport validity requirements vary by nationality. Dutch nationals must have a valid passport or ID card on their arrival day. If yours isn’t valid, apply for a new one at a Dutch embassy or consulate abroad. Be aware that passports can be refused or considered invalid even if within their stated validity period.

Citizens of other nationalities must have a passport or ID card valid for at least three months after arrival in the Netherlands.

Driving License

Research whether you can use your foreign driving license in the Netherlands and for how long, as this depends on the issuing country. The RDW (Netherlands Vehicle Authority) provides information about exchanging foreign driving licenses. Some foreign licenses can be exchanged for Dutch ones, while others may require you to take Dutch driving tests after a certain period.

Importing Personal Belongings

You may need to declare belongings and money to Dutch Customs, depending on your country of origin. Restrictions apply to certain items, and specific arrangements are needed for bringing pets, vehicles, or medications. For detailed customs information, visit the Dutch Customs website.

Research customs regulations thoroughly before packing to avoid delays or confiscation at the border.

Securing Accommodation

Finding housing is your responsibility and one of the most challenging aspects of moving to the Netherlands due to a major housing shortage. Start looking early and consider multiple options. Popular housing websites include Funda, Pararius, and Kamernet for rental properties.

For those on low income, social housing might be available, but waiting lists can be extremely long, and you won’t receive priority simply for not having a place to live yet.

If you cannot find permanent accommodation immediately, you might be able to use a correspondence address for receiving mail. This requires written permission from the main occupant and a copy of their ID. Some municipalities don’t accept holiday homes as correspondence addresses, and using a friend or family member’s address can impact their income and benefits eligibility.

Preparing Children for School

If your child will attend a Dutch school without prior Dutch language or cultural education, prepare them beforehand through language learning resources, cultural information, and age-appropriate materials about Dutch society and school systems.

Booking a Municipality Registration Appointment

Make an appointment to register with the municipality well before your departure, as appointments can have extremely long waiting times in popular areas. Ask specifically what documents you need for yourself, your partner, and your children.

If you’re moving from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, request proof of deregistration before your appointment. For other countries, the municipality may still ask for proof of deregistration from your previous place of residence.

Immediately After Arrival in the Netherlands

Registering with the Municipality

You must register with the Dutch municipality where you’ll be living within five days of arrival if you plan to stay for more than four months. Everyone who moved with you must attend the appointment in person. Failure to register on time may result in fines.

If you couldn’t make an appointment before arrival or face long waiting times, schedule the earliest possible appointment and ask if you can be registered retroactively to avoid penalties.

If you’re staying for no more than four months, you cannot register with the municipality but can be registered as a non-resident in the Personal Records Database (BRP).

Required Documents for Registration include:

Valid identity document (passport, driving license, Dutch ID, or alien’s ID)
Proof of occupancy (rental contract, sale contract, or written permission from main occupant)
Proof of deregistration (if from Aruba, Curaçao, St Maarten, Bonaire, St Eustatius, or Saba)

The municipality may request additional documents like birth certificates, divorce certificates, or proof of Dutch nationality depending on your specific situation.

After Registration, your data enters the Personal Records Database (BRP), and you’ll receive a citizen service number (BSN) within a few weeks. The BSN is essential for all government dealings, accessing healthcare, and opening bank accounts.

Applying for a DigiD

Once registered in the BRP, you can request a DigiD (digital identity). This secure digital identity provides online access to Dutch government services, including MijnOverheid and the Tax Administration, making it essential for managing your affairs in the Netherlands.

Continuing Civic Integration

After municipality registration, you’ll receive a letter from the Education Executive Agency (DUO) informing you about mandatory civic integration requirements. The municipality will invite you for interviews and assessments to evaluate your current knowledge and create a personalized step-by-step plan. You have three years to complete civic integration successfully.

Health Insurance

If you live or work in the Netherlands, you’re normally insured under the Chronic Care Act (Wlz) and required to take out basic health insurance with a Dutch insurer within four months of arrival. This requirement is mandatory even if you still have foreign insurance coverage. For information about health insurance options, visit Zorgwijzer to compare different insurers.

Failure to obtain Dutch health insurance can result in fines and having to pay healthcare costs yourself. There are exceptions, such as if you have income from outside the Netherlands, which may mean you cannot take out Dutch health insurance. Contact the health insurance information line or the Social Insurance Bank (SVB) for an assessment of your insurance position.

Basic health insurance covers essential care including GP visits, hospital care, and medications. Supplementary insurance is available for dental care, glasses, and other additional services. Basic health insurance is free for children under 18.

If you cannot take out Dutch health insurance immediately (for example, while waiting for a residence permit), you can temporarily maintain international health insurance or coverage from your previous country of residence.

Children’s Education

Compulsory School Attendance begins at age 5 and continues to 16, sometimes extending to 18 if children haven’t obtained a basic qualification (HAVO, VWO, or MBO level 2 or higher).

Children need a BSN to enroll, but schools can request a temporary education number from DUO if the BSN hasn’t been issued yet.

Language Proficiency considerations are crucial for placement. If your child speaks, reads, and writes Dutch proficiently, discuss with the school which class or level they should join. If your child doesn’t speak Dutch sufficiently, bridging classes (for primary school children) or international bridging classes (ISK for ages 12-18 in secondary education) provide additional language training.

Enrollment Process involves choosing and enrolling your child in primary school (from age 4) or secondary school. Some schools have waiting lists or may refuse admission based on neighborhood boundaries, class capacity, or religious philosophy.

Schools are required to provide education for children with disabilities or disorders. If they cannot accommodate your child’s needs, they’ll help find an alternative, possibly a special education school.

International Schools offer education in international environments. Options include private international schools or Dutch International Schools (DIS), which are government-subsidized international sections of regular schools.

Things to Arrange Later

Opening a Dutch Bank Account

You’ll need a Dutch bank account for various arrangements, including phone plans and salary payments. Your BSN is required for account opening. Most banks offer services in English, and the currency is the Euro (EUR). Research different banks’ offerings and fees to find the best fit for your needs.

Finding Work

Werk.nl is the Dutch government website for job search tips, advice, and vacancy listings, requiring a DigiD for full features. The European Commission’s EURES website also lists Dutch job vacancies and provides information about working conditions.

The Dutch job market is robust, especially in technology, finance, engineering, healthcare, and logistics sectors. English is widely spoken in business settings, but learning Dutch provides significant advantages for career advancement and integration.

Studying or Internships

If you plan to study or complete internships, research how to apply with foreign qualifications and what additional requirements exist. The Netherlands has world-renowned universities offering many English-taught programs, but admission requirements and application processes vary significantly between institutions and programs.

Childcare

Different types of childcare exist for children aged 0-12. Pre-school (early childhood education) is available for children aged 2.5-4 years to learn Dutch through play-based activities. Childcare costs money, but you may be eligible for childcare benefits to help offset expenses.

Registering with a Doctor

While not required, registering with a family doctor (general practitioner or GP) is advisable for healthcare access. Your health insurer can help you find a GP in your area. Some GPs have waiting lists or may refuse patients if you live too far from their practice.

Accessing Chronic or Specialized Care

If you or family members need chronic or high-level care, this is organized through the Chronic Care Act (WLZ), with eligibility and services depending on your specific situation and needs.

Vaccinations

Children can receive free vaccinations against infectious diseases through the municipal health service (GGD) or baby and toddler clinics. While not required, these vaccinations are strongly advised for public health. Adults may also be eligible for catch-up vaccinations. Bring foreign vaccination records to your appointments to ensure proper medical continuity.

Taxes

You’re required to pay tax on your income in the Netherlands, with amounts depending on income and assets. You must file an income tax return annually, even if you don’t receive a letter from the Tax Administration.

A special M form must be filed for the year you moved to the Netherlands, including all income and assets. Filing taxes in the Netherlands doesn’t always mean paying tax on foreign income, depending on tax treaties and your specific situation.

The Netherlands has a progressive tax system with rates from 9.28% to 49.5%. Expats may benefit from the 30% ruling, allowing 30% of gross salary to be tax-free for up to five years, significantly reducing tax burden for qualifying individuals.

Dutch and foreign tax administrations share information internationally, and tax-related debt from another country can have consequences in the Netherlands, so address any outstanding tax issues before relocating.

Pensions

You can inquire about transferring a foreign pension to the Netherlands through relevant pension authorities. If you live or work in the Netherlands, you build up a state pension (AOW), with amounts depending on years of residency or work and living situation. Supplementary pensions can also be built up, often arranged by employers as part of compensation packages.

Benefits (Toeslagen)

You may be entitled to benefits from the Tax Administration to help cover costs for rental housing, health insurance, or childcare. Eligibility depends on your income level and family situation.

Types of benefits include:

Healthcare Benefit: Helps with Dutch health insurance costs
Housing Benefit: Assists with rent payments
Child Benefit: Supports raising children under 18
Supplementary Child Benefit: Provides additional help with child-related costs
Childcare Benefit: Covers childcare costs while working

You cannot automatically receive Dutch benefits upon arrival; eligibility depends on your specific situation. Social assistance benefits, for example, cannot be received during your first three months in the Netherlands.

Other potential benefits include sickness, disability, pregnancy and maternity, and unemployment benefits, each with specific eligibility criteria and application processes.

General Considerations

Economy and Quality of Life

The Netherlands boasts a solid economy, high standard of living, excellent infrastructure, and progressive society, making it a sought-after destination for international residents. High English proficiency throughout the country eases integration for English-speaking expats, while the compact geography makes travel and exploration convenient.

Cost of Living

Living costs can be high, especially in major cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague, though smaller cities offer more affordable options.

Rental Housing varies significantly by location. A one-bedroom apartment in central Amsterdam can cost €1,500-€2,000 per month, while similar accommodations in other cities range from €1,000-€1,500. Average rent for a one-bedroom city center apartment exceeds €1,360 per month.

Property Buying is possible for expats but involves complexities including transfer tax (2%), legal fees, and real estate commissions (5-10% of purchase price). Research mortgage requirements and eligibility carefully.

Utilities typically cost €150-€250 monthly, plus €40-€70 for internet and television services.

Transportation features an excellent public system with monthly passes costing around €90-€110. Cycling is extremely popular and affordable, with extensive bike lane networks throughout the country.

Safety

The Netherlands is considered one of the world’s safest countries, with low crime rates and effective emergency services. In emergencies, dial 112 for medical, fire, or police assistance. Operators typically speak English, ensuring you can get help when needed.

Dutch Culture and Lifestyle

Dutch culture is known for directness, punctuality, and valuing privacy. Work culture emphasizes work-life balance and flat organizational structures, creating collaborative environments. Leisure culture includes extensive outdoor activities, vibrant arts scenes, and café culture that encourages social interaction.

Understanding and adapting to these cultural norms will significantly improve your integration experience and help you build meaningful relationships with Dutch colleagues and neighbors.

Relocation Services

Professional relocation companies can assist with visa applications, housing searches, navigating bureaucracy, and cultural orientation. While these services involve additional costs, they can be invaluable for complex relocations or when you need expert guidance through unfamiliar processes.

Consider professional assistance if you’re relocating for work, have complex family situations, or simply want to minimize stress during your transition to life in the Netherlands.

Moving to the Netherlands requires careful planning, patience, and attention to detail, but the rewards of living in this prosperous, progressive, and welcoming country make the effort worthwhile. By following this comprehensive guide and preparing thoroughly, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the relocation process successfully and begin building your new life in the Netherlands.