Moving to the Netherlands with your family is very manageable, as long as you take the right steps in the right order. You will need a valid residence permit (unless you are an EU citizen), a home, a BSN number, and registration with the municipality. For families with children, choosing a school is also part of the process. This article answers the most frequently asked questions about moving to the Netherlands with your family, from the first paperwork to the first day of school.
What do you need to bring your family to the Netherlands?
To bring your family to the Netherlands, you need at minimum a valid residence permit or right of residence, a home address in the Netherlands, and a BSN number. For non-EU families, a family reunification procedure through the IND also applies, for which your partner or parent must already be legally residing in the Netherlands.
EU citizens and their family members do not need a visa, but they do need to register with the municipality. For non-EU expats, the procedure is more extensive. The employee first applies for a residence permit themselves, after which the family can apply for a provisional residence permit (MVV) through the Dutch embassy in their home country. This process takes an average of several weeks, so start early.
Also make sure you have the following documents in order:
- Passports of all family members
- Birth certificates of children (legalized and translated)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of income or employment contract
- Proof of home address in the Netherlands
Need a local Homie?
Share your plans with us and discover how we can help with your home, move or relocation in the Netherlands.
How do you arrange housing before arriving in the Netherlands?
It is best to arrange housing in the Netherlands before you arrive, as the rental market in cities such as Amsterdam and Amstelveen is competitive. Start searching at least two to three months in advance. Many families first opt for temporary accommodation so they can take their time finding a permanent rental without time pressure.
When searching for a family home, these are the most important points to consider:
- Location relative to school and work: Consider commute time and public transport.
- Rental budget: In Amsterdam, expect to pay an average of €1,800 to €3,500 per month for a family home, depending on size and neighborhood.
- Rental contract: Check whether it is a temporary contract or an open-ended contract and what the notice period is.
- Utilities: Are gas, water, and electricity included, or do you arrange these yourself?
Popular neighborhoods for families include Amsterdam-Zuid, Amstelveen, and IJburg. These offer good schools, a green environment, and an active expat community. Also check out expat housing for more information about what is available on the Dutch market.
How do you register your family with the municipality?
You register your family with the municipality (in the BRP, the Personal Records Database) by personally making an appointment at the town hall of the city where you will be living. All family members must be present and bring original documents. After registration, you will all receive a BSN number, which you need for health insurance, a bank account, and work.
For registration, bring:
- Valid passports or identity documents
- Proof of home address (rental contract or statement from landlord)
- Birth certificates of children
- Residence permit (for non-EU citizens)
Children are registered together with the parents. Do not wait too long to register: without a BSN you cannot take out health insurance, and in the Netherlands this is mandatory for everyone who lives or works here.
What schools are available for expat children in the Netherlands?
For expat children, there are two main options in the Netherlands: international schools with English-language education and regular Dutch schools. International schools follow programs such as the IB (International Baccalaureate) or the British/American curriculum and are popular with families who plan to move on again after a few years. Dutch schools offer faster integration and are free.
International schools
International schools can be found in Amsterdam, Amstelveen, and the surrounding area, such as the Amsterdam International Community School (AICS) and the British School of Amsterdam. Tuition fees vary widely, but expect to pay €10,000 to €25,000 per year. Waiting lists are long, so enroll your children as early as possible, preferably while still abroad.
Dutch schools
Dutch primary schools are free and sometimes offer special transition classes for children who are still learning the language. Children typically adapt quickly. For families staying in the Netherlands longer, a Dutch school is a great way to learn the language and make friends in the neighborhood.
What does it cost to move to the Netherlands with your family?
The total costs for a family move to the Netherlands range from a few thousand euros to tens of thousands of euros, depending on the country of origin, family size, and the package of services you engage. The biggest cost items are the move itself, temporary housing, school fees, and administrative procedures.
A rough overview of common cost items:
- International move: €3,000 to €15,000 (depending on distance and volume)
- Temporary accommodation: €1,500 to €4,000 per month
- First month’s rent plus deposit: Typically two to three months’ rent upfront
- IND family reunification application: A few hundred euros per person
- International school: €10,000 to €25,000 per year
- Health insurance: Approximately €150 to €200 per adult per month
Some employers reimburse (part of) the moving costs through a relocation package. Always ask your employer about this before incurring costs yourself.
How does Urban Homies help with moving with your family?
At Urban Homies, we guide families through the entire moving process, from the initial orientation from abroad to the moment you are fully settled in the Netherlands. We match each family with a personal ‘homie’: a local expert who knows your situation and guides you step by step.
Specifically, we help with:
- Searching for and viewing a suitable family home
- Negotiating the rental contract
- Support with municipal registration and BSN application
- IND procedures and visa applications for non-EU families
- Connecting utilities and a welcome package upon arrival
- Referrals to notaries, tax specialists, and immigration lawyers
Since March 2026, we have been an official member of EuRA (the European Relocation Association), which means our working methods meet international quality standards. Whether you are making a fresh start yourself or coming to the Netherlands through your employer: we make sure you and your family feel at home as quickly as possible. Get in touch and tell us about your situation, and we will look together at what we can do for you.
Need a local Homie?
Share your plans with us and discover how we can help with your home, move or relocation in the Netherlands.
