If you’re moving to the Netherlands, there are several things you need to arrange: registering with the municipality, applying for a BSN, taking out health insurance, and opening a bank account. For non-EU citizens, an IND procedure is also required. The order and exact steps depend on your nationality and living situation. This article answers the most frequently asked questions about what you need to arrange practically when moving to the Netherlands.
What documents do you need to register in the Netherlands?
To register with a Dutch municipality, you will at minimum need a valid passport or identity document, proof of your residential address (such as a rental contract or a statement from your landlord), and sometimes a birth certificate. The exact requirements may vary by municipality, but these are the documents you can always count on.
Depending on your situation, additional documents may be required:
- Rental contract or landlord’s permission statement as proof of your residential address
- Birth certificate (sometimes legalized and translated)
- Marriage certificate if you are registering with a partner
- Residence permit for non-EU citizens
Make an appointment with the municipality as soon as you have a residential address. Without a valid rental contract or proof of ownership, you cannot register, and without registration you cannot apply for a BSN. Make sure your housing contract is in order before tackling the rest of your administrative tasks.
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How do you apply for a BSN as a newcomer in the Netherlands?
You apply for a BSN (burgerservicenummer) at the municipality where you are registered. The BSN is automatically assigned at the moment you successfully register in the Personal Records Database (BRP). You do not need to submit a separate application: the number follows directly from your municipal registration.
The BSN is your personal identification number in the Netherlands and you need it for almost everything: working, paying taxes, opening a bank account, and taking out health insurance. Without a BSN, you can barely function in the Netherlands in practice.
If you do not yet have a permanent address but are already working in the Netherlands, you can in some cases apply for a BSN through the Dutch Tax Authority (Belastingdienst). This is a temporary solution for people who are not yet registered with a municipality but are already subject to taxation.
What is the IND procedure and who is required to go through it?
The IND procedure is mandatory for non-EU citizens who wish to stay in the Netherlands for more than 90 days. The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) assesses whether you are entitled to a residence permit. EU citizens do not need to go through this procedure and can register directly with the municipality.
There are different types of residence permits, depending on your situation:
- Highly skilled migrant: for highly educated employees with a salary threshold
- European Blue Card: for highly qualified migrants within the EU
- Family reunification: if you are going to live in the Netherlands with a partner or family member
- Self-employed: for entrepreneurs who want to start a business in the Netherlands
In most cases, you start the IND procedure from abroad, via an mvv application (provisional residence authorisation) at the Dutch embassy in your country. Some nationalities are exempt from the mvv requirement. Make sure you are well informed about which category applies to you, as processing times and requirements vary greatly by permit type.
How do you open a bank account in the Netherlands as an expat?
As an expat, you can open a bank account at a Dutch bank once you have a BSN, a valid identity document, and proof of your residential address. Most major banks, such as ING, ABN AMRO, and Rabobank, offer accounts for newcomers. Some banks require that you are already registered with the municipality.
If you do not yet have a BSN, you can temporarily use international fintech banks such as Bunq, Wise, or Revolut. These banks do not require a BSN upon registration and are therefore popular among expats who are still in the start-up phase. They are suitable as a bridge solution, but for salary payments and tax matters you will ultimately need a Dutch account.
Bear in mind that some employers and landlords require an IBAN account number with the NL prefix. Plan to open your bank account as early as possible after arrival.
What health insurance do you need to take out when living in the Netherlands?
Everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands is required to take out basic insurance with a Dutch health insurer. This also applies to expats. You must take out the insurance within four months of registering with the municipality, but it is advisable to do so as soon as possible.
The basic insurance covers standard care such as GP visits, hospital care, and medication. All health insurers offer the same basic insurance, but the premium and the deductible can differ. In 2026, the mandatory deductible amounts to a fixed sum per year, which you pay yourself before your insurer contributes.
In addition to the basic insurance, you can take out supplementary insurance for things such as dental care, physiotherapy, or glasses. This is optional, but depending on your health situation it may be useful. Compare providers via an independent comparison website before making a choice.
What are the first practical steps after arriving in Amsterdam?
After arriving in Amsterdam, it is best to tackle things in a fixed order: register with the municipality, receive your BSN, open a bank account, and take out health insurance. After that, you can arrange practical matters such as utilities, internet, and an OV-chipkaart for public transport.
A helpful order to follow:
- Make an appointment with the municipality of Amsterdam for your registration (this can be booked weeks in advance)
- Receive your BSN and use it for your further administrative tasks
- Open a bank account with a Dutch bank or fintech
- Take out basic insurance with a Dutch health insurer
- Arrange utilities (gas, water, electricity, internet) for your home
- Apply for an OV-chipkaart for public transport
- Register with a GP in your neighbourhood
Bear in mind that appointments at the municipality of Amsterdam can sometimes be fully booked weeks in advance. Plan this as early as possible, preferably before you arrive. Many practical matters, such as expat housing and utilities, can be set in motion while you wait for your municipal appointment.
How we help with your move to the Netherlands
Moving to the Netherlands involves many administrative steps, and it is easy to lose track of everything. We guide you through every part of this process: from municipal registration and BSN application to the IND procedure for non-EU citizens. Our team works with short lines of communication and realistic expectations, so you always know exactly where you stand. We connect you with a dedicated homie who guides you from your first question from abroad to being fully settled.
Urban Homies is an official member of EuRA (the European Relocation Association), which means our working methods meet international quality standards. We work together with notaries, tax specialists, and immigration lawyers to handle even the more complex matters properly. Want to know what we can do for you? Get in touch for a personal consultation.
Need a local Homie?
Share your plans with us and discover how we can help with your home, move or relocation in the Netherlands.
