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EL Your Rights as an EU/EEA Citizen
As a citizen of an EU or EEA member state, you have the fundamental right to free movement of workers under the EU Treaty. This means you can live, work, and settle in the Netherlands without needing a separate work permit. The principle of equal treatment guarantees that you receive the same employment conditions, wages, and social benefits as Dutch nationals.
This right applies to all 27 EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway (EEA). Swiss nationals also benefit from a bilateral agreement granting equivalent rights.
Documents You Need Before Moving
Before relocating to the Netherlands, make sure you have the following documents in order:
- Valid passport or national ID card — expired documents are not accepted at municipality registration offices
- Employment contract or job offer letter — from your Dutch employer, confirming your position, salary, and start date
- Proof of sufficient funds — bank statements covering the initial period if you are arriving before securing a job
- EU Health Insurance Card (EHIC) — provides temporary health coverage from your home country until you arrange Dutch health insurance
- Birth certificate — apostilled copy recommended, required for full municipality registration
Keep both originals and certified copies. Dutch officials may scan and return originals on the spot.
Registration with IND (Immigration Service)
If you plan to stay in the Netherlands for more than three months, you are legally required to register as an EU citizen with the IND (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst — the Dutch immigration authority).
- Registration must be completed within three months of arrival
- Required documents: valid passport or EU ID card, plus proof of employment or self-sufficiency
- The registration fee is approximately €80 (subject to annual adjustment)
- Upon successful registration you receive a sticker or document confirming your legal right of residence
- This document is separate from your BSN number, which you obtain at the municipality
Step-by-Step Process
- Secure a job offer (or ensure you have sufficient funds to support yourself)
- Travel to the Netherlands with a valid passport or national EU ID card
- Register at your local municipality (gemeente) within 5 days of establishing a permanent address
- Receive your BSN number at the gemeente — you will need this for banking, healthcare, and tax purposes
- Register with the IND within 3 months of arrival if you intend to stay long-term
- Arrange health insurance — mandatory for all residents; you must enrol within 4 months of registering
- Apply for DigiD — your digital identity for Dutch government services (tax, healthcare allowance, etc.)
Special Cases
Croatian Nationals
Croatia joined the EU in 2013. Since July 2020, Croatian citizens have full, unrestricted free-movement rights in the Netherlands. No transitional restrictions apply.
Swiss Nationals
Switzerland is not an EU member state, but a bilateral agreement between Switzerland and the EU grants Swiss citizens essentially the same right to work and reside in the Netherlands as EU nationals.
UK Citizens Post-Brexit
British citizens no longer benefit from free movement following Brexit. UK nationals wishing to work in the Netherlands must apply for a residence and work permit under the standard third-country national rules. The IND processes these applications; timelines vary by permit type.
Family Members from Non-EU Countries
If you are an EU citizen working in the Netherlands, your non-EU family members (spouse, children under 21, dependent relatives) can usually join you under EU family reunification rules. They should apply for a residence permit at the IND before or shortly after arrival.
Official Sources
Ready to find a job in the Netherlands? Browse thousands of vacancies on NLnest — the recruitment platform built specifically for EU workers moving to the Netherlands. Or create a free candidate profile and let Dutch employers find you.