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EL Relocation Checklist
Your complete guide to moving to the Netherlands - track your progress step by step
Ensure your passport or EU national ID card is valid. You will need it for registration and identification.
Start looking for housing before arrival. Consider Kamernet, Funda, Pararius, or company-provided accommodation.
Have enough savings to cover rent deposit (usually 1-2 months), first month rent, and living expenses while settling in.
While English is widely spoken, knowing basic Dutch helps with daily life and shows respect for the culture.
Get apostilles on your birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), and educational diplomas.
Having a job arranged before arrival makes registration and bank account opening much easier.
You need a registered address to get your BSN. If no permanent housing yet, arrange temporary accommodation.
Register at your local municipality within 5 days of arrival. Bring passport, birth certificate, rental contract.
Your BSN is issued during gemeente registration. This number is needed for everything: work, banking, healthcare.
A Dutch phone number is needed for bank accounts, DigiD, and general communication. Consider KPN, Vodafone, or T-Mobile prepaid.
With BSN: ING, Rabobank, ABN AMRO. Without BSN: Bunq, N26, Revolut. Most employers require a Dutch IBAN for salary.
Mandatory within 4 months of arrival. Costs ~€140/month (2026). Apply for zorgtoeslag if income under €38,000.
DigiD is your digital identity for Dutch government services. Apply at digid.nl — activation letter arrives in ~5 days.
The OV-chipkaart is used for all public transport in the Netherlands. Available at train stations or order online.
The Netherlands is the cycling capital of the world. A bicycle is the most practical transport for daily commute.
Find nearby supermarkets (Albert Heijn, Jumbo, Lidl), GP (huisarts), pharmacy (apotheek), and public facilities.
Register with a local GP. You need health insurance first. Some areas have waiting lists.
Verify your first payslip: gross salary, taxes, social contributions, holiday allowance (vakantiegeld), pension.
Check eligibility for: zorgtoeslag (healthcare), huurtoeslag (rent), kinderopvangtoeslag (childcare). Apply via Mijn Toeslagen.
Connect with fellow expats through Meetup groups, Facebook communities, or local international centers.
EU licenses are valid. Non-EU licenses: exchange within 185 days (some countries) or take Dutch driving exam.
If recruited from abroad with specific expertise, you may qualify for the 30% ruling tax benefit. Employer must apply.