Preparing to move abroad marks an exciting milestone in life. Although it might feel overwhelming, moving to the Netherlands can be a smooth experience with the right preparation. The Netherlands attracts skilled professionals from around the world who enjoy its welcoming culture, excellent work-life balance, and high living standards.
To help you prepare for your next adventure, we’ve created this ultimate checklist covering everything you need to arrange before and after moving to the Netherlands.
What to Prepare Before Moving to the Netherlands
Before you pack your bags, it’s important to know what to expect and what documents you’ll need. From getting your residence permit to arranging your healthcare, this section covers the key steps to make your moving abroad simple and stress-free.
1. Arrange Your Residence Permit – first step to moving abroad
If you’re from an EU member state, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, you can move to the Netherlands without a residence permit. However, non-EU/EEA nationals need a residence or work permit to live and work in the country for more than 90 days.
Make sure you check which type of permit applies to your situation before your departure. Preparing your documents in advance will make your moving abroad much easier.
2. Register with the Municipality you move in in the Netherlands
If you plan to stay in the Netherlands for four months or longer, registration with your local municipality (gemeente) is mandatory. This process also enables you to receive your BSN (citizen service number), which you’ll need for almost every official purpose.
Most municipalities require registration within five days of your arrival, so contact your gemeente ahead of time to schedule an appointment for “registration from abroad” (inschrijven vanuit het buitenland). Once your appointment is set, you’ll receive a confirmation with all required documents.
If you arrive before finalising a rental contract, plan to register as soon as your housing is confirmed. When in doubt, contact your municipality for guidance. Documents needed to register:
- Valid passport or ID card (not a driving licence)
- Residence permit, if applicable
- Rental contract
- Certified copy of your birth certificate
- Marriage, partnership, or divorce certificate, if applicable
3. Open a Dutch Bank Account
Opening a bank account is essential once you move to the Netherlands. You’ll need it to receive your salary, pay rent, or shop online.
Fortunately, Dutch banks make it easy to open an account. You can visit a nearby branch or apply online. Most major banks offer English-language services, making the process straightforward for expats. Popular banks in the Netherlands include:
Useful resource: Banking in the Netherlands
4. Important when moving in the netherlands – Apply for a DigiD
This is among the first steps you need to take when moving to the Netherlands. So, DigiD (Digital Identification) gives you online access to many Dutch government and health services. Once registered with your municipality, you’ll receive your BSN number, which allows you to apply for your DigiD. You’ll need it for services such as:
- Health and car insurance providers
- Hospitals and pension funds
- UWV unemployment agency
- DUO (for students)
- KvK Chamber of Commerce
5. Take Out Health Insurance
Everyone living in the Netherlands must have Dutch health insurance. If you’re moving from outside the EU/EEA, arrange a health insurance plan within four months of registration. Even if you already have a foreign policy, you’ll still need a Dutch one.
Health insurance ensures access to basic medical care and protects you from high treatment costs.
6. Register with a General Practitioner
General Practitioners (huisartsen) are the foundation of the Dutch healthcare system. When you move to the Netherlands you’ll need to register with one in your area to access medical care.
GPs handle all first consultations and referrals to specialists, including mental health professionals. Appointments are covered by basic health insurance, but seeing a specialist without a referral will not be reimbursed.
You can find GPs in your area by entering your postal code on the ‘Zoek Huisartsen’ page (available in Dutch).
7. Setting Up Utilities When You Move to the Netherlands
When moving to the Netherlands, arranging utilities is an important step to ensure a smooth transition into your new home. Once you have your rental contract or property purchase confirmed, you can set up essential services such as electricity, gas, water, and internet. Most energy providers allow you to compare tariffs and sign up online, and you can usually choose between fixed or variable contracts.
Water is supplied regionally, so you’ll need to register with the local water company responsible for your area. Internet and TV providers also offer a range of packages, with fibre-optic connections widely available in many cities. It’s best to arrange utilities as early as possible to avoid delays, and keep in mind that many providers require your Dutch address and sometimes a bank account (IBAN) to complete the setup. If your new employer supports relocation, they may also be able to advise or assist with setting up these services.
8. Get an OV-Chipkaart
The OV-chipkaart is your travel card for public transport in the Netherlands. You can use it on trains, trams, buses, and the metro across the country and it’s extremelly important to have it when moving to the Netherlands
There are two types of cards: an anonymous card, available at stations and supermarkets, and a personalised card, which requires a BSN number. Always remember to check in and check out during your journey to avoid fines!
9. Get a Bicycle
Cycling is part of everyday life in the Netherlands. With over 22 million bicycles for fewer than 17 million residents, biking is the most efficient and affordable way to travel.
From city commutes to countryside rides, a bicycle will make your daily life in the Netherlands much easier. You’ll quickly feel like a local once you master cycling with confidence.
Ready for Your Move?
That’s it, your complete checklist for moving to the Netherlands. With the right preparation, your moving abroad can be smart, simple, and stress-free.
If you’re still searching for a job for yourself or your partner, check out our latest vacancies and start your next professional adventure in the Netherlands.
About Us
Are you moving to the Netherlands with your business? Octagon Professionals offers complete relocation support and immigration services for employers hiring skilled professionals from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland.
As a recognised sponsor of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND), we help facilitate visa applications and Dutch expat benefits for your company.
