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Settle path

Settle in the Netherlands

For the practical systems of everyday life after you arrive, from registration and healthcare to housing, money, family and local support. Start at the stage you are in; you do not need to begin at step one.

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Showing all 34 steps.

  1. 1

    Start with the essentials

    Establish the identity and government-access chain everything else depends on.

    1. Plan your first 90 days

      Use the fast-start checklist to see what comes first and what can wait.

    2. Register at the municipality

      Put your address on the record so the rest of the setup chain can start.

      In the system:Municipality registration

    3. Get a BSN

      You need this personal number for work, banking, healthcare and government services.

      In the system:BSN

    4. Get DigiD

      Your login for Dutch government services.

      In the system:DigiD

  2. 2

    Set up money and healthcare

    Get payments and routine healthcare working.

    1. Open a bank account

      Set up the account you will use for salary, rent and everyday payments.

      In the system:Bank account

    2. Get Dutch basic health insurance

      Check whether Dutch basic insurance applies to you and arrange it on time.

      In the system:Health insurance

    3. Register with a GP

      A GP is the starting point for most routine care, so register before you need one.

      In the system:GP registration

    4. Get prescription medicines

      Choose a regular pharmacy, keep your medicine overview complete, and know how prescriptions, repeats and out-of-hours pharmacy care work.

    5. Register with a dentist

      Find a dental practice that is taking new patients and arrange routine dental care before you need it.

    6. Know where urgent care starts

      Know when to call 112, your GP or the out-of-hours GP service, and how hospital emergency care fits in.

      In the system:GP registration

    7. Check healthcare allowance

      If you have Dutch basic insurance, check whether you qualify for zorgtoeslag.

      In the system:Health insurance

  3. 3

    Find and run your home

    Move in safely and get the home operational.

    1. Find housing

      Use a realistic search plan and know the common risks before you commit.

    2. Check rent, deposit, service costs and tenancy terms

      Use the contract-review guide to check the rent structure, point score, deposit, fees and tenancy terms before you sign or pay.

    3. Change your address after moving

      Keep your municipality registration current whenever you move.

      In the system:Municipality registration

    4. Set up electricity, gas, water and internet

      Arrange electricity, gas, water and internet for your address, unless your rent already covers them.

    5. Check housing allowance

      If your home and household qualify, check whether you can get huurtoeslag.

  4. 4

    Get around

    Make daily travel understandable without turning this path into a transport encyclopedia.

    1. Choose how to pay and plan trips

      Plan trips, choose how to pay, check in and out correctly, and know when a subscription or existing travel product changes the route.

    2. Exchange a driving licence if relevant

      Check whether your foreign driving licence can or must be exchanged.

    3. Import your car if you brought one

      If you brought a foreign-registered car or motorcycle, check whether you must register it with RDW and which Customs/BPM route applies.

  5. 5

    Stay on top of recurring admin

    Move beyond arrival tasks into the admin people repeatedly encounter.

    1. Use MijnOverheid and Berichtenbox

      Activate MijnOverheid, set Berichtenbox preferences and notifications, and check digital government post without relying on email reminders.

    2. File a Dutch tax return when relevant

      File when the tax office asks, and check whether filing is useful in your situation.

      In the system:Tax return

    3. Keep your registered address current

      Report each move so official records and messages keep reaching you.

      In the system:Municipality registration

  6. 6

    Set up family life

    Make the practical family system navigable.

    1. Arrange pregnancy care and kraamzorg

      Contact a midwife, check the right insurance route and arrange kraamzorg early.

    2. Enrol a child in school

      Understand the registration route and what the school or municipality needs.

    3. Find childcare

      Compare day care, childminders and out-of-school care, check the register and join waiting lists early.

    4. Apply for childcare allowance

      Check the conditions and apply for kinderopvangtoeslag when eligible.

    5. Claim child benefit

      Check whether your household can receive Dutch child benefit.

    6. Check kindgebonden budget

      Check whether it should be awarded automatically or needs an application, then keep the monthly advance accurate.

  7. 7

    Build your local life

    Make settling broader than paperwork.

    1. Find useful organisations

      Use organisations that help internationals with practical life, work, study and community.

    2. Find relevant events

      Use the events directory to find useful local and newcomer-focused events.

    3. Learn Dutch or find a course

      Check which learning route applies, find a course or local practice, and know when you need formal B1 or B2 proof.

  8. 8

    Move again or leave

    Close the loop cleanly when your circumstances change.

    1. End a tenancy and recover your deposit

      Give or confirm notice, document the handover and use the correct route if the landlord withholds your deposit.

    2. Move within the Netherlands

      Report the new address and keep your registration current.

      In the system:Municipality registration

    3. Leave the Netherlands

      Work out whether you have to deregister, do it in the final five days, and settle residence, insurance, allowances, your home and the migration-year tax return.