New in The Netherlands?. The first steps.
New in The Netherlands?
As a citizen of the European Union, you do not need a work permit. But which are the first steps necessary to live in the Netherlands?
The United Nations ranked the Netherlands once again in 2021 as one of the 5 happiest countries in the world! Would you like to know more? Read the report HERE.
Which steps could/should you take before leaving your country? Short checklist (EU members)
Obtain a valid ID or EU passport ;-)
Apply for the free European Health Insurance Card. Information about the card and how to request it HERE. And how to use a card in the Netherlands HERE (select country ‘The Netherlands’)
- This card is only provisional, as soon as you become a resident or start to work in The Netherlands, it is mandatory to obtain a Dutch health insurance
Birth Certificate (International). Required to register with most of the municipalities. For Spanish citizens go to Spanish
Accommodation. We advise you to arrange accommodation before leaving your country (even if it is temporary, such as a hostel/hotel). Finding a residence in the Netherlands can be quite a challenge, especially at the moment, with a shortage of around 300,000 homes
Read the brochure “New in The Netherlands”: the Dutch Government has created a very extensive document with information for European immigrant workers. Very informative. See document HERE
2. Once in Holland (EU members)
Register as resident: during the first 4 months staying in the Netherlands, it is not mandatory that you register as a resident in the municipality (if, for example, you are temporarily staying in hostel/hotel or with friends). After the first 4 months, it is mandatory to register, or you will be breaking the law. To register you must go in person to the municipality. Make an appointment in advance. You will need a valid proof of identity, birth certificate and the rental contract / proof of purchase of a home or an ‘address registration permission form’.
RNI / BSN: to be able to work in the Netherlands you need a tax identification number. If you are not registered as a resident, you can register in the Non-Resident Registry (RNI) during the first 4 months of stay. Afterwards, you must register with the municipality and you will receive your official BSN. Everything about the RNI HERE. All about BSN HERE.
Health Insurance: when working in the Netherlands you are required to obtain a Dutch public health insurance (zorgverzekering). The insurance is paid monthly and usually costs around € 120. However, you may be entitled to compensation (health allowance) that covers these expenses. To apply for the health subsidy HERE. When you arrive in the Netherlands, you will have a period of three months to process the medical insurance. When you process it, you must pay retroactively from the day you have officially registered. You can compare among different insurance companies. There are many pages on the internet that can help you do so.
DigiD: once you have registered as a resident in the Netherlands, you can apply for the DigiD. In the Netherlands you need a DigiD for many things. You need DigiD to be able to enter sites like some government portals, educational institutes, healthcare institutions or your pension fund. Request the DigiD HERE.
Bank account: to receive your salary you can use a European bank account, but the deposit may take a little longer than with a Dutch bank account. In addition, in the Netherlands they use an online payment system called iDeal, exclusively for Dutch accounts (it is an interbank system covered by the main Dutch consumer banks). To open an account, many banks will ask you, in addition to a valid ID, proof of registration with the municipality and your BSN, sometimes even an employment contract. Some of the most popular banks in the Netherlands are ABN Amro, Rabobank or ING. Another option is Bunq. Bunq is a Dutch startup that has created an online bank that can be used by citizens of the entire European Union, so even if you are a resident for example in Spain, you can open an account with them (without the need to register in the Netherlands).
Register at the Consulate: People of Spanish nationality who are going to settle (more than a year) or stay for a time (less than a year) in the Netherlands must register at the Consulate. More information here. Please check the requirements of your individual country.
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Information written in 2021