A complete pre-departure to first-month checklist for moving to the Netherlands in 2026.
Overview
Moving to the Netherlands is well-structured: pre-arrival visa via IND (often via recognized employer sponsor for kennismigrants) → arrival → BSN application at gemeente within 5 days of registration → mandatory health insurance within 4 months → bank account, driver's licence conversion, schools. The Dutch system is centrally organized: federal IND for residence permits, local gemeentes for BSN + civic services. Path from arrival to fully-functional resident: typically 2-4 weeks. The 30% tax ruling adds significant complexity but major financial benefit. This guide details every step, verified against ind.nl, government.nl, and Belastingdienst.
Pre-Departure
- Visa: Kennismigrant or other Dutch visa from IND or via embassy.
- Apostille documents: Birth/marriage certificates, academic degrees, police clearance.
- Sworn translation queue: For non-Dutch documents.
- Banking research: ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank, SNS Bank. Online: Bunq, Revolut, N26.
- Health insurance research: Zilveren Kruis, VGZ, CZ, Menzis, ONVZ are major Dutch insurers.
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See Paid Plans →Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a Dutch BSN?
Register at the gemeente (municipality) of your residence — typically within 5 days of moving in. Bring passport, residence permit, address proof. BSN issued same-day or within days. Free. Required for everything in the Netherlands.
Is health insurance mandatory in the Netherlands?
Yes — within 4 months of becoming a resident. Cost EUR 130-160/month for basic. Plus eigen risico (deductible) EUR 385/year. Workers can transition to PUMa-equivalent via employer; non-workers need direct enrollment with insurer (Zilveren Kruis, VGZ, CZ, Menzis, ONVZ).
How much does Dutch health insurance cost?
EUR 130-160/month/adult basic coverage. Children under 18 free on parent's policy. Plus eigen risico (deductible) EUR 385/year — pay first EUR 385 of medical costs.
How does the 30% tax ruling work?
30% of salary tax-free for 5 years (reformed 2024: 30%/20%/10% phase-down). Apply via Belastingdienst within 4 months of starting work. Eligibility: foreign employee, not previously Dutch resident within 25 km of border for 16+ months in prior 24 months, salary above EUR 39,648/year (2024-2026).
Can I drive in the Netherlands on my foreign licence?
EU/EFTA licences valid indefinitely. Non-EU/EFTA licences valid for 185 days; must convert at CBR (Dutch driving testing authority). Reciprocal-agreement countries — paperwork conversion. Outside agreements: theory + practical tests required.
When do my children need to start Dutch school?
Compulsory schooling from age 5 to 16. Apply at local school. Public schools free for residents. Many international schools in major cities (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Den Haag) EUR 10,000-25,000/year.
How long does it take to open a Dutch bank account?
Usually 1–3 days at the major banks (ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank) once your paperwork is together, and sometimes faster with app-based banks such as Bunq. The real dependency is the BSN: most banks want your citizen service number, which you only get by registering at the gemeente — so do the municipal registration (within 5 days of moving in) first, then the bank. Bring your passport, residence permit, BSN and proof of address. Open the account early: your salary, mandatory health insurance premiums (EUR 130–160/month basic, required within 4 months of residence) and most rent payments all assume a Dutch IBAN, and without a BSN some banks will not onboard you at all.
What is the eigen risico?
Dutch health insurance deductible — EUR 385/year. You pay the first EUR 385 of medical costs annually. Beyond EUR 385, the insurer covers 100% of approved costs. Some prescriptions and GP visits exempt from eigen risico.