Relocating to the Netherlands and starting your first job is exciting, but it comes with a long to-do list. From securing legal documents to finding a place to live, there’s a lot to figure out in your first weeks.
This guide covers everything you need to know—from registration and healthcare to housing, transport, and work—so you can settle in smoothly and start feeling at home.
We recently hosted the webinar “A survival guide for newcomers to the Netherlands (Part 1)” and summarised the essentials for you below.
If you want to join our next webinars covering topics and questions about the Dutch labour market, keep an eye on our Linkedin for upcoming announcements!
Register with the municipality and get a BSN
The very first thing you need to do after arriving in the Netherlands is to register at your local gemeente (town hall). This is how you get your BSN (Burgerservicenummer)—a personal identification number you’ll need for almost everything, including work, banking, insurance, and taxes.
In large cities like Amsterdam, appointments can take weeks or even months. ButOnce registered, you’ll receive your BSN within a few days to a couple of weeks.
What you’ll need:
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A valid passport or EU ID
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A signed rental contract or proof of residence
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Your employment contract (if you have one)
Set up your DigiD
After you receive your BSN, apply for your DigiD, which functions as your secure login for all Dutch government and healthcare websites. Without it, you can’t file taxes, apply for benefits, check your medical records, and more.
Applying is simple: go to digid.nl, fill out the form, and you’ll receive a letter with an activation code within a few days. Once activated, your DigiD becomes your go-to for anything official online.
Get health insurance (it’s mandatory)
Everyone living or working in the Netherlands is required to have Dutch health insurance. You must sign up within four months of registering in the Netherlands, but if you’re employed, your deadline is sooner.
The basic package, called basisverzekering, covers general practitioner (GP) visits, hospital care, and prescriptions. You can also add extra coverage for dental care, physiotherapy, or alternative treatments.
Monthly costs range between €125 and €150. You can compare providers on sites like Zorgwijzer or Independer.nl. Keep in mind that coverage is backdated to the day you became eligible, so delaying enrollment could lead to a large bill.
Once insured, register with a local huisarts (GP). This is your first point of contact for most health concerns.
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Find a place to live early
Finding housing in the Netherlands is challenging, especially in cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Rotterdam. The market moves fast, and demand exceeds supply.
There are three main options:
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Social housing, which is subsidised and has income limits, but waitlists are very long.
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Private rentals are more accessible but expensive.
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Buying property requires a stable income and Dutch mortgage approval.
Start your search on trusted platforms like Funda. Always view a property in person before transferring money or signing contracts.
The Netherlands has one of the best public transport systems in Europe. Trains, trams, buses, and metros are all interconnected and accessible via the OV-chipkaart, a reusable smart card that can be loaded with credit. You can also use a debit or credit card to check in and out if you do not have an OV-card yet.
You can choose between a personal OV-chipkaart (with your photo and discount eligibility) or an anonymous one. Both are available at major stations and online.
But public transport is only part of the picture. Cycling is the most popular, and often fastest, way to get around. Cities have well-designed bike lanes, secure parking garages, and even bike-specific traffic lights.
Understand the job market and Dutch work culture
The Dutch economy offers strong opportunities for expats, especially in sectors like tech, engineering, healthcare, finance, and logistics. Most international roles require fluency in English.
Popular job boards include:
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LinkedIn
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Indeed.nl (you can filter jobs for English job descriptions for a higher chance of finding jobs that require English skills)
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Adams Multilingual Recruitment offers many multilingual jobs at international companies
Dutch work culture is known for its direct communication, healthy work-life balance, and flat hierarchies. Expect clear feedback, open conversations, and flexibility around working hours or remote work. Contracts often include holiday pay (around 8%) and generous vacation time. Always make sure that a company offers you a job that adheres to the Dutch labour law, and beware of a recent increase in job scams.
From global entertainment giants to top electronics brands — we’ve got roles across a range of industries for English and multilingual speakers in the Netherlands.
Understand the schooling and education (for families)
The Dutch education system is well-structured and expat-friendly. Children start primary school at age four, followed by secondary education, which includes three levels: VMBO, HAVO, and VWO. These determine whether students go on to vocational training or university.
Higher education is divided into HBO (applied sciences) and WO (research universities). Many institutions offer English-taught programs.
Apply early, especially for international schools, which can have long waiting lists.
Get involved and integrate
Moving to a new country can feel isolating, but the Netherlands offers plenty of ways to build your social circle. You can try:
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Local clubs or sports teams
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Language exchanges or Dutch classes
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Expat meetups and international communities (try Meetup or Facebook groups)
Use the right resources
There’s a wealth of support for newcomers—if you know where to look:
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Expatica – Reliable info on visas, taxes, healthcare, and more
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Government.nl – Official Dutch government site
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IamExpat.nl – News and guides for internationals
- Useful Websites for expats – From housing to expat groups
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Facebook groups like “Expats in the Netherlands” can be helpful for day-to-day questions, but be mindful of scammers.
Moving to the Netherlands is a big change. Start by focusing on the essentials: register, get insured, secure housing and your first job. Be open to the Dutch way of doing things, ask questions, and don’t hesitate to lean on expat networks for support.
Once you’ve tackled these initial steps, our blog is here to answer your further questions and guide you through additional stages, helping you make working in the Netherlands a success!
