Netherlands
The Netherlands is home to a cosmopolitan expat community, a strong tech and finance sector, and unique pathways including the DAFT visa for US entrepreneurs.
Everything you need to settle in Netherlands
Guides by profession
Salary ranges and demand signals — open a guide for visa routes and qualification notes for your field.
Arrival checklist for Netherlands
Arrival Checklist
Register at your municipality (gemeente) within 5 days of arrival to receive your BSN (burgerservicenummer) — required for almost everything
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Apply for a DigiD (digital identity) at digid.nl once you have your BSN — used for government portals, tax filing, and many landlords
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Open a bank account: bunq can be opened without a BSN; ING and ABN AMRO require a BSN appointment
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Apply for a Highly Skilled Migrant permit (kennismigrant) or DAFT visa at the IND if not already arranged by employer
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Register with a local GP (huisarts) — required before you can access the Dutch healthcare system
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Take out mandatory basic health insurance (basisverzekering) within 4 months of registering — or face a fine
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Register with the Belastingdienst (Dutch tax authority) and consider applying for the 30% ruling within 4 months if eligible
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Enrol children in school by contacting the local leerplichtambtenaar (school attendance officer) at your gemeente
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If driving, exchange your foreign driving licence at the CBR or RDW within the permitted period
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Register at Woningnet for social housing (waiting list is 10–15 years but start early)
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