What paperwork do you need after moving to the Netherlands in 2026?

If you will live in the Netherlands for more than four months, register in person at your municipality within five days of arrival. The gemeente enters you in the BRP (municipal residents register) and issues your BSN (citizen service number): Register your address and get a BSN. Shorter stays use the RNI non-resident route instead.

Apply for DigiD as soon as the BRP record is live, then activate the posted code on time: Set up DigiD. Check whether Dutch basic health insurance is compulsory for your work or residence path and arrange it within the four-month window when required: Choose health insurance. Open a Dutch payment account for salary, rent, and iDEAL: Open a bank account. Get a Dutch mobile number early so offices and banks can reach you: Get a mobile phone.

EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens usually rely on free movement rather than a standard residence card. Most other newcomers follow IND letters for biometrics and collection: Apply for a residence permit and Collect your residence document. Rent proof and a stable address sit underneath almost every desk: How to rent a home.

With DigiD active, check toeslagen such as zorgtoeslag and huurtoeslag: Apply for housing and care benefits. Families claim kinderbijslag at the SVB and enrol school-age children under leerplicht: Apply for kinderbijslag and Enrol in public school. Some residence paths trigger civic integration letters from DUO: Civic integration. Highly skilled employees may file the expat tax scheme with their employer: Apply for the 30% ruling. Your BSN is already your tax identity for Belastingdienst logins: Get your Dutch tax ID.

Exchange a foreign driving licence on the RDW calendar if you will drive: Convert a driving licence. Importing a car needs an RDW inspection and Dutch plates: Register a vehicle. Pets need NVWA entry rules and dog registration within two weeks: Bring pets. Register with a huisarts once insurance is active: Register with a GP.