Checklist moving back to the Netherlands (remigration)

1. You are or think you are a Dutch national

If Dutch nationality is your only nationality, living abroad does not impact your nationality status. As a Dutch national, you can always move back to the Netherlands.

Sometimes, however, living abroad does affect your nationality status. You may lose your Dutch nationality if you take on a second nationality. Or if you are a dual national and live abroad for an extended period. Extra conditions then apply before you can move back to the Netherlands. Check whether you have lost your Dutch nationality and, if so, how you can regain it. In some cases you may also need to do go through the process of civic integration.

Check whether you still have Dutch nationality

Find out how to regain your Dutch nationality

2. You are an EU, EEA or Swiss national

If you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss national you can live in the Netherlands without a visa or residence permit. You must, however, have sufficient income or financial means to support yourself.

Find out what conditions apply for nationals of the EU, the EEA and Switzerland

3. You are a British national

As a result of Brexit you are no longer an EU national. This can have consequences for your right to live in the Netherlands. Depending on your situation you may need a residence permit.

Read more about living in the Netherlands after Brexit

4. You are national of a country outside the EU and EEA other than Switzerland

You must have a residence permit to live in the Netherlands. This applies even if you’ve previously held Dutch nationality and/or lived in the Netherlands. Find out what conditions you must meet and what type of residence permit you need. To travel to the Netherlands you may also need a long-stay visa (MVV).

Find out what conditions apply for returning to the Netherlands

5. You are the parent, step-parent, foster parent or short-term carer of a Dutch minor (Chavez-Vilchez)

You may be able to live in the Netherlands with your minor child, step-child, foster child or child for whom you are a short-term carer. This is on the basis of the Chavez-Vilchez judgment and depends on your situation. To do so, you must apply for a residence permit. Check when applying to find out whether you need visa facilitation to travel to the Netherlands.

Applying for a residence permit as the parent of a Dutch minor

6. You left under the Remigration Act but want to move back to the Netherlands

If you returned to your country of birth and received remigration benefit, then you no longer have Dutch nationality. If you want to move back to the Netherlands you can make use of the return option (section 8 of the Remigration Act). The return option is available only in the first year following your departure. You must apply for a residence permit from the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) and your remigration benefit will stop.

Find out how to apply for a residence permit

You cannot return to the Netherlands under the return option if it has been more than one year since you left.

If you are moving back to the Netherlands with your partner and/or child find out what conditions they must meet to live in the Netherlands. See which of the following situations applies to you and your partner and/or child.

1. You are a Dutch national

• Your partner and/or child is an EU, EEA or Swiss national
  Your partner/child does not need a visa or residence permit but must have a valid passport or identity document.
  
  Find out what conditions apply for EU, EEA and Swiss nationals
• Your partner and/or child is a British national
  You’re covered by the withdrawal agreement if the following applies. You lived with your British partner/child in the UK for at least 3 consecutive months before 1 January 2021. And you were registered there as an EU national. If that’s the case, your partner and/or child may move with you back to the Netherlands.
  
  They may also be able to move with you if you lived together as a family for at least 3 consecutive months in another EU country. This is possible if they had a valid residence document as family member of an EU citizen at that time. Your partner and/or child must apply for verification against EU law (residence document) in the Netherlands.
  
  Application for verification against EU law by partner or family member
  
  If you began living with your partner and/or child in the UK after 1 January 2021, you are not covered by the withdrawal agreement. Your partner and/or child must therefore apply for a residence permit.
  
  Find out how to apply for a residence permit for your partner or child
• a) Your partner and/or child is a national of a country outside the EU and EEA other than Switzerland, and you already live together in the EU, EEA or Switzerland
  You as a Dutch national are covered by EU law if the following applies. You’ve been living in the EU, EEA or Switzerland with your partner/child for at least 3 consecutive months. You are registered there as an EU national. And your partner/child has a valid residence document for that country as a family member of an EU national. If that’s the case, your partner/child may have the right to live in the Netherlands. Your partner/child can apply for a verification against EU law (residence document).
  
  Find out when you as a Dutch national can derive rights from EU law
  Application for verification against EU law by partner or family member
• b) Your partner/child is a national of a country outside the EU and EEA other than Switzerland and you are not already living together in the EU, EEA or Switzerland
  Find out whether your partner/child needs a residence permit to live in the Netherlands. They may also need a long-stay visa (MVV) to travel to the Netherlands. Before coming to the Netherlands your partner may have to start the civic integration process. This involves learning the Dutch language and culture. Children under 18 are not required to take the civic integration exam but must attend school in the Netherlands (see also step 7).
  
  Find out how to apply for a residence permit for your partner or child
  Starting the civic integration process abroad

2. You are an EU, EEA or Swiss national

• Your partner and/or child is an EU, EEA or Swiss national
  Your partner/child does not need a visa or residence permit but must have a valid passport or identity document.
  
  Find out what conditions apply for EU, EEA and Swiss nationals
• Your partner and/or child is a British national
  As a result of Brexit your partner/child is no longer an EU national. However, because you yourself have accrued EU rights, they may be entitled to live in the Netherlands. Your partner/child can apply for a verification against EU law (residence document).
  
  Read more about living in the Netherlands after Brexit
  Applying for verification against EU law if you are a partner/family member of an EU citizen
• Your partner and/or child is a national of a country outside the EU and EEA other than Switzerland
  You may be able to bring your partner/child who is not an EU, EEA or Swiss national to the Netherlands. This is possible if they’re covered by EU law through their relationship to you. To determine whether that is the case, your partner/child can apply for verification against EU law.
  
  Application for verification against EU law by partner or family member

3. You are a British national*

* You want to (continue to) live in the Netherlands after Brexit in accordance with the withdrawal agreement.

• Your partner and/or child is a British national
  Conditions for family reunification are set out in the withdrawal agreement. If you meet these conditions, your partner/child must apply for a temporary residence document as soon as possible after arriving in the Netherlands. You can also submit an application on their behalf.
  
  See how to apply for a temporary residence document after Brexit
• Your partner and/or child is a national the EU, EEA or Switzerland Your partner/child does not need a visa or residence permit but must have a valid passport or identity document.
  
  See which conditions apply for nationals of the EU, the EEA and Switzerland
• Your partner and/or child is a national of a country outside the EU and EEA other than Switzerland
  If you meet the conditions for family reunification set out in the withdrawal agreement, your partner/child can travel (with you) to the Netherlands in accordance with the applicable rules. Check beforehand whether they need visa facilitation. After arriving in the Netherlands your partner/child must apply for a temporary residence document as soon as possible. You can also submit an application on their behalf.
  
  Check whether your partner/child needs visa facilitation
  See how to apply for a temporary residence document after Brexit

4. You are a national of a country outside the EU and EEA other than Switzerland

• Your partner and/or child is an EU, EEA or Swiss national
  Your partner/child does not need a visa or residence permit but must have a valid passport or identity document.
  
  Find out what conditions apply for nationals of the EU, the EEA and Switzerland
• Your partner and/or child is a national of a country outside the EU and EEA other than Switzerland
  If you have a valid residence permit, your partner/child can often come with you to the Netherlands. Your partner/child will need a residence permit. You can submit an application on their behalf. There are some conditions that you and your partner/child must meet.
  
  They may also need a long-stay visa (MVV) to travel to the Netherlands. Before coming to the Netherlands your partner may have to start the civic integration process. This involves learning the Dutch language and culture.
  
  Find out how to apply for a residence permit for your partner or child
  Starting the civic integration process abroad

5. Your partner is the parent, step-parent, foster parent or short-term carer of a Dutch minor (Chavez-Vilchez)

Your partner may be able to live in the Netherlands with their minor child, step-child, foster child or child for whom they are a short-term carer. This is on the basis of the Chavez-Vilchez judgment and depends on the situation. To do so, your partner must apply for a residence permit. Check whether your partner needs visa facilitation to travel to the Netherlands.

Applying for a residence permit if you are the parent of a Dutch minor

6. You left under the Remigration Act but want to move back to the Netherlands

If your partner/child returned with you to your country of birth on the basis of the Remigration Act, they may be able to make use of the return option (section 8 of the Remigration Act). The return option is available only in the first year following their departure from the Netherlands. Your partner can make use of this if the following applies. Prior to returning with you, they lived in the Netherlands for at least 3 years with a valid residence permit, in accordance with EU law. Or they lived in the Netherlands as a Dutch national. Your child can make use of it if they lived with you in the Netherlands. You must apply for a residence permit from the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) and your remigration benefit will stop.

Find out how to apply for a residence permit

You cannot return to the Netherlands under the return option if it has been more than one year since you left.

If you have Dutch nationality

When travelling back to the Netherlands you need a valid travel document. You can apply for a passport or ID card or renew the one you have at the Dutch embassy or consulate-general in the country where you live.

Applying for a passport or ID card if you live abroad

There are situations in which your passport will be rejected or considered invalid, even if it has not yet expired.

See when your passport is considered invalid (information in Dutch)

If you don’t have Dutch nationality

If you are travelling to the Netherlands on a passport or ID card from another country, check to make sure it’s still valid. Whether you need a visa as well depends on your nationality.

Check whether you need a visa

When you register with a municipality, they may ask you for additional proof that you are a Dutch national. A valid passport alone is not always sufficient, even if you have only Dutch nationality. Municipalities sometimes want to verify that you haven’t lost your Dutch nationality in the time since your passport was issued.

Get informed by the Dutch municipality

If you already know before you return which municipality in the Netherlands you’ll be living in, visit their website to see what you need. This information is often provided under ‘Verhuizen vanuit het buitenland’ (Moving to the Netherlands from abroad) or ‘Hervestiging’ (Re-registration)

Gather documents

Start to gather and save other documents that confirm the following:

• your nationality
• your residence history
• your civil status, including any changes

Examples include documents such as:

• visa or residence permit from the country where you currently live
• statement showing your immigration history (request this from the immigration authorities in the country where you live)
• your birth certificate and potentially also your parents’ birth certificates
• your old passports and potentially also your parents’ old passports
• your Dutch or foreign naturalisation documents and potentially also your parents’ naturalisation documents
• marriage certificate, certificate of registered partnership, divorce certificate, certificate of termination of registered partnership or death certificate
• certificate of Dutch nationality
• Dutch identity card
• previous statement that you wish to retain your Dutch nationality
• proof of registration and deregistration in another country (not possible in all countries)
• old school certificates and transcripts, especially those relating to education in the Netherlands or Dutch education abroad
• documents relating to military service
• documents relating to your employment history, especially if employed by an international organisation in which the Netherlands is or was represented

If you move back to the Netherlands and have a foreign driving licence, find out how long you can drive on it in the Netherlands. This depends on the country where your licence was issued. Afterwards you may be able to exchange your foreign driving licence for a Dutch licence.

Driving licence issued in the EU, EEA or Switzerland

There may be a limitation to how long you can drive on your foreign driving licence. This is the case if it was issued in another EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland and you were not registered in the Netherlands. Exactly how long you may drive on it depends on the type of licence it is. The licence must still be valid during this time.

Find out how long you can drive in the Netherlands on your foreign driving licence

Find out more about exchanging a foreign driving licence for a Dutch licence

Driving licence issued outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland

If your driving licence was issued outside the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, you can drive on it in the Netherlands for a limited time. You can do so for 185 days after registering in the Netherlands. That is approximately 6 months. The licence must still be valid during this time. You may be able to exchange your foreign driving licence for a Dutch licence.

Find out more about exchanging a foreign driving licence for a Dutch licence

Municipalities and other government organisations in the Netherlands may ask you for certain documents. For example, as proof of your marital status or that you have the right qualifications to do a certain job. If you know which Dutch municipality you’ll be moving to, ask them what documents you will need to register yourself and/or your partner/child.

Legalising documents

Depending on the country a document is from, you may have to prepare it for use in the Netherlands. This process is called legalisation. Legalisation is done in the country where the document originates. You

may need one or more of the documents below. In most cases, you will need to have these documents legalised and, if they are in a language other than Dutch, English, French or German, translated as well:

• marriage certificate or certificate of registered partnership
• declaration of unmarried status
• birth certificate
• divorce certificate or certificate of termination of registered partnership
• death certificate (e.g. of parent or partner)
• diplomas and certificates
• local proof of nationality
• court order

Find out if you need to have your documents legalised

It can also be useful to request one or more of the documents below. For example, as proof that you are insured or that you have a source of income:

• proof of deregistration with a foreign municipality
• proof of health insurance
• medical records
• vaccination history
• payslip
• school records
• Cito test scores (for Dutch education abroad)

Legalisation not needed with an apostille

The Netherlands is one of more than one hundred countries that are party to the Apostille Convention. These countries accept documents from each other that bear an apostille: a special sticker or stamp authenticating the signature on the document. Where an apostille is issued, legalisation is not necessary. If the document is in a language other than Dutch, English, French or German, however, you will still need to have it translated. Apostilles can be issued for the following types of documents:

• documents issued by the judiciary, including the Public Prosecution Service, court clerks and bailiffs
• administrative documents, including certificates, diplomas and civil status records
• notarial acts
• official certificates for non-notarial instruments (signed documents not drawn up by a notary), for example regarding the registration or existence of a document on a specific date

If you have a document originating in a country party to the Apostille Convention you can request an apostille from the local authorities there.

See an overview of countries that are party to the Apostille Convention

No apostille or e-apostille is necessary to use a document from another EU country in the Netherlands.

Converting foreign official documents into Dutch official documents

You can have a certain foreign official documents converted into Dutch official documents by the municipality of The Hague. Even if you are abroad. This includes birth certificates, marriage certificates, certificates of registered partnership, death certificates, divorce certificates and certificates of termination of a registered partnership. Later, if you need a new official copy of one of these documents, you can request it online from the municipality of The Hague. You do not have to request it from abroad.

Find out how to convert a foreign official document
Find out what you need to have a foreign official document converted

Buying or renting a home

It is up to you to arrange a place to live. Keep in mind that there is a major shortage of homes for sale and rent in the Netherlands. Therefore, allow yourself plenty of time to find somewhere to live. If you are eligible for social housing you will be put on what is usually a long waiting list. You will not be given priority because you don’t yet have a place to live in the Netherlands. If you think you should be given priority for another reason, ask the municipality you’re moving to whether you can receive an urgent-need certificate (urgentieverklaring).

Find out more about buying a home in the Netherlands (information in Dutch)
Find out more about renting a home in the Netherlands
Find out more about receiving an urgent-need certificate from your municipality (information in Dutch)

Temporary registration using a correspondence address

If you cannot arrange a fixed place to live right away, ask the municipality whether you can temporarily register using a correspondence address. This is not your home address but an address at which you can receive post, allowing the government to still be able to contact you.

It is up to the municipality whether you can register using a correspondence address. You must be able to show that you don’t have any other option. To register using a correspondence address you will need written permission from the property’s main occupant and a copy of their identity document. Some municipalities do not accept holiday homes as correspondence addresses, since these cannot be used as permanent accommodation. If you use the address of a family member or friend this may impact how much AOW pension or benefits they receive.

Find out whether you can register using a correspondence address

Home address or correspondence address required for registration

A valid home address or correspondence address is necessary when registering with the municipality. Registration is required if you will be staying in the Netherlands for more than 4 months.

Find out when you are required to register with the municipality

You can work in the Netherlands if you have Dutch nationality or the nationality of another EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland. You do not need a visa, residence permit or work permit for this. You do, however, need a valid passport or identity document.

You may also work in the Netherlands if you have a valid residence permit subject to temporary or non-temporary humanitarian grounds. If you have another type of residence permit find out whether you are allowed to work in the Netherlands. The words ‘arbeid is vrij toegestaan’ may appear on your residence permit or on a sticker in your passport, indicating that you can. If you don’t see these words contact the IND to find out whether you are allowed to work in the Netherlands.

Find out how to contact the IND

The purpose of your stay in the Netherlands and the job you do may impact what you need to arrange in order to work in the Netherlands. Special rules may apply if you are a student, knowledge worker or artist, for example. Find out what you need to arrange in your situation.

Find out what you need to arrange to move to the Netherlands for work

Find out whether you work using your foreign qualification

If you want to work in the Netherlands and have a foreign qualification, you may first have to have it legalised or evaluated.

Find out how to work in the Netherlands with a foreign qualification

Find out whether your profession is regulated in the Netherlands

Additional requirements may apply for regulated professions. For example, in the areas of work experience and language skills. You must then apply for professional recognition.

Find out more about professional recognition for a regulated profession in the Netherlands

If your child will be attending a Dutch school but is unfamiliar with the Dutch language and culture, find out how to prepare them. Preparing them ahead of time will help your child adjust quickly to school in the Netherlands.

Read more about Dutch language and culture lessons outside the Netherlands

Depending on where you’re coming from, you may have to declare the money and belongings you bring with you when you move. There are also some things you are not allowed bring with you.

Find out what you have to declare when moving from another country within the EU
Find out what you have to declare when moving from a country outside the EU
Find out what items you cannot bring into the Netherlands or to which restrictions apply

If you bring a pet, vehicle or medicine with you there are some additional things you will have to arrange.

Find out what you need to arrange to bring your cat or dog with you to the Netherlands
Find out what you need to arrange to bring your vehicle to the Netherlands
Find out what you need to arrange to bring medicine with you to the Netherlands

If you want to stay in the Netherlands for more than four months you must register with the municipality where you will be living. You must do so within 5 days of arriving in the Netherlands. An appointment is often required for this. At some municipalities the earliest appointment may still be some time away. It is therefore advisable to make an appointment to register with the municipality several weeks before your departure. Go to the municipality’s website to find out how to make an appointment. While you’re there, see what documents you need to register yourself and, if applicable, your partner and/or child.

When do you need proof of deregistration?

If you are returning from Aruba, Curaçao, St Maarten, Bonaire, St Eustatius or Saba, the Dutch municipality will want to see proof you deregistered there. Request proof of deregistration before making an appointment to register in the Netherlands. If you are returning from another country, proof of deregistration is not required.

Bear in mind when you must register by and that there may be waiting times

If you want to stay in the Netherlands for more than four months you must register with the municipality where you will be living. You must do so within 5 days of your arrival in the Netherlands. Everyone that has moved with you must accompany you in person to the appointment. Municipalities may issue you with a fine if you do not register on time.

Find out more about registering with a Dutch municipality

Home address or correspondence address required for registration

If you already have a place to live in the Netherlands, you can register with the municipality using your home address. If you do not have anywhere to live or cannot use your home address, ask if you can temporarily register using a correspondence address. This is not your home address but an address where you can receive post. It allows the government to still be able to contact you.

It is up to the municipality whether you can register using a correspondence address. You must be able to show that you don’t have any other option. To register using a correspondence address you will need written permission from the property’s main occupant and a copy of their identity document. Some municipalities do not accept holiday homes as correspondence addresses, since these cannot be used as permanent accommodation. If you use the address of a family member or friend this may impact how much AOW pension or benefits they receive.

Read more about registering with a municipality using a correspondence address

Bring the correct documents to your appointment

To register with the municipality the following documents are required:

• a valid identity document (passport, driving licence, Dutch identity card or alien’s identity card)
• proof of occupancy (rental contract, contract of sale or written permission from the property’s main occupant)
• proof of deregistration if you are coming from Aruba, Curaçao, St Maarten, Bonaire, St Eustatius or Saba (see also step 2)

Depending on your situation and family composition, the municipality may ask you for additional documents as well. For instance, your child’s birth certificate, or proof of divorce or termination of a registered partnership. If you’re a Dutch national the municipality may even ask for additional proof you still have Dutch nationality (see also step 1).  

Registering in the Personal Records Database and your citizen service number

After registering with a municipality, your data will be entered into the Personal Records Database (BRP). If you don’t yet have a citizen service number (BSN) you will receive one when you register. You will need a BSN to arrange certain things in the Netherlands, such as health insurance.

• What is the Personal Records Database?
• What is a citizen service number?

If you do not have a DigiD you can apply for one once you are registered in the Personal Records Database. DigiD is a means of identifying yourself when accessing services online. It allows you to access and use these services securely.

See the step-by-step plan for applying for a DigiD
Apply for a DigiD
Activate your DigiD

Using your DigiD you can log in to MijnOverheid. There you can view your personal data and receive messages from the government in your Message Box. For example, a message from the municipality informing you it’s time to renew your passport. Or mail from the Tax Administration regarding your tax return.

Find out more about MijnOverheid
Find out more about Message Box
Log in to MijnOverheid

You are required to take out basic health insurance if you are covered by the Chronic Care Act (Wet langdurige zorg, Wlz) in the Netherlands. That is usually the case if you are registered with a Dutch municipality or if you work for a Dutch employer.

There are also situations in which you cannot take out Dutch health insurance. For example, if you have income from outside the Netherlands. If you take out Dutch health insurance when you should not have, your coverage will be stopped retroactively. In that case you may have to repay healthcare costs. It is therefore advisable to find out beforehand whether you are required to have Dutch health insurance.

Find out whether you need Dutch health insurance if you live in the Netherlands
Find out whether you need Dutch health insurance if you work in the Netherlands
Find out whether you need Dutch health insurance if you are studying in the Netherlands
Find out whether you need Dutch health insurance if you work outside of the Netherlands

If you are unsure whether you need Dutch health insurance contact the health insurance information line. Or find out from the Social Insurance Bank (SVB) whether you’re covered in the Netherlands by the Chronic Care Act. You can do this by requesting an assessment of your insurance position.

Contact the health insurance information line
Find out how to request an assessment of your Wlz insurance position

If you are required to have Dutch health insurance
If you are required to take out basic health insurance coverage in the Netherlands you must do so within 4 months of arriving. This applies even if you still have health insurance in another country. You may be fined if you do not take out Dutch health insurance on time.

Find out how to take out Dutch health insurance (information in Dutch)

Basic health insurance provides you with coverage against the costs of basic healthcare. This includes visits to a general practitioner or psychiatrist, hospital visits and medicine. The government determines what is included in the basic healthcare package, which costs are covered and what you must pay for yourself. Basic health insurance is free for children under 18. You can take out supplementary health insurance for care not included in the basic package.

Find out more about health insurance in the Netherlands
Find out what is included in the basic healthcare package (information in Dutch)
Find out whether you need supplementary health insurance (information in Dutch)

If you cannot take out Dutch health insurance

If you’re still waiting for a residence permit and cannot take out health insurance in the Netherlands, take out temporary international health insurance. Or take out health insurance in the country where you lived before coming to the Netherlands.

Although you are not required to register with a doctor in the Netherlands, doing so is advisable. That way you always have access to healthcare. Your health insurer can help you find a GP in your neighbourhood. It is up to you which GP you choose, but keep in mind that some doctors may have a waiting list. A GP may also refuse to accept you as a patient if, for example, you live too far away.

Find out more about changing your GP (information in Dutch)

Chronic and intensive care fall under the Chronic Care Act. If you or your partner/child require such care your situation will determine whether you are covered by the Chronic Care Act.

Find out what care is included under the Chronic Care Act
Find out whether you are covered by the Chronic Care Act

In the Netherlands everyone who wants to can be vaccinated against a number of infectious diseases. For children who live in the Netherlands this is done according to the national vaccination schedule.

See the Dutch national immunisation programme

If you, your partner and/or your child have missed one or more vaccinations you may still be able to receive them. If you are 18 or older you can go to the municipal health service (GGD) in your region to be vaccinated. Children can be vaccinated at the baby and toddler clinic (consultatiebureau). Let the GGD or baby and toddler clinic know what, if any, vaccinations you, your partner and/or your child have received outside the Netherlands. Bring your foreign vaccination booklet or other proof of vaccination with you to your appointment.

Find the nearest municipal health service (information in Dutch)
Make a vaccination appointment for your child online (information in Dutch)

Certain things in the Netherlands require you to have a Dutch bank account. You need one to have a phone plan, for example. To open a bank account you need a citizen service number (BSN). Contact a bank to open an account.

If you don’t have a BSN or are otherwise unable open a regular bank account you may still be eligible for a basic bank account.

Find out whether you can open a basic bank account (information in Dutch)
What is a citizen service number?

After you move find out whether you are required to file a tax return in the Netherlands. This may be the case even if you don’t receive a letter from the Tax Administration informing you to do so.

Find out when you have to file an income tax return in the Netherlands

For the year you move to the Netherlands from abroad you must use the M form to file your return. Include all of your income sources, including your salary, and all your assets in your return. If you receive a gift or inheritance or have income/assets abroad you must also report this on your return. Filing taxes in the Netherlands does not always mean that you have to pay income tax here on your foreign earnings.

Find out more about filing your tax return using the M form
Find out more about paying taxes in the Netherlands
Find out more about living in the Netherlands with foreign income (information in Dutch)
Find out how to avoid double taxation

Depending on your situation you may be able to receive one or more benefits. On the Tax Administration website you can view your data, apply for benefits and make changes regarding existing benefits using Mijn toeslagen (in Dutch). You will need a DigiD for this. If you still receive benefits from abroad you may have to stop them.

Healthcare benefit

Healthcare benefit is financial assistance towards the cost of Dutch health insurance. You may be eligible to receive healthcare benefit if you are 18 or older and earn less than a certain amount.

Find out whether you are eligible for healthcare benefit

Housing benefit

Housing benefit is financial assistance towards the cost of your rent. To be eligible for housing benefit you must meet certain requirements. Conditions also apply for the space you live in and how much the rent is.

Find out whether you are eligible for housing benefit

Supplementary child benefit

If you receive child benefit you may also be eligible for supplementary child benefit. In most cases, if you are eligible for supplementary child benefit you will receive it automatically from the Tax Administration.

Find out whether you are eligible for supplementary child benefit

If you receive child benefit and your partner does not have a citizen service number (BSN) when they arrive, the Tax Administration may consider you a single parent. You may then receive supplementary child benefit even though you are not actually entitled it. If that happens you will have to pay it back. You can stop your supplementary child benefit payments.

Childcare benefit

Childcare benefit is financial assistance towards the costs of childcare. This includes daycare, out-of-school care, childminders and playgroups. Approved childcare providers are listed in the National Childcare Register (LRK). To be eligible for childcare benefit you must also meet certain conditions.

Find out whether you are eligible for childcare benefit

Whether you can receive benefit in the Netherlands depends on your situation. If you already receive one of the benefits below and return to the Netherlands, this may have an impact on the amount you receive. Always report any change in your situation to the organisation that pays your benefit.

Surviving dependants’ benefit for surviving dependants

If your partner or ex-partner has died, you may be eligible to receive surviving dependants’ benefit under the Surviving Dependants Act (ANW). If you are under 21 and have lost both your parents you may be entitled to orphans’ benefit.

Find out whether you are entitled to surviving dependants’ benefit

Sickness benefit

If you return to the Netherlands and become ill, depending on your situation you may be eligible for benefit.

Find out whether you are entitled to sickness benefit (information in Dutch)

Disability benefit

If you have a disability that limits your ability to work and need assistance with work or income, you may be eligible for benefit.

Find out whether you are entitled to disability benefit (information in Dutch)

Pregnancy, adoption and foster care

If you are to become a parent you and/or your partner may be entitled to pregnancy/maternity benefit and/or leave.

Find out whether you are entitled to pregnancy/maternity benefit and/or leave (information in Dutch)

Unemployment benefit (WW)

If you become unemployed, depending on your situation you may be entitled to unemployment benefit.

Find out whether you are entitled to unemployment benefit (information in Dutch)

Social assistance benefit

If you do not have an income and cannot support yourself financially, depending on your situation you may be entitled to social assistance benefit. You can apply for this from the municipality where you live or at werk.nl (in Dutch).

Stopping your remigration benefit

If you received Dutch remigration benefit to return to your country of birth and are now moving back to the Netherlands, your remigration benefit will stop. Inform the SVB 6 weeks in advance that you will be moving back to the Netherlands.

Inform the SVB you are moving back to the Netherlands

You don’t yet receive pension/state pension (AOW)

You may have built up a pension outside the Netherlands. Sometimes you can have your pension paid out to you in the Netherlands or transferred to a Dutch pension provider. Consult your foreign pension provider to discuss your options.

If you have lived or worked in the Netherlands in the past, you may have already built up an AOW pension. Although you may not have built up any AOW pension in the years you lived outside the Netherlands. If you re-register in the Netherlands you will usually start accruing AOW pension again. There are exceptions when you will not build up any AOW pension.

Aside from AOW pension you can also build up supplementary pension. This is your own responsibility, unless your employer arranges this for you.

You already receive pension/state pension (AOW)

If you already receive a pension abroad, ask your pension provider what you need to do to receive your pension in the Netherlands.

If you receive AOW pension, inform the SVB 6 weeks in advance that you will be moving back to the Netherlands. Keep in mind that the amount of your AOW pension may change when you move back to the Netherlands.

Inform the SVB that you are moving back to the Netherlands

If you receive a pension from another Dutch pension provider you will need to inform them of your move. You should also find out whether your move will have consequences for how much you receive.

If you have any debt in the Netherlands or abroad it may be difficult to arrange certain matters after you move. Some organisations may not want to do business with you if you have outstanding debt.

Find out whether you have debt in the Netherlands

If you’re unsure whether you have debt in the Netherlands or how much you have, Stichting BKR can help you find this out for free. BKR does not, however, keep track of your student loans, energy debt or overdue rent. For information about this you must contact the organisation you own money to.

Request your credit report from the BKR (information in Dutch)
Find out what being registered with BKR means for you (information in Dutch)

If you want to know what bailiffs can claim money from you and if they can garnish your income when you return to the Netherlands, see the Schuldenwijzer. Use your DigiD to log in.

View your debt using the Schuldenwijzer (information in Dutch)

If you’re behind in payments to the Tax Administration or the Education Executive Agency (DUO), your passport may be refused or declared invalid. Even if it has not yet expired.

Find out when your passport may be declared invalid (information in Dutch)

Requesting assistance with payment problems

If you have debt or payment problems, request assistance with this from your municipality. Once you have done so you must disclose information about your financial matters to the municipality. The municipality will then determine whether you are entitled to debt counselling. How long you will have to wait for a decision depends on your situation and whether the municipality has the correct information. Municipalities can also call in other organisations to assist with debt counselling.

Find out more about debt counselling (information in Dutch)

If you have debt abroad

Even after you return to the Netherlands foreign creditors can still try to get you to repay your debt. They may work with a Dutch collection agency, for example.

Keep in mind that Dutch and foreign tax administrations share data. They also have access to information that banks and insurers have on you. Tax debt in another country can also have consequences for you in the Netherlands. For example, banks may refuse to let you open an account.

Find out which information Dutch and foreign tax administrations share (information in Dutch)

If you don’t yet have work lined up in the Netherlands, start looking for a job as soon as possible. You can get started with this before you move back to the Netherlands. Through the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) the Dutch government offers assistance and advice for finding work, which you can access at werk.nl. You’ll also find vacancy announcements there. To be able to make use of all features on werk.nl you will need a DigiD.

Find work at werk.nl (in Dutch)

See also Dutch vacancy announcements on the European Commission’s EURES website.

Find work on EURES

If you would like to study or do an internship in the Netherlands, find out how to apply and what you have to arrange. For example, if you have a foreign qualification.

Find out more about studying and internships in the Netherlands
Find out more about studying in the Netherlands with a foreign qualification

Civic integration involves learning the Dutch language and culture. Whether you and/or your partner are required to go through the civic integration process depends on your situation. Children under 18 are not required to take the civic integration exam but must attend school in the Netherlands (see also step 7).

Civic integration requirement for partners from outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland

If your partner is not an EU, EEA or Swiss national, they may have to pass the civic integration exam before coming to the Netherlands. See also step 1. Find out whether this applies for your partner. The basic exam is the start of the civic integration process. If your partner has a valid residence document after moving to the Netherlands they can take a civic integration course in the Netherlands. They can complete the civic integration process by passing the civic integration examination.

Find out more about the civic integration process in the Netherlands

Civic integration for former Dutch nationals

Different civic integration requirements may apply to former Dutch nationals. If you’ve lost your Dutch nationality and want to return to the Netherlands or become naturalised, find out more. Check the IND website for what civic integration requirements apply in your situation.

Find out more about the civic integration process in the Netherlands
Find out how to regain your Dutch nationality

Compulsory school attendance and minimum qualification requirement

In the Netherlands school attendance is compulsory for children between the ages of 5 and 15. That means children this age must go to school. If your child is 16 or 17 and does not yet have a basic qualification, i.e. senior general secondary education (HAVO), pre-university education (VWO) or secondary vocational education (MBO) at level two or higher, they must continue to attend school until they obtain one of these qualifications or turn 18.

Find out more about compulsory school attendance and the minimum qualification requirement (information in Dutch)

To enrol your child in school you will need their citizen service number (BSN). If your child doesn’t have a citizen service number the school can request a temporary education number from the Education Executive Agency (DUO).

Find out how to get a citizen service number

Find out more about temporary education numbers (information in Dutch)

If your child speaks, reads and writes Dutch

If your child has been educated in Dutch at a school abroad, ask the school for an educational report. This will include the child’s school results and information about your child’s development. You could potentially also ask the new and former teachers to discuss your child’s situation.

If you’re uncertain what year of secondary school your child should be in, you may have to test this in consultation with the new school. There are various organisations that can do this for you.

Find out more about re-entering the Dutch education system (information in Dutch)

If your child does not speak, read or write Dutch

If your child is not proficient in Dutch, discuss the options with the school you would like to enrol them in. For children in primary school there is a bridging class, where your child may be able to receive additional language training.

Find out more about bridging classes in primary education

For children between the ages of 12 and 18 there is an international bridging class (ISK). It is part of secondary education. If your child has sufficient knowledge of Dutch and of other subject areas, they can go from the bridging class into secondary education (MBO level or above).

Enrolling your child in primary school

In the Netherlands children can attend primary school from the age of 4. From the age of 5 school attendance is compulsory. It is up to you to choose a school and enrol your child there. Keep in mind that some schools may have a waiting list. Schools may also refuse to admit your child in certain cases. For example, if you don’t live in the neighbourhood where the school is located.

Find out more about primary education in the Netherlands
Find out in what cases a primary school can refuse to admit your child (information in Dutch)

Enrolling your child in secondary school

If your child is going to secondary school, enrol them in a school. It is up to you to choose a school and enrol your child there. A school may refuse to admit your child if the classes are already full or for other reasons. For example, if you do not agree with the school’s (religious) philosophy.

Find out more about secondary education in the Netherlands
Find out what you need to enrol your child in secondary school (information in Dutch)
Find out when a secondary school can refuse to admit your child (information in Dutch)

If your child requires special assistance

Schools are required to provide your child with appropriate education. Even if your child has a disability and requires special assistance. If the school cannot provide the appropriate support, they’ll work with you to determine whether your child can receive the support they need elsewhere. That may include a school for special education.

Find out how schools provide appropriate education (information in Dutch)
Find out more about special education

Enrolling your child in an international school

If you’re returning to the Netherlands temporarily or want your child to be educated in an international environment, you can enrol them in an international school. In addition to private schools, there are also schools – or parts of schools – subsidised by the Dutch government. These are considered Dutch international schools and provide primary and secondary education.

Find out more about Dutch international schools

If your child is under 18 you may be entitled to one or more benefits to assist you with child-related costs (family benefits). If you already receive family benefits from a country other than the Netherlands, you may have to stop them.

Child benefit

When you move to the Netherlands and register a child under 18 with a Dutch municipality the Social Insurance Bank (SVB) will send you a letter. This is to inform you how to apply for child benefit. It usually arrives with 3 to 6 weeks. If you have not received a letter within 6 weeks, contact the SVB.

Find out more about child benefit

Supplementary child benefit

If you receive child benefit you may also be eligible for supplementary child benefit. In most cases, if you are eligible for supplementary child benefit you will receive it automatically from the Tax Administration.

Find out whether you are eligible for supplementary child benefit

If you receive child benefit and your partner doesn’t have a citizen service number (BSN) when you arrive, the Tax Administration may consider you a single parent. You may then automatically receive supplementary child budget even though you are not entitled to it. You will have to pay this back. You can stop your supplementary child budget.

Childcare benefit

Childcare benefit is financial assistance towards the costs of childcare, including daycare, out-of-school care, childminders and playgroups. Approved childcare providers are listed in the National Childcare Register (LRK). To be eligible for childcare benefit you must also meet certain conditions.

Find out whether you are eligible for childcare benefit

There are different types of childcare. Which type of childcare you need depends on whether your child is in school and if they speak Dutch.

If your child is not yet in primary school

Your child may be cared for by a childminder or attend a daycare centre, such as a crèche. It is up to you to choose a daycare and to register your child there. Keep in mind that some daycares may have a waiting list.

If your child goes to daycare you may be entitled to childcare benefit.

Find out whether you are eligible for childcare benefit

If your child attends primary school

If your child attends primary school they can attend out-of-school care (BSO). This may be provided by a childcare centre or childminder. It is up to you to choose out-of-school care and to register your child.

If your child attends out-of-school care you may be entitled to childcare benefit.

Find out whether you are eligible for childcare benefit

If your child is not proficient in Dutch

If your child is between the ages of 2.5 and 4 they can attend pre-school at a daycare centre. Your child will learn Dutch in a playful environment. The municipality where you live will determine whether your child can attend pre-school. Read the conditions for this on the website of the municipality where you live.

If your child is in a reception class (groep 1 or groep 2) they can receive early childhood education in primary school.

Find out more about pre-school and early childhood education

Your child can be vaccinated against a number of infectious diseases for free. This is done at the baby and toddler clinic or the municipal health service in your region. Having your children vaccinated is not required but it is advised. You can read when your child is eligible for vaccination against which diseases in the national immunisation programme.

See the Dutch national immunisation programme
Make an appointment online to be vaccinated (information in Dutch)

If your child has missed one or more vaccinations from the programme it is not too late for them to still receive them. Vaccinations are free for children under 18. To have your child vaccinated contact the baby and toddler clinic (consultatiebureau) in your region.