Checklist moving to the Netherlands

To stay in the Netherlands longer than 90 days, you may require a residence permit. You may also need a specific type of visa in order to travel to the Netherlands. This depends on your situation.

Do I need a visa and/or a residence permit for the Netherlands?

To stay in the Netherlands longer than 90 days, your partner or child may require a residence permit. They may also need a specific type of visa in order to travel to the Netherlands. This depends on your partner’s or child’s nationality.

Does my partner or child need a visa and/or a residence permit?

You can work freely in the Netherlands if you are a national of:

• the Netherlands
• another country in the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA)
• Switzerland.

You do not need a visa, residence permit or work permit. 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 vrij toegestaan’ may appear on your residence permit or on a sticker in your passport, indicating that you can work. If you don’t see these words contact the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) to find out whether you are allowed to work in the Netherlands.

Contact the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND)

What you need to arrange in order to work in the Netherlands depends on why you are coming to the Netherlands and on your profession. Special rules may apply if you are student, knowledge worker or artist, for instance. 

Check what you need to arrange in order to work in the Netherlands

Find out whether your foreign qualification is recognised

If you want to work in the Netherlands and you have a foreign qualification, you may first have to take steps so you can use it in the Netherlands. Or you may need to have it 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 terms 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

Check what you need to arrange if you are an entrepreneur

On the website Business.gov.nl you can find more information about moving to the Netherlands as an entrepreneur.

Part of moving to the Netherlands means learning Dutch and learning about Dutch culture. This is called civic integration. You will need to undertake civic integration if you are over 18 and not a national of:

• an EU or EEA country
• Switzerland.

You will need to begin civic integration in your country of residence only if: 

• You are moving to the Netherlands to live with your partner or spouse.
• You are moving to the Netherlands in your capacity as a spiritual counsellor, such as a minister, teacher of religion, imam or priest.

If this is the case, you will need to take the civic integration exam abroad. There is a fee for this. You can sit the exam at a Dutch embassy or consulate-general in your region. You will only be able to apply for a visa and residence permit once you have passed the exam. 

After arriving in the Netherlands you must continue the civic integration process. 

Find out more about the civic integration exam abroad

If you move to the Netherlands you must register with a municipality. 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 will want to verify that you haven’t lost your Dutch nationality in the time since your passport was issued.

Find out which documents you need

If you already know which municipality you’re going to live in, you can see what documents you need on the municipality’s website. This information is often provided under ‘Verhuizen vanuit het buitenland’ (Moving to the Netherlands from abroad). You can find your municipality’s website in the list of Dutch municipalities (information in Dutch). 

Gather the documents you need

These are documents that:

• prove your nationality/nationalities
• prove your residence history
• prove any changes in your civil status.

Examples include documents such as:

• a visa or residence permit from the country where you currently live
• a statement showing your immigration history (request this from the immigration authorities in the relevant country or countries)
• 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
• a marriage certificate (previous and current), certificate of registered partnership (previous and current), divorce certificate, certificate of termination of registered partnership or death certificate
• certificate(s) of Dutch nationality
• Dutch identity card(s)
• 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 are a Dutch national

Your passport or ID card must be valid on the day your arrive in the Netherlands. Check this before you leave.

If your passport or ID will not be valid on the day of your arrival, you will need to apply for a new one. You can submit an application at the Dutch embassy or consulate in the country where you live or in a neighbouring country.

Applying for a passport or ID card if you live outside the Netherlands

Be aware that your passport or ID card could be refused or considered invalid, even if it is still within validity.

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

If you have another nationality 

Your passport or ID card must be valid for at least 3 months after your arrival in the Netherlands. Whether you need a visa as well depends on your nationality.

Check whether you need a visa

If you have a foreign driving licence and wish to drive in the Netherlands, find out whether you can use your licence in the Netherlands. And if so, for how long. This depends on the country where your licence was issued.

Sometimes you can exchange your foreign driving licence for a Dutch one.

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

To arrange matters with the Dutch authorities, you may need other documents. For example, as proof of your identity. Or proof that you can practise a particular profession.

If you already know which Dutch municipality you will be moving to ask the municipality which documents you need to bring. For yourself, but also for your partner or children. 

You can find your municipality’s details in the list of Dutch municipalities (information in Dutch).

Having documents legalised and translated

Check whether you need to have any documents have to be prepared for use in the Netherlands. This process is called legalisation. Whether you need to do this depends on the country where the documents were issued.

You will need to have your documents legalised in the country that issued them originally. If the document is written in a language other than Dutch, English, French or German, you must have it translated. After it has been translated, you may also need to have both the source document and the translation legalised.

The process of legalisation and translation (and legalisation of the translation) is often required for the following documents:

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

Find out if you need to have your documents legalised

Find out about using foreign qualifications in the Netherlands

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. If the document is written in a language other than Dutch, English, French or German, have it translated:

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

Accelerated process using an apostille

The Netherlands is one of more than 100 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.

If your document has been issued with an apostille, further 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 that is party to the Apostille Convention you can request an apostille from the local authorities in that country.

See the list of countries that are party to the Apostille Convention

If you have documents from another EU country, an apostille or e-apostille (electronic apostille) is not necessary.

Converting foreign official documents into Dutch official documents

If in the future you need a new official copy of a foreign document, for a notary for instance, or if you’re going to get married or divorced, you can have it converted into a Dutch one. The municipality of The Hague can do this for you.

You can always apply online for an official copy of a converted foreign document. This will save you time and money. This will also save you requesting an official copy or an extract in the country where the official document originates.

You can have the following foreign official documents converted into Dutch ones:

• birth certificates
• marriage certificates
• certificates of registered partnership
• death certificates
• divorce or termination of registered partnership documents.

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 in the Netherlands. Start looking early because there is a major shortage of homes for sale and rent in the Netherlands.

If you are on a low income, you may be eligible for social housing. This is affordable housing where the rent can never go above a certain amount. Certain conditions apply relating to your income and the size of your family.

The organisations that rent out social housing are called housing associations. You can register with these organisations if you’re looking for somewhere to live. Be aware that the waiting lists can be long. You will not be given priority because you don’t yet have a place to live in the Netherlands. 

Find out more about buying a home (information in Dutch)

Find out more about renting a home

Temporary registration using a correspondence address

If you cannot find somewhere to live straight away, you can use a correspondence address. You can’t live at this address but you can receive post there, 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, be aware that this can have an impact on the person’s income. They will perhaps receive a lower amount of benefit or pension from the Dutch government.

Find out whether you can register using a correspondence address

If your child will be attending a Dutch school in the Netherlands after moving but has not had any schooling in the Dutch language or about Dutch culture, prepare them ahead of time for the Dutch education system. This will help your child quickly adjust to school in the Netherlands.

Read more about Dutch language and culture lessons outside the Netherland

When moving to the Netherlands you may have to declare the belongings and money that you bring with you to Customs. This depends on the country that you are coming from. 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

After arriving in the Netherlands you must register with the municipality where you will be living within 5 days. An appointment is often required for this, and 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 well before your departure.

Ask the municipality ahead of time what documents you will need to register yourself and, if relevant, your partner and/or child. You can find your municipality’s details in the list of Dutch municipalities (information in Dutch).

If you are moving from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom

If you are moving to the Netherlands from Aruba, Curaçao, St Maarten, Bonaire, St Eustatius or Saba, the Dutch municipality will also want to see proof that you deregistered there. Request proof of deregistration before making an appointment to register in the Netherlands.

If you are moving to the Netherlands from elsewhere, the municipality may ask you to provide proof of deregistration. You can obtain this through the local authorities of the municipality where you previously lived. 

If you have a pet and want to bring it with you to the Netherlands, there are a couple of things you have to arrange. What you have to arrange depends on which country you travel from and what kind of pet you want to bring with you. 

• Find out how to bring your pet to the Netherlands

You must register with the Dutch municipality where you will be living within 5 days of your arrival. Everyone who has moved with you must accompany you in person to the appointment. If you do not register on time the municipality may issue you with a fine.

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 new home address.

Do you want to register at the address of a family member of friend? Be aware that this can have an impact on the person’s income. They will perhaps receive a lower amount of benefit or pension from the Dutch government.

If you still haven’t found somewhere or if you are living with someone who doesn’t want you to register at their address, you can ask the municipality whether you can temporarily register using a correspondence address. You don’t live at this address but can receive post there, 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.

Read more about registering with a municipality using a correspondence address

Documents you should bring with you

Bring the following documents with you when you register with the municipality:

• 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.

The municipality can ask you to provide additional documents, such as your child’s birth certificate, or proof of divorce or termination of a registered partnership. This depends on your situation and family composition. If you are a Dutch national the municipality may even ask you for additional proof showing that you still have your Dutch nationality.

What you will receive after registering 

After registering with the municipality, your data will be entered into the Personal Records Database (BRP). You’ll receive a citizen service number (BSN) within a few weeks. How long this takes depends on the municipality. You will need a BSN to arrange certain things in the Netherlands, such as health insurance.

What is the Personal Records Database (BRP)?

What is a citizen service number (BSN)?

Once you are registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP), you can request a DigiD. 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 a DigiD

You can use your DigiD to log in to MijnOverheid. MijnOverheid contains the information about you that is registered with the Dutch authorities. You can also use MijnOverheid ‘Berichtenbox’ (Message Box) to read messages from the Dutch authorities. For example, a message from the municipality informing you it’s time to renew your passport. Or a message from the Tax Administration informing you how much tax you need to pay or how much tax you’ll be getting back.

Find out more about MijnOverheid

Find out more about Message Box

Log in to MijnOverheid

What is civic integration?

Civic integration involves learning to speak, write and understand the Dutch language. But it also involves learning about Dutch culture, norms and values, as well as the Dutch labour market. This will help you become a part of Dutch society more quickly and easily. Civic integration costs money. Civic integration is mandatory for some newcomers to the Netherlands. This depends on your situation.

Do I have to comply with Dutch civic integration requirements?

You will normally need to undertake civic integration if you are 18 or over and are not a national of:

• a country in the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA)
• Switzerland.

But there are exceptions.

Check whether you need to comply with Dutch civic integration requirements

Even if you have already taken the civic integration exam abroad, you must continue the civic integration process after arriving in the Netherlands.

If civic integration is not mandatory for you, but you wish to undertake civic integration, you can do so. On inburgeren.nl you can read more about civic integration and create a step-by-step plan.

If you previously held Dutch nationality and lost it or if you wish regain Dutch nationality through naturalisation, you do not need to take the whole civic integration course. But you must meet the civic integration requirements. You can find the requirements on the website of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).

Find out about the civic integration requirements for former Dutch nationals

When do I need to start?

After you have registered with the municipality where you live, you will receive a letter from the Education Executive Agency (DUO). This is the organisation that arranges part of the civic integration course. The letter will inform you that you need to undertake civic integration.

The municipality will then invite you to attend one or more interviews, in order to create a step-by-step plan. You will also take a test at this stage. This will show the municipality your current level of knowledge and what you still need to learn. You don’t need to practise for the interview or test.

Afterwards, you will receive another letter from DUO. This letter will inform you when you need to start civic integration. And what exams you have to take.

How long does civic integration take?

You have 3 years to complete civic integration. This means you have passed all the exams you needed to take.

More about civic integration

On Inburgeren.nl you can find more information about civic integration. This includes information on:

• what to expect and when 
• courses and where to take them
• exams
• costs 
• taking out a loan from DUO.

If you have questions about civic integration contact your municipality’s civic integration department.

Check whether you need to take out health insurance

If you live or work in the Netherlands you are normally insured under the Chronic Care Act (Wlz). This act governs healthcare in the Netherlands. Healthcare can be a medical procedure, a medicine or a medical device like a wheelchair. Everyone in the Netherlands funds the health and care sector through premiums and taxes. Even if they do not need care themselves. You will also normally be required to take out basic health insurance in the Netherlands.

But there are situations in which you cannot take out Dutch health insurance. For example, if you have income from outside the Netherlands. If you take out health insurance in such a situation, your insurer will end your coverage. You may have to repay any healthcare costs. So check first whether you need to take out basic health insurance in the Netherlands.

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. You can also contact the Social Insurance Bank (SVB) and ask whether you are covered in the Netherlands by the Chronic Care Act (WLZ). You will need to request an assessment of your insurance position. After the assessment, you’ll know if you need to take out basic health insurance in the Netherlands.

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. And you will also need to pay the cost of any healthcare yourself. You should take out basic health insurance with a Dutch insurer.

Find out how to take out Dutch health insurance

Choose what you’re covered for

Basic health insurance covers you for care that is included in the standard health insurance package. This includes the costs of visiting a general practitioner (GP), psychiatrist, hospital and medicine. The government determines what healthcare is included in the standard health insurance package. As well as the costs that will be covered and the costs you’ll need to pay yourself.

Not all healthcare costs are covered. You may therefore wish to take out supplementary healthcare insurance to cover things like dental care. Or the costs of glasses or contact lenses. Basic health insurance is free for children under 18.

Find out more about health insurance in the Netherlands

Find out what is included in the standard health insurance package

Find out whether you need supplementary health insurance

If you cannot take out Dutch health insurance

If you are not permitted to take out health insurance in the Netherlands, because you’re still waiting for a residence permit, for example, you can (temporarily) take out international health insurance. Or you can take out health insurance in the country where you resided before coming to the Netherlands.

Compulsory school attendance and minimum qualification requirement

In the Netherlands, children must attend school from the ages of 5 to 16. Sometimes, your child will need to attend school until the age of 18. For example, if they have not yet obtained a basic qualification. A basic qualification is:

• a senior general secondary education (HAVO) qualification
• a pre-university (VWO) qualification
• a secondary vocational education (MBO) qualification at level 2 or higher. 

If your child doesn’t have a basic qualification, they must continue to attend school until they obtain one of these qualifications or turn 18.

Find out more about primary and secondary education in the Netherlands

Find out more about secondary vocational education in the Netherlands

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

In order to be enrolled in school, your child will need a 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 (BSN) (information in Dutch)

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

If your child speaks, reads and writes Dutch

If your child speaks, reads and writes Dutch, discuss with the school which class or level they should join. If your child has been educated in Dutch at a school abroad, ask the school for an educational report. This should set out your child’s marks and progress. Ask if your child’s teacher abroad could discuss the situation with your child’s new teacher in the Netherlands.

If your child does not speak, read or write Dutch

If your child does not yet speak, read or write Dutch, or cannot do this to a sufficient level, discuss the possibilities for your child with a school in your vicinity. 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. Once your child has sufficient knowledge of Dutch and other subject areas they can go from the bridging class into secondary education, secondary vocational education (MBO) or higher education.

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 education, even if your child has a disability or disorder and requires special assistance. If the school cannot provide the appropriate support, it will look at whether another school can. That may include a school for special education.

Find out how schools provide appropriate education

Find out more about special education

Enrolling your child in an international school

If you are returning to the Netherlands temporarily or want your child to be educated in an international environment, you can send them to one of the private international schools in the Netherlands. There are also international schools – or international parts of schools – subsidised by the Dutch government. These are known as Dutch International Schools (DIS). They provide primary and secondary education.

Find out more about Dutch International Schools

You will need a Dutch back account in order to arrange certain things in the Netherlands. You need one to have a phone plan, for example.

Contact a Dutch bank to open an account. For this you will need your citizen service number (BSN).

What is a citizen service number (BSN)?

If you want to work in the Netherlands, go to werk.nl for tips and advice on finding work from the Dutch government. You’ll also find vacancies on the site. To be able to make use of all features on werk.nl you will need a DigiD.

Find work on werk.nl (information 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 else you will need to arrange. For example, if you have a qualification that was not obtained in the Netherlands.

More about studying and internships in the Netherlands

More about studying in the Netherlands with a foreign qualification

Childcare refers to care provided to children aged 0 to 12 outside the home or school. There are different types of childcare. The most suitable type depends on how old your child is and whether they speak Dutch.

It is up to you to choose a childcare provider and enrol your child there. Keep in mind that some providers may have a waiting list. Childcare costs money. You may be able to receive an allowance from the government to cover some of the costs. See ‘Allowances’ for more information.

See the types of childcare that exist (information in Dutch)

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. This is also known as early childhood education. Your child will learn Dutch in a playful environment. This will make the transition to primary school easier for your child. Ask your municipality what conditions apply. You can find your municipality’s website in the list of Dutch municipalities (information in Dutch).

Finding a doctor (GP)

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. You are free to choose your own. But be aware that some doctors have waiting lists. They may also refuse you as a patient, for instance, if you live too far away. 

Find a doctor near you (information in Dutch)

Organising chronic or high-level care services

If you or your partner/child with whom you came to the Netherlands require chronic or high-level care services, this is organised through the Chronic Care Act (WLZ). Whether you are covered by the act depends on your situation.

Find out what care is included under the Chronic Care Act (WLZ)

Find out whether you are covered by the Chronic Care Act (WLZ)

For your child

Your child can be vaccinated against a number of infectious diseases for free. This can take place at your local municipal health service (GGD) or baby and toddler clinic. These clinics are for children aged up to 4 years.

Having your children vaccinated is not required but it is advised. Most children in the Netherlands are vaccinated against serious infectious diseases according to a specific timetable. This is known as the national immunisation programme. Having your child vaccinated in accordance with the programme offers them the best protection. It is not advisable to delay vaccinations. This increases the risk that your child will become ill.

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. Let the GGD or baby and toddler clinic know what, if any, vaccinations your child has received outside the Netherlands. Bring their foreign vaccination booklet or other proof of vaccination with you to your appointment. Make an appointment online. If you have questions about vaccinations, contact the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).

See the Dutch national immunisation programme

Make a vaccination appointment for your child online (information in Dutch)

See how to contact RIVM

Catch-up vaccinations

If you, your partner and/or your child have missed one or more vaccinations covered by the national immunisation programme, you may still be able to receive them. 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 any foreign vaccination booklets or other proof of vaccination with you to your appointment.

Find the nearest municipal health service (GGD) (information in Dutch)

Make a vaccination appointment for your child online (information in Dutch)

Vaccination against COVID 19

If you would like to be vaccinated against coronavirus, or would like your child vaccinated, you can make an appointment online or by phone. At some locations you can also be vaccinated without an appointment.

Find out how to make an appointment to be vaccinated against coronavirus

In the Netherlands, you are required to pay tax on your income. The amount of tax you pay depends on how much you earn and your assets. You must provide the Dutch Tax Administration with this information. You do this by filing an income tax return.

The Tax Administration will then determine whether you need to pay tax and, if so, how much. 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

You must file a special return known as an M form for the year you moved to the Netherlands. 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 income.

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

Find out how to avoid double taxation

If you have a pension outside the Netherlands

Ask the organisation that arranges your pension whether you can transfer your pension to the Netherlands. Find out what you need to arrange.

Building up pension in the Netherlands

If you live or work in the Netherlands you build up a basic pension. This is known as state pension (AOW). You will start to receive it once you reach state pension age. Your date of birth determines your state pension age. If you are already beyond state pension age, you will not build up any state pension in the Netherlands.

The amount of your AOW pension depends on how many years you have lived or worked in the Netherlands. Whether you live alone or with a partner also determines how much AOW pension you receive.

Read more about state pension (AOW)

Exceptions when you will not build up any AOW pension

As well as AOW pension you can also build up supplementary pension. Sometimes, your employer arranges this for you. Mijnpensioenoverzicht.nl shows you how much pension you are building up in the Netherlands.

Go to Mijnpensioenoverzicht.nl

See some frequently asked questions about pensions in the Netherlands

The Dutch Tax Administration and its foreign counterparts share information. They also have access to information that banks and insurers have on you.

If you have tax-related debt from another country, this can 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

If you have any personal or business debt outside the Netherlands, even after you move to the Netherlands foreign creditors can still try to get you to repay your debt. They may contact a Dutch collection agency to help them.

If you get into debt in the Netherlands, this can also have consequences for you. It may affect your ability to buy your own home, for instance. As you may not be eligible for a mortgage, or may not be able to borrow as much.

Benefits are money you receive from the government in order to cover fixed costs (either in whole or in part). Whether you can receive benefits in the Netherlands depends on your situation. On the Tax Administration website you can view your data, apply for benefits and make changes regarding existing benefits via the Mijn toeslagen section (in Dutch). You will need a DigiD for this.

If you still receive benefits or allowances from abroad you may have to stop them.

Healthcare benefit

Healthcare benefit is money you receive from the government in order to cover the cost of your Dutch health insurance (either in whole or in part). Whether you can receive healthcare benefit depends on your situation.

Find out whether you are eligible for healthcare benefit (information in Dutch)

Housing benefit

Housing benefit is money from the government to cover part of your rent. Whether you can receive housing benefit depends on your situation, your home and how much rent you pay.

Find out whether you are eligible for housing benefit (information in Dutch)

Child benefit

Child benefit is money from the government to help cover the costs of raising a child until they’re 18. If you register a child under the age of 18 with a Dutch municipality after moving to the Netherlands, you will usually receive a letter from the Social Insurance Bank (SVB) within 3 to 6 weeks. This will tell you how you can apply for child benefit.

If you have not received a letter within 6 weeks, contact the SVB.

Find out more about child benefit

Supplementary child benefit

Supplementary child benefit is money from the government to help cover some of the costs of raising a child under the age of 18. If you are entitled to this, you will normally automatically receive it from the Tax Administration if you also receive child benefit.

Find out whether you are eligible for supplementary child benefit (information in Dutch)

Childcare benefit

If your children require childcare while you work, you may be eligible for childcare benefit. This is money from the government to cover part of the costs of childcare. Whether you receive this benefit depends on your situation and your childcare provider.

Find out whether you are eligible for childcare benefit (information in Dutch)

If you move to the Netherlands, you must have sufficient income or financial means to support yourself. If you wish to transfer a benefit from another country when you come to the Netherlands, ask the authorities that pay the benefit if you can do this.

You cannot just receive a Dutch benefit as soon as you arrive in the Netherlands. This depends on your situation. 

If you become sick

If you become sick when you are living in the Netherlands, depending on your situation you may be eligible for benefit.

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

If you have a work-limiting disability

If you have a physical or mental disability, and can’t work as much, or at all, 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)

If you become unemployed

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

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

Social assistance benefit

If you do not have an income and cannot support yourself financially, you may be eligible for social assistance benefit. This is money from the government to cover your basic needs. This includes things like living costs and groceries. You can never receive social assistance benefit during your first 3 months in the Netherlands.

If you worked during your first 3 months but then became unemployed, you may be able to receive social assistance benefit. You can apply for this from the municipality where you live or at werk.nl (information in Dutch).