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Official links, moving checklist, and tools to make your move to the Netherlands smoother.

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📋 The Ultimate Moving Checklist

Print this or save it — tick off each item as you go.

✈️Before You Leave

  • Apply for your residence permit / visa (IND)
  • Arrange temporary accommodation for first 4–6 weeks
  • Open a Bunq or Wise account for bridge banking
  • Get international health insurance for the transit period
  • Gather required documents (apostilled if needed)
  • Research neighborhoods in your target city
  • Notify your home country tax authority of departure

🗓️First Week in the Netherlands

  • Register your address at the gemeente (municipality)
  • Receive your BSN (Burgerservicenummer) — 3–5 days
  • Apply for DigiD online (digid.nl)
  • Open a Dutch bank account (ING, ABN AMRO, or Rabobank)
  • Buy a second-hand bicycle
  • Buy an OV-chipkaart for public transport
  • Register with a local huisarts (GP)
  • Buy Dutch health insurance (within 4 months of registering)

📅First Month

  • Sign a long-term rental contract
  • Set up utilities (electricity, gas, internet)
  • Apply for zorgtoeslag (healthcare benefit) if eligible
  • Check 30% ruling eligibility with your employer
  • Get a Dutch SIM card (KPN, Vodafone, T-Mobile, Lebara)
  • Register children in school if applicable
  • Join expat community groups (Facebook, Meetup, Internations)
  • Start learning Dutch — even basic phrases help

📆First 3 Months

  • File for zorgtoeslag and other toeslagen
  • Complete your DigiD activation
  • Register your vehicle (if bringing a car)
  • Get Dutch driving licence if needed (within 185 days)
  • Open a Dutch investment/savings account
  • Understand your income tax obligations

🛠️ Tools

💶 Dutch Salary Calculator

Rough estimate of net monthly salary (2026 tax rates)

Rough estimate only. Excludes holiday allowance (8%), social contributions and deductions. Consult a tax advisor.

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