Hello there, future Dutchie! Do you plan to move to Amsterdam or somewhere else in our beautiful country to work or live there? And are you going to stay for more than 90 days? Then you are in the right place! Because when you move to the Netherlands, there are some things you need to take care of beforehand. Luckily for you, we have put together a handy guide to help you with your move to the Netherlands. Together with us, your move to the Netherlands will happen smoothly.

Before you leave

Before you pack your bags and get ready for your Dutch adventure, there are a few things you need to arrange. First of all, you need to check whether you (and possibly your partner or child) need a visa and/or residence permit. Also, make sure you are allowed to work in the Netherlands. Start your integration – don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds! Ensure your passport or ID card is still valid, and check whether your foreign driving licence is valid in the Netherlands. Arrange a place to live and/or a correspondence address. Prepare your child for the Dutch education system and arrange the import of your household goods. Finally, make an appointment to register with the municipality.

Checklist:
  • Check whether you require a visa and/or residence permit.
  • Make sure you are allowed to work in the Netherlands.
  • Start your integration.
  • Ensure your passport or ID card is still valid.
  • Check whether your foreign driving licence is valid in the Netherlands.
  • Arrange a place to live and/or a correspondence address.
  • Prepare your child for the Dutch education system.
  • Arrange the import of your household goods.
  • Make an appointment to register with the municipality.

Moving to the Netherlands

Moving can be a challenge, especially when it comes to an international move. But don’t worry, we have a few tips to make the process smoother. First of all, start planning early. Make a checklist of everything you need to do and stick to a schedule. This will help you stay organised and ensure you don’t forget anything.

It’s also important to decide what you want to bring to the Netherlands. Remember that the cost of shipping goods can be high, so it might be worthwhile to sell or give away some things before you leave. Make sure you have all the necessary documents for the import of your household goods as well.

Once you’re in the Netherlands, you’ll find that houses here may be different from what you’re used to. Many Dutch houses are narrow and have steep stairs, so keep this in mind when packing. It might be useful to hire a professional moving company to help you move large or heavy items.

Finally, don’t forget to notify all relevant agencies of your new address, such as your bank, insurance company, and of course the municipality. Welcome to your new Dutch home!

Checklist:
  • Start planning early and make a checklist of everything you need to do.
  • Decide what you want to bring to the Netherlands. Sell or give away what you don’t need.
  • Make sure you have all the necessary documents for the import of your household goods.
  • Consider the characteristics of Dutch houses when packing. Consider hiring a professional moving company for large or heavy items.
  • Notify all relevant agencies of your new address, such as your bank, insurance company, and the municipality..

Arrival in the Netherlands

Congratulations, you are in the Netherlands! This is a big step.here are a few important things you need to arrange as soon as you arrive. First of all, make sure you register with the municipality where you are going to live. This is an essential step to be officially recognized as a resident. Then, it’s time to apply for and activate your DigiD. Your DigiD is your digital identity for the government, giving you access to many government services online. It’s essential to arrange this as soon as possible.

Also register for MijnOverheid, an online platform where you have access to your government email, can update your personal details and arrange important matters. Another essential step is to take out health insurance. In the Netherlands, it is mandatory to have basic health insurance, so make sure you arrange this as soon as you arrive.

Checklist:
  • Register with the municipality.
  • Apply for a DigiD and activate it.
  • Register for MijnOverheid.
  • Take out health insurance.

Things to arrange later

Now that you have settled in the Netherlands, there are still a few things you need to arrange. First, open a Dutch bank account. This will make it easier to manage your finances, receive your salary, and pay bills. If you plan to work, study, or do an internship, you can’t go without your Dutch bank account.

Make sure you arrange your healthcare providers and get any vaccinations you might need. The Dutch healthcare system is excellent, so you can trust that you will receive good care. It’s also important to file your tax return. In the Netherlands, tax returns are usually filed in the spring, but it’s a good idea to prepare for this as soon as possible.

Checklist:
  • Open a Dutch bank account.
  • Find work, start studying, or do an internship.
  • Arrange your healthcare providers and vaccinations.
  • File your tax return.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you with a smooth integration into the country! Welcome to the Netherlands, we can’t wait to meet you!

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