So you’re thinking about moving to the Netherlands. Great choice!
We made the move ourselves, so we know how overwhelming it can feel at the start. There are visas to understand, housing to find, paperwork to arrange, and about a million questions along the way.
That’s why we created this step-by-step guide, to walk you through the key things you need to know before moving to the Netherlands.
If you need support at any point, I’d love to help! You can just contact me at info@easyarrival.nl
Download your printable checklist
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Step 1: Determine your visa or residence permit eligibility
Go to the Visa & Residence Permit page to find out more.
Step 2: Start learning Dutch
If you are applying for a job and want to live in the Netherlands, speaking even some Dutch will make your life so much easier, help you integrate faster and most importantly increase your job prospects substantially. The earlier you start getting used to Dutch the easier and less stressful your transition will be.
Here are some great resources to get you started:
- Mondly offers quick, interactive lessons, AR (Augmented Reality) lessons, and a chatbot for practicing speaking, which is excellent for understanding sentence structure and practicing conversations with modern tools. Mondly is similar to the better known Duolingo in many respects, but is rated much higher on several platforms including Trustpilot.
- DutchPod101 offers a large library of audio and video lessons, detailed explanations of words and phrases from real conversations, and features like word lists, slideshows, and flashcards for rapid vocabulary acquisition.
- Audible offers a good selection of Dutch Audiobooks. Contact me on info@easyarrival.nl for a list of great Dutch starter books.
- Juf Roos offers a fun way for kids (and adults) to start getting used to Dutch.
If you’re serious about finding a job in the Netherlands, I strongly recommend enrolling in an official Dutch-language course.
It not only helps you stand out from other candidates, but also visibly demonstrates your commitment to integrating into Dutch society. Employers value this initiative, even when the job itself doesn’t formally require Dutch, because it signals that you’re invested in the local culture and ready to engage fully. Here are some great courses:
- Learn Dutch with Kim offers a wide range of super affordable, self-study courses that help you progress all the way from A0 (the lowest level) to B1+ (an intermediate level). You also receive a certificate of completion at the end of each course that you can share on your LinkedIn.
- Voorsprong and Dutch with Joy offer dedicated courses for Afrikaans speakers, with weekly online lessons and a certificate of completion at the end. Dutch with Joy also offer regular courses for English speakers that help you progress all the way from A0 to B2.
Compare their offerings to see which course works best for you and remember to share you certificate of completion on LinkedIn.
Step 3: Securing an Income
Before moving to the Netherlands, it’s important to think about how you will earn an income once you arrive. For most internationals, there are two main paths:
1. Find a job in the Netherlands
This is the most common route. EU citizens can work freely, while many non-EU professionals move to the Netherlands through the Highly Skilled Migrant visa, which allows companies to hire international talent if certain salary and sponsorship requirements are met.
Go to the Finding a Job in the Netherlands Page to find out more.
2. Move your business to the Netherlands
If you are an entrepreneur, you may be able to relocate your business. For example, US citizens can apply for the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) visa, which allows them to start or run a business in the Netherlands. We will add a page on that topic soon!
Step 4: Gather essential documents and apply for your visa/ residence permit
The documents you will need depends on your specific situation. Visit the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) website to find out what specific documents you need. The following documents are usually required:
- A valid passport (with at least 6 months validity) or EU identity card
- Original full (unabridged) birth certificates, showing your details and parents.
- Original full (unabridged) marriage/divorce certificates and/or declarations of unmarried status (as applicable)
- Proof of address: rental contract or home‑purchase deed. If you’re staying with someone else, bring their written permission and a copy of their ID
Translation and Legalisation
If the documents are 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 legalized (Apostiled) in your home country. During legalisation, your document is checked to find out if it was issued by the right organisation. You can find information on where you can have documents legalised on the Netherlands worldwide website. Legalisation can take a lot of time, so make sure to start the process early on.
According to the IND website they do not check the date on which documents were issued and legalised, except the single status declaration which must be less than 6 months old.
Professional Certificates
For some professions, you may need to bring your professional or academic qualifications and even have them formally recognized in the Netherlands. Visit the European Commission, Regulated Professions Database to determine if this applies to your profession.
Once you have secured all the necesary documents, apply for the visa/ residence permit identified in step 1.
Step 5: Find accommodation in the Netherlands
Go to the Finding Housing in the Netherlands page to find out more
Step 6: Book your flight ticket
Once cleared visa-wise, secure your travel plans. Avoid purchasing airline tickets until you have at least provisional visa approval
KLM flies directly to Amsterdam from most major hubs.
Comparison websites, such as Skyscanner, are useful if you are looking for more affordable options. Bear in mind that moving to another country is quite a stressful and tiring experience, so this is probably not the best time to choose a flight with multiple transfers.
Step 7: Make an appointment for your BSN number
Go to the Registering with the Municipality to get a BSN page to find out more
Step 8: Register for schools, daycare and after-school care
Many schools, daycares, and after–school care facilities in the Netherlands have lengthy waiting lists, and spaces often fill up fast. To avoid the stress, it’s a good idea to start reaching out to schools in the area where you will be living before arriving.
Dutch Review offers a great overview of the Dutch schooling system.
Choosing between international and Dutch public schools:
- International schools: English-based curricula (IB, British, American), multicultural, smaller classes, but very expensive.
- Dutch public schools: Free or low-cost, immersive Dutch-language environment and strong local integration. Bridging classes and dedicated language schools help newcomers learn the language and integrate fast. Ideal for long-term stays.
Do you need help finding a school? I’m here to help! Just contact me at info@easyarrival.nl
Step 9: Arrange shipping
When moving to the Netherlands, you have several options for shipping your belongings. Some people choose to ship a variety of items, while others prefer to bring only sentimental items and purchase essentials upon arrival. Timing your shipment can be challenging: an early arrival may incur additional storage costs, while a late arrival could mean being without necessary items for weeks or months. Therefore, many opt to ship only sentimental items.
Several reputable companies offer international shipping services to the Netherlands:
Step 10: Decide what kind of home you want to arrive to
In the Netherlands, most properties are rented without furniture, meaning newcomers must arrange everything themselves before the home becomes livable.
You can:
- Visit the Furnishing Your New Home page to explore your options
- Jump straight to the Ready-Home Service if you’d like to arrive to a fully prepared home.
Step 11: Ensure you stay connected
Mobile
- A Dutch phone number is critical for many post-arrival steps, like opening a bank account.
- eSIMs, like Strong eSIM and Airalo, provide a great way to stay connected with friends and family while travelling, but don’t provide you with a Dutch phone number.
We can ensure that you have a Dutch SIM card waiting for you at your new house when you arrive. Just request one through our Ready-Home Service.
Before leaving your country, ensure that your phone is unlocked. An unlocked phone can accept SIM cards from other carriers. Here’s how to check:
- For iPhones:
Go to Settings > General > About and scroll to Carrier Lock. If it reads “No SIM restrictions”, your device is unlocked. - For Android phones:
Open Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators. Disable “Select automatically”, if you’re shown multiple networks, your phone is likely unlocked
Contact your carrier to unlock your phone (if nececary)
Internet
Once you sign up for a new internet connection in the Netherlands, it usually takes two weeks or more before you are connected. This can make life very difficult, especially because you have a long list of essential post-arrival admin to complete (and possibly managing busy kids).
But life does not have to be difficult. We offer a mobile 5G modem as one of the optional extras in the Ready-Home Service, so you can enjoy uninterrupted connectivity from day one!
Contact me at info@easyarrival.nl to find out more.
Step 12: Get medical insurance
If you are a citizen of an EU or EEA country, you can use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) to access healthcare in the Netherlands.
If you’re applying for a Schengen visa to visit the Netherlands, you must have travel medical insurance that meets the following criteria.
- Coverage Amount: At least €30,000 for medical expenses, including hospital admission, emergency treatment, prescription medication, and repatriation.
- Geographical Coverage: Valid in all Schengen Area countries for the entire duration of your stay.
- Proof of Insurance: You must provide proof, such as the first page of your policy, showing your name and the coverage details.
If your current insurance doesn’t meet these requirements, you can purchase insurance from providers specializing in Schengen visa coverage:
For travelers from countries that don’t require a Schengen visa, travel medical insurance is not mandatory, but recommended.
Step 13. Ensure that your bank cards will work in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, cash usage is declining, and digital payments are increasingly preferred. While many establishments accept foreign debit and credit cards, it’s essential to be aware of the specific payment methods commonly used.
Key Points to Consider:
- Cash Usage: Although cash is still accepted in many places, its use is decreasing.
- Debit Cards: The Dutch predominantly use debit cards, especially Mastercard. Visa cards are also becoming more widely accepted.
- Credit Cards: Credit cards are less commonly accepted in everyday transactions. While they may be accepted in hotels, larger stores, and tourist areas, many local shops and supermarkets prefer debit cards or cash.
Tips for ensuring you have access to money in the Netherlands:
- Card Compatibility: Ensure your card is a Debit Mastercard or Visa Debit for broader acceptance.
- Contact your bank in your home country before leaving: Verify that your card will be accepted in the Netherlands and notify them of your travel plans to prevent any security holds on your card. Also consider changing security measures, such as one time pins (OTP’s), to email notifications or a phone number that you will be able to access in the Netherlands.
- Have a Backup: Carry a small amount of cash for places that may not accept cards or a second debit card from another bank.
- Use Contactless Payments: Many establishments accept contactless payments via smartphones using Apple Pay or Google Pay.
- Open a Dutch bank account soon after arrival. See the First Few Weeks Guide for more information.
By understanding these payment preferences and preparing accordingly, you can ensure a smoother financial experience during your time in the Netherlands.
Step 14: Book Airport Transfer
Most people choose to pre-book their airport transportation for when you first arrive in the Netherlands. After a long, tiring journey (especially with kids in tow) it’s comforting to have a shuttle waiting. It’s a stress-free, smooth way to begin your adventure in a new country. Luckily there are excellent airport transfer services that are easy to book from abroad:
- Welcome Pickup is highly rated and offers fantastic value for money.
- KiwiTaxi offers a wide selection of cars and is also highly rated on both Trustpilot and Google reviews
- O’Connell Tours offers a more personalized experience. Chris is fantastic! He provides thoughtful extras, from snack and pet-breaks at the airport, to ensuring your luggage is safely offloaded while you tour your new house.
Congratulations! You’re now well on your way to calling the Netherlands home!
But our support does not have to end there.
To ensure a seamless transition, we also offer:
- Ready-Home Service, helping you turn your unfurnished rental into a home that is ready to cook, eat, sleep and relax in from the day you arrive.
- Optional extras like:
- Mobile-modem rental so you can have home WiFi while you wait for your fiber installation (typically 2-3 weeks)
- Dutch SIM card (needed to open a bank account / other services)
- Appliances, such as a TV, washing machine or dryer
- Basic groceries
- Pet essentials
- Bicycle rental
- Car lease assistance
- and much more
- Free First Few Weeks Guide, to help you through all the essential admin in your first few weeks.
Or contact me at info@easyarrival.nl, or WhatsApp (+31 61 703 7290) if you need support.