Your first 30 days in the Netherlands: the admin checklist

Arriving in the Netherlands comes with a burst of paperwork, and the order matters — some steps unlock the others. Work through this checklist in roughly this sequence and you'll have the essentials in place within your first month.

Information only — not official advice. Deadlines and procedures change; always check the official sites linked below.

Week 1 — get your BSN

• Register with your municipality (gemeente) in the BRP. This is the first domino: it gives you your BSN (citizen service number), which almost everything else needs. Book the appointment as soon as you have an address — see How to register for a BSN number.
• Bring a valid passport/ID, your rental contract or proof of address, and (if relevant) a legalised birth/marriage certificate.

Week 1–2 — your digital keys

• Apply for DigiD (national digital ID) once you have your BSN — your single login for government, tax and healthcare. See DigiD explained.
• Open a Dutch bank account (with a local IBAN) so you can receive salary, pay rent and use iDEAL — see How to open a Dutch bank account.
• Switch on MijnOverheid and the Berichtenbox so official post doesn't get missed — see How the government reaches you.

Week 2–4 — health and money

• Take out Dutch health insurance (zorgverzekering). It's mandatory: you have 4 months from registering to arrange it, and it's backdated to your arrival — so don't delay. See Choosing health insurance and How Dutch healthcare works.
• Register with a GP (huisarts) near you — your gateway to most healthcare. Practices can have waiting lists, so do it early.
• Check which allowances (toeslagen) you can claim — for example huurtoeslag toward your rent, and healthcare allowance.

If it applies to you

• 30% ruling: if you were recruited from abroad for a skilled job, your employer may apply for this tax facility — see What is the 30% ruling?.
• Need help with the language or admin? You can let a partner or helper act for you via DigiD Machtigen.

Settling in

• Get a Dutch phone number and a public-transport card for daily life.
• Read up on the culture — Dutch directness and the public holidays and festivals you'll soon run into.

Tip: Keep digital copies of your passport, rental contract, BSN letter and employment contract in one place — you'll be asked for them again and again.