I recently relocated to Amsterdam for work, and I’m sharing my journey and the challenges I encountered so you know exactly what to expect and can make your transition as smooth as possible.

Upon arriving, there are several essential steps you must take to legally register and start settling into your new Dutch life. Here are the seven things you need to do immediately.

Seven essential steps for a Smooth Move to Amsterdam

1. Register for your BSN (Burgerservicenummer)

This is the most critical step. Your BSN is your unique citizen service number; you’ll need it for everything from receiving your salary to visiting a doctor or opening a bank account.

How to Get It:

You must attend this appointment in person. You have two main options:

• The Municipality (Gemeente): Registration here is free, but appointments can be booked out weeks in advance.
• IN Amsterdam (expat center): Registration is for a fee. It’s usually easier to find a nearby appointment.

Documents Needed:

• Valid Passport or ID.
• Birth Certificate: Must be legalized/apostilled. Check Government of the Netherlands Website for specific requirements based on your country.
• Proof of Address: A signed rental contract. Pro Tip: If you are relocating for work and haven’t found a home yet, check if you can use your employer’s address for temporary registration (valid for up to three months) while you search for a permanent apartment.

2. Open a Dutch bank account

Having a local IBAN is necessary for setting up utilities, a phone contract or using the country’s iDEAL payment system.

What you’ll need:

• A Valid Passport; your MVV visa if you are a non-EU citizen
• Mobile number
• Dutch address: use the same address you registered for your BSN
• BSN: Most banks allow you to open an account immediately upon arrival and add your BSN later, usually within a 90 to 120-day window.

Opening an account is incredibly straightforward. Most banks allow you to complete the entire process directly via their mobile app. You just need to scan your passport, take a selfie for verification, and you’re ready to go—no physical branch visit required.

3. Set up Mandatory Health Insurance

Dutch law requires everyone living in the Netherlands to have basic health insurance. You have 4 months from your arrival date to to take out an insurance policy, but it’s best to do it immediately after you get your BSN. Your coverage will be backdated to the first day you registered in the city. If you wait until month four to sign up, you will receive a large bill for the previous months all at once.

I used Independer.nl to compare different insurance providers and choose the one that suits me best.

4. Register with a Local Doctor

The Dutch healthcare system is centered around GPs (General Practitioner). You cannot simply go to a specialist; you must be referred by your GP.

How to Find and Register with a GP:

• Search your area: Use your insurance provider’s “care finder” or a site like Kies uw Huisarts to see which doctors are near your postcode.
• Check Availability: Many practices are at full capacity. Look for the phrase “Still room for new patients” on their website.
• Submit an Application: Most GPs have an online registration form. Once submitted, they will review your application and confirm your registration.

5. Secure an Apartment

This is the most challenging part – more tips to come. Remember, once you sign a lease, you must update your address at the municipality using DigiD (check point 7).

6. Collect Your Residence Permit

If you are moving from outside the EU, you will need to book an appointment with the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) to collect your physical residency card. This is your official ID for your stay in the Netherlands.

7. Apply for Your DigiD

Once you have your BSN, apply for your DigiD (Digital Identity). This is your secure login for almost all Dutch government services, including taxes, health insurance, and the municipal portal. It takes about a week to receive your login by post, so apply as soon as you’re registered.

How it Makes Life Easier? When you find/move to a new apartment, you can simply log into the Amsterdam.nl portal with your DigiD and update your address in minutes without the need to visit the municipality.

By tackling these steps early, most of the hard work is done and you are on your way to settle down!

Welcome to Amsterdam!