By Abi CarterUpdated on Mar 14, 2025
Are you moving to the Netherlands or even just thinking about relocating? There are many bureaucratic issues expats need to know about and to deal with, sometimes even in advance of travelling to the Netherlands. Some processes like visa applications can take up to several months, so it's worth starting your planning well in advance.
Relocation services in the Netherlands
If you are moving to the Netherlands for the first time, you might consider working with a relocation company. Relocation companies work to ensure you have a smooth transition to life in the Netherlands, and can help with anything from immigration matters and househunting to shipping your belongings and helping you settle in.
Visa for the Netherlands
Whilst residence permits cover long-term stays, visas mostly apply to short-term stays and transits - for instance, you may need a visa to come to the Netherlands as a tourist or to pass through on your way to somewhere else. However, you also might need a spcecific type of visa in order to come to the Netherlands and apply for a residence permit. Find out if you need a visa for the Netherlands in our guide.
Residence permit in the Netherlands
You may need a residence permit to live in the Netherlands. Generally speaking, non-EU citizens who want to stay in the Netherlands for more than 90 days will need a residence permit. Depending on your circumstancesand your nationality, you may be able to travel to the Netherlands and apply for a residence permit after arriving, or need to apply directly to the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country of residence before you travel to the Netherlands. Find out what the rules are in your situation in our guide to residence permits in the Netherlands.
Work permit in the Netherlands
As well as a residence permit, some expats (or their family members) may require a work permit in order to work in the Netherlands. This is normally the case if you are a non-EU citizen. Your employer usually applies for your work permit on your behalf: the work permit is tied to a specific employer and will be voided if you leave your job.
Permanent residence in the Netherlands
If you have been living in the Netherlands for a while, you might consider applying for a permanent residence permit. Permanent residency gives you additional rights, with fewer requirements than applying for Dutch citizenship. Check out the eligibility criteria and how to apply in our guide to permanent residence in the Netherlands.
Registration in the Netherlands
With your visa, residence permit and work permit sorted, the next step to settling into life in the Netherlands is to register at the town hall in the municipality where you are living. You need to do this if you are planning on staying in the Netherlands for four months or longer. This is a requirement for all residents, regardless of their nationality.
BSN number in the Netherlands
When you register with the municipality, you will receive a BSN (burgerservicenummer). This is a unique registration number that facilitates interaction with the Dutch authorities. You will need this number to start a job, open a bank account, do your taxes, apply for benefits and much more besides.
DigiD in the Netherlands
For all of your online administration and to deal with certain agencies and bodies, such as the Belastingdienst (Dutch tax office) and the Dutch police, you will also need a DigiD (short for Digital Identification). A DigiD is a username and password that are linked to your BSN. It is used by hundreds of organisations across the Netherlands.
Note that when it comes to identification, your driving licence might not always be sufficient.
Privileged expats in the Netherlands
Privileged expats are those internationals that have been employed at consulates, embassies or other international organisations in the Netherlands and afforded diplomatic status. Privileged expats are not considered foreigners under the Dutch Immigration Law (Vreemdelingenwet).
Privileged expats are not obliged to register with the Municipal Personal Records Database, nor do they have to register with the IND (Immigration and Naturalization Service), since they are registered in the Probas (Protocollaire basisadministratie) system of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, their families are required to register.
The Dutch Remigration Act
Up until January 1, 2025, the Netherlands offered a financial benefit to foreigners living in the country who wanted to return to their country of birth. The benefit was given as a monthly contribution towards the cost of living, with its exact value varying depending on the country of residence and the recipient's family situation.
As of January 1, 2025, it is no longer possible to apply for a remigration benefit, but if you are already receiving one, you will continue to do so.
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