First Weeks in the Netherlands: Checklist After You Arrive

Your first weeks in the Netherlands are always busy: a new job, new housing, a new language and a pile of papers. If you know what is coming, you will get through it much more calmly. This checklist helps you make sure nothing important is missed.

1. BSN: RNI or BRP?

The BSN (burgerservicenummer, citizen service number) is the most important number you get in the Netherlands. You need it for work, tax, health insurance, allowances and DigiD. Without it almost nothing can start.

You can get it in two ways, depending on how long you stay:

If...	You register in	Where
you stay less than 4 months	RNI (Registratie Niet-Ingezetenen, the register of non-residents)	at the desk of one of the 19 RNI municipalities
you stay more than 4 months	BRP (the register of residents)	at the municipality (gemeente) where you live

In both cases you get a BSN. Many agencies help you book an appointment, so ask about it before you arrive. Bring your valid ID card or passport, and the exact address of your housing.

If it later turns out that you are staying longer than planned, check whether you need to register in the BRP.

2. DigiD

DigiD is the Dutch digital ID: you use it to log in to government websites, for example the Belastingdienst (tax office) or Dienst Toeslagen (allowances). You cannot apply for it without a BSN.

Tips:

• The activation code comes by post, so give an address where you are sure to get your letters.
• Download the DigiD app on your phone. It makes logging in easier.
• Never give your DigiD to anyone, not even as a favour. It is like your signature.

3. Bank account

Your pay goes into a bank account. Ask the agency if they accept your EU bank account from home, or if you need a Dutch one. In the longer term many people open a Dutch account, because local payments, rent and official transfers are easier that way.

Before you give your account number (IBAN), check it twice. One wrong digit can delay your pay for weeks.

4. Insurance

Health insurance (zorgverzekering) is compulsory if you live in the Netherlands, or work and pay tax here. The average premium in 2026 is 1 884 euros per year, about 157 euros per month, and there is also a yearly own risk (eigen risico) of 385 euros.

Check:

• Does the agency arrange a group insurance, and how much does it deduct for it?
• From when is your insurance valid? There should be no gap.
• Did you get an insurance card or a policy number (polisnummer)?

Many people also take liability insurance (aansprakelijkheidsverzekering), for example in case you accidentally cause damage to someone. It is not compulsory, but it is worth thinking about.

5. Bike

In the Netherlands the bike is the main way to get around. Ask the agency if they give you a bike, and if so, on what terms: free, for a rental fee, or with a deposit.

What to watch:

• Working front and back lights: this is very important in the dark, in autumn and in winter.
• A good lock, two if possible. Sadly, bikes do get stolen.
• Learn the local rules: bike paths, right of way, hand signals.

6. Phone

Your EU SIM card from home will probably work here too, but for the longer term many people get a Dutch number. A Dutch number is useful for contact with the agency, the GP and government offices.

Save these in your phone: your agency contact person, the person in charge of your housing, the GP (huisarts) and the nearest out-of-hours GP service (huisartsenpost).

7. Housing

If the agency gives you housing, check it carefully in the first days:

• Did you get a separate, written rental contract? The rental contract cannot be part of the employment contract.
• Is the housing certified, for example with an SNF certificate? The employer may only deduct from the minimum wage for certified housing, and at most 25% of it. With the July 2026 minimum wage this is about 584 euros per month.
• How much is deducted, and how does it show on your loonstrook (payslip)?
• What happens to the housing when the job ends? Labour migrants often have no tenant protection, and the housing often ends together with the job.

When you move in, take photos of the room, the furniture and any damage. This makes it easier to prove later what was already there.

If you see mould on the wall or around the window, take photos of that too, and report it in writing. Later there is often an argument about whether the mould is a fault of the house or caused by how it is used. You can read more in eyesonrooms' article in Dutch.

8. Work clothes and equipment

Many workplaces need safety shoes, a high-visibility vest, gloves or other protective equipment. Who provides it, and whether you have to pay for it, differs from place to place. Ask before your first shift, so you do not find out on the first day that they will not let you in.

If you drive a forklift or operate other machines, bring your existing licences and certificates too.

9. Important numbers

Write them down in one place, on paper too:

• 112: in a life-threatening emergency.
• BSN: your citizen service number.
• IBAN: the bank account your pay goes into.
• Polisnummer: your health insurance number.
• The agency's phone number and your contact person's name.
• Your ID card or passport number, in case you lose the document.

On your first payday, look through your loonstrook: are the hours, allowances and deductions right? If something is unclear, ask the agency. For a personal legal or tax question, the Juridisch Loket, the Belastingdienst or the trade unions (FNV, CNV) can help.

If you are still looking for your next job, on Eyesonworks.eu you can filter by housing, net weekly pay and type of work, and you always reach the agency's original job ad.

In short

• Arrange your BSN first: RNI if you stay less than 4 months, BRP if you stay longer.
• After your BSN, apply for DigiD, and make sure you get your post.
• Check your bank account, your insurance and the rental contract for your housing.
• Ask about a bike and work clothes in advance.
• Look through your first loonstrook carefully, and keep a list of important numbers.