Your first weeks, in order
  1. Before you travelCheck your ID and contract
  2. First weekRegister and get your BSN
  3. ThenApply for DigiD
  4. ThenOpen a bank account
  5. Within 4 monthsHealth insurance

Before you travel

  • Check your passport or ID card is valid.
  • Read your contract or offer: pay, hours, holiday pay, and housing if it is included.
  • Ask who your employer will be, and where you will live.
  • Plan how you will arrive. Your ticket is usually your own cost, so ask what is and is not included.

Week one: register and get your BSN

If you stay longer than four months, register with the municipality where you live. If you stay shorter, or live abroad and only work here, use the RNI desks. Registering gives you a BSN. Our BSN article explains each step.

Then: DigiD, health insurance and a bank account

  • DigiD: apply with your BSN to log in to government services.
  • Health insurance: everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands needs Dutch basic health insurance. See the health insurance article for deadlines.
  • Bank account: banks ask for your BSN and ID. Employers usually pay your wage into a Dutch account.

Tax and allowances

You pay income tax on your wage. Depending on your situation you may be able to get benefits such as the healthcare allowance, childcare allowance or housing benefit. If your income changes, tell the tax office (Belastingdienst) and Dienst Toeslagen.

Where to get free help

  • Work in NL information points: free advice on work, housing, contracts, tax and healthcare.
  • Het Juridisch Loket: legal help, also after dismissal.
  • Netherlands Labour Authority: report problems at work.
  • WiseWerk: you are welcome to ask us, even when you do not work with us.