Relocation Workspace
Arrival Guide
Step-by-step relocation checklist for NRIs — from landing day through your first month.
🇳🇱 NetherlandsDay 1–3
Total Steps11across all phases in Netherlands
Completed0Start checking off steps
Active PhaseDay 1–34 steps in this phase
CoverageNational guideAll cities
🇳🇱Netherlands runs on BSN — you cannot open a bank account, get health insurance, or start work without it. Your first stop is the gemeente.
Overall progress: 0 / 11 done
🇳🇱 Netherlands — Arrival Guide
Netherlands runs on BSN — you cannot open a bank account, get health insurance, or start work without it. Your first stop is the gemeente.
Critical (3)
Critical
BSN is your civic ID number — required for everything in the Netherlands.
Time required: 1–2 hours Cost: Free
Critical
Mandatory within 4 months of arrival — but act by Day 4 to avoid backdated premiums.
Time required: 1–2 hours Cost: €130–160/month
Critical
A signed huurcontract is required for gemeente registration and bank account opening.
Time required: Variable Cost: Variable
Important (1)
Important
Get a prepaid SIM (KPN, Vodafone, or Lebara) to have a Dutch number for appointments.
Time required: 30 min Cost: €10–20
Day 1–3
Buy a local SIM cardGet a prepaid SIM (KPN, Vodafone, or Lebara) to have a Dutch number for appointments.
Register at Gemeente (get BSN)BSN is your civic ID number — required for everything in the Netherlands.
Get health insurance (zorgverzekering)Mandatory within 4 months of arrival — but act by Day 4 to avoid backdated premiums.
Sign rental contract & register addressA signed huurcontract is required for gemeente registration and bank account opening.
Week 1
Open a Dutch bank accountYou need BSN + rental contract to open an account at ABN AMRO, ING, or Rabobank.
Apply for DigiDDigiD is the Dutch digital ID for all government portals (tax, healthcare, benefits).
Apply for zorgtoeslag (healthcare benefit)Government contribution toward your health insurance premium — up to €120/month.
Week 2
Register with a GP (huisarts)You need a registered GP to access specialist healthcare in the Netherlands.
Get OV-chipkaart (public transport card)Rechargeable card for trains, trams, metros and buses across the Netherlands.
Month 1
Confirm tax identification (BSN = tax number)Your BSN doubles as your tax number — ensure your employer has it.
Exchange Indian driving licenceIndia has no direct exchange agreement with the Netherlands — full CBR theory and practical tests required.
Emergency & Contacts
112 (Emergency) 0900-8844 (Police)