# Moving to Amsterdam Checklist: Your Personal Step by Step Plan

URL: https://essentiallyamsterdam.com/tools/moving-to-amsterdam-checklist/
Updated: 2026-10-25
By: Essentially Amsterdam Staff
Publisher: Essentially Amsterdam (https://essentiallyamsterdam.com/)

> Answer six questions and get your own step-by-step plan for moving to Amsterdam. Every step links to the official page.

Amsterdam · Moving here

Answer six questions and get your own step-by-step plan for moving to Amsterdam. Every step links to the official page.

By Essentially Amsterdam Staff · Updated 25 October 2026

**Quick guide: two deadlines apply to almost everyone.**Register with the municipality within 5 days of arriving, and take out Dutch health insurance within 4 months.

Your checklist

-

## Every step at a glance: who needs it and when

| Step | Who needs it | Official deadline |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Residence permit ([IND](https://ind.nl/en/residence-permits/work)) | Everyone who is not an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen | Before you move |
| Registration and BSN ([Government.nl](https://www.government.nl/documents/question-and-answer/when-should-i-register-with-the-personal-records-database-as-a-resident)) | Everyone staying more than 4 months; shorter stays register as non-residents (RNI) | Within 5 days of arriving |
| DigiD ([DigiD](https://www.digid.nl/en/apply-and-activate/apply-digid)) | Everyone with a BSN and a registered address | None stated; letter arrives within 3 business days |
| Bank account | Almost everyone; you need a BSN first | None stated |
| Dutch health insurance ([Government.nl](https://www.government.nl/documents/question-and-answer/health-insurance/when-do-i-need-to-take-out-health-insurance-if-i-come-to-live-in-the-netherlands)) | Everyone who lives or works here; students and people with an employer abroad have their own rules | Within 4 months, with cover from the day you arrive |
| 30% ruling ([Belastingdienst](https://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/en/individuals/content/coming-to-work-in-the-netherlands-30-percent-facility)) | Employees recruited from abroad who meet the salary and distance conditions | None stated on that page |
| GP registration ([Government.nl](https://www.government.nl/documents/question-and-answer/what-do-i-need-to-arrange-if-im-moving-to-the-netherlands)) | Recommended for everyone, not compulsory | None |
| School ([Rijksoverheid](https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/themas/onderwijs/leerplicht/leerplicht-en-kwalificatieplicht)) | Children aged 5 to 16 | From the first day of the month after the 5th birthday |
| Driving licence ([RDW](https://www.rdw.nl/en/driving-licence/foreign-driving-licence/driving-with-a-foreign-driving-licence)) | Drivers with a licence from outside the EU and EFTA | 185 days after you move |
| Driving licence ([RDW](https://www.rdw.nl/en/driving-licence/foreign-driving-licence/driving-with-a-foreign-driving-licence)) | Drivers with an EU or EFTA licence | Up to 15 years from its date of issue (cars and motorbikes) |

## Keep exploring

[Neighbourhood quiz](https://essentiallyamsterdam.com/tools/amsterdam-neighbourhood-quiz/)[Net salary calculator](https://essentiallyamsterdam.com/tools/net-salary-calculator-netherlands/)[Rent points calculator](https://essentiallyamsterdam.com/tools/rent-points-calculator-netherlands/)[English-speaking jobs map](https://essentiallyamsterdam.com/tools/english-speaking-jobs-amsterdam-map/)[Moving to the Netherlands: the full guide](https://essentiallyamsterdam.com/moving-to-the-netherlands-checklist/)[Relocation and immigration services](https://essentiallyamsterdam.com/directory/amsterdam-relocation-and-immigration-services/)[Real estate agents in Amsterdam](https://essentiallyamsterdam.com/directory/amsterdam-real-estate-agents/)

## Frequently asked questions

**How soon after arriving in Amsterdam must I register?**
If you will live in the Netherlands for more than 4 months, [Government.nl](https://www.government.nl/documents/question-and-answer/when-should-i-register-with-the-personal-records-database-as-a-resident) says you must register with the municipality within 5 days of arriving. If you still need a residence permit, you may need to apply for that first.

**How do I get a BSN number in Amsterdam?**
You get your citizen service number (BSN) when you register with the municipality. In Amsterdam you register in person at a City Office, and according to [Government.nl](https://sdg.government.nl/government-services-in-the-netherlands/registering-with-the-municipality-in-the-netherlands/municipality-amsterdam) you receive a confirmation letter and your BSN immediately. If you stay 4 months or less, you can register as a non-resident (RNI) and also get a BSN.

**When do I need Dutch health insurance?**
If you come to live or work in the Netherlands, [Government.nl](https://www.government.nl/documents/question-and-answer/health-insurance/when-do-i-need-to-take-out-health-insurance-if-i-come-to-live-in-the-netherlands) says you must take out Dutch health insurance with coverage from the day you arrive, and you have 4 months to do it. Take it out later and you are not insured retroactively, and you may be fined.

**Do EU citizens need a residence permit for the Netherlands?**
No. The [IND](https://ind.nl/en/residence-permits/eu-eea-or-swiss-citizens/registering-with-the-ind-as-an-eu-eea-or-swiss-citizen) says citizens of the EU, EEA or Switzerland do not need a residence permit to stay in the Netherlands. You still register with the municipality.

**Can I use my foreign driving licence in Amsterdam?**
A valid licence from outside the EU and EFTA can be used for the first 185 days after you move, according to the [RDW](https://www.rdw.nl/en/driving-licence/foreign-driving-licence/driving-with-a-foreign-driving-licence). An EU or EFTA licence can be used for up to 15 years from its date of issue for car and motorbike categories, as long as it is valid.

## Related guides

- [Moving to the Netherlands checklist](https://essentiallyamsterdam.com/moving-to-the-netherlands-checklist/) (the full written guide)
- [BSN and gemeente registration in Amsterdam](https://essentiallyamsterdam.com/amsterdam-bsn-and-gemeente-registration-guide/) and [the BSN number explained](https://essentiallyamsterdam.com/bsn-number-guide-in-the-netherlands/)
- [DigiD for new residents](https://essentiallyamsterdam.com/amsterdam-digid-guide/)
- [Residence and work permits](https://essentiallyamsterdam.com/amsterdam-residence-and-work-permits-guide/)
- [Dutch health insurance for expats](https://essentiallyamsterdam.com/dutch-health-insurance-guide/)
- [Opening a bank account in Amsterdam](https://essentiallyamsterdam.com/amsterdam-banking-guide/)
- [Finding a home in Amsterdam](https://essentiallyamsterdam.com/amsterdam-housing-guide/)
- [Your first months in Amsterdam](https://essentiallyamsterdam.com/amsterdam-expat-starter-guide/)
- [Net salary calculator with the 30% ruling](https://essentiallyamsterdam.com/tools/net-salary-calculator-netherlands/)
- [More free tools for Amsterdam](https://essentiallyamsterdam.com/tools/)