Moving to Amsterdam Checklist: Your Personal Step by Step Plan
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
Every step at a glance: who needs it and when
| Step | Who needs it | Official deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Residence permit (IND) | Everyone who is not an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen | Before you move |
| Registration and BSN (Government.nl) | Everyone staying more than 4 months; shorter stays register as non-residents (RNI) | Within 5 days of arriving |
| DigiD (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) | 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) | Employees recruited from abroad who meet the salary and distance conditions | None stated on that page |
| GP registration (Government.nl) | Recommended for everyone, not compulsory | None |
| School (Rijksoverheid) | Children aged 5 to 16 | From the first day of the month after the 5th birthday |
| Driving licence (RDW) | Drivers with a licence from outside the EU and EFTA | 185 days after you move |
| Driving licence (RDW) | Drivers with an EU or EFTA licence | Up to 15 years from its date of issue (cars and motorbikes) |
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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 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 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 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 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. 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 (the full written guide)
- BSN and gemeente registration in Amsterdam and the BSN number explained
- DigiD for new residents
- Residence and work permits
- Dutch health insurance for expats
- Opening a bank account in Amsterdam
- Finding a home in Amsterdam
- Your first months in Amsterdam
- Net salary calculator with the 30% ruling
- More free tools for Amsterdam