Your first 30 days in the Netherlands: the order matters
Doing things in the wrong order costs you time and money. Here is the correct sequence.
Week 1: Registration and BSN
Step 1 — Register and get your BSN Within your first week, register at your local gemeente (if staying 4+ months with a fixed address) or at an RNI municipality (if staying less). You will receive your BSN immediately (RNI) or within 5 days (gemeente).
Step 2 — Get Dutch health insurance You must take out a basisverzekering within 4 months of arriving. Do it in week 1 — delays mean backdated premiums. Compare at zorgwijzer.nl. Main options: Zilveren Kruis, VGZ, CZ, Menzis.
Week 2: Banking and DigiD
Step 3 — Open a Dutch bank account You need your BSN to open a Dutch account. Best options for expats: bunq (instant, English app) or Revolut NL (free). You need a Dutch IBAN (NL...) to receive zorgtoeslag.
Step 4 — Apply for DigiD Go to digid.nl. You need your BSN and Dutch address. Activation letter arrives in 5 working days.
Week 3: Apply for zorgtoeslag
Step 5 — Apply for zorgtoeslag As soon as you have BSN, health insurance, Dutch IBAN, and DigiD — apply for zorgtoeslag at toeslagen.nl. If your income is below ~38,000 euros/year, you can receive up to 123 euros/month. You can backdate 3 months.
No DigiD yet? Benefitly can apply on your behalf using a machtiging.
Week 4: Tax return
Step 6 — File previous year tax return if applicable If you worked in the Netherlands last year, you may be owed a refund. The M-form is for people who arrived mid-year and typically yields the largest refunds. Average: 300-800 euros.
Summary checklist
| Week | Action | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | BSN registration | Everything else depends on this |
| 1 | Health insurance | Mandatory, avoid fines |
| 2 | Dutch bank account (NL IBAN) | Required for zorgtoeslag |
| 2 | DigiD | Required for government services |
| 3 | Apply zorgtoeslag | Up to 123 euros/month |
| 4 | File tax return | Average 300-800 euro refund |