Moving to the Netherlands: Complete Expat Guide 2026
Moving to the Netherlands involves a specific sequence of administrative steps that most expats don’t know about until they arrive and need to open a bank account, start a job, or access healthcare. This guide covers everything in the right order — from BSN registration on day one to claiming zorgtoeslag and filing your first Dutch tax return. Benefitly handles all of it for you in English, Spanish, and Polish.
What do I need to do after moving to the Netherlands as an expat?
After moving to the Netherlands, expats must: (1) Register at their local gemeente to get a BSN, (2) Get Dutch health insurance within 4 months, (3) Apply for DigiD to access government services online, (4) Apply for zorgtoeslag (up to €123/month healthcare allowance), and (5) File a Dutch tax return to claim any refund. Benefitly handles steps 1–5 for expats in English, Spanish, and Polish — no DigiD required.
Key Facts
- BSN registration: first week after arrival
- Health insurance: within 4 months (mandatory)
- DigiD: apply immediately after BSN
- Zorgtoeslag: up to €123/month — apply as soon as you have insurance
- Tax return: average €300–800 refund for first-year expats
- Benefitly handles all steps in your language
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
Week 1: Register at your gemeente and get your BSN
Your BSN (Burgerservicenummer) is the Dutch citizen service number required for everything — work, banking, healthcare, and government services. Book an appointment at your local gemeente as soon as you have a Dutch address. In Amsterdam, book 3–4 weeks in advance. In smaller cities, 1–2 weeks. Bring your passport and proof of Dutch address (rental contract or letter from landlord).
- 2
Month 1: Get Dutch health insurance
Dutch health insurance (basisverzekering) is mandatory for everyone living in the Netherlands. You must get it within 4 months of registering. The average monthly premium is €120–160. If your income is below ~€38,000/year, you qualify for zorgtoeslag which partially offsets this cost. Popular insurers for expats: Zilveren Kruis, VGZ, CZ, Menzis.
- 3
Month 1: Apply for DigiD
DigiD is your Dutch digital identity — required to access all government services online including Mijn Toeslagen, Mijn Belastingdienst, and health portals. Apply at digid.nl immediately after receiving your BSN. An activation letter arrives within 5 business days. While waiting, Benefitly can apply for zorgtoeslag and other benefits on your behalf.
- 4
Month 1–2: Apply for zorgtoeslag
Zorgtoeslag is a monthly allowance from the Dutch government to help cover health insurance costs. In 2026, singles can receive up to €123/month (€1,476/year). Apply at toeslagen.nl using DigiD, or let Benefitly apply on your behalf using official Dutch power of attorney — no DigiD needed. You can backdate zorgtoeslag up to 5 years if you were eligible but never applied.
- 5
Year-end: File your Dutch tax return
Every expat who worked in the Netherlands files a belastingaangifte (Dutch income tax return). Most first-year expats who worked for part of the year receive a refund of €300–800. The deadline is July 1 of the following year. Benefitly files on your behalf from €89 — no DigiD required. We also check if you qualify for the 30% ruling, which can significantly reduce your tax burden.
Helpful Tips
- Do everything in order: BSN first, then health insurance, then DigiD, then zorgtoeslag. Each step depends on the previous one.
- Apply for zorgtoeslag as soon as you have Dutch health insurance — you can only backdate 3 months for new applications.
- Your first year in the Netherlands often results in the largest tax refund — don’t skip filing just because it feels complex.
- If you’re staying less than 4 months or don’t have a Dutch home address, use RNI registration instead of regular gemeente.
- Non-EU workers: arrange your residence permit (verblijfsvergunning) before or simultaneously with gemeente registration.
- Benefitly handles steps 1–5 in one package — you sign a digital power of attorney and we take care of everything.
- The Dutch administrative system is entirely in Dutch. Benefitly operates in English, Spanish, and Polish.
Quick Answer for Expats
Expats moving to the Netherlands must complete several administrative steps in order: BSN registration at the gemeente, Dutch health insurance, DigiD, zorgtoeslag application, and annual tax return. Most expats miss zorgtoeslag (€123/month) and tax refunds (€300–800) because they don’t know they qualify. Benefitly handles the full process in English, Spanish, or Polish — no DigiD needed.
- Week 1: Register at gemeente, get BSN
- Month 1: Get health insurance + apply for DigiD
- Month 1–2: Apply for zorgtoeslag (up to €123/month)
- Year-end: File tax return (average €300–800 refund)
- Benefitly handles all of it — no Dutch required
Use our free eligibility check to see exactly what you qualify for and get started.
Start Eligibility CheckFrequently Asked Questions
Register at your local gemeente (municipality) to get your BSN (Burgerservicenummer). This is required before anything else — work, banking, health insurance, and government benefits all need your BSN. Book your appointment before arriving if possible.
You must get Dutch health insurance within 4 months of registering in the Netherlands. If you miss this window, you may face backdated premiums and penalties. Most expats get insurance within the first month to immediately qualify for zorgtoeslag.
Yes, if you have Dutch health insurance (basisverzekering), a BSN, and your annual income is below ~€38,000 (single) or ~€48,000 (couple). Most expats qualify. The maximum is €123/month in 2026. Benefitly applies on your behalf — no DigiD needed.
Very likely yes. Expats who move to the Netherlands mid-year worked for only part of the year, so more tax was withheld than necessary. The average first-year refund is €300–800. You file a Dutch tax return (belastingaangifte) by July 1 of the following year.
The Dutch government system is entirely in Dutch. However, Benefitly handles all administrative tasks on your behalf in English, Spanish, or Polish — using official Dutch power of attorney recognized by the Belastingdienst. You never need to interact with Dutch authorities directly.
BSN guidance is included in all packages. The Full Support Pack covers BSN guidance, DigiD setup, zorgtoeslag application, and tax return from €299. Individual services start from €79 (zorgtoeslag) and €89 (tax return). Most clients recover the cost within 2 months of zorgtoeslag payments.
Let Benefitly handle your Dutch administration
We cover BSN guidance, DigiD, zorgtoeslag, and tax returns — in English, Spanish, or Polish. No DigiD required. Start with a free eligibility check.
We speak English, Spanish, and Polish. No DigiD needed.