Your first weeks working abroad – registration, tax, insurance

1. Register with your municipality (gemeente) in the Personal Records Database (BRP) if you will live in the Netherlands for more than 4 months. You must register in person within 5 days of arrival.
2. Citizen service number (BSN – burgerservicenummer): you get it when you register. You need it to be paid and for all contact with the Dutch government.
3. No residence document needed: as an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen your valid passport or ID card proves that you live in the Netherlands legally.
4. Health insurance: if you live or work in the Netherlands, you must take out Dutch basic health insurance – you have 4 months to do so, otherwise you may be fined. You may be entitled to a healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag).
5. Tax: apply for a DigiD to deal with the tax office (Belastingdienst) online. If you were recruited from abroad, check the 30% facility: in 2026 up to 30% of your salary can be paid tax-free if you earn more than €48,013 a year (€36,497 if you are under 30 with a master’s degree) and lived more than 150 km from the Dutch border for more than 16 of the 24 months before you started.
6. Bank account: open one soon after you arrive.

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