Question 1

Registration

Accepted Answer

The first thing on your to-do list upon arrival in the Netherlands should be registering at your local municipality for your citizen service number (BSN). In fact that also applies to partners, if any and any children you might bring along. Everone in the Netherlands needs a personal BSN number. A lot of other public institutions rely on you having a BSN - like in healthcare, for a bank account, or employment.

The BSN registration process can, unfortunately, take longer than desired. So make sure to schedule your appointment for registration ahead of time and bring all your documents to prevent a delay.

Question 2

Get a DigiD

Accepted Answer

Never heard of that before now have you? Once you are registered, you can also request a so-called DigiD. This is a necessary sort of online identification that you need to identify yourself when accessing certain services online and using them securely.

You can find a step-by-step-guide on how to request your DigiD here.

Question 3

Open a Dutch bank account

Accepted Answer

Things are just easier with a Dutch bank account: Receiving your salary, making necessary payments, managing your money flow and sending payment requests. Furthermore, some payment options are only available to you if you have a Dutch debit card. Opening a bank account at ING is luckily easy, safe and convenient. You can even do it online or via our app from the comfort of your home if you meet all the requirements.

If you don't tick all the boxes or you simply prefer coming to one of our branches, we're happy to welcome you in person. If you've got your documents prepared you'll have your bank account up and running in no time

Question 4

Insurances

Accepted Answer

Dutch health insurance is mandatory if you want to work and live in the Netherlands. Next to a health insurance, you could consider taking out other helpful insurances, such as a liability insurance or a home contents insurance. ING offers a variety of insurances in case you are interested.