Netherlands relocation checklist

Before accepting the move

• Identify the immigration route for every traveller.
• Confirm whether the employer is an IND recognised sponsor.
• Check salary, contract duration and sponsorship terms.
• Clarify relocation support, temporary housing and document costs.
• Assess 30% ruling eligibility separately from immigration.
• Estimate housing, childcare, transport and insurance using net income.

Six to twelve weeks before departure

• Renew passports where validity is tight.
• Order birth, marriage, divorce, adoption or custody documents.
• Arrange legalisation or apostille and translation where required.
• Prepare employment, sponsor, study or family evidence.
• Collect medical summaries, prescriptions, vaccination and school records.
• Create encrypted digital copies and protect the originals.
• Check driving-licence validity and exchange rules.

Housing and appointments

• Secure accommodation that permits municipality registration.
• Get the complete address and occupancy evidence.
• Book first registration from abroad with the municipality where possible.
• Book IND biometrics or collection only when instructed.
• Arrange suitable interim medical cover where needed.
• Plan airport transfer, key collection and first-night access.

Carry while travelling

• Passport and entry visa or authorisation.
• IND decision or employer notification.
• Employment or study evidence.
• Accommodation address and contact.
• Original civil-status documents.
• Medicines and prescription letter.
• Employer, sponsor and emergency contacts.
• Payment cards, funds, phone and charger.

First five days

• Check into the registrable address.
• Attend municipality registration for resident stays.
• Confirm BRP registration and BSN issuance.
• Complete IND biometrics or collect the card when notified.
• Provide payroll details securely to the employer.
• Activate reliable local mobile service.

First month

• Apply for DigiD after BSN and address registration.
• Arrange Dutch health insurance and verify the effective date.
• Open a bank account and confirm salary payment details.
• Register with a GP and transfer essential medical information.
• Set up transport, utilities and local waste information.
• Complete school or childcare onboarding.
• Store tax and 30% ruling correspondence.

First 90 days

• Check BRP names, address and family links.
• Verify residence-card details and expiry dates.
• Review payslips for salary, tax, pension and ruling treatment.
• Understand duties to report immigration changes.
• Complete any required TB test within the IND timeframe.
• Review insurance cover and excess.
• Create renewal reminders for permits, passports and contracts.