Relocating to Amsterdam for a tech job — the practical checklist

You got the offer. Congratulations. Now comes the part nobody warns you about: a dense sequence of bureaucratic steps that all depend on each other, most of which need to happen within your first few weeks. This guide walks you through what to do, in what order, so nothing falls through the cracks.

Before you arrive

Visa / work permit: If you are a non-EU citizen, your employer should be sponsoring your Highly Skilled Migrant (KM) permit through the IND. Make sure this is in motion before you book flights. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks.
30% ruling application: Remind your employer to apply for the 30% ruling within 4 months of your start date. Ideally, they should submit it immediately. Late applications cost you money.
Temporary accommodation: Book a short-term rental for your first 2–4 weeks. Amsterdam's housing market is extremely competitive — you are unlikely to have a permanent place sorted before arrival.
Apostilled documents: Bring your birth certificate (apostilled or legalised), passport, employment contract, and any degree certificates. You will need these for municipal registration.
International health cover: Arrange temporary health or travel insurance to cover you until you can get Dutch insurance (which requires a BSN — see below).

Week 1: The essentials

1. Register at the municipality (gemeente)

This is your single most important task. Book an appointment at your local city hall as early as possible — in Amsterdam, the central office sometimes allows walk-ins, but most municipalities require advance booking. Bring your passport, birth certificate, rental agreement, and employment contract. Upon registration, you receive your BSN (Citizen Service Number). Almost everything else depends on having this number.

2. Open a bank account

You need a Dutch IBAN to receive your salary, pay rent, and set up insurance. ABN AMRO has an International Clients Desk and is commonly used by expats. ING is also straightforward. You can open an account before receiving your BSN — some banks allow it with a temporary reference — but having the BSN makes it faster. Bring your passport, proof of address, and employment contract.

3. Arrange health insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for everyone living in the Netherlands. You must sign up within 4 months of registering at the municipality. Basic insurance (basisverzekering) covers GP visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and maternity. Monthly premiums average around €140–185 per month, with a mandatory excess (eigen risico) of €385 per year. Compare insurers at zorgwijzer.nl or independer.nl.

Wondering about the 30% ruling? It can save you €8,000+ per year — make sure your employer applies on time.

Read the 30% ruling guide

Week 2: Getting set up

4. Apply for DigiD

DigiD is your digital identity for accessing Dutch government services online — taxes, insurance, health portals, and more. You need your BSN and a Dutch address to apply at digid.nl. An activation code is sent by post within 3 working days.

5. Register with a GP (huisarts)

The Netherlands uses a GP-as-gatekeeper model. You cannot see a specialist without a GP referral. Register with a local huisarts as soon as you have health insurance. In Amsterdam, some practices specifically cater to English-speaking patients — the Expat Medical Centre on Bloemgracht is a popular choice. Note: many GP practices in popular neighbourhoods are full, so try several.

6. Get an OV-chipkaart

The OV-chipkaart is used for all public transport in the Netherlands — trains, trams, buses, and metro. You can buy an anonymous card at any station, but a personal card (linked to your name) allows you to set up automatic top-up and use season tickets. Order at ov-chipkaart.nl. Remember to check in and check out on every journey.

First month: Settling in

7. Find permanent housing

Amsterdam's rental market is famously difficult. Expect to pay €1,500–2,200+ per month for a one-bedroom apartment in a decent neighbourhood. Useful platforms include Funda, Pararius, and HousingAnywhere. A few tips: respond to listings within minutes (not hours), prepare your documents in advance (employer letter, ID, proof of income), and consider working with a rental agent (makelaar) — they charge a fee but can access listings before they go public.

8. Set up utilities and internet

If your rental does not include utilities, you will need to arrange gas, electricity, and internet. Major providers include Vattenfall and Eneco for energy, and KPN, Ziggo, or T-Mobile for internet. Many expats use a comparison site like Pricewise to find the best deals.

9. Get a Dutch phone number

A Dutch mobile number is useful for two-factor authentication, deliveries, and general life. Major carriers are KPN, T-Mobile, Vodafone, and budget options like Simyo, Ben, and Lebara. Prepaid SIM cards are available at supermarkets and electronics stores.

Common mistakes to avoid

Not registering fast enough. Delays in getting your BSN cascade into delays with everything else — bank account, insurance, DigiD. Book your gemeente appointment before you arrive if possible.
Missing the health insurance deadline. If you do not sign up within 4 months, you face fines and retroactive premiums. Set a calendar reminder.
Underestimating housing. Start looking before you arrive. Be prepared to make fast decisions and have your documents ready. Do not expect to find a place within the first week.
Ignoring the 30% ruling application. Your employer should handle this, but follow up. If they miss the 4-month deadline, you lose benefit months permanently.
Not opening a Dutch bank account immediately. You will need it for your salary, insurance direct debits, and rent. Some landlords will not accept international transfers.
Forgetting about zorgtoeslag. If your income is below the threshold (roughly €38K for singles), you may qualify for a monthly healthcare allowance. Apply via toeslagen.nl with your DigiD.

The quick-reference timeline

When	What to do
Before arrival	Visa/KM permit, 30% ruling (employer), temp housing, apostilled docs, travel insurance
Day 1–5	Register at gemeente, get BSN
Week 1	Open bank account, arrange health insurance
Week 2	Apply for DigiD, register with GP, get OV-chipkaart
Month 1	Find permanent housing, set up utilities and internet, get Dutch phone number
Within 4 months	Confirm health insurance active, confirm 30% ruling submitted, apply for zorgtoeslag if eligible

Already here and job hunting? Start networking your way into Amsterdam's tech scene.

Read the networking guide

Frequently asked questions

What is the first thing to do when moving to Amsterdam for work?

Register at the municipality (gemeente) as soon as possible. This gives you your BSN (Citizen Service Number), which is required for opening a bank account, getting health insurance, applying for DigiD, and almost everything else. Book your appointment before you arrive.

How long does it take to get a BSN in Amsterdam?

You receive your BSN immediately upon registering at the municipality. However, getting an appointment can take 1–2 weeks, so book before you arrive. Bring your passport, birth certificate (apostilled), rental agreement, and employment contract.

Is health insurance mandatory in the Netherlands?

Yes. Everyone living in the Netherlands must have basic health insurance (basisverzekering). You must sign up within 4 months of registering at the municipality. Premiums average €140–185 per month with a mandatory excess (eigen risico) of €385 per year.

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Amsterdam?

Expect to pay €1,500–€2,200+ per month for a one-bedroom apartment in a decent neighbourhood. The market is extremely competitive — respond to listings within minutes, prepare documents in advance, and consider working with a rental agent (makelaar).

What documents do I need to relocate to the Netherlands?

You need your passport, apostilled birth certificate, employment contract, degree certificates, and proof of temporary accommodation. If you are a non-EU citizen, your employer should sponsor your Highly Skilled Migrant (KM) permit through the IND before you arrive.