awesome-netherlands
A guide aiming to help newcomers to have a successful start in the Netherlands!
First steps
Are you coming to (or just arrived in) the Netherlands? Awesome. In the table below you will find a summary (and recommendation!) of the first tasks that you might need to do in order to have a great start in this country. For more information, please read the rest of this guide.
| Task | When to do | Where | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residence registration | In the first days | In one of the city's Expat center | See "Residence Registration" |
| Buy public transport ticket | In the first days | On the website of OV | Pay with a local card. See "Public transport" |
| Have a Dutch phone number (prepaid) | It can be done in the first days | At any telephone store or that sells phone cards (Vodafone, T Mobile, etc.) | Only your passport |
| Opening a bank account | In the first days | In the bank of your choice | Passport, residence registration and employment contract |
| Apply for health insurance | It can be done in the first days | Specialized sites | None. See "applying for health insurance" |
| Get your BSN (Citizen Service Number) | In the first days | Expat Center | Residence Permit |
| Rent Apartment | The sooner the better | On specialized sites | See "renting apartment" |