Moving to the Netherlands

You need a residence permit to stay in the Netherlands. The type of permit depends on your reasons for moving to the Netherlands, (such as work or study) and your situation.

Everyone living in the Netherlands must have their own citizen service number, referred to as a BSN (burgerservicenummer). You need a BSN for many administrative procedures in the Netherlands.

You must request registration in the Personal Records Database BRP (Basisregistratie Personen) within 5 days of arriving in the Netherlands. Everyone living in the Netherlands has a citizen service number referred to as a BSN (burgerservicenummer). You will need this for administrative procedures such as working, opening a bank account, arranging health insurance, visiting a doctor or hospital, or applying for benefits.

UK Pensions and Tax

Before moving to the Netherlands from the UK, you must notify the UK government offices that deal with benefits, pensions and tax.

Healthcare in the Netherlands

You must arrange health insurance within 4 months of your arrival. The basic Dutch health insurance (basis verzekering) covers general medical care. You can choose which health insurance you take.

Working in the Netherlands

If you are moving to the Netherlands to work, you may need a visa. To apply for a job, you may need a UK police certificate and/or a Certificate of Conduct (VOG). You can apply for a VOG either online or through your municipality.

Professional qualifications in the Netherlands

You may need to get your professional qualification recognised if you want to work in a profession that is regulated in the Netherlands.

For more information, see the UK Centre of Professional Qualifications (UK CPQ).

Customs Documents

To move your household goods and personal effects, you will need the following documents.

Export

T1 transit form
Export Accompanying Document (EAD)
Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) in the Import Control System (ICS) to the port of entry.

Import

Passport (copy of photo page)
Copy of Visa
Z1 – Customs Declaration
T1 document
Inventory of goods
Bewijs van aanmelding (certificate from the population register of the municipality you registered to reside in)

Moving with Pets to the Netherlands

Documents Required

Original international vaccination book
Veterinary health certificate (must be signed by an authorized veterinarian within 8 days of import)
Pet microchip number (if applicable)

Prohibited/Restricted Goods

Firearms, weapons, ammunition or explosives
Pornographic material
Non-prescription drugs
Radio transmitters
Animal skins, ivory and similar products from protected species
Food items and milk products
Animals, birds or fish (alive or dead)
Counterfeit goods
To import live plants, you will need a Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the APHA PHSI office.

Driving in the Netherlands

You cannot renew or replace your UK driving licence if you live in the Netherlands. You must exchange your licence within 185 days of becoming a resident. You should exchange your licence at your local council (gemeente). You can only exchange your licence if you are registered as a resident of the Netherlands and have a valid residence permit.

Importing your Car to the Netherlands

If you are moving to the Netherlands and taking your car, you must obtain a Dutch registration number for your vehicle as quickly as possible. You can apply for one from the RDW. This will require an inspection.

Documents Required