EU citizens living in the Netherlands
Eu citizens relocating to another EU country have many unanswered questions: How do I get a residence permit? What are the rules on health insurance? Do I need to register? For information on all these questions and more, see below.
Registration and Residence Permit
An EU citizen living in the Netherlands for a period of three months or longer, has to register with the municipality (stadsdeel). To register present a valid passport or identity card.
Citizens of the EU and EEA do not need a residence permit (with the exception of individuals from Bulgaria or Romania). However, all EU citizens need to register and will receive a sticker in their passport, as proof of lawful residency.
If you are an EU citizen and have lived in the Netherlands for 5 years or longer you are eligible for a long term residence permit.
BSN (formerly SOFI number)
Everyone in the Netherlands needs a personal public service number (burgerservicenummer or BSN), formerly called the 'SOFI number'.
EU citizens receive a BSN upon registration with the municipality (stadsdeel). There are no costs involved.
Health insurance
In the Netherlands you are obliged to take out health insurance, even if you have health insurance in your country of origin. You can choose your own health insurance provider (zorgverzekeraar) who offers the basic package (basisverzekering) and may change insurance providers once a year. To register for health insurance, you need a personal public service number (burgerservicenummer,BSN).
If you do not purchase Dutch health insurance, you risk being fined and billed retroactively for the months you were not insured.
Please see our article Health Insurance for more information.
EU information line (Europe Direct)
Europe Direct offers central information services reachable by phone or internet as well as local information services in every EU country and is specifically tailored to local needs.
The Europe Direct contact centre provides:
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answers in the official EU language of your choice
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immediate response to general questions on EU matters or a referral to additional sources of information
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contact details of relevant organisations
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free postal delivery of certain EU publications
Call the toll-free number from anywhere in the EU during opening hours (09:00 - 18:30 CET on weekdays) : 00800 678 91011.
If you are calling from outside the EU, call the standard number at + 32 (0)2 299 96 96 from anywhere in the world (normal charges apply). More information can be found on Europa Direct website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my current driving licence?
For information about using your EU driving licence in the Netherlands consult Driving Licence or contact the RDW directly at 0900 0739. If you are calling from abroad dial +31 598 39 3330.
How can I import my car?
For information on importing your car, consult Importing and Exporting Cars or contact Dutch Customs for further information and advice at +31 (0)70 372 3243.
Which documents can I use to identify myself?
As of 1 January 2005, everyone who is 14 years and older must have a valid form of ID with them at all times. The documents used to prove your identity depend on your nationality:
If you are living in the Netherlands and are a national of the European Union (or the EEA) you can use your passport or EU document/card.
Further information
If you require further information, call the city information number 14 020 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 18:00).
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