IN Amsterdam services for international newcomers

Services for international newcomers

• Formalities for just-arrived internationals
• Information on Orientation year permits for international graduates
• Information on startup-based residence permits for entrepreneurs
• Support and information for internationals at every stage of life in the Amsterdam Area

All formalities and biometric data services

IN Amsterdam provides a one-stop-shop for both fist registration, with getting a Citizen Service Number (BSN), and finalizing the immigration procedure. Our clients can combine both procedures, or choose either of them.

• If you move to the Netherlands from abroad for a period longer than four months, you must register as a resident in the Personal Records Database (BRP) of your local municipality. IN Amsterdam provides this service for the cities of Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Almere, Diemen, Haarlem, Haarlemmermeer, Hilversum, and Velsen.If you plan to stay in the Netherlands for less than four months, you can register as a non-resident in the national Non-residents Records Database (RNI).When registering for the first time, you will receive your Citizen Service Number (BSN) after completing either registration procedure. You will need the BSN to work and receive your salary. As a resident, you will also need it to open a bank account and obtain (mandatory) health insurance.
• If selected in the application for a residence permit, IN Amsterdam can provide several services of the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) for highly skilled migrants, intra-company transferees, researchers, recent graduates applying for an orientation year permit, startup entrepreneurs, self-employed entrepreneurs, and their direct family members.The services offered—for both first applications and extensions or changes in residence status—include collecting biometric data (photograph, fingerprints, and signature) and issuing endorsement stickers or residence permits.This also applies to non-EU direct family members of EU citizens who come to the Amsterdam area with an employment contract at a recognised sponsor company.
• To register outside the Amsterdam Area, please refer to the list of other official centres in the Netherlands. 

Residence permits for recent graduates

Recent graduates from Dutch colleges and universities and academics from abroad who have successfully applied for an orientation year permit, which allows graduates to search for employment in the Netherlands for up to a year, can collect their permit at the IN Amsterdam office or another expat centre in the Netherlands.

Residence permits for startups and startup personnel

The so-called residence permit scheme for startups affords ambitious entrepreneurs one year to launch an innovative business in the Netherlands. A requirement is that an experienced facilitator must guide this startup. Additionally, if the startup needs to hire highly skilled foreign experts essential to development and growth, the residence arrangement for essential startup personnel can be helpful. At IN Amsterdam, you can get some guidance on the application process and arrange your formalities.

IN Amsterdam service fees

Please note that fees may apply for IN Amsterdam services.

Job Orientation programme

Since 2020, IN Amsterdam has actively supported the partners of internationals moving to the Amsterdam Area. This group forms around 20% of all people making use of the services of IN Amsterdam.

One of the major campaigns is the Job Orientation Programme. The offered support ranges from informing local businesses on the potential of this group in the labour market to directly aiding and advising accompanying partners and other internationals in the Amsterdam Area on the opportunities in the local labour market. The programme pays special attention to job opportunities in sectors with a labour shortage, such as healthcare, social care and IT. You can find further information regarding the Job Orientation Programme (PDF).

Partner service providers

The IN Amsterdam Partnership Programme connects internationals in the Amsterdam Area with service providers operating in the international market. This is particularly useful for an international’s arrival and first three months in the Netherlands. Participating companies cover sectors from banking, driving and childcare to employment, insurance, tax, language courses, and much more.

If you would like to become a partner, browse our current partners or read more about our Partnership Programme.

Free assistance for internationals at the ACCESS helpdesk & !WOON

• ACCESS Netherlands provides free support and assistance to the international community through their helpdesk, courses, and counselling referral. A dedicated helpdesk is available at the IN Amsterdam office where internationals can receive a consultation on healthcare, housing, learning Dutch, job searching, childcare, finances and much more. Come in as a walk-in during in-person hours or schedule a Zoom call.
• !WOON can help with questions on tenancy laws as well as rights and regulations regarding renting a property in Amsterdam free of charge.

Sign up for our IN Amsterdam newsletter

Stay informed and connected by signing up to our monthly newsletter. Whether you’re a newcomer settling in or a long-term resident looking to stay in the loop, our newsletter is designed to help internationals make the most of life in this vibrant region. Each month, we handpick the most relevant and helpful content for internationals. From practical advice to exciting opportunities to connect with others, we’ve got something for everyone.

What’s inside?

✔ Invitations to free info sessions and workshops

✔ Events and activities in English

✔ News updates affecting international residents

✔ Tips for navigating daily life and discovering hidden gems