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The Landfaller guide

Your first week in the Netherlands — a plain-English checklist.

7 things every expat needs to do in their first 7 days — in the right order, with no Dutch government websites required.

Landfaller

First week checklist

Netherlands · Plain English · Free

  • Book municipality appointment (BRP)
  • Get your BSN number
  • Apply for DigiD (allow 5 days postage)
  • Open a Dutch bank account
  • Sort health insurance (4-month deadline)
  • Check 30% ruling eligibility
  • Register with a GP (huisarts)

What's inside

7 steps. No Dutch required.

Most expats spend weeks figuring this out. We've done it for you — in plain English, in the right order, with no confusing Dutch government websites.

1

Register at the gemeente (BRP)

How to book your appointment, what documents to bring, and what to do if you don't have a permanent address yet. Rotterdam books 3–4 weeks out in summer — start this immediately.

2

Get your BSN

Your citizen service number — needed for everything. We explain exactly what it is, when you'll receive it, and what to do before it arrives.

3

Apply for DigiD

The login for all Dutch government portals. Takes 5 days by post — apply immediately, because you'll need it for your tax return, health insurance, and more.

4

Open a Dutch bank account

Which banks work for expats, what documents they require, and how to manage without a Dutch bank account in the meantime.

5

Sort health insurance

It's legally required within 4 months of arrival. We explain which providers are expat-friendly, what the basic package covers, and whether you qualify for zorgtoeslag (healthcare allowance).

6

Check your 30% ruling eligibility

The tax break worth up to €8,000–15,000 a year — with a 4-month filing deadline from your first working day. We explain what it is, who qualifies, and what to do right now.

7

Register with a GP (huisarts)

Healthcare in the Netherlands works through a registered family doctor. We explain how the system works and how to find one that accepts new patients.

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Bonus: the deadlines you can't miss

A one-page summary of every deadline in your first year — 30% ruling, health insurance, IND permit renewal, tax return — so nothing catches you by surprise.

Need more than a checklist?

Book a free 20-minute call and we'll handle everything in the guide — and everything that comes after it.

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