Arrival essentials
First steps for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens
Your entry position differs from many non-EU routes, but registration and practical setup still matter when you settle in the Netherlands.
Understand your residence position
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens generally follow different entry and residence rules from people applying for a regular Dutch residence permit. The IND explains what documents and conditions apply when you come to live, work or study in the Netherlands.
Check the IND page for your nationality and purpose of stay. Family members who do not share your nationality may have a separate process, so do not assume that the same paperwork covers everyone moving with you.
Register and obtain a BSN
If you settle in the Netherlands, contact the municipality where you live about resident registration. If you are not becoming a resident but need a BSN, check whether the RNI route fits. The right route depends on your stay, not your EU status alone.
The registration process gives you a BSN for dealing with public bodies. Check the local appointment requirements and the documents needed for your address or personal details before you go.
Complete the practical setup
After registration, check whether you need Dutch basic health insurance based on where you live and work. A move from another European country does not by itself settle which coverage applies in your case.
You may also need DigiD to use online public services. Apply through the official DigiD website once you have the required details, and keep your registration and insurance information current if your work or residence changes.
What to do next
- 1Check which registration route fits your intended stay.
- 2Arrange your BSN through that registration route.
- 3Check health insurance based on your work and residence situation.
Official sources
Requirements can change. Check the official pages for the latest rules before acting.