Newcomer
Guide
Just arrived in the Netherlands? Here is everything you need to settle in — from your BSN to OV-chipkaart, step by step.
Important Things Before You Settle
Residence Permit Card (MVV/IND)
Many expats who want to live and work in the Netherlands (for more than 90 days) need to apply for a residence permit. The type depends on your nationality and reason for moving.
BSN (BurgerServiceNumber)
The citizen service number (BSN) is your personal number for contact with the Dutch government — for healthcare, taxes, banking. You receive it when registering at Gemeente (BRP).
Home Search — Registration & Living
Use Funda.nl, Pararius.nl, or Holland2Stay. You need a registered address in NL to complete your Gemeente registration and get your BSN.
Bank Account
You need a Dutch bank account to receive salary, pay rent, and shop. Major banks: ING, Rabobank, ABN AMRO. Most charge a yearly fee. You need your BSN to open an account.
DigiD
DigiD (Digital Identification) is your online ID for government services in the Netherlands. Apply at digid.nl after getting your BSN. Essential for healthcare, tax, and more.
Travel & Work — OV-chipkaart
The OV-chipkaart is the payment method for all public transport (trains, trams, buses, metros). Load credit or a monthly travel product. Available at NS stations.
Health Insurance
Health insurance (zorgverzekering) is mandatory for everyone living in the Netherlands. You must sign up within 4 months of arrival. Zorgtoeslag (healthcare allowance) may be available.
Driving License Exchange
Indian license holders can exchange their license for a Dutch one via CBR without taking a practical test. Exchange must happen within a certain time frame after your residence permit is issued.
Inburgering (Integration Exam)
If required by your visa type, you must complete the Dutch civic integration (inburgering) exam within 3 years. This includes language (NT2) and knowledge of Dutch society.
Dutch Gemeente Contacts
A municipality (gemeente) is your city hall for all administrative matters — registration, marriage, taxes. As of 2023, there are 342 gemeenten in NL.
🏙️ Amsterdam
Amstel 1, 1011 PN Amsterdam
Tel: 14 020 | +31 20 624 1111 (international)
amsterdam.nl/en/civil-affairs →🏙️ Den Haag (The Hague)
Spui 70, 2511 BT The Hague
Tel: 14 070 | 070 353 30 00 (Mon–Fri 8:30–17:00)
denhaag.nl/en →🏙️ Groningen
Kreupelstraat 1, 9712 HW Groningen
Tel: 14 050 | +31 50 367 7000
gemeente.groningen.nl →🏙️ Nijmegen
Korte Nieuwstraat 6, 6511PP Nijmegen
Tel: 14 024 (Mon–Fri 8:30–17:00)
english.nijmegen.nl →All You Need at One Place
Emergency: 112
Fire, police, ambulance. The pan-European emergency number. Also 114 for hearing assistance.
Non-Emergency Police: 0900-8844
For non-urgent police matters, thefts, minor incidents not requiring immediate response.
Animal Ambulance: 0900 0245
Federatie Dierenambulances: 034 352 1751 | Animal welfare hotline: 144
LGBT Switchboard: 020 623 6565
Gay and Lesbian Switchboard (national). COC Netherlands: 020 626 3087
Fraud Helpdesk: 088 786 73 72
Dutch national anti-fraud hotline for reporting suspected fraud or scams.
Anti-Discrimination: 0900 2 354 354
Online discrimination: 088 554 32 22
MIND Korrelatie: 0900 1450
Anonymous professional mental health assistance. vraag@korrelatie.nl
Suicide Prevention: 0900 0113
24/7 helpline for crisis support. Also available via chat at 113.nl
Domestic Violence: 0800 2000
Veiligthuis — 24/7 national hotline for domestic violence and child abuse.
Gas Leak: 0800 9009
National gas emergency number. Leave the building immediately before calling.
Coast Guard: 0900 0111
Dutch coastguard (Kustwacht) for sea emergencies and coastal incidents.
Schiphol Lost & Found
+31 20 333 0333 | NS (trains) lost items: 0900 321 2100
Important Dutch Phrases
Essential phrases to know in an emergency situation in the Netherlands.
Stop! — Stop!
Pronunciation: [Stop]
I am hurt — Ik ben gewond
[ick ben khe-wond]
Watch out! — Pas op!
[pass op] / Let op! [let op]
Police! — Politie!
[po-lee-tsee]
I'm lost — Ik ben verdwaald
[ick ben verdwaald]
Call 112 — Bel 112
[bell ayn-ayn-tway]
Ambulance — Bel een ambulance
[bell ayn amboo-lants-uh]
Fire brigade — Bel de brandweer
[bell duh brant-vayr]
Get a doctor — Haal een dokter
[haal bell ayn dok-ter]