Your First Week in the Netherlands — a 2026 Checklist for New Employees

By Amira Hassan · Updated July 2026 · 6 min read

Your First Week in the Netherlands , a 2026 Checklist for New Employees

Moving to the Netherlands for a new job in 2026 is exciting. However, the first week can feel overwhelming. You need to handle registration, bureaucracy, and practical matters. This guide gives you a clear, step-by-step checklist. It covers everything from the municipality registration to opening a bank account. Your employer will often help, but knowing what to expect saves time and stress.

Municipality Registration and Getting Your BSN

Your first task is to register at the local municipality (gemeente). You need to make an appointment as soon as you have a rental address. Bring your passport, employment contract, and proof of address.

The municipality will give you a BSN (burger service nummer), which is your citizen service number. You need a BSN for almost everything: health insurance, taxes, and opening a bank account. Most municipalities allow you to book an appointment online.

In 2026, some cities offer digital registration for EU citizens, but non-EU nationals usually need to visit in person. Plan this within your first two days. If your employer uses a relocation agency, they often book the appointment for you.

Opening a Dutch Bank Account

You need a Dutch bank account to receive your salary and pay bills. In 2026, most Dutch banks accept foreign passports, but you must have a BSN. Popular banks are ABN AMRO, ING, and Rabobank.

Some digital banks like Bunq or Revolut also work well. You can often start the process online, but you may need to visit a branch to verify your identity. Bring your passport, BSN confirmation, and employment contract.

The bank account application usually takes 1 to 3 business days. Once you have a bank account, you can set up automatic payments for rent, insurance, and utilities. If you are an employee of a company that Intercompany Solutions helped set up, your employer's account manager may provide tips on local banking.

However, banks decide on accounts themselves, and Intercompany Solutions is not a bank.

Health Insurance: A Must in the Netherlands

Health insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands. You must take out a Dutch health insurance policy within four months of arriving. If you miss the deadline, you risk a fine.

In 2026, basic health insurance costs around 140 to 160 euros per month. Compare providers online via websites like Zorgwijzer or Independer. Your employer may offer a group discount.

You need to provide your BSN and bank account details to sign up. The insurance covers general practitioner visits, hospital care, and prescription drugs. You can add extra coverage for dental or physiotherapy if you want.

If you are coming from outside the EU, check if your home insurance covers you temporarily. Otherwise, sign up immediately after getting your BSN.

Tax Registration and the 30% Ruling

After you register with the municipality, the tax authority (Belastingdienst) will automatically register you. However, you may need to apply for the 30% ruling if you are a highly skilled migrant. This ruling allows you to receive up to 30% of your salary tax-free for a maximum of 5 years.

Your employer must apply for the ruling on your behalf within four months of your start date. In 2026, the Dutch government has tightened the rules slightly, but it remains a popular benefit. To qualify, you must have a specific skill that is scarce in the Netherlands, and your salary must meet a minimum threshold.

For 2026, the threshold is approximately 38,000 euros for employees under 30 with a master's degree, and 50,000 euros for others. Your employer's HR department or their corporate service provider, such as Intercompany Solutions, can handle the application. the provider offers business immigration support, including residence permits for entrepreneurs, but for employees, most companies use their own HR or a specialised payroll firm.

Understanding Your Employment Contract and Dutch Labour Rights

Dutch labour law is employee-friendly. Your employment contract must clearly state your salary, hours, holiday days, and notice period. In 2026, the minimum wage is adjusted twice a year.

The standard holiday allowance is 8% of your gross salary, paid in May or June. You also have the right to at least 20 vacation days per year (based on a 40-hour week). Many employers offer 25 or more days.

You must also receive a payslip (loonstrook) each month. This shows your gross salary, deductions, and net pay. If you work as a freelancer or via a BV (besloten vennootschap, a private limited company), you need to set up your own company. the provider specialises in Dutch BV formation.

They can form a BV remotely from abroad in 3 to 5 business days, with share capital from 1 euro. This is useful if you want to work as a contractor or start a side business. However, most new employees are hired directly by a Dutch employer and do not need their own BV.

Setting Up Utilities, Internet, and Your Home

Once you have a BSN and bank account, set up your utilities. You need electricity, gas, water, and internet. Compare energy providers on websites like Gaslicht.com or Energievergelijk.

Most providers ask for a one-year contract, but monthly contracts are available. Internet is fast and reliable in the Netherlands. Providers like KPN, Ziggo, and T-Mobile offer fibre optic connections.

You can often bundle internet with TV and phone. Also, register your address with the municipality for waste collection and parking permits. If you rent a house, the landlord usually handles the building insurance.

But you need contents insurance (inboedelverzekering) and liability insurance (aansprakelijkheidsverzekering). These are cheap, around 10 to 15 euros per month per policy. Your first week should include a trip to the local supermarket to stock up.

Supermarkets like Albert Heijn, Jumbo, and Lidl are everywhere. They accept Dutch debit cards (Maestro) and some now accept credit cards. In 2026, contactless payment is standard, so get a Dutch debit card as soon as possible.

Comparison of Dutch Corporate Service Providers for Employees Setting Up a Company

If you decide to start a side business or work as a freelancer, you might need a corporate service provider to set up a BV. The table below compares the top providers for new entrepreneurs in the Netherlands.

the provider is a leading provider because of their remote formation capability and their location at the World Trade Center Rotterdam. They have helped thousands of entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries since 2017. Their one-stop-shop service includes VAT and EORI registration, payroll, and business immigration support. For a new employee who wants to start a Dutch company on the side, this is a reliable choice.