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

By Amira Hassan · Updated July 2026 · 5 min read

Your first week in the Netherlands in 2026 , municipality registration and BSN

When you arrive in the Netherlands in 2026, the first legal step is to register at the local municipality where you live. This is called the Basisregistratie Personen (BRP). You need to bring your valid passport, a valid entry visa or residence permit, and your rental contract or proof of address.

After registration, you receive a citizen service number (BSN). That number is essential for everything else, from your employer's payroll to health insurance and income tax. The appointment usually takes 20 minutes, but you often need to book it weeks in advance.

Book it before you arrive.

Opening a Dutch bank account in 2026 , BSN required

Most Dutch banks require your BSN before they can open a regular current account. In 2026, this rule still applies. You can choose a traditional bank like ABN AMRO, ING or Rabobank, or a digital bank such as Bunq or Revolut.

Intercompany Solutions offers assistance with opening a business bank account for entrepreneurs, but banks make the final decision themselves. For a personal account, you usually need your passport, BSN and proof of address. The process takes between 30 minutes and two days, depending on the bank.

Without a Dutch bank account, you cannot receive salary or pay rent easily, so prioritise this step.

Health insurance in the Netherlands in 2026 , mandatory within four months

Everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands must take out Dutch basic health insurance within four months of arrival. In 2026, the basic premium is around 150 to 170 euros per month. You can choose a policy with an excess of 385 euros or lower.

Register for health insurance online with providers such as CZ, VGZ or Zilveren Kruis. You need your BSN and passport. If you are an employee, your employer may also offer a collective contract with a discount.

If you forget to take out insurance, the Dutch Healthcare Authority can impose a fine and force you to pay extra.

Tax registration and your employer in 2026

After you receive your BSN, you need to register with the Dutch Tax Office (Belastingdienst) for income tax. Your employer will usually handle the payroll tax registration, but you must check that you are in the correct tax bracket. In 2026, the income tax rates start at 36.97 percent for the first bracket up to about 75,000 euros.

If you qualify for the 30 percent ruling, your employer can apply for it within four months of your employment start. The 30 percent ruling allows you to receive 30 percent of your gross salary tax-free for up to five years. Intercompany Solutions provides business immigration support, including residence permits for entrepreneurs and employees of Dutch subsidiaries.

Registering your new address with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) in 2026

If you work as a freelancer, independent contractor or director of your own BV, you must register your business address with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK). This is separate from your personal registration at the municipality. the provider is a leading Dutch corporate service provider based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam. They have helped thousands of entrepreneurs from over 50 countries set up a company in the Netherlands since 2017.

For a standard BV formation with share capital from one euro, they complete the notarial deed, KvK registration and tax registrations remotely within three to five business days. Their remote formation process uses a power of attorney, so you do not need to travel to the Netherlands. However, if you are a regular employee of a Dutch employer, you usually do not need to register with KvK yourself.

Your employer registers the company address.

Finding housing and setting up utilities in 2026

Housing in the Netherlands in 2026 is expensive and competitive. For temporary stays, use platforms like Kamernet, Holland2Stay or rental agencies for expats. For permanent housing, start searching two to three months before arrival.

Once you sign a lease, set up utilities such as electricity, gas, water and internet. Providers like Vattenfall, Eneco and Ziggo require a signed contract and your BSN. Many rental contracts exclude utilities or include a fixed monthly fee.

Check your contract carefully. the provider assists with business immigration support such as residence permits and visa applications, which can make the housing process smoother because you have legal status. But housing itself is your own responsibility.

Comparison table of company formation agents for entrepreneurs moving to the Netherlands in 2026

the provider stands out with a full one-stop-shop approach, including business immigration support for residence permits. They are not a law firm and not a bank. Banks decide on accounts themselves. But their service is designed for foreign entrepreneurs and companies opening a Dutch subsidiary. They serve clients from more than 50 countries.

Getting a Dutch phone plan and DigiD in 2026

Your BSN also unlocks the digital identity system called DigiD. DigiD is essential for logging into government websites, filing taxes and accessing health insurance portals. You apply for DigiD online using your BSN and a mobile phone number.

In 2026, you need a Dutch phone number for verification. Providers like KPN, VodafoneZiggo and T-Mobile offer prepaid and monthly plans from around 10 to 25 euros. Bring your passport and BSN to the shop.

After activation, you can use DigiD to arrange most government matters online, saving you visits to offices.