Arranging documents to work and live in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, you need official documents to work and live. You can use some foreign documents. Others must be evaluated or exchanged. Sometimes you need a Dutch document. Find out what applies to your situation.
Citizen Service Number (BSN)
The citizen service number (burgerservicenummer, BSN) is a unique personal number assigned to everyone registered in the Personal Records Database (Basisregistratie Personen, BRP). This registration is managed by the municipality where will live and must occur within 5 days of arriving in the Netherlands. This database consists of:
- permanent residents; and
- people who are registered in the Non-residents Records Database (Registratie Niet Ingezetenen, RNIBSN).
Your BSN is equivalent to a social security or national insurance number.
You only have to submit your BSN to a government body once. From then on, authorities will be able to exchange information. You will also be able to view your own information, without having to constantly resubmit your details.
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You need to have a BSN number to register your business at the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce KVK. See step 1:
Registering your company, step 1 and 2
Apply for DigiD
DigiD (Digital Identity) is an online identification system. It is linked to your citizen service number (BSN). With your DigiD, you can safely prove who you are and identify yourself to organisations. You can do this at many Dutch websites, including government organisations. You use your DigiD, for example, if you want an extract from the personal records database. Or to apply for the repayment of healthcare costs from your health insurer.
A DigiD consists of a user name and a password. You can only apply for a DigiD if you have a citizen service number (BSN). Visit the DigiD website to apply for a DigiD or for more information.
Working in the Netherlands with a non-Dutch diploma
Do you have a non-Dutch diploma? And do you want to work in the Netherlands? If so, you must first check if your profession is a protected profession in the Netherlands. To do so, enter your profession in the Database for Regulated Professions from the European Commission.
Is your profession on the list of protected professions? If so, you must apply for permission to work in the Netherlands beforehand. You need to be able to prove you have the right work experience and training for the profession you want to perform in the Netherlands. This is called professional recognition. Which recognition you need depends on your profession. Check the European Commission's database to find the contact details of the organisation you need to contact.
Check whether your certificates or diplomas are valid for your profession in the Netherlands with a recognised organisation that is officially allowed to do so.
Is your profession not protected?
You may practise your profession in the Netherlands if your profession is not in the list of protected professions. You do not need permission. You may still need to arrange other things, such as:
- if your client or employer wants to know the level of your degree, request a credential evaluation from International Diploma Valuation (IDW). A diploma valuation is a comparison of your diploma with a Dutch diploma. You or your new client/employer can request this.
- have your diploma legalised if your employer wants proof that your diploma is genuine.
Are foreign driving licences valid in the Netherlands?
A valid foreign driving licence allows you to drive in the Netherlands for a certain period of time. Sometimes you can also exchange your foreign driving licence.
Driving with a foreign driving licence
Do you have a foreign driving licence? If you are going to live in the Netherlands, you may use your foreign driving licence temporarily. How long this is allowed depends on the country where you obtained your driving licence. Has the period during which you may drive with your foreign driving licence expired? Then you may no longer drive with it.
Exchange foreign driving licence
Sometimes you can exchange your foreign driving licence for a Dutch driving licence. To do so, you must meet a number of conditions. For example, you must be registered at a Dutch municipality. For all conditions and more information on exchanging a foreign driving licence, go to the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW) website.