Country guide

Living & working in the Netherlands

Home of Rotterdam, Europe's largest port, and world-class shipyards. Here's what you need to know before you move.

01 / Arrival

Your first steps

STEP 1
Check if you need a permit
EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can work freely. Others usually need a residence permit, e.g. Highly Skilled Migrant or Single Permit (GVVA).
STEP 2
Register at your municipality
Living here 4+ months? Register in the BRP at your gemeente within 5 days of arrival to get your BSN (citizen service number).
STEP 3
Short stay? Register as non-resident
Staying under 4 months, register in the RNI at one of 19 designated municipalities to receive a BSN.
STEP 4
Get health insurance
Basic Dutch health insurance (basisverzekering) is mandatory within 4 months of starting work.
STEP 5
Open a bank account & DigiD
With your BSN you can open a bank account and apply for DigiD, the login for all government services.

02 / Costs

Amounts change every year — these links always show the current official numbers.

Visas

03 / Rules

30% ruling
Eligible recruits from abroad may receive part of their salary tax-free (rules tightening from 2027).
Seafarer certificates
Seagoing roles on Dutch-flagged ships need STCW certificates recognised by ILT (Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate).
Working hours
The Working Hours Act (Arbeidstijdenwet) caps working time; seafarers fall under specific rules (Arbeidstijdenbesluit vervoer).
Diploma recognition
Get foreign diplomas evaluated by Nuffic / IDW for employers and further study.
Collective agreements (CAO)
Many maritime employers follow a CAO setting pay, leave and allowances — ask which one applies.

Living guide

Your passport decides the route. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can work freely; others need a permit, usually arranged by the employer.

EU/EEA & Swiss citizens
No work permit needed. Register at your municipality (BRP) within 5 days if you stay longer than 4 months.
Highly Skilled Migrant
Employer must be an IND-recognised sponsor and meet the salary threshold. Fastest route for engineers and officers.
Single Permit (GVVA)
Combined residence and work permit for non-EU workers when no highly-skilled route applies.
Seafarers
Crew on Dutch-flagged ships may fall under specific rules — check with your employer and the IND before you travel.
BSN number
Your citizen service number. You need it for salary, healthcare and banking; you get it at BRP registration.

Official sources

Rules and amounts change — always check the official page.

04 / Official sources