Moving to a new country is exciting — and a little chaotic. The Netherlands has a reputation for bureaucracy, but The Hague is actually one of the more streamlined cities for newcomers, especially with its large international community. Follow this checklist in order and you’ll have everything sorted within your first month.
Step 1: Register at the Municipality (BSN)
This is the single most important step. Within 5 days of arriving, you must register your address at the Gemeente Den Haag (municipality). You’ll receive your BSN (Burgerservicenummer) — a citizen service number that you need for everything: opening a bank account, getting health insurance, starting a job, and even receiving a salary.
Book an appointment online at denhaag.nl as soon as you know your arrival date — slots fill up 2-3 weeks in advance. Bring: valid passport/ID, your rental contract or proof of address, and a birth certificate (translated into Dutch, English, French, or German if it’s in another language). The registration itself takes about 20 minutes, and your BSN is issued on the spot.
Step 2: Open a Dutch Bank Account
You’ll need a Dutch bank account for salary payments, rent, and everyday expenses. The main banks are ING, Rabobank, and ABN AMRO. Online banks like bunq and Revolut are also popular with expats for their English interfaces and quick setup. You’ll need your BSN, passport, and proof of address to open an account. Most banks let you open an account online now — it takes 1-3 business days to get your debit card in the mail.
Note: Dutch shops predominantly use Maestro/V-Pay debit cards. Traditional Visa/Mastercard credit cards are not universally accepted, though acceptance is growing in 2026. Get a Dutch debit card first.
Step 3: Get Dutch Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands — you have 4 months from your registration date to arrange it, but coverage is retroactive to your registration date. Basic insurance (basisverzekering) costs around €145-160 per month in 2026. The main insurers serving internationals are Zilveren Kruis, CZ, VGZ, and Menzis. Compare policies on independer.nl, which has an English interface.
The annual deductible (eigen risico) is €385 — you pay this yourself before insurance covers anything. GP visits and maternity care are exempt from the deductible. If you’re an EU citizen with an EHIC card, you may have different requirements — check with your home country’s health authority.
Step 4: Find Housing (If You Haven’t Already)
This should ideally be sorted before you arrive, but the reality is many people arrive with temporary accommodation and house-hunt on the ground. The Hague rental market is competitive but less extreme than Amsterdam. Popular neighborhoods for expats include Statenkwartier, Zeeheldenkwartier, Archipelbuurt, and Benoordenhout. Expect to pay €1,100-1,500 for a one-bedroom apartment. Use platforms like Funda, Pararius, and Facebook groups like “Expats in The Hague.”
For a detailed breakdown of costs by neighborhood, check our cost of living guide for The Hague.
Step 5: Set Up Utilities
If utilities aren’t included in your rent, you’ll need to arrange electricity, gas, water, and internet. For electricity and gas, major providers include Vattenfall, Eneco, and Essent. Comparison sites like pricewise.nl can help. Water is handled by Dunea in The Hague (about €15-20/month for one person).
For internet, fiber optic is widely available. Providers like KPN, Ziggo, and T-Mobile Thuis offer packages from €35-55/month. Speeds of 100-1000 Mbps are standard. Installation usually takes 1-2 weeks, so plan accordingly.
Step 6: Get a DigiD
DigiD is your digital identity for all Dutch government services — tax office, municipality, immigration, and healthcare. You apply at digid.nl once you have your BSN. You’ll receive an activation code by mail (this takes a few days), then you set up the DigiD app on your phone. With DigiD, you can log into MijnOverheid (My Government) to access all your official documents and messages.
Step 7: Understand the Dutch Tax System
If you’re working, your employer typically handles income tax withholding. But you’ll still need to file an annual tax return, usually in March/April. The Dutch tax office (Belastingdienst) has an English-language portal. Many expats benefit from the 30% ruling — a tax advantage that lets employers pay 30% of your salary tax-free for up to 5 years. Check with your employer if you’re eligible. For more details, see our Dutch tax system guide for expats.
Step 8: Register with a GP (Huisarts)
Find a general practitioner near your address as soon as you have health insurance. Many GP practices in The Hague have English-speaking doctors, especially in neighborhoods with large expat populations. Use zorgkaartnederland.nl to search for a GP accepting new patients. Some popular international-friendly practices include the International Health Centre The Hague (IHCH) on Jan van Nassaustraat.
Step 9: Get a Phone Plan
Dutch SIM-only plans are affordable. Simpel, Ben, Youfone, and Lebara offer plans from €8-15/month with 10-20 GB of data. For unlimited data, expect €25-30/month. All major providers support eSIM in 2026. You’ll need a Dutch bank account for most subscriptions, although prepaid SIMs are available with just a passport.
Step 10: Explore Your New City
Once the paperwork is done — breathe. The Hague is an incredible city to call home. Walk through the secret courtyards and hidden neighborhoods, bike to Scheveningen beach on a sunny afternoon, and find your favorite café on a rainy day. The first month is busy with admin, but don’t forget why you moved here in the first place.
Quick Reference: First Month Timeline
- Day 1-5: Register at municipality, get BSN
- Week 1: Open bank account, apply for DigiD
- Week 1-2: Arrange health insurance, find GP
- Week 2-3: Set up utilities and internet
- Week 3-4: Explore neighborhoods, settle in
Welcome to The Hague — welkom in Den Haag! This city has been a home to internationals for centuries, and you’re now part of that story.
