Moving to NL from UK Post-Brexit 2026

I moved to the Netherlands before Brexit. I had free movement. I walked into a municipality office, registered, and that was essentially the immigration process.

My clients moving from the UK in 2026 have a considerably more complicated journey. Not impossible — not even especially difficult if you know what you are doing — but genuinely different from what it was before 2021, and very different from what it is for EU citizens moving here today.

I have worked with dozens of British expats navigating post-Brexit relocation to the Netherlands. This guide is everything I wish I could hand them on day one: what you need, what has changed, and what has not changed as much as you might fear.

The Immigration Reality: What Changed with Brexit

The core change: British citizens are now treated as third-country nationals under Dutch and EU immigration law. Before 2021, you had the right of free movement as an EU citizen. Now you need a residence permit for stays longer than 90 days, and you need to meet specific criteria based on your reason for moving.

The positive framing: the Netherlands is a country that genuinely wants skilled international workers. The immigration routes are relatively clear, the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) is experienced with British applicants, and the processing times, while not fast, are broadly predictable.

The important rule: you cannot arrive as a tourist and then convert to resident status in most cases. The correct approach is to apply for the appropriate permit before you arrive or immediately upon arrival depending on the permit type.

Visa and Permit Routes for British Nationals

Route 1: Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) Permit

If you are moving to the Netherlands for employment with a Dutch employer or a company based in the Netherlands, the Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant) permit is the most common route.

How it works: Your employer applies on your behalf — you cannot apply independently. The employer must be registered as a “recognised sponsor” with the IND. Most larger Dutch employers already have this status; smaller companies may need to apply for it first.

Salary requirements (2026): The HSM permit requires minimum salary thresholds that are updated each year. For those aged 30 and over: approximately EUR 6,200 gross per month (excluding holiday allowance). For those under 30: approximately EUR 4,550 gross per month. There are lower thresholds for specific categories including graduates fresh from a Dutch university.

Timeline: Once your employer submits the application, IND processing typically takes 2–4 weeks for recognised sponsors. The permit initially lasts for the duration of your employment contract, up to a maximum of five years.

The 30% ruling: British nationals on an HSM permit may qualify for the 30% ruling, which allows your employer to pay 30% of your salary tax-free for up to five years. This is one of the most valuable tax benefits in the Dutch system and well worth exploring if you earn above the minimum threshold. See our separate guide on the 30% ruling for full details.

Route 2: DAFT — The British Entrepreneur and Freelancer Route

The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty permit is the primary route for British self-employed people, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. Its extension to British nationals was a specific post-Brexit arrangement, and it is considerably more accessible than many people realise.

Who DAFT is for: Self-employed professionals, freelancers (ZZP’ers in Dutch terminology), consultants, and people starting or expanding a business in the Netherlands.

The application process: Applications go to the IND and are assessed against a points system. Points are awarded for:

• Education level (degree, postgraduate)
• Business plan viability and income projections
• Relevant experience in your field
• Personal finances (savings to support yourself during startup)
• Value added to the Netherlands

You do not need to be a startup founder or tech entrepreneur. A freelance designer, accountant, writer, consultant, or trainer with a reasonable business plan can meet the requirements. Many of my British clients have gone this route.

Timeline: 3–6 months from application to permit. Apply before you need to be in the Netherlands.

Route 3: Family/Partner Visa

If you are moving to join a partner who is Dutch, an EU/EEA citizen resident in the Netherlands, or a non-EU person legally resident in the Netherlands, the family reunification route is available.

Requirements: Your partner must earn above a minimum income threshold (approximately EUR 1,800/month net in 2026), have been legally resident in the Netherlands for at least three years (for non-EU partners), and be able to demonstrate the genuineness of the relationship.

Timeline: 3–6 months. The IND takes family reunification applications seriously and processing is thorough.

Route 4: Other Options

• Orientation Year (Oriëntatiejaar): Available to recent graduates from certain highly ranked universities (including several UK universities that qualify). Gives you one year to find work or establish a business in the Netherlands.
• Dutch ancestry: Some British nationals have Dutch ancestry that may provide an alternative path. Worth exploring if this applies to you.
• EU Blue Card: Available for highly qualified workers with a job offer meeting salary and qualification requirements — similar to HSM in practice.

Driving Licences: The Post-Brexit Situation

This is an area where British expats are genuinely better off than most non-EU nationals.

The bilateral agreement: The Netherlands and the UK have maintained a reciprocal driving licence exchange agreement post-Brexit. This means you can exchange your UK licence for a Dutch one without retaking the theory test or practical driving test.

The process:

1. Register as a Dutch resident (get your BSN)
2. Apply to the CBR (Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheidsbewijzen) for an exchange
3. Surrender your UK licence
4. Receive a Dutch driving licence

Cost: Approximately EUR 40–50 for the exchange process.

Timeframe: You have a grace period after becoming a Dutch resident before you must exchange. In practice, once you have been a Dutch resident for 185 days, you should be driving on a Dutch licence. The exchange process itself takes a few weeks.

Important: You must exchange — you cannot simply continue driving on a UK licence indefinitely in the Netherlands as a Dutch resident. Driving on an expired or invalidly used foreign licence can affect insurance coverage.

UK licence surrender: Once you exchange, your UK licence is surrendered to the Dutch authorities and returned to the DVLA. You will no longer hold a valid UK licence. If you later move back to the UK, you can re-exchange your Dutch licence for a UK one.

Healthcare: Navigating the Post-EHIC Reality

This is one of the biggest practical changes post-Brexit for British expats.

The EHIC is gone for Netherlands residents: The European Health Insurance Card gave EU citizens access to state healthcare in other EU countries on the same basis as local nationals. British citizens in the Netherlands had EHIC coverage before Brexit. It is gone.

As a Dutch resident, you are subject to Dutch law. This means:

• You must take out a Dutch basisverzekering (basic health insurance) within four months of registering as a resident
• The basisverzekering costs approximately EUR 130–160/month in 2026
• There is a mandatory annual deductible (eigen risico) of EUR 385
• Children under 18 are covered free on a parent’s policy

The Dutch health insurance system is actually good — the basisverzekering covers GP visits, hospital treatment, specialist referrals, and prescriptions. You choose from a range of insurers (Zilveren Kruis, CZ, Menzis, VGZ, and others) who all offer the same mandatory basic package. Competition between insurers is on price, service, and supplementary (aanvullende) cover.

What to do before your Dutch insurance starts: The period between arriving in the Netherlands and getting your BSN (required for Dutch health insurance) and completing insurance registration can take 4–8 weeks. During this gap, you are technically uninsured under Dutch law. SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance can provide temporary gap coverage — emergency medical coverage while you are in the process of getting your Dutch insurance sorted.

Check SafetyWing coverage →

The NHS and going back to the UK: As a Dutch resident, you are no longer entitled to NHS treatment as a UK resident. You can access NHS services when visiting the UK as a visitor, but for non-urgent treatment you may be charged. UK nationals who have been resident abroad for more than 183 days per year are generally not entitled to free NHS treatment.

UK Pension and State Benefits

UK State Pension

Your UK National Insurance contributions do not disappear when you move to the Netherlands. Your state pension entitlement continues to accrue any years you were contracted in the UK.

The frozen pensions issue: Before Brexit, UK state pensions paid to EU-resident British nationals were uprated annually (increased in line with inflation/earnings). This was a reciprocal agreement.

Since Brexit, the Netherlands is not on the list of countries where UK pensions are uprated. This means:

• If you are already receiving your UK state pension and move to the Netherlands, it is likely to be frozen at the rate on the date you became a non-UK resident
• If you have not yet reached state pension age, your eventual pension will be frozen from the point you claim it as a Netherlands resident

This is a significant financial planning consideration. The longer you remain in the Netherlands drawing a frozen pension, the further behind inflation it falls. Get advice from a pension specialist who understands both UK and Dutch pension systems before making decisions.

Dutch state pension (AOW): The Dutch state pension system (Algemene Ouderdomswet) accrues entitlement at 2% per year of Dutch residency. To receive a full AOW pension, you need 50 years of Dutch residency. For every year short of 50, your AOW payment is reduced by 2%. British expats who arrive in their 30s or 40s will build up partial AOW entitlement. The Netherlands and UK have a social security coordination agreement that may affect how your entitlements interact.

Banking: UK Accounts While Living in the Netherlands

Can you keep your UK bank account? As mentioned in the FAQ: possibly, but it is increasingly difficult. The practical reality post-Brexit is that UK banks are reviewing accounts held by non-UK residents. Rules vary by bank.

Banks that have caused problems for EU-resident British nationals: Lloyds, Halifax, Nationwide, and HSBC have all issued warnings or closures to customers with non-UK addresses at various points since 2021. The rationale is regulatory: operating accounts for EU residents requires EU licensing that some UK banks chose not to obtain.

Banks more accommodating of EU-resident British nationals: Barclays, NatWest, and Metro Bank have been more flexible, though policies change. Check your specific bank’s current policy.

The practical solution: Open a Wise account if you have not already. Wise gives you:

• A UK sort code and account number (so you can receive GBP payments, including UK salary, pension, or rental income)
• A Belgian IBAN for Dutch payments
• The ability to hold both GBP and EUR simultaneously
• International transfers at real exchange rates

For many British expats, Wise solves the “keep a UK account” problem entirely — you have UK bank details without needing a UK bank to maintain an account for you.

Open a Wise account →

Tax Implications for British Expats in the Netherlands

Taxation is complex and this section provides general information only — get professional advice for your specific situation.

Dutch income tax: Once you are a Dutch resident, you are subject to Dutch income tax on your worldwide income. The Dutch income tax system has three “boxes”:

• Box 1: Income from work and home ownership (progressive rates up to 49.5%)
• Box 2: Substantial interest in a company (24.5–33%)
• Box 3: Savings and investments (deemed return, currently 6.04% on assets above EUR 57,000)

UK tax obligations: Moving to the Netherlands does not automatically end your UK tax obligations. Under HMRC’s Statutory Residence Test, you may remain UK tax resident in the year of departure or partially tax resident depending on your circumstances. UK rental income continues to be taxable in the UK. UK pension income may be taxable in both countries subject to the UK-Netherlands double tax treaty.

The UK-Netherlands double tax treaty: The treaty prevents double taxation on most types of income. In general, employment income is taxed where you work; pension income is complex. The treaty does not help with the frozen pensions problem, which is an entitlement issue rather than a taxation issue.

30% ruling eligibility for British nationals: Yes, British nationals can qualify for the 30% ruling. The requirements (recruited from abroad, specific salary threshold, scarce skills) apply regardless of nationality. If you qualify, the ruling provides a meaningful reduction in your effective Dutch tax rate for up to five years.

Practical Timeline for British Expats

Before departure:

• Apply for residence permit (DAFT, HSM, or family) — start 3–6 months before intended move
• Research UK bank account situation and open Wise account
• Consult a pension specialist if within 10 years of UK state pension age
• Research Dutch health insurers (you cannot sign up until you have a BSN but knowing the options helps)

First week in the Netherlands:

• Register at the municipality (gemeente) — book appointment in advance as they fill up
• Receive your BSN (Burgerservicenummer) — your Dutch equivalent of a national insurance number
• Sort temporary accommodation if not already arranged

Within first month:

• Open Dutch bank account (requires BSN)
• Register with a GP (huisarts) — do this as soon as possible, waiting lists exist
• Sign up for Dutch health insurance (basisverzekering) — required within 4 months of registration
• Consider SafetyWing for gap coverage until Dutch insurance starts

Within three months:

• Exchange UK driving licence at CBR
• File with HMRC regarding UK tax residency status
• Investigate 30% ruling eligibility with your employer

Is Moving from the UK to the Netherlands Still Worth It in 2026?

I am asked this constantly by British clients who look at the post-Brexit bureaucracy and wonder whether it is worth the effort.

My answer: for most people who genuinely want to live in the Netherlands, yes. The country is welcoming to international workers, the quality of life is high, English is widely spoken, and the Dutch economy continues to offer strong employment opportunities in technology, finance, logistics, and international business.

The immigration process is more work than it was before 2021. But it is manageable, and once you have your residence permit, daily life in the Netherlands is essentially the same for British expats as it is for EU expats. You shop at the same supermarkets, cycle the same paths, and work through the same bureaucracy (which is considerable regardless of nationality).

What has genuinely changed and requires more attention: healthcare coverage during the transition, the pension frozen uprating issue, and UK banking. All of these have solutions — they just require more active management than free movement allowed.

The 30% Ruling: Good News for British Expats

One of the Netherlands’ most valuable tax incentives is fully available to British nationals, and it is worth understanding before you arrive.

The 30% ruling (30%-regeling) allows your Dutch employer to pay 30% of your salary tax-free for up to five years. The rationale is reimbursement for the “extraterritorial costs” of relocating from abroad. For someone earning EUR 80,000 gross per year, the 30% ruling means approximately EUR 24,000/year is paid free of income tax — a saving of EUR 10,000–12,000 per year depending on your marginal rate.

Eligibility requirements for British nationals:

• You must be recruited or transferred from outside the Netherlands (moving from the UK qualifies)
• You must have lived more than 150 km from the Dutch border in the 24 months before your first working day in the Netherlands (most UK addresses qualify easily)
• Your taxable salary (after the 30% exclusion) must be at least EUR 46,107 (2026 figure, adjusted annually)
• Your role must require specific expertise that is scarce in the Dutch market (interpreted broadly; most professional roles qualify)
• You must have a Dutch employer who agrees to apply for it

British expats who joined the Netherlands as EU citizens before Brexit and used the 30% ruling were sometimes in a different position at renewal; new arrivals from the UK post-Brexit are assessed on the same criteria as any other third-country national.

The ruling must be applied for by your employer within 4 months of your start date. If you miss this window, you lose the benefit entirely for that employment — it cannot be applied retrospectively. Raise it with your HR department before you start, not after.

Housing: What British Expats Need to Know

The Dutch rental market is extremely tight, particularly in Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, and Utrecht. Competition for rental properties is significant, and many landlords have waiting lists or receive dozens of applications per property.

As a British national arriving post-Brexit: You are treated as any other third-country national in the rental market. This has both advantages (your income documentation may be in GBP, which some landlords accept) and disadvantages (you typically need to show income of 3–4x the monthly rent, which can be difficult in your first months).

Typical documentation requirements:

• Employment contract or income evidence
• Bank statements (Wise or N26 statements are accepted; some landlords prefer Dutch bank statements)
• Reference letter from previous landlord
• Copy of your residence permit or application receipt
• BSN (some landlords require this; it means you need accommodation while you wait for your registration)

Temporary accommodation: The period between arriving and having all documentation is often 4–8 weeks. Budget for temporary accommodation: short-stay apartments (typically EUR 60–150/night in Amsterdam), expat flatsharing via Facebook groups, or Airbnb. Some companies have corporate housing arrangements for new international hires.

IBAN for rent payments: Many Dutch landlords set up automatic direct debits (automatische incasso) for rent. A Wise Belgian IBAN generally works for this. A Dutch NL IBAN is more reliable if you have it. Revolut’s Lithuanian IBAN sometimes causes problems with private landlords.

British Expat Community in the Netherlands

The British community in the Netherlands is substantial — estimates suggest 40,000–60,000 British nationals living here, concentrated in Amsterdam, The Hague (seat of international organisations), and Eindhoven (ASML and technology sector).

Useful communities:

• British Society in the Netherlands: Social organisation running events and networking (britishsocietynl.nl)
• Expat Centre Amsterdam and The Hague: Government-run services for international residents
• British Expats Netherlands (Facebook group): Active Facebook group, good for practical questions
• Amsterdam Mamas (and similar city groups): Family-focused expat communities with British participation

British cultural touchstones in the Netherlands:

• British food is more available than you might expect. British Corner Shop and several Amsterdam-based import retailers carry Marmite, proper tea, and other British staples.
• British television via BBC iPlayer requires a VPN when outside the UK.
• Cricket is played in the Netherlands — the Royal Cricket Club Amsterdam and similar clubs welcome British expat members.
• Rugby clubs exist in most major Dutch cities and are often a quick way to meet other British expats.

Key Resources for British Expats in the Netherlands

• IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service): ind.nl/en — official permit information
• CBR (Driving licence exchange): cbr.nl — Dutch driving authority
• Expatcenter Netherlands: expatcenter.org — services for international residents in Amsterdam and other cities
• British Embassy The Hague: gov.uk/world/netherlands — UK government resources for British nationals in the Netherlands
• Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Authority): belastingdienst.nl/en

For banking: Wise provides UK sort code + Belgian IBAN in one account, which is the most practical solution for British expats managing finances in both countries.

Open a Wise account →

For gap health coverage during your first weeks before Dutch insurance starts:

Check SafetyWing coverage →

Frequently Asked Questions

Do British citizens need a visa to move to the Netherlands after Brexit?

Yes. Since January 2021 when the Brexit transition period ended, British citizens are treated as third-country nationals for immigration purposes in the Netherlands. You are no longer entitled to free movement. The specific visa you need depends on why you are moving: DAFT (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty, which also applies to British nationals) for self-employment, an HSM (Highly Skilled Migrant) permit for employed work, or a partner/family visa if moving to join a Dutch or EU/EEA partner. You must apply before arriving — you cannot enter as a tourist and then change status.

Can a British citizen still exchange their UK driving licence for a Dutch one?

Yes, but with conditions. The UK and Netherlands have a bilateral agreement allowing UK driving licence holders to exchange their licence for a Dutch one without retaking the driving test. The exchange must be done at the CBR (Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheidsbewijzen) and you must be a Dutch resident. You need to complete the exchange within 10 years of receiving your UK licence. Note: you cannot drive on a UK licence indefinitely in the Netherlands — after 185 days of Dutch residency, you must either exchange it or hold a valid Dutch licence.

Is the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) still valid for British expats in the Netherlands?

No. British citizens’ EHIC entitlement ended with Brexit. The UK issued a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) as a replacement for UK residents travelling to EU countries, but the GHIC is for UK residents travelling temporarily — it does not apply to British citizens who are residents in the Netherlands. As a British resident in the Netherlands, you are required to take out Dutch health insurance (basisverzekering) just like any other Dutch resident. The GHIC/EHIC gives you no rights in the country where you are a resident.

What happens to my UK state pension if I move to the Netherlands?

Your UK state pension entitlement is preserved. National Insurance contributions you made in the UK continue to count toward your state pension entitlement, and you will receive your UK state pension when you reach UK state pension age. Since Brexit, UK state pension payments to the Netherlands are no longer uprated annually (unlike pensions paid to residents of the EU). This means if you move to the Netherlands before claiming your UK pension, the amount may be frozen at the rate applicable when you first become resident in the Netherlands. This is a significant financial consideration worth discussing with a pension specialist.

Can I keep my UK bank account after moving to the Netherlands?

Possibly, but it is getting harder. Many UK banks have been closing or restricting accounts held by EU-resident British nationals since Brexit. The rules vary by bank: some allow it if you have had the account for many years, others require you to prove continued UK ties. Lloyds, Halifax, and Barclays have all sent account closure notices to some EU-resident customers at various points since 2021. Check with your specific UK bank. For Netherlands-based banking, Wise provides an excellent account that gives you both a British sort code and a Belgian IBAN — useful for maintaining financial connections to both countries.

How long can I stay in the Netherlands as a British tourist before needing a visa?

British citizens can enter the Netherlands (and the broader Schengen area) without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This is the standard Schengen tourist rule. After 90 days, you must either have a valid residence permit or leave. Working during a tourist stay is not permitted. If you plan to live and work in the Netherlands, you must obtain the appropriate residence permit before or shortly after arrival — overstaying the 90-day limit has serious consequences for future permit applications.

What is the DAFT visa and does it apply to British nationals?

The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) was extended to cover British nationals as part of the Brexit negotiations — a specific arrangement that gives British self-employed people access to a route that many other third-country nationals do not have. The DAFT permit allows British citizens to establish or work in their own business in the Netherlands. Requirements include: a viable business plan, meeting a scoring system on various criteria (education, business plan quality, financial resources, value to the Netherlands), and sufficient personal finances to support yourself. The DAFT permit is one of the more accessible routes for British freelancers and small business owners.

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