Visa & Legal Guides for Expats in the Netherlands 2026 (3 guides)

The legal and administrative side of moving to the Netherlands is not complicated once you understand the sequence. The problem is that almost nobody explains the sequence clearly. You need a BSN to open a bank account, but you need an address to get a BSN, but some landlords want a bank account before they give you an address. These guides untangle the dependencies so you know exactly what to do and in what order.

The Highly Skilled Migrant Visa

If you are moving to the Netherlands for work and your employer is an IND-recognised sponsor, the Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) visa — called the kennismigrant permit in Dutch — is the simplest route. Your employer handles the application, and processing typically takes two to four weeks.

The income threshold for the HSM permit changes each year. In 2026, it is €5,688 gross per month for applicants aged 30 and over, and €4,171 for those under 30. I cover the full requirements, the application process, and what happens when you change employers while on this permit.

Use the salary checker to verify whether your offered salary meets the threshold, and the visa permit finder to identify which permit type applies to your specific situation.

Residence Permits for Other Situations

Not everyone arrives on an HSM permit. These guides also cover:

• EU/EEA citizens registering under the right of free movement
• The orientation year visa (zoekjaar) for recent graduates
• The self-employment permit for freelancers
• Family reunification permits
• What to do if your situation changes mid-permit

The BSN Number

The Burgerservicenummer (BSN) is your Dutch identification number and the key that unlocks almost everything else — tax registration, health insurance, banking, and DigiD. You receive it automatically when you register at your municipality (gemeente), but the process for registering varies depending on whether you are in a large city or a smaller town.

DigiD Registration

DigiD is the Dutch digital identity system. You need it to file your taxes, access your pension overview, communicate with the IND, and use dozens of other government services. Registering for DigiD requires your BSN and a Dutch address, and the activation letter takes one to two weeks to arrive by post. I walk through the full process step by step.

The Complete Moving Checklist

The legal guides culminate in a complete moving checklist that covers every administrative step in the right order — from before you leave your home country to your first three months in the Netherlands. It is the starting point I recommend to every expat who is planning a move.