ARRIVING IN THE NETHERLANDS
Welcome to the Netherlands, a country that has been at the forefront of LGBTQIA+ rights for many years. Nevertheless, despite these legal advancements, LGBTQIA+ individuals in the Netherlands still face difficulties in accessing adequate healthcare. Many LGBTQIA+ people report feeling uncomfortable or discriminated against when seeking medical and psychological treatment, which can lead to them avoiding seeking care altogether. It's important to be aware of this issue and to advocate for more inclusive healthcare practices. Precisely for this reason, we are here to help you navigate the system to the best of our abilities by providing all necessary information to promote more inclusive and safe healthcare practices for our community.
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The first step when arriving in the Netherlands is to register with your municipality. By registering with your municipality, you ensure that you have access to the healthcare system and can receive the care and treatment you need. This is especially important for members of the LGBTQIA+ community who may face additional healthcare needs and costs related to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you complete the municipal registration process as soon as possible after arriving in the Netherlands.
DigD
​DigiD is an online login and identity verification system used by the Dutch government to make it easier for you to access government services such as doing your taxes, applying for social security, and will be necessary for accessing online health portals. To get a DigiD, you need to have a Citizen Service Number (BSN), which is assigned to you after you complete municipal registration.
Municipal Registration
Welcome to the section on Municipal Registration in the Handbook for LGBTQIA+ resources in the Netherlands. If you plan to stay in the country for more than four months, you are required to register with your municipality. The Hague and Leiden municipalities provide assistance to students with their registration through their universities.
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To register with the municipality, the first step is to make an appointment. If you are in The Hague, you can call the municipality on tel. 14070 to schedule an appointment. If you are abroad, you can call tel. +31 70 353 30 00. If you are in Leiden, you can follow this link to fill in the first registration form and receive an email to make an appointment: First registration in the municipality of Leiden (e-inwoner.nl). You can also choose to handle the whole application
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When attending the appointment, you will need to bring a valid form of identification, such as a passport or identity card, and a copy of the passport or identity card (back and front). You will also need to provide proof of your address, such as a rental contract or written permission from the main occupant, including a copy of their valid identification.
Non-EU
If you have a non-EU nationality, the process for municipal registration is similar, but you will need a residence permit to live and study in the Netherlands. Your university will provide this for you and help you with your application for a study permit.
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In addition to the documents required for municipal registration, non-EU students also need to bring a copy of the acknowledgment of receipt that the school received from the IND.
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It is important to note that non-EU students must meet an income requirement known as the study norm to receive a residence permit for studying in the Netherlands. The study norm is the amount of money Dutch students receive in study benefits when living in a dorm, excluding education fees. The amount changes every year on January 1st.
For 2023, the monthly income requirements are €957.87 for Higher Professional Education (HBO) or university and €786.59 for Secondary Education or Senior Secondary Vocational Education (MBO).
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Meeting the income requirement is important because it ensures that you can afford to live and study in the Netherlands, including accessing healthcare services. By completing the municipal registration process and meeting the necessary requirements, you can enjoy all the benefits of living and studying in the Netherlands as a non-EU student.
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Find out more about your specific requirements
Once you are registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP), you are officially recognized as a Dutch resident and will receive a Citizen Service Number (Burgerservicenummer - BSN). Students usually receive their BSN approximately 2 to 4 weeks after registering with the municipality.
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Your BSN is an ID number that confirms your personal details in the Netherlands, and it is issued for life. You should keep your BSN confidential as it is required for various purposes such as opening a bank account, accessing social security, obtaining a Dutch sim card plan, working and paying income taxes, and obtaining DigiD.
Opening a Bank Account
When moving to the Netherlands, it is important to open a Dutch bank account, especially if you want to use many of the services available in the country. It is worth noting that while credit cards are becoming more widely accepted in the Netherlands, they are still not as commonly used as in some other countries. Many EU bank cards are accepted, but it is advisable to have a Dutch bank account to avoid any potential payment issues.
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If you are coming from a non-EU/EEA country, having a Dutch bank account becomes even more important. Some student-friendly banks with offices in the Netherlands include ING, ABN Amro, and Rabobank. Alternatively, you can choose an online bank such as Bunq, Bitsafe, or Revolut. Opening a bank account is a straightforward process, and you will typically need to provide identification and proof of address to do so.
Working as a Student
Working as a student in the Netherlands can be a great way to earn some extra income and gain valuable work experience. However, there are certain requirements that need to be met depending on your nationality.
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If you have an EU nationality, you can work in the Netherlands without restrictions during and after your studies as long as you have Basic Dutch Health Insurance. This means you are entitled to receive healthcare in the Netherlands, which is important for staying healthy while studying abroad.
On the other hand, non-EU citizens require a student residence permit and a work permit to work in the Netherlands. Your employer must submit your work permit application to the Dutch Employment Agency or UWV. Non-EU students are allowed to work up to a maximum of 16 hours per week, or full-time during the months of June, July, and August. It is important to note that having Basic Dutch Health Insurance is mandatory for non-EU students to work in the Netherlands.
If you are interested in being self-employed, both EU and non-EU students are allowed to do so during their studies. There are no restrictions on how many hours you work, but you must register your company at the Dutch Chamber of Commerce or KVK.