Independent platform; we are not a government body or recruitment agency.4 October 2026
NL Worker Compass
Working in the Netherlands

Moving & registration

Prepare the documents and appointments you need for your first weeks in the Netherlands.

A traveller arriving at a Dutch railway station
Illustrative image; people shown are fictional.

Where would you like to start?

01

Which registration do I need?

02

What should I arrange in my first week?

03

How do I get DigiD?

Useful tools

All tools

Continue with your next step

Your registration route depends on your situation and intended stay. Start with BSN, RNI and BRP, then work through the first-week checklist. Read the DigiD guide when you are ready to access government services online. Keep original documents and appointment confirmations within reach.

Practical guides

Questions people ask

Can an agency keep my BSN and identity documents?

Employers need specific information for lawful payroll and identity checks, but keep control of your originals and share copies only for a clear purpose. Never publish your BSN or upload it into this website.

Should I get a new BSN if I worked in the Netherlands before?

Normally you keep your existing BSN. Bring the old record and explain your return to the municipality.

Can I apply while living outside the Netherlands?

A foreign-resident route exists for people with a BSN and the required identity and contact details. Appointment availability and activation steps differ. Check the official route before booking travel or assuming a video appointment is available in the Netherlands.

Can my employer use my DigiD for me?

Keep your password and app approvals private. Use an official authorisation route where available instead of sharing your personal login.

Sources