You have a room, a permit and a flight. Now the paperwork starts, and the order matters, because each step needs the one before it. This follows the sequence on Study in NL.

1. Register with the municipality and get your BSN

If you stay more than four months you must register as a resident in the Personal Records Database (BRP) at the municipality. That gives you a citizen service number (BSN). You need a BSN to open a bank account, take out health insurance, or take a job or internship. Many institutions run special intake days for registration, so ask your international office.

Three ways to avoid delays: bring the right documents (birth certificate, valid passport), find accommodation before you leave if you can, and register as soon as possible. The municipality can only refuse registration for three reasons: no valid passport or European identity card, no lawful residence, or no intention of staying longer than four months.

2. Get a DigiD

Once you have your BSN you can apply for a DigiD, the login for government websites such as Studielink, DUO (study finances), the Tax Office and municipal services.

3. Open a bank account

If you stay for a long time a bank account is useful. Most people use a debit card, and many grocery stores do not accept credit cards, according to Study in NL. You must have a bank account if you are working or doing an internship.

4. Health insurance

Dutch health insurance is compulsory for residents, but students on a temporary stay may not be obliged to have it. The rules change if you work or do an internship. See our health insurance guide.

5. Insure your belongings

Study in NL mentions liability, repatriation and travel insurance as common extras. Which ones make sense depends on your situation.

6. Getting around

You do not really need a car, according to Study in NL's getting-around page. You can check in and out of public transport with OVpay using a bank card, credit card or phone with NFC, or buy an OV-pas travel card. For the cost of everyday items see our cost-of-living page.

Order of work

  1. Municipality registration, BSN.
  2. DigiD.
  3. Bank account.
  4. Insurance, if it applies to you.

Sources

Opened and checked on 5 October 2026. Figures that change from year to year are marked "as of October 2026"; check the source before you rely on them.