Living in the Netherlands

Coronavirus

You should follow the advice of the Dutch government and your local authority. You can also read our Netherlands travel advice for our latest guidance.

For information on getting a COVID-19 vaccine as a UK national in the Netherlands see our coronavirus travel advice.

Stay up to date

You should:

• sign up for email alerts
• follow the British Embassy on Facebook and Twitter

You can also:

• read the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) guidance on living in the Netherlands
• read the Dutch government’s Q&A for UK nationals living in the Netherlands
• contact the IND Brexit information line: +31 (0)88 04 30410 if you need help making your residency application, or have questions on residency

The Withdrawal Agreement

IfThe Withdrawal Agreement sets out the terms of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and provides for a deal on citizens’ rights. It sets out a transition period which lasts until 31 December 2020. During this time you werecan legallycontinue residentto live, work and study in the NetherlandsEU broadly as you did before 131 January 2021,2020.

If youryou rightsare resident in the Netherlands at the end of the transition period, you will be protectedcovered by the Withdrawal Agreement.Agreement, Youand mustyour applyrights forwill abe newprotected residencefor statusas bylong 30as Juneyou 2021remain toresident securein yourthe rights.Netherlands.

YouAny shouldrights alsothat readare ournot covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations. Read this guidance onpage livingfor inmore Europe.information.

Visas and residency

Residency

If you are lawfully resident in the Netherlands on or before 31 December 2020, you will be able to stay. You will need to submit your application for residency by 30 June 2021, in line with the Withdrawal Agreement.

Citizen service number (BSN)

Everyone living in the Netherlands must have a citizen service number, often referred to as a BSN (burgerservicenummer). You must register with your local municipality (gemeente) toand obtainyou will be assigned a citizen service number (BSN).

You must apply for a BSN within 5 days of arriving in the Netherlands. You will need to make an appointment with the municipality (gemeente) wherein which you live. YourInformation local gemeente’s website provides information on how to book an appointmentappointments and what documentation you will need.need will be on your local gemeente’s website.

YouA needBSN ais BSNrequired for manya variety of administrative procedures in the Netherlands,Netherlands. includingYou working,will openingneed one in order to work, open a bank account, arrangingarrange health insurance, visitingvisit a doctor or hospital, or applyingapply for benefits.

If you leave the Netherlands and later return, you’ll keep the same BSN when you re-register with the municipality.

Read the Dutch government’sgovernment guidance about BSN numbers.

Registering in the Personal Records Database

Every resident of the Netherlands must be registered in the Personal Records Database, referred to as the BRP (Basisregistratie Personen) which is held by the local municipality Administration (gemeente). You may request to do this at the same time as you apply for your BSN.

If you move house, you should make sure you re-register again at your new address. The IND and other government bodies will use the BRP to contact you.

Ifyou, youif leavethey the Netherlands to become resident elsewhere, you must deregister from the BRP before you leave the Netherlands. If you move back to the Netherlands, you will need to register at your local gemeente and you will be assigned the same BSN as you had before.to.

The new residency document

IfYou youdo arenot legallyneed residentto inbe theinvited Netherlands before 1 January 2021, you will need to apply for athe new residency document to secure your rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.document.

You must submit your application for the new document by 30 June 2021. If you have been living in the Netherlands for:Netherlands:

• for less than 5 years, apply for a temporary residency document
• over 5 years consecutively, apply for a permanent residency document

If you have questions about making an application,application call the IND’s helpline for UK nationals, on +31 (0)88 04 30410, to discuss your personal situation.

Before starting your online application, make sure that you have all the following:

• DigiD with sms code or DigiD app. If you do not yet have a DigiD, apply for it on www.digid.nl/en. You should also read the explanation about the DigiD app (in Dutch and English)
• iDEAL (online payment method) to pay for your application. You need a Dutch bank account to set this up
• ascanned copy of the pages of your passport showing your personal details and period of validity
• ascanned copy of any other documents you need to upload. Read the IND guidance on what documents you will need for temporary residency or for permanent residency
• BSN number
• (optional) V-number: thisThis is thea IND’s unique identification number,number used by the IND, you can find it on correspondence from the IND about your residencyinvitation rightsletter

You may also apply by downloading a paper version of the application form from the IND website and postingby sending it to the IND. by post.

You can submit an application for other family members within the same household at the same time as your own. You need their documents to do so.

If you moved to the Netherlands in late 2020, you need to keep a range of evidence that you arrived with intention to live there. This could include:

• a travel document
• rental receipt for a property
• a registration to demonstrate you are seeking a job

Decision on your application and biometrics

When you submit an application for residency, you will receive aan letteracknowledgement from the IND, that is your ‘certificate of application’..

After you have applied, you will need to make an appointment to have your biometrics taken. You dodon’t not have to wait for a decision onto your application before you have your biometrics taken. The IND will takeneed your fingerprints, a passport photo of you and your signature. You can choose whether you would like to book your appointment at an IND desk or at an expat centre.

You Thewill appointmentreceive cana bedecision bookedon online,your butapplication youthrough willyour needDigiD tomessage attendbox (Berichtenbox). The decision will be written in person.Dutch.

Read the IND guidance on biometric appointments andan how to book one.

YouThe IND will receiveaim ato decisionhave on your applicationbiometric throughresidency yourcard DigiDready messagewithin box2 (Berichtenbox).weeks Theof decisionyour biometric appointment. It will be writtendelivered into Dutch.

Theyour INDhome aimsby tothe provideIPKD your(Interdepartementale biometricPost-en residencyKoeriersdienst), carda withinDutch 2governmental weeksorganisation ofspecialising yourin biometriccourier appointment.services. Read the Dutch government guidance on how you will receive your residency card (open the Brexit tab under ‘Frequently asked questions about the effects of the coronavirus’).FAQs).

You mustare alwaysnot carryrequired phototo ID,carry asyour anew legalbiometric requirement.residence Youcard canduring usethe yourtransition passport or your new residency card.period.

Other residency documents

If you have a valid EU residence document (duurzaam verblijf), you need to exchange it for a new residence cardcard. You bydo makingnot aneed biometricto appointment.submit an application, you just need to make an appointment to have your biometrics taken. Read the IND guidance on how to exchange EU residency documents.

If you are currently awayoutside fromof the Netherlands, and you haven’t provided your address, then the IND will not be able to contact you to arrange the exchange. ToIf you want to discuss your circumstances and what you need to do, call the IND’s information line for UK nationals on: +31 (0)88 04 30410.

Dutch nationality or other EU nationalities

If you have Dutch citizenship or a valid Dutch national residence permit, you don’t need a new residence document.document Ifand you havewill not receive a Typeletter IIfrom residencythe permit,IND.

If you canhave alsoanother applyEU fornationality the new residency status if you wantmay to.not However,receive youa canletter onlyfrom havethe one residency document.IND.

Read the IND guidance on residency rights.

Moving

Arriving toin the Netherlands after 1 January 2021

CheckIf you arrive in the entryNetherlands requirementsafter 31 December 2020 and you are not coming for the Netherlands.purpose of family reunification under the Withdrawal Agreement, different immigration requirements will apply.

Read the IND guidance on moving to the Netherlands after 1 January 2021.

Studying

YouIf you are living in the Netherlands on or before 31 December 2020, you will still be eligibleentitled forto broadlyreceive thestudent samefinance supportand aspay Dutchstatutory nationals,tuition fees as long as you weremeet legallythe residentresidency inconditions.

Due theto Netherlandscoronavirus, beforesome 1Higher JanuaryEducation 2021.providers may be offering their courses online only. You mustshould applycontact your educational institution for theguidance newon residencyhow permit.this may affect you.

DependentTo onstudy yourin circumstancesthe Netherlands, you mustneed either;

• applyto forobtain a newresidence UKpermit. issuedTo EHIC
• purchasedo privateso healthyou insurance, or
must:
• purchasebe basicenrolled Dutchfor healtha insurancefull-time (basisday verzekering),course ifat youan work,educational interninstitution orthat volunteeris whilstrecognised studyingas (asa legallysponsor
• have requiredenough tomoney dofor so)

Readat ourleast guidance1 on:

• healthcareyear’s for studentsmaintenance
• continuingbe yourinsured studiesagainst medical expenses whilst you are in the EUNetherlands

Moving to the Netherlands to study

If you are planningunder to30 studyand live in the Netherlands,Netherlands makefor surestudy purposes only, you meetcannot allenrol visawith requirementsa beforeDutch youhealth arrive.insurer Contactfor the relevantmandatory Higherbasic Educationhealth providerinsurance. toRead checkthe whatNHS feesguidance youon mayhealthcare haveand tostudying pay.abroad.

ReadIf theyou Dutchhave government’sa guidancepart-time onjob tuitionduring feesyour fromstudies, 1you Januarybecome 2021subject (into Dutch andsocial English).

Passportssecurity legislation and travel

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Passports residentand intravel

The therules Netherlands,on youtravel maywill bestay askedthe additionalsame questionsuntil at the bordertransition toperiod enterends theon Schengen31 area,December and2020. yourDuring passportthis maytime beyou stampedcan oncontinue entryto andtravel exit.to Thiscountries willin notthe affectSchengen yourarea rightsor elsewhere in the Netherlands.EU with your UK passport.

Passports

Check your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip. Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay.

You can apply for or renew your British passport from the Netherlands.

Passports from 1 January 2021

YouCheck your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip.

From 1 January 2021, you must have at least 6 months left on an adult or child passport to travel to most countries in Europe (not including Ireland). This requirement does not apply if you are entering or transiting to the Netherlands, and you are in scope of the Withdrawal Agreement.

If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the 6 months needed.

You will need to Renewrenew your passport before bookingtravelling your travel if you do not have enough time left on your passport.

As a non-EEA national, different border checks will apply when travelling to other EU or Schengen area countries. You may need to show a return or onward ticket and that you have enough money for your stay. You may also have to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queuing.queueing. YouYour passport may alsobe needstamped tofor showvisits ato returnthese or onward ticket.countries.

Entry requirements

YouFrom can1 January 2021, you will be able to travel to other Schengen area countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa for purposes such as tourism.

To stayThis longeris thana 90rolling days180-day inperiod.

To anystay 180-dayfor periodlonger, to work or study, or for business travel, you mustwill need to meet the entry requirements set out by the country to which you are travellingtravelling. to. This could mean applying for a visa or work permit. You may also need to get a visa if your visit would take you over the 90 days in 180 days limit.

Periods of timestay authorised byunder a visa or permit will not count towardsagainst the 90-day visa-free limit. Travel to the UK and Ireland will not change.

Different rules will apply to EU countries that are not part of the Schengen Area. Check each country’s travel advice page for information on entry requirements.

Travel to the UK and Ireland will not change.

Healthcare

If you move to the Netherlands, you must arrange health insurance within 4 months of your arrival. The basic Dutch health insurance (basis verzekering) covers general medical care, such as visits to a local GP and hospital care. You can read guidance on health insurance in the Netherlands.

If you are a resident and purchase basic Dutch health insurance, your access to healthcare will not change.

Read our guidance on who can access healthcare in the Netherlands and make sure you are correctly registered.

If your UK employer has sent you to the Netherlands temporarily, your access to healthcare is different. Find out how to access healthcare as a posted workerregister.

State healthcare: S1

If you havelive a registered S1 form and were living in the Netherlands beforeand 1receive Januaryan 2021,exportable yourUK rightspension, tocontribution-based accessEmployment healthcareSupport willAllowance stayor theanother sameexportable ifbenefit, you aremay either:

• receivingcurrently abe UKentitled Stateto Pension
• receivingstate somehealthcare otherpaid ‘exportablefor benefits’
• aby frontierthe workerUK. whoYou liveswill inneed theto Netherlandsapply andfor commutesa tocertificate workof inentitlement theknown UK
as an S1 certificate.

Read our guidance on usinghow to get an S1 form in the Netherlands to ensure you are correctly registered for healthcare..

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

If you are resident in the Netherlands, you must not use your UK-issued EHIC forfrom the UK to access healthcare in the Netherlands.

IfWhen you weretravel livingfrom in the Netherlands beforefor 1a Januarytemporary 2021,stay youin mayanother beEuropean eligibleEconomic forArea a(EEA) newcountry UK-issuedor EHICSwitzerland, ifyou you’re:

• acan UKuse studentan inEHIC theto Netherlands
• aaccess UKstate-provided Statehealthcare Pensionerin withthat acountry. registeredDuring S1
that short stay:
• athe frontierEHIC workercovers withtreatment athat registeredis S1

Applymedically nownecessary foruntil ayour newplanned UKreturn EHIC. 

Anhome

• an EHIC is not a replacement for comprehensive travel insurance.

  Forinsurance

• for more information you can read our guidancetravel onadvice healthcarepages whenand travelling in Europe and advice on foreign travel insurance.

There will be no changes to your healthcare access before 31 December 2020. You can also continue to use your EHIC, as you did before, during this time.

You should also read guidance on:

• finding an English-speaking doctor in the Netherlands
• checking that your prescriptions are legal

If you are a student, read thefurther information about healthcare:

• NHS guidance on EHICs and studying abroad
• DutchNetherlands’ government’s guidance on healthcare for international students in the Netherlands.
  Netherlands

Working

Read our guidance on working in an EU country.

To apply for a job you may need to apply for a:

• UK police certificate
• Certificate of Conduct (VOG) Netherlands

If you are legally resident in the Netherlands beforeon 1or Januarybefore 2021,31 youDecember have2020, theyour right to work inwill thenot Netherlands,change, as long as you remain legallyresident resident.in You must apply for the new residency document.Netherlands.

If you arearrive planningin to go to the Netherlands toafter work31 youDecember may2020, needyou a work permit. Read the Dutch government’s guidance on who will needbe asubject workto permit.

Frontier workers

If you live in the Netherlandsrules andapplicable were regularly commuting to worknon-EU innationals anotherand EU or EFTA country before 1 January 2021, you may need a permit to show that you are a frontier worker. You must also apply for a residency card in the Netherlands.

If you live in the UK or another EU or EFTA country and regularly commuted to work in the Netherlands before 1 January 2021, you need a permit. Read the Dutch Immigrationgovernment’s and Naturalisation Service (IND) guidance on howwho towill applyneed for a frontierwork worker’s permit.

Money and tax

The UK has a double taxation agreement with the Netherlands to ensure you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.

Existing double taxation arrangements for UK nationals living in the Netherlands have not changed.

For more information, you can read our guidance on:

• tax if you leave the UK to live abroad
• paying tax on your UK income if you live abroad
• European Union’s guidance on paying income tax in the Netherlands

We recommend you get professional advice on paying tax in the Netherlands. Find an English-speaking lawyer in the Netherlands.

National Insurance

FindYou outmay ifalso yoube needable to pay National Insurance inwhile the UK or social security contributionsabroad inso thethat Netherlands.

Banking

Whetheryou UKprotect banksyour canState providePension servicesand entitlement to customersother livingbenefits in the EEA is a matter of local law and regulation.allowances.

If Your bank or finance provider should contact you ifare theyemployed needor toself-employed makein anythe changesEU to your product or theEEA wayand they provide it. If you have anya concernsUK-issued aboutA1/E101 whetherform, you mightwill beremain affected,subject contactto yourUK providerlegislation oruntil seek independent financial advice.

Read the Moneyend anddate Pension Service guidance on banking,the insurance and financial services changes for more information on cross-border banking.form.

Pensions

Read our guidance on entitlement to UK benefits and pensions while you are living in the Netherlands.

You will need to tell the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving or retiring abroad.

If you retire in the Netherlands, you can claim:

• your UK State Pension or new UK State Pension. Contact the International Pension Centre to claim
• your Dutch pension by contacting your local pensions office, if you’ve worked in the Netherlands
• pensions from working abroad, if you’ve worked in other EU countries

For more information you can read the Dutch government’s guidance on Dutch social security, including pensions.

Read the Money and Pension Service guidance on pension and retirement changes for more information on cross-border pensions.

Life certificates for UK State Pensions

If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you need to respond as soon as possible – your payments may be suspended if you do not.don’t.

Benefits

Pensions after 31 December 2020

ReadThere ourwill guidancebe no changes before 31 December 2020 to the rules on entitlementclaiming the UK State Pension in the EU, EEA or Switzerland as a result of the UK leaving the EU.

If you are living in the EU, EEA or Switzerland by 31 December 2020 you will get your UK State Pension uprated every year for as long as you continue to live there. This will happen even if you start claiming your pension on or after 1 January 2021, as long as you meet the qualifying conditions explained in the new State Pension guidance.

If you are living in the Netherlands before by 31 December 2020, you will be able to count future social security contributions towards meeting the qualifying conditions for your UK State Pension.

If you work and pay social security contributions in the Netherlands, you will still be able to add your UK social security contributions towards your Dutch pension. This will happen even if you claim your pension after 31 December 2020.

If you are considering moving to the Netherlands on or after 1 January 2021 and you are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, the rules depend on negotiations with the EU and may change. Check our guidance on benefits and pensions in the EU.

You whilecan youcontinue areto livingreceive your UK State Pension if you live in the Netherlands.EU, EEA or Switzerland and you can still claim your UK State Pension.

Benefits

You will need to tell the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving or retiring abroad.

CheckYou whichmay still be able to claim some UK benefits like child and disability benefits if you live in the Netherlands.

You should:

• read our guidance on which benefits you can claim whileif you live, move or travel abroad
• use andour howtool to check which benefits you can claim them.
  while abroad

Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit cannot be paid to you if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.

You may be eligible to claim some Dutch social security benefits. Read the EU’s guide to benefits in the Netherlands.

You can request proof of the time you’ve worked in the UK from HMRC if you are asked for this.

Driving

Benefits after 31 December 2020

YouThere shouldwill exchangebe yourno UKchanges licencebefore at31 yourDecember local2020 councilto (gemeente).the The rules on exchangingclaiming yourUK licencebenefits dependin onthe howEU, EEA or Switzerland as a result of the UK leaving the EU.

If you are living in the EU, EEA or Switzerland by 31 December 2020, you will continue to receive any UK benefits you already receive. This will continue for as long as you havelive beenthere residentand meet all other eligibility requirements.

If you work and pay social security contributions in the Netherlands.Netherlands, Readyour theUK social security contributions will be taken into account when applying for Dutch government’scontributions-based benefits. This will happen even if you claim contributions-based benefits after 31 December 2020.

If you are considering moving to the Netherlands on or after 1 January 2021 and you are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, the rules depend on negotiations with the EU and may change. Check our guidance on howbenefits toand exchangepensions yourin the EU.

Driving

Driving licence rules will stay the same until 31 December 2020.

Driving licences can be exchanged at your local council (gemeente). More information about the process can be found via the Netherlands’ Vehicle Authority (RDW).

For information on driving in the Netherlands, read guidance on:

• EU’s guidance on driving licence exchange
• what you need to drive abroad
• road travel in the Netherlands

When driving in the Netherlands, you should always carry your:

• driving licence
• insurance documents
• photo ID (verblijfsdocument), such as a passport or residence permit

Driving in the UK with a Dutch licence

You can use your Dutch licence in the UK for short visits, or exchange it for a UK licence without taking a test. We will update this page if there are any changes to the rules, as soon as information is available.

Bringing a UK-registered vehicle to the Netherlands

Read our guidance on taking a vehicle out of the UK.

Once you’re registered as a resident in the Netherlands, you must register your vehicle with the Dutch authorities and you may need to pay some taxes.

You can read the RDW (Netherlands Vehicle Authority) advice on importing a vehicle into the Netherlands. You may be exempt from some of these taxes. If so you will need certificates of exemption.

Voting

Once you are registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP) you can vote in the Water Board Elections.

If you have been resident in the Netherlands for 5 years or more you can vote and stand in local municipal elections.

You cannot vote in European Parliament elections.

You may be able to vote in some UK elections. You can:

• check if you are able to vote
• register as an overseas voter

Births, deaths and getting married

If your child is born in the Netherlands, you will need to register the birth abroad.

If someone dies in the Netherlands you can:

• read our guidance on what to do after someone dies abroad
• read our guidance on deaths in the Netherlands
• find English-speaking funeral directors in the Netherlands

Find out how you can get married abroad.

You may also need:

• notarial and documentary services for the Netherlands

• English-speaking lawyers in the Netherlands

Accommodation and buying property

Read our guidance on buying a property abroad.

Pets

IfCurrent you have a pet passport issued by the Netherlands or another EU country, you can use it to travel withrules yourwill petstay tothe Greatsame Britainuntil and31 elsewhereDecember in the EU.2020.

AIf GB-issuedyou’re EUtravelling petwith passportyour ispet not valid for travel to the EUfirst ortime Northernyou Ireland.must Contactvisit your vet before you travel to get thea pet travel documents you need and ensure you comply with the EU Pet Travel Regulations.passport.

Read guidance on:

• on bringing your pet to GB
• travelling with your pet in the EUUK.
• travelling to Northern Ireland with your pet

Check the rules of the country you’re travelling to for any additional restrictions or requirements before you travel.

Emergencies

For all emergencies dial the European emergency number on 112.

People with disabilities can use the emergency application, a web-based emergency access and relay service.

If you’re the victim of crime, have been arrested, or are affected by a crisis abroad, contact your nearest British embassy or consulate.

Returning to the UK

Tell the UK and the Dutch authorities if you are returning to the UK permanently.

If you get a UK State Pension, you must tell the International Pension Centre.

If you get healthcare in the Netherlands through the S1 form, you must contact the Overseas Healthcare Team on +44 (0)191 218 1999 to make sure your S1 is cancelled at the right time.

Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on, amongst other things, tax, access to services and bringing family members.

Disclaimer

This information is provided as a guide only. Definitive information should be obtained from the Netherlands authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information.