Moving checklist in Amsterdam

1. 1

   Secure Your Visa/Residence Permit

   essential

   Ensure your visa or residence permit is in order before arrival if you are a non-EU citizen. This is a fundamental step for legal residency and future registrations in the Netherlands.

2. 2

   Begin Your Housing Search Early

   essential

   Start looking for shared accommodation several months in advance. Use platforms like Funda, Pararius, and Facebook groups. Be wary of scams and always verify listings.

3. 3

   Understand Dutch Contract Types

   essential

   Familiarize yourself with 'Tijdelijk huurcontract' (temporary) and 'Onbepaalde tijd huurcontract' (indefinite). A temporary contract is common for shared housing and often has a fixed end date.

4. 4

   Prepare Financial Proof and Documents

   essential

   Gather proof of income, employment contracts, or scholarship letters. Landlords often require these to assess your ability to pay rent, especially for competitive shared spaces.

5. 5

   Book Temporary Accommodation

   essential

   Arrange a short-term stay for your initial days. This gives you a base to conduct in-person viewings and finalize your permanent shared housing without pressure.

6. 6

   Research Health Insurance Options

   recommended

   Investigate Dutch health insurance ('basisverzekering') providers like Zilveren Kruis or CZ. It's mandatory once you are registered and living in the Netherlands.

7. 7

   Translate Important Documents

   nice-to-have

   Have essential documents like birth certificates or diplomas translated into Dutch or English by a sworn translator if they are not already in these languages.

8. 8

   Learn Basic Dutch Phrases

   nice-to-have

   Knowing a few basic Dutch phrases like 'hallo', 'dank u wel', and 'tot ziens' can greatly enhance your daily interactions and show respect for the local culture.

9. 9

   Budget for Initial Costs

   essential

   Prepare for a security deposit (typically 1-2 months' rent) and the first month's rent. These are significant upfront costs when securing shared accommodation in Amsterdam.

10. 10

    Pack Smartly for Limited Space

    recommended

    Shared housing often means smaller rooms. Pack efficiently, bringing only essentials to save space and reduce moving stress upon arrival in Amsterdam.

1. 1

   Register with Gemeente Amsterdam

   essential

   Within five days of arrival, register at the local municipality ('Inschrijven bij de gemeente') to obtain your BSN (Burger Service Nummer), which is crucial for everything.

2. 2

   Open a Dutch Bank Account

   essential

   With your BSN, open an account with a Dutch bank like ING, ABN AMRO, or Rabobank. This is essential for rent payments, salary, and daily transactions.

3. 3

   Get a Dutch SIM Card

   essential

   Purchase a local SIM card (e.g., Vodafone, KPN, T-Mobile) for easy communication and navigation. This helps you stay connected and manage appointments.

4. 4

   Obtain an OV-chipkaart

   essential

   Get a personalized or anonymous OV-chipkaart for seamless travel on GVB trams, buses, and metros. It's the most convenient way to use public transport.

5. 5

   Familiarize Yourself with Your Neighborhood

   recommended

   Explore local grocery stores (Albert Heijn, Jumbo), pharmacies, and other amenities near your shared housing. Knowing your surroundings helps you settle in quickly.

6. 6

   Understand Waste Separation

   recommended

   Learn Amsterdam's recycling rules for household waste. Proper separation (paper, plastic, organic) is important and helps maintain a clean environment.

7. 7

   Connect with Flatmates/Neighbors

   nice-to-have

   Introduce yourself to your flatmates and neighbors. Building good relationships is key to a comfortable shared living experience and local integration.

8. 8

   Set Up Basic Utilities (if applicable)

   essential

   If your shared housing contract requires you to arrange utilities, contact providers for electricity, gas, and internet. Your flatmates can offer guidance.

9. 9

   Locate Your Nearest Doctor (Huisarts)

   recommended

   Research and register with a local general practitioner ('huisarts'). Having a registered doctor is vital for non-emergency medical care in the Netherlands.

10. 10

    Walk or Cycle Locally

    nice-to-have

    Take some time to walk or cycle around your immediate area. This helps you get your bearings and discover hidden gems, integrating you into the city's rhythm.

1. 1

   Finalize Dutch Health Insurance

   essential

   Ensure your mandatory Dutch health insurance ('basisverzekering') is fully set up. You generally have four months after registration to arrange this.

2. 2

   Get a Bicycle or Subscribe to Swapfiets

   essential

   Embrace Amsterdam's cycling culture. Purchase a second-hand bike or subscribe to a bike-sharing service like Swapfiets for convenient and affordable transport.

3. 3

   Explore Local Markets and Shops

   recommended

   Visit markets like Albert Cuyp or Dappermarkt for fresh produce and local goods. This can be more affordable and offers a taste of authentic Amsterdam life.

4. 4

   Understand Gemeentelijke Belastingen

   essential

   Familiarize yourself with municipal taxes ('gemeentelijke belastingen'). You'll receive tax assessments for things like waste and water. Don't ignore them.

5. 5

   Join Expat or Student Groups

   recommended

   Connect with other internationals through meetups, university associations, or online forums. This is excellent for building a social network and finding support.

6. 6

   Visit a Local Library (OBA)

   nice-to-have

   The Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam (OBA) offers not just books but also cultural events, workspaces, and language courses, which are great for integration.

7. 7

   Consider Liability Insurance

   recommended

   A 'aansprakelijkheidsverzekering' (liability insurance) is highly recommended. It covers damages you might accidentally cause to others or their property, which is useful in shared living.

8. 8

   Learn About Dutch Public Holidays

   nice-to-have

   Understand Dutch public holidays like King's Day or Liberation Day. Many shops close, and public transport schedules change, so plan accordingly.

9. 9

   Set Up DigiD Account

   essential

   Apply for a DigiD, your personal online ID for communicating with Dutch government agencies. It's essential for accessing many online services securely.

10. 10

    Explore Amsterdam's Cultural Scene

    nice-to-have

    Take time to visit museums like the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum, or enjoy a canal cruise. Immerse yourself in the rich culture of your new city.

• Always physically view a room or have a trusted contact do a video tour to avoid common rental scams in Amsterdam's competitive market.
• Be prepared to make quick decisions and have your deposit ready; desirable shared housing in Amsterdam gets rented within hours.
• Network extensively! Many rooms in shared houses are found through word-of-mouth within expat and student communities.
• Consider areas just outside the city center, like Amsterdam-Noord or Nieuw-West, for slightly more affordable shared accommodation options.
• Don't underestimate the power of a well-written, personal introduction when applying for rooms; it can make you stand out to landlords.

This guide is tailored specifically for Amsterdam, Netherlands, addressing its unique housing shortage and the specific bureaucratic steps required for new residents. It emphasizes registration with the Gemeente Amsterdam, obtaining a BSN, and navigating GVB public transport, which are all integral to settling into life in the Dutch capital.

• Best neighborhoods
• Cost of living
• First month guide
• Student discounts
• Public transport
• Pet-Friendly living
• Safety guide
• Local food
• Neighbourhoods

• Rental contracts
• Tenant rights
• Deposit protection
• Registration guide
• Flatshare etiquette
• Banking for expats