Living in the Netherlands
Information aboutfor movingBritish to,citizens livingmoving to or retiringliving in the NetherlandsNetherlands, – including visas,guidance working,on residency, healthcare and driving.
- From:
-
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office - Published
- 17 May 2013
- Last updated
-
23
12DecemberJuly20252024— See all updates
Getting
This helpguide withsets out essential information for British citizens moving to or living in the NetherlandsNetherlands. Read about how our British Embassy in The Hague can help.
Help
This information is provided as a guide only. You should get definitive information from the Dutch government
Forauthorities. anyThe questionsForeign, aboutCommonwealth moving& toDevelopment orOffice living(FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in thethis Netherlands,information.
Read yougeneral mayguidance beon ablemoving toor getretiring helpabroad.
To fromstay the:up to date:
- Embassy
signofuptheforNetherlandsemailin Londonalerts - Dutch
followPublictheInformationBritishServiceEmbassyTheHagueonFacebookand
TheTwitter
If UKyou governmentwere andliving in the BritishNetherlands Embassybefore in1 TheJanuary Hague2021
Some cannotparts giveof personalisedthis adviceguide ononly movingapply to,if livingyou orwere retiringliving in the Netherlands.
ProfessionalNetherlands helpbefore in1 theJanuary Netherlands
2021. You canshould alsoread getthese helpin fromaddition English-speakingto professionalsthe inrest of the Netherlands,guidance including:in each section.
- lawyers
- translators
- notaries
- funeral
Thedirectors
HelpEU fromwill thesoon UKbe government
Readimplementing the travelEuropean adviceEntry forExit the NetherlandsSystem, to understandensure thethat risks you mayare faceexempt iffrom youthis livesystem inyou orshould visitalways thetravel Netherlands.with Thisyour includesWithdrawal theAgreement latestresidence informationdocument on:
- visas
(‘Articleand50entryTEUrequirements - laws
(TreatyandonculturalEuropeandifferences - safety
Union)andresidencesecurity
ReadYou ourshould guidancealso onread moving,our livingLiving orin retiringEurope abroadpage.
Get helpfor fromdetailed theguidance UKabout governmentcitizens’ abroad,rights includingunder inthe anWithdrawal emergency.Agreement.
Visas,Visas residency and citizenship residency
MakeYou suremust tell the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you meetare moving or retiring abroad.
Check the entry requirementsrequirement for the Netherlands before you travel..
Visas
CheckRead the Immigration and residenceNaturalisation permits
Service which(IND) visaguidance oron the types of residence permitcan apply for as a ‘third country national’ who wants to livemove into the Netherlands.
You canare get a visa‘third orcountry residencenational’ permitif to:
- work
- study
- do
youanmovedinternship,toapprenticeshiptheorNetherlandsworkafterexperience - start
1aJanuarybusiness - do
2021research - live
andwithyoufamilydoinnotthehaveNetherlands - get
EU,medicalEEAtreatment
ForIn morethe information,Netherlands, readby guidancelaw, on:you must always carry photo ID, for example your passport or residence permit.
- immigration
ThetoEUthewillNetherlands - living
soonandbeworkingimplementingin the NetherlandsEuropeanEntryExitSystem
Registering, asto aensure resident
Oncethat you arrive,are exempt from this system you needshould toalways registertravel with your localresidence municipality (‘Gemeente’).document.
If
Citizen youservice intendnumber to(BSN)
Everyone liveliving in the Netherlands formust morehave thantheir 4own months,citizen youservice neednumber, referred to register as a residentBSN with(burgerservicenummer). You need a BSN for many administrative procedures in the PersonalNetherlands, Recordsincluding Databaseworking, (BRP)opening a bank account, arranging health insurance, visiting a doctor or hospital, or applying for benefits. Read the Dutch government’s guidance about BSNs.
Within To5 dodays this,of arriving in the Netherlands, you must make an appointment atwith your local municipality (‘Gemeente’)(gemeente) withinto 5request daysregistration ofin yourthe arrivalPersonal Records Database BRP (Basisregistratie Personen). Your local municipality’s website provides information on how to book an appointment and what documentation you will need. You will get a BSN when you are registered in the Netherlands.BRP.
IfYou you’llmust be livingregistered in the NetherlandsBRP forat lessthe thancorrect 4address. months,The youIND shouldand registerother ongovernment thebodies Non-Residentswill Recordsuse Databasethe (RNI).BRP Toto do this, contact youryou. local RNI desk.
If you move house, you must informregister yourwith the municipality ofthat youryou changemove of address.to.
If you haveleave anythe problemsNetherlands orto questionsbecome aboutresident registeringelsewhere, asyou amust residentderegister orfrom non-residentthe inBRP before you leave. If you move back to the Netherlands:
-
contact
Netherlands,youryoulocalwillRNIneeddesktoorregistermunicipalityat(‘Gemeente’) - contact
yourNetherlandslocalWorldwide - find
municipalityanandEnglish-speakingyoulawyerwillinbegiventhe Netherlands
Citizens’Working Servicefor Numberan (BSN)international organisation
OnceIf you havework registeredfor asan ainternational residentorganisation, oryou non-residentmust check with your organisation’s HR department for advice about your stay in the Netherlands,Netherlands. you’llEach getinternational aorganisation Citizenhas Servicean Numberagreement (BSN).with Youthe mustDutch havegovernment aabout BSNtheir to:
- work
- open
staff.aThebankMinistryaccount - get
ofhealthForeigninsurance - visit
Affairshasa doctorgeneralorprotocolhospital - apply
guideforwithbenefits
Extendingpractical orinformation replacingbased youron visatheir orinterpretation residenceof permit
ContactIf theyou Dutchpreviously Immigrationworked for an international organisation and Naturalisationyou Servicewish forto informationcontinue onliving howin to:
- extend
theorNetherlands,renewreadyourthevisaDutchorgovernmentresidenceguidancepermit - replace
onahowlosttoorapplystolenforvisaaorpermanentresidence permit
Permanent residency
Youas mayan be‘ex-privileged’ ableperson.
Visas toand applyresidency forif permanentyou residencywere living in the Netherlands ifbefore 1 January 2021
If you haveapplied hadfor ayour validnew residence permitdocument for(‘Article at50 leastTEU 5(Treaty consecutiveon years.
ToEuropean findUnion) outresidence ifdocument’) you’reby eligible30 andSeptember how2021, toyour apply,rights readare theprotected Dutchby Immigrationthe andWithdrawal NaturalisationAgreement, Service’spending guidancea decision on permanentyour application. There are 2 types of residence permits.status:
Citizenship
In
temporarymostlivingcases,inthe Netherlands doesfornotlessrecognisethandual5citizenshipyearspermanentwithlivinginthe UK.NetherlandsThisformeans5thatyearsyouormaymore
If you have toa givetemporary upArticle (renounce)50 yourTEU Britishresidence citizenshipdocument, toyou becomecan apply for a Dutchpermanent citizen.residence Readdocument guidanceafter onliving duallawfully nationalityfor 5 consecutive years in the Netherlands.
ToNetherlands. findYou outdo ifnot you’reneed eligibleto wait for Dutchyour citizenship:
- read
temporarytheresidenceDutchdocumentImmigrationtoandexpire,NaturalisationasService’sitguidanceisonvalidDutchforcitizenship - contact
5theyearsEmbassyfromofwhentheyourNetherlandsresidenceinstatusLondon
Helpwas withgranted. visa,Permanent residency andstatus citizenshipprovides applications
Theadditional Britishrights, Embassyso inyou Theshould Hagueapply cannotas helpsoon withas Dutchyou visa,can residencydemonstrate or5 citizenshipyears applications.
Forof anylawful questionsresidence orin issues,the contact:Netherlands.
- the
TheDutchEUImmigrationwillandsoonNaturalisationbeService implementingthe EmbassyEuropeanofEntrytheExitNetherlandsSystem,intoLondon- an
ensureEnglish-speakingthatlawyeryouinaretheexemptNetherlands
Residencyfrom ifthis system you movedshould toalways thetravel Netherlandswith beforeyour 1Withdrawal JanuaryAgreement 2021
Ifresidence youdocument moved(‘Article to50 theTEU Netherlands(Treaty beforeon 1European JanuaryUnion) 2021,residence document’).
Decision on your application and havebiometrics
When beenyou legallyapply livingfor therean sinceArticle then,50 youTEU andresidence yourdocument, familyyou memberswill havereceive rightsa underletter from the Withdrawal AgreementIND.
Read theThis Dutchletter Immigrationis andyour Naturalisation‘certificate Service’sof guidanceapplication’, onwhich livingyou inshould thecarry Netherlandswith afteryou, Brexit.especially when travelling.
Residence
The documentsIND ifwill contact you movedif tothey theneed Netherlandsmore beforeinformation 1about Januaryyour 2021
Ifapplication. youWhen moveda todecision thehas Netherlandsbeen beforemade, 1you Januarywill 2021,receive makea surefurther youIND haveletter aabout Withdrawalmaking Agreementan residenceappointment documentto (Articlehave 50your TEU).biometrics Thistaken.
Read showsthe thatIND youguidance haveon rightsbiometric underappointments theand Withdrawalhow Agreement.to book one.
UnderContact the newIND digitalif Entry/Exityou systemneed (EES),to you’lldiscuss needyour application.
Appeals process
If your Withdrawalapplication Agreementfor a new residence document (Articleis 50refused, TEU)you whenwill enteringbe ornotified leavingabout the Netherlands.appeals Ifprocess. youRead havethe one,Dutch yougovernment’s willadvice noton how have to registerappeal witha theresidency EESdecision. whenThis entering,includes leavinginformation orabout travellingtime withinlimits the Schengenfor area.submitting Withoutan it,appeal and what happens while you wait for a decision.
You can find out about legal assistance (in Dutch) and financial assistance (in Dutch).
You may be wronglyeligible identifiedfor asfinancial overstayingassistance infrom theyour Schengenmunicipality area(in andDutch) deniedif entryyou tohave theincurred Netherlandsextra orcosts otherdue Schengento countries.your residency document application.
IfLate youapplications
The dodeadline notfor applying havefor aan Article 50 TEU residence document
was 30 September 2021. If you were living in the Netherlands before 1 January 2021,2021 butand dohave not haveapplied, athe residenceDutch document,authorities youwill musttreat applyyou foras one.being Readin the Dutchcountry Immigrationillegally. andThere Naturalisationare service’sserious guidanceconsequences onfor livingyour rights and ability to access benefits in the Netherlands after Brexit.
IfThe yourDutch applicationGovernment’s isflexible successful,policy you’llmeans getyou acan biometricstill Withdrawalapply Agreementfor an Article 50 TEU residence document (Articleuntil 501 TEU).
October 2022. If youryou applicationhave isnot unsuccessful,yet applied, you mayshould bedo ableso toas appeal.soon Consideras gettingpossible. legalIf adviceyour fromapplication anis English-speakingapproved, lawyeryour inrights theare Netherlands.
Forreinstated moreretrospectively informationand onyou howcan continue to applylive orlawfully appeal,in read the DutchNetherlands.
If government’syou guidancehave onnot howapplied tofor objectan orArticle appeal50 aTEU decision.
Renewing your residence document iffor your children, you movedshould toapply theon Netherlandstheir behalf as soon as possible, and before 1 JanuaryOctober 2021
You’ll2022. needAfter tothis renewdate, yourchildren residencecan documentonly everyapply 5for ortheir 10own years,Article depending50 onTEU howresidence longdocument youwhen havethey beenturn resident18 inyears the Netherlands.old.
Read the Dutch Immigrationgovernment andguidance Naturalisationon Service’shelp guidancewith onfilling howin tothe extendform.
If oryou renewhave yourquestions visaabout ormaking residencean permitapplication contact the IND.
BringingFamily members
If you have been granted an Article 50 TEU residence document, your close family members continue to be able to join you and settle in the Netherlands ifat youany movedtime therein beforethe 1future. JanuaryFind 2021more information on who this applies to in the Living in Europe guidance.
TheFamily Dutchmembers Immigrationwith andUK Naturalisationnationality Service’smay guidancetravel onto the WithdrawalNetherlands Agreementand then apply for a residence documentdocument as (Articleyour 50family TEU)member. andNationals livingof incertain thenon-EU Netherlandscountries aftermay Brexitneed explains:
- which
afamilyvisamembersbeforecantravel.joinTheyouDutchinauthoritiestheshouldNetherlands - how
issueandfamilywhenreunionvisasfreeofcharge.Afterthey shouldreceiveapplyaforletterfromtheINDtoacknowledgereceiptoftheir residence document - fees and
application,processingyourtimes
Family members with EU, EEA or Swiss nationality do notnot need need a residence document or permit to live and work in the Netherlands.
PassportsNetherlands and travel
ReadYour ourformer guidanceEU onresidence moving,document living(duurzaam orverblijf) retiringis abroad.no Thislonger coversvalid. howIf to:
youhadone,youshouldhaveexchangeditforanArticle50TEUresidencedocument.Youcanapply for athisBritishresidencepassportdocumentfromuntilabroad- travel
1urgentlyOctoberwithout2022.OtheryourformsBritishofpassport
IfYou youdo havenot aneed Dutchan Article 50 TEU residence document orif longyou:
havestayDutchvisa,citizenshiptheortimeEUyoucitizenshipspendwithinathevalidNetherlandsDutchdoesnationalnotresidencecountdocument,towardsorworkthefor90-dayanvisa-freeinternationalperiodorganisation,aslongasyou canremainspendemployedinbythethatSchengenorganisation.area.Always
Yourcarryresidencerights,andyour passportprivilegesand residenceimmunitiesdocumentunderwhentheentering,relevantleavinghostoragreementtravellingdowithinnotthe Schengenchange.area.However,Ififyou’reyouaskedwishto showapplyyourforpassportanatArticleborder50control,TEUmakeresidencesuredocument,youconsultalsoyourshowlegalyourandresidenceHRdocumentdepartments,orasotherthisevidencemayofaffectresidenceyourstatus.privilegesYourandpassportimmunities.mayIfbeyoustampedwishiftoapplyforanArticle50TEUyoushoulddo not.soby1October2022.
If you have duala citizenshipType withII an EU orresidency Europeandocument Freeissued Tradeunder Associationthe (EFTA)Aliens country,Act, you shouldhave enteradditional andresidency leavestatus under the NetherlandsWithdrawal usingAgreement. your EU orThe EFTAIND passport.
Dualwill citizensprovide travellingmore toinformation theon UK
Whenthis travellingat tomijnind.nl. theWhilst UK,you Britishcan citizenshave must2 carrystatuses, ayou validcan Britishonly passporthave or1 certificateresidence ofdocument. entitlement.You Readcan guidanceeither:
keeponyourdualTypecitizenship.Resident
IIchildrenpermanenttravellingresidencewithoutdocument,aifparentitorhaslegalnotguardianexpired,orChildren
exchangeagedit17forandanunderArticlemust50carryTEUaresidenceletterdocument,ofprovidedconsentitifhasthey’renottravellingbeenoutwithdrawn.ofYouthewillNetherlandsneedwithouttotheirpayparentaorfeelegaltoguardian.exchangeit
ForTo morediscuss information:
- read
yourcircumstancescontactthe DutchIND.Passportsgovernment’sandguidancetravelCoronavirusontravelconsentrestrictionslettersmayforaffectminorstraveltravellingtooutsideandfromthe Netherlands - contact
Netherlands.YouthecanEmbassyapplyoffortheorNetherlandsrenewinyourLondon
EUBritish Entry/Exitpassport Systemfrom (EES)
UnderCheck the newNetherlands digitaltravel Entry/Exit System (EES)advice therefor arepassport newvalidity rulesrequirements.
Always forcarry entering,your leavingpassport orwhen travelling within the Schengenthe Schengen area. Non-EUIf nationalsyou will need to have theircitizenship photoof andan fingerprintsEU taken or verifiedEuropean atFree theTrade border.Association This(EFTA) datacountry, willin beaddition storedto inyour aBritish digitalcitizenship, recordyou andshould usedenter toand monitorleave howthe longNetherlands visitorsusing haveyour spentEU inor theEFTA Schengen area.passport.
BritishIf nationalsyou legallystay resident in the Netherlands,Netherlands andwith who have a WithdrawalDutch Agreement residence documentpermit (Articleor 50long-stay TEU)visa, dothis time does not needcount totowards registeryour with90-day visa-free limit for the EES.Schengen area.
If you’reyou legallyvisit residentother inSchengen area countries outside the NetherlandsNetherlands, butmake sure you do not haveexceed athe Withdrawalvisa-free Agreement90 residencedays documentin (Articleany 50180-day TEU),period. contactYou theare Dutchresponsible Immigrationfor andcounting Naturalisationhow Servicelong foryou informationstay onunder howthe toSchengen getvisa one.waiver, and you must comply with its conditions.
ForDifferent morerules informationapply aboutif howyou theare EEStravelling willto workother EU and whenSchengen itcountries willas comea intoresident force,of read:
- EU
theguidanceNetherlands.onChecktheeachEES - guidance
country’sontraveltheadviceEESpagefor UKinformationnationals
HealthcareIf you were living in the Netherlands
ReadWhen ouryou guidancetravel, oncarry moving,your livingArticle or50 retiringTEU abroad.residence Thisdocument coversor howfrontier to:
- plan
workeryourpermithealthcare - take
issuedmedicineunderabroad
Tothe findWithdrawal outAgreement, howin addition to getyour medicalvalid treatment:passport.
- contact
Youyourmustinsuranceproactivelyprovider - read
showguidanceyouronresidencehealthcaredocument,fororUKothernationalsevidenceinoftheresidenceNetherlandsstatus,andifhealthyouinaretheaskedNetherlands - find
toEnglish-speakingshowmedicalyourfacilitiespassportandatdoctorsborderforcontrol.BritishIfnationalsyouinhavetheappliedNetherlands
Workingfor, inbut thenot Netherlands
Readyet ourreceived, guidanceyour onresidence moving,document, livingshow oryour retiringcertificate abroad.of Thisapplication.
If coversyou workingcannot abroad,prove includingthat documents you mayare needa fromresident the UK government.
To work in the Netherlands, you may needbe aasked workadditional permitquestions orat workthe visa.border Our guidance on travelling to enter the NetherlandsEU. forYour workpassport explainsmay thebe differentstamped workon permitsentry and visasexit. availableThis towill you.
Younot doaffect notyour needrights ain workthe permitcountry or visacountries ifwhere you havelive beenor livingwork. inIf a passport is stamped, the Netherlandsstamp legallyis sinceconsidered beforenull 1and Januaryvoid 2021,when asyou can show evidence of lawful residence.
If you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
ToAgreement, applyyou forcan enter and exit your host country with a job,valid youpassport. mayYou do not need toany provide:
- a
additionalUKvaliditypoliceoncertificate - proof
theofpassportqualifications
Healthcare
IfRead youour liveguidance on healthcare in the Netherlands and weremake regularlysure commutingyou toare workcorrectly inregistered anotherfor EU oryour Europeancircumstances.
Travel Freeinsurance Tradeis Associationnot (EFTA)intended countryto beforecover 1healthcare Januarycosts 2021,if readyou guidancelive for frontier workersoverseas.
Recognition of qualifications
If you wantmove to work in the Netherlands, you maymust needarrange tohealth getinsurance yourwithin foreign4 qualificationsmonths recognised.of Readyour thearrival. The basic Dutch government’shealth guidanceinsurance on(basis evaluatingverzekering) qualificationscovers attainedgeneral outsidemedical ofcare, thesuch Netherlands.
Drivingas invisits theto Netherlands
Read ourthe Dutch government guidance on moving,health livinginsurance orin retiringthe abroadNetherlands.
You Thisshould coversalso howread to:guidance on:
- drive
- take
doctorsyourinUKthevehicle abroadNetherlands - get
travellingdrivingwithlicencemedicinesletters(NHS)
TheIf Netherlandsyou Vehicleare Authoritya (RDW)student, read Study in Holland’s advice about health insurance in the Netherlands.
Working in the Netherlands
If you are planning to move to the Netherlands and work, you may need a visa. Read the Dutch governmentgovernment’s provideguidance information on drivingworking in the Netherlands,Netherlands includingas a foreign national and how to:to get a visa.
Toapply for orarenewjobayouDutchmaydrivingneedlicencetoprovidea:For
InternationalmoreChildinformationProtectionreadCertificateguidance(ICPC).on:Thisisacriminalrecordschecktoworkwithchildren
Read:
- driving
workingorprovidingservicesin the EUNetherlands - road
workingtravel in theanNetherlands,EUincountry EUsafetyguidanceandonsecurityworkingin theantravelEUadvice for the Netherlandscountry
Driving
If you work in the NetherlandsNetherlands, usingeven if you work for a foreignUK-based drivingcompany, licence
Youthis canmay driveaffect inwhere theyou Netherlandspay forNational upInsurance-type tocontributions. 185Read daysthe usingNational ainsurance drivingand licencesocial issuedsecurity in:contributions section
- the
IfUK - Gibraltar
- Jersey
- Guernsey
youwerelivinginthe IsleNetherlandsofbeforeMan
You cannothave replacethe orright renewto anywork ofunder thesethe licencesWithdrawal Agreement if you livehave inan theArticle Netherlands. 50 TEU residence document or have applied for one.
ForIf moreyou information,live readin the Netherlands Vehicleand Authority’swere guidanceregularly oncommuting drivingto withwork ain foreignanother drivingEU licence.
Exchangingor aEFTA UK,country Gibraltar,before Jersey,1 Guernsey,January or2021, Isleread ofour Manguidance drivingfor licence
Professional qualifications
ToYou continuemay drivingneed afterto 185get days, you must exchange your foreignprofessional drivingqualification licence.
Yourecognised shouldif applyyou forwant theto exchangework beforein thea 185profession daysthat is over.regulated Applicationsin maythe takeNetherlands.
Read timeguidance toon:
recognitionprocess,ofandprofessionalyou’llqualificationshowneedtogetyour Dutchqualificationlicencerecognisedtoindrivethelegally.Netherlands
ApplyingIf foryou awere Dutchliving drivingin licencethe Netherlands before 1 January 2021
If youthe cannotrelevant exchangeregulator yourin drivingthe licence,Netherlands youofficially mustrecognised applyyour forprofessional aqualification Dutchbefore licence1 asJanuary a2021, non-EUor national.you Readstarted the Netherlandsrecognition Vehicleprocess Authority’sby guidancethis ondate, howmake tosure applyyou forunderstand orthe renewterms aof Dutchyour drivingdecision. licence.
You’llYou needshould to:get advice from the relevant regulator.
- register
StudyingwithinyourthelocalNetherlandsIfmunicipalityyou(‘Gemeente’) - apply
planfortoastudycertificateinofthefitness - pass
Netherlands,ayouDutchmusttheorymeettest - pass
allavisapracticalrequirementsdrivingbeforetest
Disabledyou drivers
YouContact maythe berelevant ablehigher education provider in the Netherlands to applycheck for:what fees you may have to pay.
Read guidance on:
- an
continuingEUyourparkingstudiescardinforthepeopleEU studyingwithindisabilitiestheEuropeanUnion- a
healthcareDutchfordisabledstudentsparkingincardthe(in Dutch)Netherlands
If you havewere aliving UK Blue Badge and live in the Netherlands,Netherlands youbefore must1 returnJanuary it2021
The tostudying in the originalEuropean UKUnion issuing authority.
Tax
Read our guidance onincludes moving,information livingif oryou retiringwere abroad.already Thisliving coversin tax,the includingNetherlands payingbefore UK1 taxJanuary and National Insurance. 2021.
Tax
The UK has a double taxation agreement with the Netherlands so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.
ContactAsk the Netherlandsrelevant Taxtax Administrationauthority foryour any questions about double taxation relief.
You canshould alsoget readprofessional guidanceadvice on paying tax onin foreignthe incomeNetherlands. ifFind youan liveEnglish-speaking lawyer in the Netherlands.
ConsiderRead gettingguidance professionalon:
taxadviceifonyoupayingleavetax in the Netherlands.UKTotodolivethis,abroadtaxfindonanyourEnglish-speakingUKlawyerincomeiniftheyouNetherlandsliveabroad.National Insurance
Check
taxif you needgettoapaypensionNationalandInsuranceliveifabroadpayingyou’reincomegoingtaxto work in the EU,Netherlands
Pensions
ClaimingNational yourinsurance UKand pension
ReadNational ourInsurance-type guidancecontributions on(NIC) moving,are livingcalled or‘social retiringsecurity abroad.contributions’ This(SSC) covers:
- how
intotheclaimNetherlands.yourFindUKoutStateifPension - where
youtheneedUKtopaygovernmentNationalpaysInsuranceaninannualtheincreaseUKinorthesocialStatesecurityPension
YourIf UKyou stateplan pensionto ismove calculatedto differentlythe ifNetherlands you’veand previouslywork, livedeven inif Australia,you Canadacontinue orworking Newfor Zealanda UK-based company, you and nowyour liveemployer inmay theneed EU.
Claimingto apay Dutchsocial pension
Contactsecurity contributions in the SocialeNetherlands. VerzekeringsbankThese (SVB)social tosecurity findcontributions outwould whetherentitle you canto claimcertain anbenefits, old-agesuch (‘AOW’)as pensionhealthcare, in the Netherlands.
YouRead canguidance alsoon readNational Insurance for workers from the DutchUK government’sworking guidancein on:the EEA or Switzerland
- Dutch
Yousocialcansecurity - pensions
alsoandcheckbenefitsyourinUKtheNationalNetherlandsInsurancerecord
Benefits
Claiming UK benefits
Read our guidance on moving,entitlement livingto orUK retiringbenefits abroadand pensions. Thiswhile coversyou howare toliving claimin the Netherlands.
Check which UK benefits abroad,you includingcan Childclaim Benefit. while abroad and how to claim them.
YouMany canincome-related alsobenefits readsuch guidanceas onPension benefitsCredit and pensionsHousing forBenefit UKcannot nationalsbe inpaid theto EU,you EEAif oryou’re Switzerland.abroad for more than 4 weeks.
Claiming Dutch benefits
You may be entitledeligible to claim some Dutch social security benefits.
To findRead outthe ifEU’s you’reguide eligible and how to claim,benefits readin guidancethe on:Netherlands.
- national
PensionsReadandguidanceemployeeoninsuranceentitlementschemestoinUKthebenefitsNetherlandsandpensions - Dutch social
whilesecurity - pensions
youandarebenefitslivingin the Netherlands
Buying
Read Contact Read ourRead andState rentingPension propertyguidance inif theyou Netherlands
have ourlived guidancein onAustralia, moving,Canada living or retiringNew abroadZealand. Thisand coversyou buyingare andclaiming rentingor propertywaiting abroad. to claim your UK State Pension.If anyou English-speakingretire lawyer in the NetherlandsNetherlands, ifyou you’recan consideringclaim:
your buyingUK propertyState Pension or land.new UK State Pension. Contact the International Pension Centre for further information.Voting
pensions if you’ve worked in theother Netherlands
UK
EU electionscountries
the Dutch government’s guidance on moving,Dutch livingsocial orsecurity retiringand abroadpensions.
Read Thisthe coversMoney howHelper’s to:
guidance inon UKpension electionsand fromretirement abroadfor asmore aninformation overseason votercross-border pensions.
DutchLife electionscertificates for UK State Pensions
OnceIf you registerget as a resident‘life withcertificate’ from the PersonalUK RecordsPension Database (BRP)Service, you canneed voteto inrespond theas Watersoon Boardas Elections.
Ifpossible. youYour havepayments beenmay residentbe insuspended theif Netherlands for 5 years or more, you cando votenot.
Money and standbanking
Whether inUK localbanks municipalcan elections.provide Youservices cannotto votecustomers living in Dutchthe nationalEEA electionsdepends unlesson youlocal holdlaws Dutchand citizenship.regulation.
YouRead alsothe cannotMoney voteand inPension EuropeanService electionsguidance unlesson youbanking, holdinsurance citizenshipand offinancial anservices EUfor country.more information on cross-border banking.
StudyingAccommodation inand thebuying Netherlandsproperty
IfRead youour planguidance toon studybuying ina theproperty Netherlands, you must meet all visa and residency requirementsabroad.
Driving beforein youthe travel.Netherlands
You docannot notrenew needor areplace studentyour visaUK, Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or residenceIsle permitof Man licence if you havelive been living in the NetherlandsNetherlands. legallyRead sincethe beforeguidance 1on Januarywhat 2021,you asmust youdo haveto rightsdrive underlegally in the Withdrawal Agreement.Netherlands:
For
whatmoreyouinformation,needreadtoguidancedriveon:intheEU- studying
- Dutch student
ifresidenceyoupermitslivethere - studying
- travel
Exchanging grantsyour forUK, studentsGibraltar, studyingJersey, abroadGuernsey or onIsle placementsof (England)
Man licence
You canmust alsoexchange contact:
- your higher
licenceeducationwithinprovider185indaystheofUKbecomingoratheresident.Netherlands - the
YouDutchshouldMinistryexchangeofyourEducation,licenceCultureatandyourScience - the
localEmbassycouncilof(gemeente).theYouNetherlandscannotinuseLondon
Children
Read ourthe Dutch government’s guidance on moving,exchange livingof ora retiringforeign abroaddriving licence.
Disabled Thisdrivers
If coversyou movinghave abroada withUK children,Blue including:
- getting
BadgepermissionandtolivetakeinyourthechildNetherlands,abroad - claiming
youmustreturnittotheoriginalUK ChildissuingBenefitauthority.abroad - child
Youmaintenancecanpaymentsapplyiffora parentnewlivesDutchabroad
Read the EU guidance on the EU parking card for people with disabilities.
SchoolsBringing anda educationUK-registered vehicle to the Netherlands
TheRead Europeanour Commissionguidance provideson informationtaking abouta thevehicle schoolout systemof in the NetherlandsUK.
AllOnce childrenyou’re agedregistered 5as toa 16resident in the Netherlands, you must attendregister schoolyour invehicle with the Netherlands,Dutch unlessauthorities theyand areyou exempt.may Readneed guidanceto pay some taxes.
You can read the RDW (Netherlands Vehicle Authority) advice on exemptionsimporting froma compulsoryvehicle schoolinto attendancethe inNetherlands.
Driving outside the Netherlands with a Dutch licence
You can use your Dutch licence when visiting the UK. Keep up-to-date with the UK Highway Code.
ForIf moreyou information,go readto live in the UK, you can exchange your Dutch government’slicence guidancefor on:a UK one without taking a test.
- primary
Toeducationdrivein theanotherNetherlands - enrolling
country,inadditiontoyour childDutchinlicence,primaryyouschoolmayneedtoapplyforanIDPthroughtheANWB(RoyalDutchTouringClub) - secondary
EUeducationdrivinginlicencestheandNetherlandsinsurance - enrolling
drivingyourlicencechildexchangeandrecognitionin secondarytheschoolEU - the
checkdifferentiftypesyouofarechildcareableavailable to youvote - childcare
registerbenefitsasandanallowancesoverseasvoter needtoregister the birth with the UK authorities to get a UK birth certificate- apply for your
achild’s first British passport what to do after someone dies abroad
- how
bereavementtoinregister the deathNetherlands findingwithEnglish-speakingthefuneralUKdirectorsauthoritiesintheNetherlands- what
gettoadocivilwhenpartnershipsomeoneabroad.Youdiesmayinalsothe Netherlands - English-speaking
notarialfuneralanddirectorsdocumentaryinservicesforthe Netherlands - death
English-speakingandlawyersbereavement in the Netherlands - registering
yourapet,foreigncheckmarriagetheinrulesforthe Netherlands - what
countrydocumentsyou’reyoutravellingneedto.toContactmarryyourinvettogetthe Netherlands. bringingmoving,yourlivingpetortoretiringGreatabroadBritain. ThisCheckcoversthathowyourpet’srabiesvaccinationsareupto getdate.aVetsdivorceinorGreatendBritainacannotcivilenterpartnership.The
rabiesDutchvaccinationgovernmentdetailsoffersinguidancenon-UKonissueddivorce,petseparationpassportstravellingandtoendingIrelandawithcivilyourpartnershippettravellingwithyourpetin the Netherlands.EU- legalising
DialandthecertifyingEUUK116documents - marriage
000andhotlineciviltopartnershipreportdocuments - affirmations
aandmissingaffidavits - witnessing
childsignatures - taking
onyourwhatpet to thedo andNetherlands - taking
whereyourtopetgetdog,support incatcasesorofferretrapetoandan EU countrysexual assault
Read the EU guidance on:
Childcare
Voting
TheOnce Dutchyou Ministryare ofregistered Socialin Affairsthe andPersonal EmploymentRecords andDatabase (BRP) you can vote in the DutchWater MinistryBoard ofElections.
If Education,you Culturehave andbeen Scienceresident arein responsiblethe Netherlands for early5 childhoodyears educationor more you can vote and carestand in thelocal Netherlands.municipal elections.
ReadYou thecannot Dutchvote government’sin guidancenational onor childcareEuropean Parliament elections.
You may be able to vote in thesome NetherlandsUK forelections. informationYou on:can:
Births, deaths, marriagesmarriage and civil partnerships
Births
If your child is born in the Netherlands, you can register the birth with the DutchUK authorities.
Read ourin guidanceaddition onto moving,registering livinglocally. orIf retiringyour abroadchild has British nationality., Thisyou coversdo hownot to:
Deaths
ReadIf oursomeone guidancedies onin moving,the livingNetherlands orread retiringour abroad.guidance This covers:on:
IfFind someoneout dieshow inyou thecan Netherlands,get readmarried guidanceor on:
Marriages and civil partnerships
Pets
ReadIf ouryou’re guidancemoving onto moving,the livingNetherlands orwith retiringyour abroad.pet, Thisread coversthe howguidance toand getensure marriedyou orcomply getwith athe civil partnership abroad. regulations:
To registeredvisit partnershipother andcountries cohabitationwith agreements
Divorcetravel anddocuments separation
Read our guidance onon:
Emergencies
ConsiderDial takingthe legalEuropean adviceemergency fromnumber anon English-speaking112 lawyer in the Netherlands.
Documents for Britishthe peoplepolice, inambulance theor Netherlands
ReadPeople ourwith guidancedisabilities oncan documentsuse forthe Britishemergency people abroad.application, Thisa covers: web-based emergency access and relay service.
Lawyers,in translatorsthe andEU notaries
ToIf findyou anneed English-speakingguidance lawyer,on translatorchild orabduction, notaryread inthe guidance on international parental child abduction; the Netherlands,EU readguidance on child abduction and EU guidance on professionalchild servicesabduction ifto you’reanother abroadEU country.
Pets
If you wanthave tobeen bringthe yourvictim petof witha yourape toor sexual assault in the Netherlands, read the guidance on:
Returning to the UK
ReadCheck returningthe toCOVID-19 travel guidance for entering the UK permanently.
Tell Thisthe includesDutch informationand onUK bringingauthorities familyif membersyou backare returning to the UK,UK tax and access to services.permanently.
IfGuidance from the NHSDutch fundsgovernment youron healthcareleaving in the Netherlands.
To throughmove theyour S1pension form,to contact the NHSUK, Overseascontact Healthcarethe TeamInternational toPension cancel it. Centre.
Read the Dutch government’s guidance on endingreturning yourto stay in the NetherlandsUK permanently.
Disclaimer
We providewhich thisincludes information ason, aamongst guideother only. things, Forbringing definitivefamily information,members, contacttax theand Dutchaccess authorities.to services.
Useful information
Updates
notarial toand thisdocumentary page
services 17for Maythe 2013Netherlands
Support updatedfor 23British Decembernationals 2025
out href="#full-history">+how showto allstay updates
-
Rewrote
andguideexplainstohowmaketheitFCDOeasiercantosupportreadyouandifunderstand.youIncludesgetnewintoinformationdifficulty.
Updates aboutto dualthis citizenspage
-
11 March 2022 Important information in the Working in the Netherlands, and National insurance sections if you work in the Netherlands, even it if it is for an employer based in the UK.
-
20 December 2021 Guidance reviewed and updated throughout, with new information on visas and residency, passports and travel, healthcare, working, tax, benefits, pensions, driving, births deaths and marriages, pets, and returning to the UK.
-
1 October 2021 Visa and residency section updated after the 30 September 2021 residency application deadline for people living in the Netherlands since before 1 January 2021. There is new information about ongoing and late residency applications, appeals and family members' applications.
-
24 August 2021 Professional qualifications section updated for British citizens who are moving or moved to the Netherlands after 1 January 2021 and those living there since before 1 January 2021. Guidance reviewed for sections including passports and travel, healthcare, and working and studying in the Netherlands.
-
20 August 2021 Guidance reviewed and updated for Money, tax and banking, Benefits, Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships, and Useful information sections.
-
16 July 2021 Revised links in Studying in the Netherlands section.
-
28 June 2021 Working in the Netherlands section updated: new guidance for frontier workers.
-
2 June 2021 Visas and residency section updated: further guidance on Type II residency documents and extended deadline for residency applications
-
28 April 2021 Driving section updated with new information on when you must exchange a UK driving licence for a Dutch one. If you were resident before 31 January 2020 you must do this by 1 May 2021.
-
19 April 2021 Healthcare section updated including guidance on the S1 form and applying for EHIC and GHIC cards; working in the Netherlands section updated with links to Department for International Trade (DIT) guidance on working or providing services and DIT guidance on recognition of professional qualifications.
-
17 February 2021 Coronavirus section updated with a link to guidance on vaccines.
-
31 December 2020 Updated as the transition period ends with new information on driving, pet travel and moving to the Netherlands.
-
18 December 2020 Additional guidance on how to get the new residency document and healthcare access if you are a student. Passport and travel section updated on carrying proof of residence when travelling.
-
10 November 2020 Healthcare section updated on how to apply for a new UK EHIC as a student or S1 holder. Working section updated with information on frontier workers
-
16 September 2020 Visas and residency section updated to include details of changes to the new residency system.
-
7 September 2020 Passports and travel section updated to include information on passport validity and entry requirements when travelling to other European countries from January 2021.
-
5 August 2020 Visas and residency section updated with further information on the new residency system
-
24 January 2020 Brexit update: includes further details on passport validity, healthcare rights and State Pension uprating if the UK leaves the EU with a deal.
-
23 September 2019 Brexit update: healthcare section updated to reflect transitional arrangements announcement
-
3 September 2019 Brexit update: Pensions section updated to include further details on State Pension uprating.
-
13 June 2019 EU Exit update: updated information in the Passport & Travel, Pensions, and Returning to the UK sections.
-
9 April 2019 EU Exit update: updated information on EU Exit in healthcare, visas and residency, driving and working sections
-
13 March 2019 We have updated the contact details you need to apply for an S1 form.
-
22 February 2019 EU Exit update: Updated information on passports. You must use the checker tool to see if your passport is still valid for your trip.
-
20 February 2019 EU Exit update: Updated information on double taxation following EU Exit in the money and tax section
-
29 January 2019 EU Exit update - Updated information on access to healthcare
-
18 January 2019 EU Exit update: updated information on pensions and driving.
-
11 January 2019 EU Exit update: Latest Brexit information from the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) added to the EU Exit and Visa and Residency sections.
-
22 November 2018 EU Exit update: New information in residency and visa section on draft withdrawal agreement in principle between the UK and EU. Plus information on travelling with pets in Europe in Pets section.
-
24 April 2018 Complete revision of guidance to ensure it's up to date and accurate.
-
8 May 2017 Updated information on healthcare entitlement
-
28 March 2017 Addition of energy and services comparison website
-
12 September 2016 added more links re: health insurance in the Netherlands
-
14 December 2015 added information about health insurance for students and expats.
-
17 May 2013 First published.
Sign up for emails or print this page
Explore the topic
Update history
2025-12-23 18:39
Rewrote guide to make it easier to read and understand. Includes new information about dual citizens travelling to the UK (‘Passports and travel’ section).
2024-07-12 13:01
Updated information on the EU Entry Exit System for holders of residence permits.
2022-03-11 14:29
Important information in the Working in the Netherlands, and National insurance sections if you work in the Netherlands, even it if it is for an employer based in the UK.
2021-12-20 10:47
Guidance reviewed and updated throughout, with new information on visas and residency, passports and travel, healthcare, working, tax, benefits, pensions, driving, births deaths and marriages, pets, and returning to the UK.
2021-10-01 09:19
Visa and residency section updated after the 30 September 2021 residency application deadline for people living in the Netherlands since before 1 January 2021. There is new information about ongoing and late residency applications, appeals and family members' applications.
2021-06-02 14:07
Visas and residency section updated: further guidance on Type II residency documents and extended deadline for residency applications
2021-02-17 09:42
Coronavirus section updated with a link to guidance on vaccines.
2020-09-16 10:24
Visas and residency section updated to include details of changes to the new residency system.
2020-09-07 13:15
Passports and travel section updated to include information on passport validity and entry requirements when travelling to other European countries from January 2021.
2020-08-05 11:50
Visas and residency section updated with further information on the new residency system
2020-01-24 09:48
Brexit update: includes further details on passport validity, healthcare rights and State Pension uprating if the UK leaves the EU with a deal.
2019-09-23 16:25
Brexit update: healthcare section updated to reflect transitional arrangements announcement
2019-09-03 16:58
Brexit update: Pensions section updated to include further details on State Pension uprating.
2019-06-13 13:51
EU Exit update: updated information in the Passport & Travel, Pensions, and Returning to the UK sections.
2019-04-09 22:01
EU Exit update: updated information on EU Exit in healthcare, visas and residency, driving and working sections