King Willem-Alexander, who has quietly held a co-pilot role with the airline since the 1990s, has flown his last scheduled flight on a KLM Boeing 737.
The King announced the milestone on Instagram, confirming that last Wednesday, he took the controls of this particular blue-and-white jet for the final time as a KLM guest pilot.
Now, the King needs to be retrained for the newer aircraft. Doei doei, 737!
From Lapland to Ibiza, by royal appointment
The King looked back fondly on his years behind the controls of the 737. He first trained on the 737 in 2017, having previously flown Fokker 70s for KLM Cityhopper.
As RTL Boulevard reports, his journeys included flying football supporters to Prague for Europa League matches, bringing children to Lapland to meet Santa Claus, and flying holidaymakers bound for Ibiza and Malaga.
Taking to Instagram, the royal account posted a video of this important moment in the King’s career:
“Over the years, we have transported so many passengers from A to B with the 737,” the King said.
Not hanging up the headset just yet
While the King’s days in the Boeing are over, it doesn’t mean he’s finished flying altogether. The King will undergo retraining to qualify on the Airbus A321neo, meaning his co-piloting days at KLM are far from over.
As a guest pilot, he averaged roughly three commercial flights per month. Flying passengers under the understated alias “Meneer van Buren,” most of those on board had no idea just who was in the cockpit.
He hopes to see the same mix of travellers once he’s behind the controls of the Airbus — “the same colourful group,” as he put it.
The King also occasionally flies the Dutch government plane, which is also a Boeing 737. That aircraft’s eventual replacement will likely take him through another round of retraining down the line, too.
So don’t worry, you might still have a chance to be flown by the royal “Meneer van Buren” yet.
Have you ever been on a flight not knowing royalty was in the cockpit? Drop your reaction in the comments below.
Here’s a brief history of communication technology. First there were smoke signals, then ravens, followed by posted letters, telegrams, faxes, and finally, email.
Unfortunately, the IND (the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service) stopped clocking these changes after 1840. Newsflash! We are no longer living in colonial times.
Now, everyone talks about the pain of Dutch bureaucracy, but the IND’s choice to communicate using the postal system rubs salt in the wound.
After taking an (infamously) long time to process claims, a caseworker drafts a letter, prints it out, PostNL collects the letter, the letters are sorted through, the postman delivers it, and finally, when your hair starts to turn grey, you find the letter in your postbox.
And God forbid your letter was sent on a Friday. Then it would reach you by Tuesday — tops.
So, this is my plea to the Immigration and Naturalisation Department of the Netherlands: Please stop sending important correspondence by post. Perhaps dare to try that exciting new invention called “e-mail” instead?
How my anger unfolded
Back in December, I sent an online appeal to the IND about an unjustified gap in my residence status in the Netherlands.
As though my objection letter was critical to national security, the IND uses an encrypted mail service to send important documents. I followed the intricate process to a tee.
Now, if I send an online appeal, a girl expects an online response — alas, not with the IND.
A month passes. There’s no notification on any of my government portals: MijnIND, MijnOverheid, nor on my email, where I received confirmation that my email was sent.
That’s the envelope I was supposed to mail back? Yikes. Image: DutchReview
Well-acquainted with the government body’s processing times, I decide to wait longer.
Two months later, I open my postbox to find a soggy pile of paper and ink: the official response to my appeal.
The letter was dated exactly 25 days prior to the day I opened it. And it had experienced its fair share of Dutch rain.
But it gets better. The content of the letter? Not a reply to my objection, but a request to resend my appeal by post within two weeks. A deadline that had already passed.
At this point, it probably would have been more efficient to send a pigeon.
Tech-savvy government
I refuse to believe that a government that gave us DigiD, a one-stop secure login for almost every public service, cannot figure out how to send a letter online.
In most cases, residents can log into MijnOverheid (MyGovernment) and open the Berichtenbox (MessageBox), where official mail from tax authorities, municipalities, and other government bodies appears neatly and securely in one place. I love it.
How bad can it get? Image: DutchReview
Who banned the IND from this feature? Immigration letters are almost always sent by post and are not consistently available through MijnOverheid or even the IND’s own portal, MijnIND.
I notice that people’s opinions around immigration are regressing hundreds of years. But surely our digital infrastructure does not have to follow.
Bureaucracy is already slow. It does not need the added suspense of a letter wandering through the postal system while someone’s residence status hangs in the balance.
What the IND says about this
There was no way on God’s green Earth that I was printing my original email, signing it, stuffing it into the soggy envelope the IND posted me, and trekking to the post office on the slim chance they would reopen my case after the deadline had passed.
So I gave them a little phone call.
Luckily, the telephone operator was a sweetheart. (Sometimes when customer service reps hear you speaking English, you can kiss justice goodbye).
She promised to explain my situation to the civil servant handling my case and confirmed I could scan a signed copy and upload it on the IND’s website.
When I asked why all IND letters are still sent by post, she told me, “It’s very old school, but unfortunately, it’s just the way we work… We always send written letters by post.”
I pushed further, asking why the MyIND portal exists if they don’t use it. She patiently replied, “Sometimes workers upload letters to the portal, but not all of the case owners have access to this.”
Why say you’ll send something to the MessageBox when half your staff doesn’t have access to it?Image: DutchReview
With the amount of taxes we pay in the Netherlands, I figured government bodies would run flawlessly.
However, now I see that they are as dysfunctional as any other workplace. Some staff have access to the portal, and others don’t. Some are just as baffled by the rules as we are.
Maybe next time I’ll try sending the IND a smoke signal.
How do you feel about the posted letters? Tell us in the comments.
Renting in the Netherlands as an expat has never been more legally protected. Yet somehow, it still feels nearly impossible to find a flexible apartment.
Helaas, the new rules are written for long-term residents — not the short- or medium-term cases most relocations are.
Here’s what’s changed, what’s still a trap, and what to check before signing.
Indefinite contracts are the new default
Since July 1, 2024, the Wet vaste huurcontracten (Fixed Rental Contracts Act) has made indefinite tenancy agreements the legal default. All new contracts offered from that date must be for an indefinite period.
However, “indefinite” here means no scheduled end date, not that you can walk away whenever you like.
The default Dutch rental contracts have changed. Image: Magnific
In practice, nearly every indefinite contract includes a minimum stay clause of around 12 months without the possibility of terminating your contract in that window. After that, you’re looking at one calendar month’s notice.
Ideal if you’re planning to stay in the Netherlands for a long time. Not so great if you’re house hunting, on a temporary assignment, or just unsure how long you’ll actually stick around.
Landlords are pickier than ever
It’s not just the default contracts that have changed. Eviction has become significantly harder for landlords with the new law, which has made the screening process tighter on the way in.
Expect income requirements of three to four times the monthly rent, and Dutch employment contracts and payslips are strongly preferred.
An international contract, a “I start in three weeks” email, or a six-month project role will often result in a polite no.
New rules mean landlords are pickier than before. Image: Depositphotos
Arriving before your start date or mid-relocation with a corporate housing budget? You’re competing for the least-served slice of an already tight market.
To get it, you need to register at a real residential address with your gemeente (local municipality). A hotel won’t work. Most Airbnb listings won’t either.
So the plan to “sort housing once I land” tends to look fine for week one, but unravels by week three.
What the law actually gets right
While the new rules might result in a headache for expats looking for shorter-term stays, they have also delivered real protections worth knowing.
There are strong protections for tenants in the Netherlands. Image: Magnific
Agency fees are also addressed. If your landlord uses a rental agency, he has to pay the fees.
For rental contracts signed on or after January 1, 2025, landlords are required to provide a written rental points (WWS) breakdown alongside the rental agreement.
Depending on the points the property scores, there is a maximum rent you can be charged per month.
If you’re being charged an unfair rent, you have six months from signing your contract to submit a complaint via the Huurcommissie.
None of this gets you a contract, of course. But once you have one, you’re in a much stronger position than five years ago.
Suitable housing without the long-term commitment
So, where does all this leave you as a short-term resident, a fresh arrival, or someone who simply cannot commit to a place for 12 months?
There’s a category most housing guides skip: registered serviced accommodation.
Serviced apartments often come fully equipped. Image: Magnific
Registered serviced accommodation operates under Dutch residential tenancy law, with formal tenancy agreements and full BSN registration support from day one. Typical minimum stays run to two months rather than twelve, with one month’s notice from the start.
Providers running flexible expat rentals in Amsterdam absorb the turnover risk individual landlords refuse to carry, and the apartments are typically move-in ready with furniture, utilities, Wi-Fi, and other household essentials in one figure.
The monthly cost is higher per square metre than a comparable private lease, but the contract fits a life in motion perfectly
Your quick checklist before you sign
Whether you’re looking at the private market or a serviced option, run through these before committing:
Contract type: indefinite, or one of the narrow legal exceptions?
Minimum stay clause: how many months before you can give notice?
Deposit: no more than two months’ basic rent?
WWS points sheet: Is it attached, and is the rent justified?
Is basic rent clearly separated from service charges?
How are agent fees handled?
Is BSN registration at this address possible?
If your landlord can’t answer those questions clearly, that’s your answer. Succes met de jacht (good luck with the hunt).
Have you run into any of these hurdles during your own Dutch housing search? Let us know in the comments.
On a more modern note, the Dutch do a terrible job at lunch.
Meaning, Dutch Lunch (it’s a thing) most probably consists of bread with cheese (broodje kaas) or anything quick, efficient, dairy-heavy, and bland. 😉
So, it makes sense that the boterham Dutchies are hungry again at 5 PM, craving a steaming hot plate of stamppot or Surinamese roti.
Why is it quirky?
Well, it just sort of gets in the way sometimes.
Firstly, you cannot callduring Dutch dinner time.
Wanna have a quick chat with your Dutch friend after work? They might get annoyed about being interrupted by your phone call when trying to gobble down some mustard soup.
The Netherlands has amazing perks (a healthy work-life balance, good public transportation, yummy fried snacks), but making friends as an international? That can be tricky.
Whether you’ve just moved to the Netherlands or you’ve been living here for some time, making a local friend isn’t always easy.
But het komt wel goed (it will be alright), here are some tips and tricks to make it easier to socialise with Dutchies and break into their circle.
1. Step out of the international bubble
Go talk to your Dutch classmates. They won’t bite! Image: Freepik
If you’re planning to stay in the Netherlands long term, it’s worth the effort to step out of the international comfort zone and invest in local friendships.
Talk to your Dutch classmates and colleagues, and attend Dutch events. Welcome them into your bubble, and they might let you into theirs — or heck, you might create a whole new bubble of your own!
2. Join Dutch social clubs
Run clubs are a fabulous way to make friends. Image: Freepik
Looking for something to do every week? While it may be tempting to join international social clubs, try to opt for one that is more local. You can go running, cold plunging, jamming, reading… The options are endless.
Plenty of websites can help you find social clubs. Meetup is great for activities, and Chillsnsip offers a social wellness community. Look for groups that welcome Dutch people, not just expats.
3. Embrace Dutch directness
Have you ever met a local who says something that sounds like an insult? Dutch bluntness can throw you off.
But that’s just Dutch people being, well, Dutch. If you can’t beat them, join them! Ask how their divorce is going, tell them their hair looks weird today — get direct, then at least you’re on the same level.
You don’t have to become fluent in Dutch (it’s a hard language to master, we know), but just understanding the basics can get you far.
By simply saying hoi or hoe gaat het (how are you), you’re proving to the Dutch that you’re trying — and you want to be friends.
5. Know the Dutch rules of body contact
Hugging someone you’re not close to? Dutchies say: not just yet! Image: Freepik
Dutch people are known to be inviting and open-minded. But showing affection? Not so much. The first rule of body contact: do not hug.
Be mindful of this guideline. While hugging is a nice way to be greeted by someone, you might lose some bonus points if you hug your potential Dutch friend.
Instead, either ask them if you can hug them or go for the common, less intense three-kiss policy to avoid any disaster. 😚
6. Invite your Dutch friend for a coffee
Invite your friend over for a nice cup of coffee on a terrace! Image: Depositphotos
Have you been acquainted with a Dutch person and want to get to know each other better? Go to a café together for some lekker koffie! ☕
After all, Dutchies love their coffee. According to recent statistics from the International Coffee Organisation (ICO), the Dutch are among the world’s 25 biggest coffee drinkers and drink up to four cups of coffee per day.
A warm cappuccino? That’ll sure draw a Dutchie or two in.
7. Become the ultimate planner
*Making plans with friends*
My Dutch Friends: “Earliest I am available should be 1/15/2038 from 6 to 7:15 because my sister’s aunt’s neighbor invited me over from 7:30 onwards”
Forget being spontaneous and meeting a Dutch friend at the last minute or arriving at their house unannounced.
The Dutch value their spare time and like to create a well-structured and balanced life, which means checking their agenda before they confirm meeting up.
Time to join in with this Dutch custom and whip out a planner of your own, trust us, they’ll appreciate it. 📔
8. Be open-minded — the Dutch love to debate!
Dutch people can be very argumentative. Join in! Image: Freepik
One of the biggest turn-offs for a Dutch person? Having a small and narrow mind. The Dutch love to debate and are always up for a good discussion, from politics to the news.
The Dutch believe in expressing your own opinion as long as you’re respectful of theirs. So, don’t be afraid to join in these debates and make some enemies — which can turn into friends as a result.
9. Join a sports club
Get active and make a friend along the way! Image: Freepik
Joining a sport is a great way to meet some Dutchies and put your Nederlands into practice. There’s no better way to forge some strong friendships than by sharing some blood, sweat, passion, and tears.
10. Be shameless and just start talking!
Don’t be afraid to practice your Dutch with someone! Image: Freepik
At the end of the day, you’re just going to have to be confident and strike up a conversation with a Dutchie — in Dutch. Oee echt eng!
The more you practice, the less scary it will be. Talk to people around you: your local barista, your neighbour, that hottie you regularly see at the gym.
So, make the effort and get to know your colleagues in a non-working environment. Less stress, more drinks, more friends. 🍻
12. Be positive about their country
Nobody likes it when a foreigner says negative things about the country they’re living in, and the Dutch are no exception.
Instead of going, “You know what the Netherlands could improve on?” or “I hate the way…” try communicating what you like about living here (hint: great social benefits, advanced healthcare, vibrant nightlife, mouthwatering restaurants).
Flattery is certainly an easy way to make friends.
13. Ask a Dutchie to come over to your place
There is nothing cosier than inviting a friend over for dinner! Image: Freepik
What better way to get to know your new Dutch friend than in the cosiness of your own home? Invite them over for an afternoon tea or a home-cooked meal.
If the Dutch love anything, it’s being gezellig. 🏡
By showing the Dutch your warm hospitality and willingness to make an effort, how could they not want to be your friend? You know you’ve made it when they invite you over to their place in return!
14. Approach them — don’t expect them to reach out first
Go text that potential new Dutch friend to hang out! Image: Depositphotos
Don’t wait around until you’re approached by a Dutchie, or else you’ll be waiting for a long time. The Dutch are not known to be conversation-starters. Instead, don’t be afraid to make the first move!
Found someone that you want to get to know better? Don’t implement the three-day rule (that’s sooo early-2000s 🙄). Text them and ask if they would be free to meet up for a drink!
The worst thing that can happen is they simply don’t reply, or they decline — you have nothing to lose here.
15. Join a taalcafé
The easiest way to practice Dutch is with a friend! Image: Freepik
Want to practice Dutch and meet a friend as a result? Try joining a taal café (language café). Important to keep in mind: you need to have a language level of at least A1.
A language café is not like actual Dutch lessons. Instead, you simply talk to each other in Dutch while sipping a cup of coffee or tea. ☕ Check out Meetup or libraries in your area to sign up!
Show that you want to fully integrate into Dutch culture by trying traditional Dutch things!
Ask your potential new Dutch friend if you can tag along!
Together, you can celebrate King’s Day, share your Hello Fresh subscription, be brave and join the Nieuwjaarsduik (New Year’s Dive), or get dressed up for Carnival! 🤡
18. Start dating a Dutch person
Want to make a Dutch friend and a little something extra? Try dating a Dutch person! Image: Freepik
If you ask us, one of the easiest and quickest ways to make Dutch friends is by dating a Dutch person.
Then you can just steal your partner’s friends and gradually become their favourite. No biggie! 😉
All kidding aside, your partner will be introducing you to their friends, so it’s the perfect opportunity to embark on some new Nederlandse friendships.
19. Cycle together
Friends who bike together, stay together! Image: Freepik
It might sound a little cliché, but Dutchies cycle every day. Why not join in, make some friends, and get some exercise as well? Cycle to work or an event with a Dutchie.
Want to explore the Netherlands by bike? Vrienden op de Fiets can help you find overnight accommodation.
Dutch hosts open their homes to travelling cyclists for a night. It’s a great way to rest after a long day of cycling — and you might make a friend for life.
20. Embrace common interests
Cooking classes are a great way to make new Dutch friends and learn about a new cuisine! Image: Depositphotos
Make a friend while pursuing a hobby.
Whether it’s a language course, comedy night, cooking classes, volunteer work in the community centre, or just tangling up some balls of wool in an attempt to make a scarf, these events will surely help you socialise with like-minded Dutchies.
21. Stay positive — it’s not easy, but it’s possible
Dutch friends aren’t easy to make, but once you make them, they’ll probably be for life! Image: Depositphotos
Making a local friend starts by integrating with the Dutch, and that’s not going to happen overnight. But eventually, it will. So geen stress (no stress) if you’re one year in and don’t have a Dutch friend yet.
The best thing about Dutch people? They’re incredibly loyal friends — once you’re in, you’re in! ✨
Remember — Rome wasn’t built in a day. And neither are new friendships. Keep putting yourself out there, and your new Dutch friend will be lucky to have you in their life!
What is your experience in making Dutch friends as an international? Tell us in the comments below!
Where to see cherry blossom trees in the Netherlands
Ready to see these stunning blossoming trees? Here’s where you can find them.
Amsterdam
Over 400 Japanese cherry trees bloom in the Amsterdamse Bos, and it’s definitely something you won’t want to miss.
This spot is so beautiful, it was crowned the best place to see cherry blossoms in all of Europe! 🏆
The Amsterdamse Bos has a designated cherry blossom park. Image: Depositphotos
These trees were donated by the Japanese Women’s Club in Amsterdam back in the year 2000.🎁
Don’t want to trek all the way to the Amsterdam Bos? Westerpark offers a few trees to lay your lovely eyes on. Again, this is a perfect spot to get some stunning shots of the blushing beauties.
They may not all be cherry trees, but they are all breathtakingly beautiful blossoms.
Utrecht
In Utrecht’s city centre, you can head to the Valkstraat Park to see the city through rose-coloured glasses.
You can also take a bike ride up the Kromme Rijn to Wijk bij Duurstede, or head to the Troelstralaan.
If you’re keen to move away from the centre, great news! There are many rivers around the Netherlands where you can spot blossoming trees next to the water. 🏞️
It’s not only cherry blossoms that are blossoming! Image: Myfootprints.nl/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0
Rotterdammers can go to Statensingel in Rotterdam-Blijdorp or stroll in any park, like Vroesenpark or the park next to Euromast, for a breath of spring in the air.
If you live near Limburg, it’s worth popping over to the village of Eijsden.This town boasts some orchards where you can view the blossoms, especially around the Eijsden Castle.
Fancy a road trip? If you want to take your time and make a whole day of it, there is a 51-kilometre-long cycle route with a wealth of fruit blossoms in Zuid-Beverland in Zeeland. Just stay connected with an international eSIM so you don’t get lost.
Tips to see cherry blossom trees in the Netherlands
It’s best to visit during the weekdays so you can fully enjoy a serene moment without the weekend rush.
Like any other outdoor activity in the Netherlands, it’s best to check the weather forecast before visiting to make sure you can enjoy your flowers under a clear blue sky.
It’s important that you do not touch, snag, shake, or sit on any of the branches, as they can be rather delicate.
It is easy to spot cherry blossoms in the Netherlands. So pack a picnic, grab your camera, and make sure you don’t miss these springtime beauties.
Have you had a chance to visit the cherry blossom trees in the Netherlands? Tell us your experiences in the comments!
When Napoleon invaded the Netherlands, he didn’t just bring soldiers. He brought paperwork. Suddenly, people who had gone their entire lives without a last name were told they needed one. Immediately. Permanently. For official documents. The kind of name that would end up on passports. Most assumed the French wouldn’t be around long. So they treated it like a joke. Two hundred years later, those jokes are still printed on Dutch passports. Before 1811, most people in the Netherlands didn’t use fixed surnames. Identity was local and practical. You were Jan, son of Pieter. Willem from the dike. Anna by the mill. In small towns and villages, that was more than enough. Everyone knew who you were, where you lived, and who your family was. There was no reason for a permanent family name when your entire world fit within walking distance. Society functioned perfectly fine this way. Records were local. Taxes were local. Land was local. If you never moved and no one around you shared your exact situation, a last name was unnecessary. That changed when Napoleon absorbed the Netherlands into the French Empire. The French state ran on bureaucracy. Censuses. Conscription lists. Tax rolls. You cannot efficiently draft soldiers or collect taxes if half the population is named “Jan, whose dad was Pieter.” So in 1811, the government ordered everyone to register a permanent surname. One name. Written down. Forever. Many Dutch citizens complied… sarcastically. Some registered as Naaktgeboren, meaning “born naked.” Others chose Zondervan, literally “without a surname.” There were families who went with Poepjes, and yes, it means exactly what you think. Names like Rotmensen, Piest, and De Grootste were calmly entered into official records. Napoleon eventually fell. The French left. The names did not. They’re still inherited today. Still legal. Still appearing on résumés, mailboxes, and international passports. All because an emperor wanted order, and an entire country responded with humor. History is full of grand strategies. This one came with punchlines.
As Napoleon conquered Holland and Friesland, village nicknames became last names and legal obligations.
What the Dutch took as a joke (that explains the surname Piest) passed through the generations for centuries and is now visible on passports, licenses, and birth certificates.
Five ways to create a Dutch last name
For those who took the task seriously, surnames generally fell into five categories, each one a little snapshot of who someone was at the time.
Where you came from: De Vries (the Frisian), Van Asten (from Asten)
Where you lived: Van Dijk (from the dike), Van ‘t Klooster (from the monastery)
What you did: Bakker (baker), De Jager (the hunter)
Who your family was: Jansen (son of Jan), Sikkema
What you looked like: De Lange (the tall one), Rood (red)
The catch, as Dr Bloothooft notes, is that what was true for the original bearer didn’t have to apply to their descendants.
Jan Bakker may well have baked bread. But his great-great-grandson is a software developer in Amsterdam.
After he was fired in 2024, a Dutchman consulted ChatGPT to figure out what he was owed. The crazy part? He did walk away with some extra compensation.
The OpenAI chatbot apparently advised the man that he was entitled to both a transition payment and a whopping €50,000 on top of that.
While he may not have been repaid the full amount he demanded, the court agreed that some compensation was due, and that the company was blameworthy.
What happened?
According to RTL Nieuws, the man was working as a buyer for a company that furnishes dental and veterinary practices. When the company was restructured in 2024, his role was altered.
This did not go down well. Unhappy with the changes, the man attempted to argue with his employer. In the end, his objections led the company to fire him.
Here’s where things got even stickier: the company took him to court after they were unable to agree on a severance payment amount. This is where the dismissal officially took place.
ChatGPT to the rescue?
But this wasn’t the end of things. The man protested the terms of his dismissal further and demanded more compensation.
Apparently, his calculations were fairly easy to make: all he had to do was ask an AI chatbot.
ChatGPT told the gentleman that based on his situation, he was owed an additional €50,000 on top of the transition payment compensation.
The Utrecht subdistrict court agreed, in part. They found that the employer’s conduct leading to the dismissal was seriously blameworthy, and that billijke vergoeding (fair compensation) was in order.
It was also agreed that the man was entitled to the transitievergoeding (statutory transition payment), as required by Dutch law, where employers must pay when terminating a contract.
Not €50,000, but something
However, the €50,000 amount in fair compensation that ChatGPT was helping him claim was rejected.
Because the ChatGPT calculations could not be explained, the judge argued, it’s unreasonable to use the chatbot’s arguments as evidence and justification.
Instead, the man was rewarded €5,000 for the conduct of his old employer, and €6,400 in transition payment.
Lesson learned: AI does not make the best lawyer.
What do you think of this court case? Let us know in the comments!
Moving to the Netherlands means getting a BSN number. It’s your golden ticket to Dutch life — from opening a bank account to signing a lease.
Sounds bureaucratic? It is. But it’s also simpler than you think.
When I moved to the Netherlands four years ago, I didn’t know that “registering in the Netherlands” meant getting your BSN number.
But after a long lecture from the municipality’s clerk and a rocky start to life in the Netherlands, here’s what I have learned.
What is a BSN number and what does it mean?
BSN stands for burgerservicenummer, which translates to citizen service number. Think of it as the Dutch version of a Social Security Number in the US or a National Insurance Number in the UK.
It’s a nine-digit number that stays with you for life.
Move to Rotterdam, then Amsterdam, and then return home to your home country for a few years before relocating again to the Netherlands? Same BSN. It never changes.
This is what my BSN letter looked like. With the details blocked out, of course! Image: DutchReview
Before 2007, this number was referred to as a “Sofi” or Sofi-Fiscal number. The name changed, but the concept didn’t. It’s still the first bureaucratic hurdle every expat faces.
And yes, it’s non-negotiable.
Why you need a BSN number in the Netherlands
Without a BSN, life in the Netherlands is virtually impossible.
Real talk: I once tried opening a bank account before getting my BSN. The bank politely laughed me out the door. Without this number, you’re invisible to the Dutch system.
One important note: having a BSN doesn’t automatically mean you can work here. Non-EU citizens still need a work permit. The BSN just lets you exist legally.
Who needs a BSN number in the Netherlands?
Pretty much everyone who is staying in the Netherlands for more than four months needs a BSN number.
EU citizens planning to settle here need one, and so do non-EU folks with residence permits.
Whether you are an international student, a highly skilled migrant, or a remote worker living here, the rule of thumb is clear: Stay more than four months? The BSN is a non-negotiable.
Even if you’re only staying for a few months but planning to work or study, you’ll need a BSN. More on that later.
How to get your BSN number in the Netherlands: Step by step
Step 1: Secure your address
You can’t register in the Netherlands without proof of where you’re living. A rental contract works just fine, as does a purchase deed if you’ve bought property.
If you’re still searching for a place, no need to fret! In the meantime, you can register at a briefadres (a correspondence address), which is essentially someone else’s address where you can legally receive mail. It’s a temporary solution, but it definitely works to get your BSN sorted.
One thing to watch out for: some landlords refuse to let tenants register at their property to dodge taxes.
This might seem like a minor inconvenience, but it creates a serious problem for you. Without a valid address, you can’t get a BSN. So if a landlord won’t let you register, walk away.
Step 2: Gather your required documents
Here’s what you’ll need:
A valid passport.
Proof of address (your rental contract or deed).
Your original birth certificate. If it’s not in Dutch, English, French, or German, you’ll need it translated. Some documents also need to be apostilled. See the requirements for your country.
Your residence permit or MVV visa (for non-EU citizens)
You might also need to bring:
An employment contract if you’re a non-EU citizen whose right to stay is tied to your job. EU citizens generally don’t need this, but it’s worth checking with your specific gemeente (municipality) beforehand.
Proof of university enrollment if you’re in the Netherlands to study.
Marriage, registered partnership, or divorce certificates, if you have them. These help the municipality record your civil status accurately in the BRP database — it’s less about legal recognition and more about making sure your personal records are correct from day one.
TIP: When I was trying to get my BSN, I didn’t have my residence permit yet — and this happens more often than you think. Luckily, I could use the Immigration and Naturalisation Service’s (IND) Letter of Approval instead.
Step 3: Book an appointment at your municipality
Find your local municipality (gemeente) online. If you’re in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, or Utrecht, book well ahead. These can often have waiting times between two and six weeks.
The Amsterdam gemeente recommends booking an appointment well before you arrive in the Netherlands, as slots fill up fast.
You need to ensure that you are registered within five days of your arrival in the Netherlands. If you fail to do so, you might face a penalty of €325 or more.
Tip: If your appointment is scheduled more than five days after your arrival, don’t panic. Ask your municipality if they can backdate your registration to the day you booked the appointment.
Step 4: Attend your BSN registration appointment
The appointment itself lasts about 10 minutes.
A clerk checks your documents and asks you to verify certain details. If you have all your documents in order, it’s a breeze!
You’ll get your BSN either on the spot or by post within a week. It can take up to four weeks if there are delays.
If your registration gets rejected, it’s probably because you’re missing some documents. Go back with what’s needed and reschedule.
As easy as 1, 2, 3! Image: DutchReview
How to get a BSN number if you’re staying less than four months
Short-term workers and students staying under four months don’t register in the BRP (Basisregistratie Personen, or Personal Records Database). Instead, they register in the RNI (Non-residents Records Database).
An Italian friend of mine thought she could move to Amsterdam for a couple of months to live with her boyfriend and pick up some work. She learned the hard way that even as an EU citizen, you’re absolutely not allowed to work in the Netherlands (even short-term) without registering and getting an RNI first.
How long does it take to get your BSN number?
How long it takes to get your BSN depends entirely on your municipality.
Some will hand you your inschrijvingsbewijs (registration confirmation letter containing your BSN) on the spot. Others will post it to you, which can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks.
If you’re registering in Amsterdam or Amstelveen, hoera! They are known to hand out BSNs right after your appointment. Anywhere else, check with your local gemeente beforehand.
A gemeente is the local government, and a stadsloket is the physical office where you actually go to access their services. The more you know! Image: Dreamstime
The bigger issue is getting an appointment at all. In Amsterdam, waiting times can stretch to six to eight weeks. Book your appointment the second you have a confirmed address. Don’t wait too long!
Fast-track options for getting your BSN number quickly
Needed your BSN yesterday? If you’re a highly skilled migrant, researcher, or Blue Card holder, your employer can request registration through IN Amsterdam when submitting your visa application.
Around four weeks later, you’ll attend a single appointment where your residence permit and BSN are sorted in one go. Easy peasy — but only if your employer wills it.
Roughly 40% of this semiconductor giant’s employees are non-Dutch! Image: Depositphotos
Depending on your situation, their services can cost your employer anywhere between €25 and €400.
Some municipalities also offer same-day services for students during peak registration periods. When I moved to the Netherlands to study at the University of Amsterdam, the municipality near the student flats in Diemen was registering students and handing out their BSN numbers on the spot.
Special cases and exceptions when getting a BSN number
Not everyone goes through the standard route.
Applying for a Dutch state pension from abroad? The SVB (Social Insurance Bank) handles your RNI registration and BSN remotely. No need to fly to the Netherlands.
Need a BSN for inheritance tax? The Tax Administration can issue one.
Benefit partners living abroad can also get BSNs through a tax administration form. The same goes for children.
Caribbean residents (Bonaire, Saba, Sint Eustatius) studying in the Netherlands? You can get a BSN through DUO when applying for student finance.
Already in the Netherlands but unregistered? Head to your local gemeente ASAP.
Where to find your BSN number once you have it
Your BSN appears on several documents:
Your registration confirmation letter from the gemeente
Tax letters from the Belastingdienst
Payslips
Your DigiD account under MijnOverheid
Lost the letter? Log in to DigiD and check there.
TIP: From employers to banks, you’ll need your BSN constantly. To avoid the scramble, I saved mine as a contact in my phone, and it’s saved so much time.
If you don’t have DigiD yet, dig through old documents. Payslips, tax correspondence, residence permits — your BSN is probably hiding somewhere.
Still nothing? Contact your gemeente with your ID and proof of address. They’ll reissue your confirmation letter.
You can’t get a new BSN number, though. The number stays the same forever.
The difference between a BSN number and a DigiD in the Netherlands
Your BSN is a number. DigiD is a login.
Think of DigiD as your digital key to Dutch government services. You use it to file taxes, check your health insurance, and access official portals.
But you need a BSN before you can apply for DigiD. One unlocks the other.
Having a working DigiD will make your life in the Netherlands so much easier. Image: DutchReview
Tips for a smooth BSN number registration in the Netherlands
Book your appointment as soon as you have an address. Waiting lists fill fast.
Bring originals and copies of all documents. Some municipalities keep copies; others just check and hand them back.
Double-check apostille requirements for your country. The Netherlands is strict about document legalisation.
Keep your BSN somewhere accessible but safe. You’ll use it constantly.
Never share your BSN except with official institutions like banks, employers, or the tax office.
Getting a BSN might feel like jumping through hoops, but it’s a one-time hassle that opens every door in the Netherlands. Once you’ve got it, you’re golden.
Got questions about getting your BSN number or registering in the Netherlands? Drop them in the comments, and we’ll help you out.
Frequently asked questions about BSN numbers in the Netherlands
Do I need a BSN number to open a Dutch bank account?
Yes — every Dutch bank requires a BSN number before they’ll open an account for you. Without it, you simply can’t access banking services in the Netherlands, which makes getting your BSN one of the very first things you should do after registering.
Can I legally work in the Netherlands without a BSN number?
No, you cannot legally work in the Netherlands without a BSN number. Your employer needs your BSN for tax and payroll purposes, so you’ll need to get your burgerservicenummer sorted before your first day on the job.
Does a BSN number expire?
No, a BSN number does not expire. It’s valid for life, and it stays the same even if you leave the Netherlands and return years later. Once assigned, your burgerservicenummer is yours permanently.
Is my BSN number the same as my Dutch residence permit number?
No, these are two separate numbers. Your BSN number (burgerservicenummer) is your citizen service number used across all government and administrative services, while your residence permit number is specific to your immigration status.
Can I use a BSN number from a previous stay in the Netherlands?
Yes, you can — and you must. Because your BSN number never changes, you’ll use the same burgerservicenummer from any previous registration in the Netherlands. Make sure to look it up before starting a new registration process.
Do I need a BSN number if I’m just visiting the Netherlands?
No. The citizen service number is only required if you’re registering as a resident, starting work, studying, or accessing public services in the Netherlands. As long as you are a tourist, you’re off the hook!
Do children need their own BSN number in the Netherlands?
Yes, every child living in the Netherlands needs their own individual BSN number. Children are registered alongside their parents at the gemeente, and each receives their own unique burgerservicenummer.
Is there a fee for getting a BSN number in the Netherlands?
No, there is no fee for getting a BSN number. Registering at your local gemeente and receiving your burgerservicenummer is completely free of charge.
Can I apply for a BSN number before arriving in the Netherlands?
Generally, no. You need to be physically present in the Netherlands to register for a BSN number, as the gemeente will need to verify your documents in person. The only exception is through specific remote routes, such as via the SVB for pension applicants.
What if my partner and I live at different addresses in the Netherlands?
No problem — you each register at your respective municipalities and receive your BSN numbers independently. Living at different addresses is perfectly normal in the Dutch registration system.
Prepaid SIMs offer affordability and a no-strings-attached approach to their data bundles, making them an excellent choice for internationals in the Netherlands.
With year-long contractual commitments and the steep prices of some SIM-only packages, getting a mobile data connection can be an utter headache for tourists and new residents in the Netherlands.
However, there’s a ray of light in the darkness: prepaid SIM cards. ✨
This post might have affiliate links that help us write the articles you love, at no extra cost to you. Read our statement.
First things first: What are prepaid SIMs?
Prepaid SIMs are physical or digital SIM cards that enable you to pay upfront for all the data, call minutes, and texts you use.
Whether you’re a heavy data user or just want to make a call now and then, prepaid offers you the most flexibility with packages. Image: Freepik
These SIMs are pay-as-you-go, making them perfect for tourists, temporary residents, and commitment-phobes, as no pesky, year-long contracts are required.
Best prepaid SIMs in the Netherlands
Ready to sample your own prepaid plan? We’ve tested the best and found the most wallet-friendly, feature-packed prepaid SIMs on the Dutch market! 👇
Offering the most affordable prepaid SIMs on our list at just €5, Simyopunches well above its weight in terms of features.
You’ll benefit from unlimited calling, texting, AND data at your fingertips — all with access to KPN’s blazing-fast network (for a fraction of the price!).
With super-low calling/texting costs for 44 countries in their handy ‘All in International’ bundle, it’s no coincidence that Lebarais one of the most popular prepaid SIMs on offer at Dutch airports.
Even better? With plans like their 3+1 bundle, you can even get one month of data completely free!
Boasting one of the Netherlands’ fastest and most extensive mobile networks, KPNis a true heavyweight when it comes to feature-packed prepaid bundles.
Whilst this is one of the more costly providers on our list, their wide range of monthly or daily data packages and ultra-reliable network more than justify the price.
With their super-affordable international calling rates, Lyca makes it easy to chat with friends and family across Europe — and beyond.
Best of all? Whether you’re ringing folks in Germany, India, or all the way in Nigeria, you’ll also enjoy speedy and reliable 5G coverage in the Netherlands.
If you’re looking to surf the web, play your favourite Spotify tunes, and maybe stream a show or two, Vodafone’shandy unlimited data bundles are right up your alley.
Despite their validity ranging from a single day to one week, they’re a stellar prepaid option for data-hungry travellers who don’t want unnecessary contracts or commitments.
Whether you’re keen on an unlimited data bundle or want the best of both worlds with calling minutes and messages too, the sky’s the limit with Odido’srange of flexible packages.
In addition to being valid throughout the EU, they offer “combi bundles” at various price points — ensuring you never overpay for the data you want.
Prepaid refers to mobile credit that a customer can buy and generally involves a monthly terminable SIM plan. Most prepaid credit comes in the form of call minutes, a set number of messages, and/or mobile data.
Great news for data lovers: many prepaid providers offer unlimited data packages! Image: Depositphotos
SIM-only, on the other hand, involves signing up for a mobile subscription. In most cases, this will lock you into a contract for a year or two — though certain providers still offer a monthly terminable option (for an added fee!).
For users who’ll be spending a limited time in the Netherlands (or who don’t want to sign off on a year-long subscription without testing the product first), prepaid SIMs offer more flexibility.
With affordable prices and the option to cancel your subscription monthly, prepaid SIMs are one of the best choices for internationals in the Netherlands.
Have you ever used a prepaid SIM plan in the Netherlands or abroad? Tell us all about your experiences in the comments below!
Prepaid SIM cards in the Netherlands: Frequently asked questions
With a lot of information and options to wade through, it’s only natural that you’d have a few questions. 🕵🏻♀️
How can I get a prepaid SIM in the Netherlands?
Dutch prepaid SIM cards can be bought at all mobile stores in the Netherlands. More conveniently, you can order SIM cards online and have them delivered to your new home or hotel.
In addition, prepaid SIM cards are often available at airports, at the checkout at many supermarkets, and at several convenience stores/corner shops.
Can I get a Dutch SIM without a mobile plan?
It’s perfectly possible to buy a prepaid Dutch SIM card without needing to splurge on a full mobile data plan.
With a prepaid plan, however, you’ll pay for 30 days’ worth of mobile data and call credit — rather than paying for a year’s subscription that renews monthly.
What’s the cheapest Dutch prepaid SIM card?
The cheapest prepaid SIM card on the Dutch market at the moment is offered by Simyo for €7.50.
With 500 MB of mobile data and 75 minutes of call time, it’s a great starter package for internationals who want to get connected in a pinch.
Do Dutch mobile data providers offer prepaid SIM cards?
Several mobile data providers in the Netherlands offer prepaid SIM cards. These providers include KPN, Simyo, and Lebara.
Can I buy a SIM card in the supermarket in the Netherlands?
Yes, you can buy prepaid SIM cards from the most popular mobile data providers at various large supermarket chains in the Netherlands.
Typically, they can be found close to the checkout.
