Amsterdam Moving Checklist — 40+ Tasks in Order

Moving to Amsterdam involves more administrative tasks than most people expect. This checklist organises everything by stage so you know exactly what to do and when. Start with the tasks marked REQUIRED — these are legally or practically mandatory.

Before you arrive

• Book your Stadsloket appointment (REQUIRED) — amsterdam.nl. Book as early as possible; appointments fill up weeks in advance.
• Research neighbourhoods — decide which area you want to live in before starting your housing search
• Start your housing search on Pararius and Funda — the Amsterdam market moves fast
• Arrange temporary accommodation for your first weeks
• Check your visa requirements — EU citizens can arrive freely; non-EU citizens need an MVV or residence permit arranged before arrival
• Notify your current country of departure of your move (for tax and social security purposes)
• Get your documents translated if needed — some Dutch authorities require certified translations of foreign documents

First week

• Register at the Stadsloket and get your BSN (REQUIRED) — bring passport, proof of address, and residence permit if applicable
• Set up a temporary phone number or check if your current SIM works (most EU SIMs work fine)
• Open a Bunq account — you can do this online the same day as your BSN appointment
• Locate your nearest Albert Heijn, Jumbo, or Lidl supermarket
• Find out which bin days apply to your address (waste collection varies by street)
• Set up your internet connection — providers include Ziggo and KPN

First month

• Arrange Dutch health insurance (REQUIRED within 4 months) — compare at zorgwijzer.nl, open CZ or Zilveren Kruis online
• Apply for DigiD (REQUIRED for most government services) — apply at digid.nl, code arrives by post in 5–7 days
• Register with a GP (huisarts) — find one near you and register before you need one; GPs often have waiting lists
• Open an ING account if you prefer a traditional bank alongside Bunq
• Check eligibility for healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) at mijntoeslagen.nl
• Register your address with your country's embassy if relevant
• Get an OV-chipkaart for public transport — available at train stations and GVB service points
• Get a bicycle — this is not optional in Amsterdam, it is the primary mode of transport
• Find your local pharmacist (apotheek) and dentist

First three months

• File your first Dutch tax return if applicable (REQUIRED for residents with Dutch income) — via Belastingdienst.nl using DigiD
• Find permanent housing if still in temporary accommodation
• Exchange your foreign driving licence for a Dutch one if you drive (within 6 months for non-EU licences)
• Start learning Dutch — even basic phrases significantly improve daily interactions
• Register your children with a school if applicable
• Set up direct debits for health insurance, rent, and utilities — Dutch bill payment culture is heavily automated
• Join a local sport or social club — Amsterdam has a strong expat community and many English-speaking social groups
• Review your tax situation — if your employer has you on the 30% ruling, confirm it is correctly applied to your payslip