ONCE YOU ARRIVE IN THE NETHERLANDS

If you need an entry visa (MVV) to enter the Netherlands you will be able to collect your residence permit immediately at IN Amsterdam. The International Office will book an appointment for you.

If you are exempted from the obligation to have a MVV, and you can enter the Netherlands with your passport, but you will need to have your biometrics (fingerprints, digital signature and passport photo) taken at IN Amsterdam. About two weeks later you will receive a message form IND or the International Office mentioning you can collect your residence permit at IN Amsterdam.

Registering at your local municipality is a mandatory procedure if you intend to stay longer than 4 months, irrespective of your nationality. The registration is done in person at the IN Amsterdam in case you will be residing in the Amsterdam area. All family members that will be registered must be present. No registration fees apply. The database is used as a source of information by various other organizations, including IND, the Dutch Tax Administration and the Social Insurance Bank. These organizations rely on the address details as listed in the Municipal Personal Records Database.

International employees, PhD candidates and guests of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam from outside the EU/EER can only register with the Municipal Personal Records Database after they have applied for a residence permit with the IND. Both registrations will be arranged during your appointment at the Expatcenter.

After registering with the Municipal Personal Records Database (GBA), you will automatically be allocated a citizen service number (BSN), which will be sent to your home address in the Netherlands. The citizen service number (BSN) is a unique personal number allocated to everyone registered in the Municipal Personal Records Database. The citizen service number is recorded on passports, driving licences and identity cards and is required to receive a salary or to open a bank account at a Dutch bank.

Next to IN Amsterdam you will find a local branch office of ABN AMRO bank. You are free to open an account at any bank you wish in the Netherlands. However, international employees, PhD candidates and guests of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam generally have an account at ABN AMRO Bank. International employees and PhD candidates need to show a valid passport at the bank as well as a copy of your employment contract with Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Guests need to show a valid passport and a declaration of courtesy privileges from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. You must also be able to provide proof of your Dutch address, such as a copy of the rental agreement or a utility bill. Furthermore, you must provide the bank with your citizen service number within four weeks.

DigiD stands for Digital Identity and is needed for tax purposes. A DigiD allows users to access a great number of online services offered by Dutch government agencies. DigiD is only available to people who are registered in a Dutch municipality and have a BSN number (citizen service number).

• Apply for a DigiD at: https://www.digid.nl/en/