The Essentials Checklist
Dutch bureaucracy is famous for a reason. Here is your step-by-step roadmap to getting settled in Groningen without the headache.
The “Speedrun“ Order
Do not try to do these out of order. You will get stuck.
Address & BSN
You need a rental contract to get registered. No house = No BSN.
DigiD & Bank
Once you have a BSN, apply for DigiD and open a bank account immediately.
Allowances
Apply for rent/health allowance after you have DigiD and a Bank Account.
1. Registration & BSN
The BSN (Burgerservicenummer) is your unique Citizen Service Number. You cannot open a bank account, get insurance, or receive a salary without it.
How to get it: You do not “apply“ for a BSN separately. You get it automatically when you register at the Municipality (Gemeente) of Groningen.
Crucial: Birth Certificate Apostille
If you are non-EU, you often need a legalized/apostilled birth certificate. This must be done in your home country before you leave. If you forget this, you might have to fly back home to get it.
Checklist for your appointment:
- Valid Passport / ID
- Rental Contract (Signed)
- Proof of Enrollment
- Birth Certificate (if required)
2. DigiD (Digital Identity)
Once you have your BSN, apply for a DigiD immediately. This is your “Digital ID“ used to log in to all government services (Taxes, DUO, Health Insurance).
The 5-Day Wait
You cannot activate DigiD online instantly. They will send a physical letter with an activation code to your registered address within 3-5 days. Watch your mailbox!
3. Dutch Bank Account
While Visa/Mastercard are accepted in many places, Albert Heijn (supermarket) and street markets often still prefer Maestro or V-Pay. You also need a Dutch IBAN (starts with NL) for easy direct debits (rent/gym).
ABN AMRO / ING / Rabo
Reliable and have physical branches. Good if you want to talk to a human.
Bunq / Revolut
Fast setup (minutes) via app. Bunq gives you a real NL IBAN instantly.
4. Rent Allowance (Huurtoeslag)
The Dutch government may pay part of your rent if you have a low income. This is called Huurtoeslag.
Crucial Rule: Independent Living
You generally only qualify if you have an own front door, own kitchen, and own toilet. Most student rooms with shared facilities DO NOT qualify.
5. Health Insurance
Just Studying?
Your EU Health Card (EHIC) or private home insurance is usually enough. You do not need expensive Dutch insurance.
Working / Paid Internship?
MANDATORY: As soon as you work (even 1 hour), you must buy Dutch Basic Insurance (~€130/mo). If you don't, you risk a huge fine.
The “Secret“ Refund
If you are forced to buy insurance because you work, you almost certainly qualify for Zorgtoeslag (Healthcare Allowance), which pays you back almost the entire €130/month!
6. General Practitioner (Huisarts)
In the Netherlands, you generally cannot see a specialist at a hospital without a referral from your GP. You must register with a practice near your home before you get sick.
Google Maps “Huisarts“
Call nearby practices. Many are full, so call 3-4.
StudentArts
A dedicated GP for students in Groningen. Highly recommended.
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