Dutch Government Outlines Key Steps for New Residents

The Dutch government has outlined four critical steps that foreigners must complete after receiving their first residence permit. New residents are required to register in the Personal Records Database (Basisregistratie Personen or BRP) at their local municipality, where they will receive a citizen service number (burgerservicenummer or BSN).

Those who indicated a need for a tuberculosis test on their application must schedule an appointment with the Municipal Health Service (Gemeenschappelijke Gezondheidsdienst or GGD) and bring the TB test referral form (appendix 7604) to the appointment, which must occur within three months of receiving the residence permit. Additionally, new residents must arrange health insurance promptly; those on permits for study, working holidays, or cultural exchanges may use foreign health insurance if it covers them in the Netherlands, while those working must obtain Dutch health insurance.

Finally, newcomers must fulfill any applicable integration requirements following their arrival.