Practical Guide: Procedures and Formalities in Rotterdam

Moving to Rotterdam can be one of the most exciting decisions of your life.

This vibrant, modern city full of opportunities is waiting for you with open arms… but first, you must face the bureaucracy in the city.

Don’t worry: here we explain, clearly and directly, all the paperwork and things you need to live in Rotterdam without losing your mind.

Whether you’re coming for work, studies, or a new personal adventure, these formalities will help you settle into Dutch life with a solid start.

The First Step: Get Your BSN Number

As soon as you arrive in the Netherlands, your first step should be to get your BSN (Burgerservicenummer), the citizen service number.

This personal code is very important for:

• Opening a bank account
• Taking out health insurance
• Working legally
• Receiving medical care
• Signing a rental contract

You can request it when you register at the municipality (gemeente) where you live.

In this case, the Gemeente Rotterdam.

You can schedule the appointment online, and we recommend doing it as soon as possible, since without the BSN, you’ll be limited in almost all aspects of daily life.

Complete guide to getting your BSN in Rotterdam

Registering at the Municipality

Registering at the municipality is mandatory if you plan to stay in Rotterdam for more than 4 months.

This procedure allows you to be listed in the municipal register and grants you official access to services like healthcare, education, taxes, and more.

Additionally, at the municipality, you can:

• Request help with cultural integration
• Get information about local events and programs
• Resolve questions about other procedures

Finding Housing: A Challenging Task, but Possible

One of the biggest challenges upon arrival is finding housing in Rotterdam.

The market is quite competitive, but with patience and constant searching, it’s possible to find everything from modern studios by the river to rooms in multicultural neighborhoods like Delfshaven or Noord.

Basic recommendations:

• Register on official platforms like Woonnet Rijnmond
• Explore Facebook groups and sites like Pararius or Funda
• Be cautious of scams! Never pay upfront without seeing the apartment.

Tips for finding housing in Rotterdam

Health Insurance and Medical Care

In the Netherlands, having basic health insurance is mandatory.

You must sign up within 4 months of registering in the country (but it’s best to do it sooner!).

Practical tips:

• Compare prices on sites like Independer
• Choose a general practitioner (huisarts) near your home
• Pay attention to whether your insurance includes dental coverage (tandarts), as not all insurance plans offer it.

How to get health insurance in Rotterdam

Integrating into the Job Market in Rotterdam

Rotterdam has a very active labor market, with opportunities in:

• Logistics and transportation
• Technology and innovation
• Art and design
• Education and services
>br>To work, you need a BSN, a residence permit (if applicable), and to be registered in the social security system.

Additionally, it’s recommended to have a resume in English or Dutch, updated and adapted to local standards.

Guide to working in Rotterdam: sectors and tips

Learning Dutch: More Important Than You Think

While many people speak English, learning Dutch will help you integrate much better, both in work and in daily life.

There are free courses offered by the municipality, as well as by private academies, at all levels.

You can also start with basic phrases to communicate during your first weeks.

Useful Dutch phrases for newcomers
Where to study Dutch in Rotterdam

Useful Tips for New Residents

• Always make an appointment: many procedures are only accepted with an appointment
• Always carry your passport or ID card when doing official procedures
• Be patient: Dutch bureaucracy is very structured, although sometimes slow
• Keep digital copies of all your documents