India → Netherlands: Complete checklist

NRE account interest is tax-free in India. Do this before your tax residency changes. Ask your bank for the conversion form.

Register and verify using your Indian passport before leaving. Identity verification takes 24–48 hours.

Your Dutch employer applies to IND on your behalf. Processing: 2–8 weeks. You cannot apply yourself.

Dutch rental market is very competitive. Book serviced apartments or Airbnb first. Budget €1,200–2,000/month.

Degree certificates, marriage certificate, and birth certificate may need an Apostille stamp for use in the Netherlands. Apply at the relevant Indian authority (HRD Ministry for degrees, local court for others). Cost: ₹300–2,000 per document. Processing: 1–4 weeks.

If you earn above ₹50 LPA, consult a CA about exit tax filings.

Dutch employers and IND may need originals. Keep digital copies in Google Drive.

You will need these for Indian banking and NRI tax filings.

Required within 5 days of arrival. Book at gemeente.nl. Bring: passport, rental contract, employer letter. BSN is your Dutch citizen number — needed for everything.

Lebara, Tele2, or Odido. Plans from €7/month. You need a Dutch number for DigiD and many services.

Bunq (most expat-friendly, opens online), ING, or ABN AMRO. Bring passport + BSN.

Apply at digid.nl. Takes 5–7 days — you get a letter with activation code. Needed for health insurance, tax portal, and more.

Your employer needs it for payroll and to apply for the 30% ruling. Do this on day 1.

Choose at independer.nl or zorgwijzer.nl. Cost: ~€160/month. You are fined for late enrollment. This is not optional.

Takes 5–7 days. Activate immediately — needed for Belastingdienst tax portal.

Must apply within 4 months of first Dutch employment date. Cannot be backdated. Worth €500–1,200/month extra depending on salary.

Register at a practice near you — they can refuse if full. Do this early.

Pick up at NS (train station) or ns.nl. Works on all trains, buses, metros.

Budget €150–300 for a secondhand bike (Marktplaats.nl). Buy TWO locks — bike theft is extremely common.

Required by many Dutch employers. Apply at Ministry of Education (HRD Attestation) before you leave India. Cost: ₹300–500. Processing: 3–10 working days. If you have already moved to the Netherlands, the Indian Embassy in The Hague handles attestation of Indian-issued documents (link in Resources).

Required for spousal visa applications. Apply at local court or state home department. Cost: ₹300–1,000. Processing: 1–3 weeks.

May be required for children's school enrollment. Apply at municipal corporation or Notary. Cost: ₹200–500.

Some Dutch visa categories and employers require a PCC from India. Apply at Passport Seva Kendra. Cost: ₹500. Processing: 5–10 days. Valid 6 months.

Company registration, GST certificates may need Apostille for DAFT (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty) or self-employed visa. Apply at Chamber of Commerce India.

5 years of legal continuous residence needed. Do not leave NL for more than 6 consecutive months.

Log in at belastingdienst.nl with DigiD. Most returns pre-filled. Check zorgtoeslag (health subsidy) eligibility.

IND application, €174 fee. Need: proof of income, continuous residence, Dutch integration if required.

Average: Amsterdam €520K, Rotterdam €340K, Eindhoven €360K. Need 10% deposit + 4–6% buying costs.

Inburgering exam (Dutch B1) required. India does not allow dual citizenship — you must renounce Indian passport. Big decision.