Chapter 2
Sorting things out on arrival
In the first weeks everything revolves around one thing: registering with the municipality. That gives you your personal number, and you need it for almost everything else.
Bring this
- A valid passport or ID card.
- Your rental contract, or written permission from the main occupant or landlord stating that you live at the address.
- Your proof of enrolment or admission from your school.
- If it applies to you: your visa or residence document.
- Some municipalities also ask for a birth certificate at a first registration from abroad, sometimes legalised or with an apostille. Check your municipality's website before you travel.
Book an appointment with the municipality in advance: in busy student cities, slots fill up quickly in August and September. Many cities and schools organise special registration days for international students.
In the Netherlands
1. Register with the municipality (BRP) and get your BSN
Staying longer than 4 months? Then you register within 5 days of arrival with the municipality where you live, in the Personal Records Database (BRP). You then get a citizen service number (BSN). You need that number to work, do an internship, use a healthcare provider or open a bank account.
Staying shorter? Ask your municipality whether you can register as a non-resident (RNI), so you still get a BSN.
From the Netherlands?
Moving into your room? Report your new address to your new municipality. You can usually do that online with DigiD.
2. DigiD
DigiD is your login for the government, DUO, the Tax Administration and health insurers. Apply at digid.nl once you are registered and have a BSN; the activation code is posted to your address.
From outside the EU: your residence permit
You do not apply for the study residence permit yourself: your school does that with the IND, as a recognised sponsor. The school first checks whether you meet the requirements, for example having enough money to live on. The IND usually decides within about 2 weeks. Follow your international office's instructions and see ind.nl.
3. Health insurance
- Only studying (from abroad): you are then usually not allowed to take out Dutch basic insurance. You keep your insurance from home (EU/EEA students often with the European Health Insurance Card, EHIC) or take private student insurance.
- Part-time job or paid internship: then you must take out Dutch basic health insurance. Only then can you also get healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag).
- From the Netherlands: from 18 you need your own basic insurance.
A letter from the CAK?
If you get a letter from the CAK about health insurance, reply within 3 months, even if you think it is not meant for you. Otherwise you can be fined. When in doubt, request a Wlz assessment from the SVB; it takes a few weeks. More at Study in NL.
4. Bank account
A Dutch account makes paying rent, getting paid and paying by card easier. Banks usually ask for your passport and BSN; some let you open an account first and add your BSN later. Many shops and supermarkets mainly accept debit cards.
5. Phone
A prepaid SIM works straight away. For a contract, providers often ask for a Dutch bank account and an address.
6. Public transport and bikes
- With OVpay you check in and out with your bank card or phone, also with a foreign contactless card.
- The student travel product (free or discounted travel) is only for students entitled to Dutch student finance. See https://studyslim.com/study-in-the-netherlands-and-belgium/money-and-work/.
- A bike is the fastest way around most cities. Buy second-hand from a bike shop or a trusted seller (no stolen bikes), and get a good lock.
In Belgium
1. Register with the municipality and get your national number
From outside the EU
You arrive with a type D visa. You register within 8 working days of arrival with the municipality where you live (in Ghent, for example, online). You first get a temporary document (annex 15). The police check your address (often not in an official student residence), then you apply for your electronic residence card (A card). Costs differ per municipality.
From the EU/EEA
Staying longer than 3 months? Register in your municipality's register of foreigners. You usually need: passport or ID, a passport photo, proof of enrolment at your school and proof of valid health insurance. You first get a provisional certificate of registration, then your residence card.
Belgian student moving into a room
Your student room is usually your second residence: you stay registered at your parents' address.
When you register, you get a national register number (rijksregisternummer). You need it for a health insurance fund, a bank, work and most government services. Always report a change of address to the municipality.
2. Health insurance: the health insurance fund (mutualiteit)
- EU/EEA without an income in Belgium: with a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) you usually do not need extra Belgian insurance. Do check that it covers your whole stay.
- No EHIC, or from outside the EU: join a Belgian health insurance fund (ziekenfonds or mutualité). Your school often helps with this.
- Going to work: arrange public health insurance first. See https://studyslim.com/study-in-the-netherlands-and-belgium/money-and-work/.
3. Bank and phone
For a Belgian account, banks usually ask for your passport or ID and your residence document or address. A prepaid SIM works straight away; for a contract you often need a Belgian account.
4. Public transport
- De Lijn (buses and trams in Flanders) has passes for young people and students.
- SNCB/NMBS has a discounted student season ticket for your route to school or internship (conditions apply).
- In Brussels, STIB-MIVB has discounted passes for young people.
Prices and conditions change every year: check them on the operator's website.
Brussels and Wallonia
The municipal procedure is roughly the same everywhere, but documents, waiting times and costs differ per municipality. Always check your own municipality's website.