Essential Procedures

BSN

What is BSN?

BSN (Burgerservicenummer) is a unique 8-9 digit citizen service number that's essential for all administrative and financial procedures in the Netherlands. We need it for:

• Opening a bank account

• Getting health insurance

• Working in the Netherlands

• Applying for benefits/allowances

• Getting internet/utilities

• Enrolling in education

When to Apply

Getting BSN in Almere

Step 1: Make an Appointment

• Contact Almere municipality (gemeente)

• Phone: 14 036 or visit almere.nl

• Book appointment online or by phone

• Note: Getting an appointment can take several weeks, so book as soon as possible

Step 2: Required Documents

• Valid passport (driver's license is NOT sufficient)

• Proof of address in Almere (rental contract, utility bill)

• Non-EU citizens: Residence permit + employment contract (if applicable)

• Birth certificate (for children under 16)

Step 3: The Appointment

• Attend your appointment at Almere City Hall

• Complete registration forms

• You'll receive your BSN letter within 4 weeks of registration

Almere Municipality Contact:

• Address: Stadshuisplein 1, 1315 HR Almere

• Phone: 14 036

• Website: almere.nl

• Walk-in hours: Mon-Fri 9:00-17:00

• Staying longer than 4 months: Register within 5 days of arrival

• Staying less than 4 months: Register in RNI (Non-residents Records Database)

For Short-term Visitors (Under 4 months)

Register at one of 19 RNI municipalities. You'll get your BSN immediately at the appointment.

BANK

Why We Need a Dutch Bank Account

• Receive salary payments

• Pay rent and utilities

• Use "pin"/cashless payments at shops

• Avoid international transaction fees

• Because we live in the Netherlands

The Big Three

• ING - English support, mobile-first approach

• ABN AMRO - English app support

• Rabobank - Strong local presence

Besides the Top Three, you can also check other popular options like SNS, bunq, ASN, Triodos, N26.

Required Documents

• Valid passport/EU ID

• BSN (or within 90 days for some banks)

• Proof of address in Almere

• Employment contract (if working)

Still waiting for your BSN and in need of a Dutch bank account? Contact the bank of your choice for certainty whether you can open a bank account while waiting for your BSN.

Account Opening Process

• Choose your bank - Compare fees and services

• Make appointment - Online or visit branch

• Bring documents - See Required Documents

• Complete application - Can be done online for some banks

• Receive debit card/betaalpas - Usually within 5-10 days

Children's Account

Many banks offer free children's accounts for minors under 18. These accounts help children learn about money management and often include:

• No monthly fees

• Parental oversight and controls

• Savings goals and budgeting tools

• Educational features about money

Check with ABN AMRO (offers free children's accounts), ING, and other major banks for children's banking packages.

Note: children under 18 may need a parent present to open an account.

HEALTH

The Basics

Everyone residing in the Netherlands must take out Dutch health insurance within 4 months of arrival, even if you have foreign insurance.

Who Needs Dutch Health Insurance (zorgverzekering)?

Mandatory for:

• EU/EEA/Swiss nationals working in the Netherlands

• Non-EU citizens with permanent residence permits

• Anyone with a job paying Dutch income tax

Not required for:

• Short-term visitors with adequate home country insurance coverage

• Students from EU with valid EHIC card

• Those working for employers outside the Netherlands

Types of Coverage

1. Basic Insurance (Basisverzekering) - Mandatory

• Average cost: €157/month in 2025

• Covers GP visits, hospital care, prescriptions, maternity care, mental health

• Mandatory deductible (eigen risico): €385 in 2025

2. Supplementary Insurance (Aanvullende verzekering) - Optional

• Covers dental care, physiotherapy, alternative treatments

• You can choose different providers for basic and supplementary

Applying for Health Insurance

Step 1: Get Your BSN

You need a BSN to register for health insurance

Step 2: Choose Provider

Compare providers on:

• Zorgwijzer.nl (English available)

• Independer.nl

Step 3: Apply

• Fill out application form and send to insurer

• Registration is complete when you receive policy document (polisblad)

Major Health Insurance Companies

• Zilveren Kruis

• VGZ

• CZ

• Menzis

• LoonZorg (expat-focused, English service, no mandatory excess)

Healthcare Allowance (Zorgtoeslag)

If your income is below the threshold, you may qualify for healthcare benefit to help cover premiums.

How to Check:

• Check your eligibility

• Apply via Mijn Toeslagen (toeslagen.nl)

Healthcare in Almere

For comprehensive information about healthcare in Almere, click here.

DigiD

What is DigiD

DigiD is your secure digital identity for accessing Dutch government services online.

Why DigiD?

• Accessing government websites

• Tax declarations

• Municipal services

• Healthcare benefit applications

• Many official procedures

How to Apply?

• Prerequisites: BSN

• Apply online: digid.nl

• Identity verification: Via SMS or by post

• Activation: Follow instructions received

Download DigiD App

Download the official DigiD app for secure mobile access to services.

Important Numbers

Emergency Services

• Emergency (Police/Fire/Medical): 112

• Non-emergency Police: 0900-8844

• Non-emergency Medical: Your GP or 0900-1515

Gemeente Almere

• General inquiries: 14 036

• Address: Stadshuisplein 1, 1315 HR Almere

• Website: almere.nl

National Services

• BSN/RNI questions: Contact Gemeente Almere

• Tax office (Belastingdienst): 0800-0543

• Health insurance questions & complaints: 0800-6464644. Website: https://www.zorgverzekeringslijn.nl/

• DigiD helpdesk: 088-7777888

• IND: 088 043 04 30