Which registration page applies to me in The Hague?

Use the municipal site: EU/EEA/Swiss nationals (first registration, no BSN); non-EU with residence permit (first registration, no BSN); Dutch citizens coming from abroad (no BSN); or “register again in the BRP” if you already have a BSN. Highly skilled migrants and scientific researchers have a specific route. The Hague International Centre can support some newcomers—check their site for eligibility.

Do I need Dutch health insurance in The Hague?

People who live or work in the Netherlands generally need Dutch basic health insurance. Where it applies, it usually needs to be arranged within 4 months. Residence permit holders generally need cover effective from the date the permit comes into force.

Can I open a Dutch bank account without a BSN?

Some banks allow you to start the process or provide your BSN later. Requirements vary by bank; check the specific bank and our national banking guide.

What is The Hague International Centre?

The Hague International Centre is part of the municipal newcomer ecosystem. It offers free services for internationals in the region and helps some groups with municipal registration, BSN, residence/work document collection, and newcomer guidance. It is particularly relevant for highly skilled migrants, diplomats, scientific researchers, graduates, start-ups, and family members in supported cases. Highly skilled migrants can in some cases register and collect residence permits in one appointment for supported municipalities.

Can highly skilled migrants register there?

Yes. The municipality has a specific BRP registration route for highly skilled migrants and scientific researchers coming from abroad. The Hague International Centre offers registration for highly skilled migrants and allows them to register and collect residence permits in one appointment for supported municipalities. Check the official pages for current eligibility.

Do I need an apostille for The Hague registration?

It depends on your documents and country of origin. The municipality and The Hague International Centre will indicate what is required. See our apostille and document legalization guides for the Netherlands.

Do documents need translation for use in the Netherlands?

Some documents must be translated by a sworn translator. Check the municipality’s requirements and our document translation guide.

Is The Hague good for expat families?

The Hague has strong appeal for families: international schools, The Hague International Centre’s family migrant checklist and support, and a range of neighbourhoods. Housing demand is high; the centre’s checklist notes that newcomers should start searching early.

What should I do in my first week after arrival?

Secure your address, confirm your registration path and any appointment (municipality or The Hague International Centre if eligible), gather documents (ID, proof of address, any required translations or legalizations), and set up transport basics. See the “First 30 days” section and the After arriving in the Netherlands guide.

Moving to The Hague as an Expat: Registration, BSN, Banking & Insurance

Q: Do I need to register when moving to The Hague?

Yes. If you are coming from abroad to live in The Hague for 4 months or longer and do not yet have a BSN, you must register with the municipality in the BRP. Registration is required by law in these cases. The Hague has separate pages for EU/EEA/Swiss, residence permit holders, Dutch citizens from abroad, re-registration, and highly skilled migrants/researchers.

Q: Do I get my BSN when I register in The Hague?

Yes. The Hague International Centre explains that if you are staying in the Netherlands for more than 4 months, you can obtain a BSN via the normal municipal procedure. You receive it as part of registration in the BRP.

Q: Can I apply for DigiD right after registering?

You can apply once you have your BSN and a registered Dutch address. You need a mobile phone. The activation letter is sent by post and generally arrives within about 3 business days; you must activate DigiD within 21 days.

Living in The Hague as an Expat

The Hague is the centre of government, international organisations, diplomacy, and NGOs in the Netherlands. The city hosts embassies, courts, and a large international community. Many expats choose The Hague for roles in policy, law, and international relations.

The city offers a quieter, more formal atmosphere than Amsterdam, with beach access at Scheveningen and strong international schools. It suits diplomats, NGO and policy professionals, and families who value the combination of international institutions and coastal living.

Why Expats Choose The Hague

International organisations

UN, EU agencies, courts, and NGOs; concentration of global policy and legal work.

Who it suits: Policy and legal professionals

Diplomatic and policy jobs

Embassies, international bodies, and government-related roles; formal newcomer support.

Who it suits: Diplomats and civil servants

Beach access

Scheveningen and the coast; combination of city and seaside lifestyle.

Who it suits: Families and outdoor-oriented expats

International schools

Strong offer of international education; popular with globally mobile families.

Who it suits: Families with school-age children

The Hague International Centre

Free municipal services for newcomers; registration and permit support for eligible internationals.

Who it suits: HSM and eligible newcomers

Jobs and Companies in The Hague

Key industries

Government
NGOs
International organisations
Legal
Energy
Security

Major employers

Major employers include (non-exhaustive):

International Court of Justice
Shell (HQ)
Dutch government
Europol
NGOs

Business.gov.nl / CBS

Overview

The Hague is a major hub for expats in international organisations, embassies, NGOs, legal and policy work, and for families seeking international schools and a formal newcomer-support ecosystem. The city balances international-institution density with coastal and civic character.

This page summarises The Hague–specific setup: registration (including the right flow for your nationality or status), BSN, DigiD, health insurance, banking, housing, and transport. For deeper detail on each topic, use the linked national guides.

Your practical first steps are usually: identify the correct registration route (EU/EEA/Swiss, residence permit, Dutch citizen, re-registration, or highly skilled migrant/researcher), register with the municipality, receive your BSN, apply for DigiD, arrange health insurance where required, open a bank account, and set up transport. The Hague International Centre offers free services for many internationals and can support some with registration and permit collection.

Compare Dutch citiesAfter arriving in the NetherlandsMunicipality registration in the Netherlands

Registering with the Municipality in The Hague

If you are coming from abroad to live in The Hague for 4 months or longer and do not yet have a BSN, you must register with the municipality in the BRP (Personal Records Database). Registration is required by law in these cases.

The Hague has separate official registration pages depending on your situation: EU/EEA and Swiss nationals; non-EU nationals with a residence permit; Dutch citizens coming from abroad. If you already have a BSN and are moving back from abroad or were deregistered, there is a separate “register again in the BRP” flow.

Highly skilled migrants and scientific researchers coming from abroad can use a specific BRP registration route. The Hague International Centre offers registration services for some newcomers and allows highly skilled migrants to register and collect residence permits in one appointment for supported municipalities. Check the official pages to see which route applies to you.

Identify which registration route applies: EU/EEA/Swiss first registration, residence permit, Dutch citizen from abroad, re-registration (already have BSN), or highly skilled migrant / scientific researcher.
Use the correct municipal page or The Hague International Centre if you are eligible for their supported route.
Gather required documents: valid ID, proof of address, and any route-specific documents (e.g. residence permit, employment contract).
Complete the registration; attend any required appointment. For HSM in supported cases, The Hague International Centre can combine registration and permit collection in one appointment.
You will receive your BSN as part of the process.

EU/EEA/Swiss – first BRP registration With residence permit – first BRP registration Dutch citizens from abroad Register again in the BRP (already have BSN)Highly skilled migrants and researchers

Municipality registration in the Netherlands Document translation in the Netherlands Document legalization in the Netherlands Apostille documents in the Netherlands

Documents to prepare

Gather these before your registration appointment

Valid passport or ID
Proof of address in The Hague
Completed registration form (if applicable)
Residence permit or visa (if non-EU)
Birth certificate / marriage certificate (if required for your situation)
Documents translated or legalized where required

Getting Your BSN and DigiD in The Hague

Your BSN (Burgerservicenummer) is issued as part of municipal registration in The Hague. The Hague International Centre explains that if you are staying in the Netherlands for more than 4 months, you can obtain a BSN via the normal municipal procedure. You need it for tax, health insurance, banking, and access to government services.

DigiD is the Dutch government login. You can apply after you have a BSN and a registered Dutch address. You need: BSN, registered Dutch address, and a mobile phone. The activation letter is sent by post and generally arrives within about 3 business days. You must activate DigiD within 21 days. Many expats only realise later how often DigiD is needed—for tax matters, health insurance portals, municipality services, healthcare admin, and benefits or official letters—so applying early is practical.

DigiD requirements

BSN
Registered Dutch address
Mobile phone

Used for: Tax matters (Belastingdienst), Logging in to your health insurer's portal, Using municipality services online, Healthcare and GP-related admin, Benefits and official letters.

BSN in the Netherlands DigiD in the Netherlands

Health Insurance After Moving to The Hague

People who live or work in the Netherlands generally need Dutch basic health insurance. In relevant cases, it usually needs to be arranged within 4 months. If you have a residence permit, you are generally required to arrange health insurance effective from the date the permit comes into force.

Compare providers, arrange cover soon after registration or when employment starts, and check whether you need supplementary insurance. Do not assume that employer setup means you can postpone this—confirm your own obligation and arrange it in time.

Compare basic packages and optional supplementary cover.
Arrange insurance quickly after registration or when your obligation starts.
Do not assume employer setup removes the need to arrange it yourself; confirm and act in time.
Check whether supplementary insurance is actually necessary for your situation.

Health insurance in the Netherlands

Opening a Bank Account in The Hague

Expats often open a Dutch bank account early to receive salary, pay rent, set up health insurance, and use iDEAL. Requirements vary by bank; typically you will need ID, BSN (when requested), proof of address, and residence documents depending on your status.

Valid passport or ID
BSN (often required; some banks allow providing it later)
Proof of Dutch address
Residence permit (if non-EU)

bunq

Digital bank with expat-friendly signup and multi-currency options. Often used by newcomers before or shortly after receiving a BSN.

Best for: Expats, digital-first banking

Varies by plan

Visit bunq

ABN AMRO

Major Dutch bank with branches and online banking. Full-service accounts; requirements typically include ID and BSN.

Best for: Traditional banking, in-branch support

Typical account fees apply

Visit ABN AMRO

ING

Large Dutch bank with strong digital offering. Common choice for salary and daily banking.

Best for: Salary account, iDEAL, daily use

Typical account fees apply

Visit ING

Wise

International transfers and multi-currency. Useful for moving money to the Netherlands and holding euros; often used alongside a Dutch bank account.

Best for: International transfers, multicurrency

Varies by transaction

Visit Wise

Open a bank account in the Netherlands

Housing and Cost of Living in The Hague

The Hague is often attractive to internationals because it balances international-city amenities with a different feel from Amsterdam. Housing demand is high; The Hague International Centre’s family migrant checklist notes that newcomers should start searching early. Municipal registration and BSN are part of early arrival setup.

Rents and costs vary by neighbourhood, furnishing, contract type, and whether utilities are included. The figures below are practical estimates for planning—not official or regulated fees.

Rent (1-bedroom, city)

Indicative

€1,100 – €1,900+

Typical estimate; varies by area and contract

Rent (family)

Indicative

€1,600 – €2,800+

Typical estimate

Groceries (monthly)

Indicative

€250 – €400

Single person

Transport (monthly)

Check HTM for current prices

From ~€40

HTM / OV-chipkaart; bike separate

Health insurance (basic)

Varies by provider

From ~€140/month

Indicative

Municipality / admin

Official fees apply

Varies

Registration and permits; check official source

Expats often consider the centre, Zeeheldenkwartier, Statenkwartier, Archipel, and areas with good tram/train links; coastal and inland neighbourhoods can feel different for daily travel.

Watch out

Be wary of housing scams. Do not pay large deposits without viewing the property or verifying the contract and landlord. Start your housing search early.

Housing platforms Rental agencies

Getting Around The Hague

Many expats combine cycling with tram and bus (HTM in The Hague region) and train. The Hague is well connected by train to Rotterdam, Delft, Leiden, Schiphol, and Amsterdam. Transport setup is usually one of the easier first-week tasks.

Good to know

Check commute time before choosing housing; family routines can depend heavily on school, office, and train links.
A city that looks compact on paper can still have meaningful tram/train differences.
Coastal and inland neighbourhoods can feel different in daily travel patterns.
Set up OV-chipkaart or HTM subscription early.

Useful Services for Newcomers in The Hague

Below are official and commercial services that can support your move. The Hague International Centre is part of the municipal newcomer ecosystem and offers free services for internationals; it helps some groups with municipal registration, BSN, residence/work document collection, and newcomer guidance. Banks and insurers have their own requirements.

Official / newcomer support

The Hague International Centre

Official

Part of the municipal newcomer ecosystem. Offers free services for internationals; helps with municipal registration, BSN, residence/work document collection, and newcomer guidance. Particularly relevant for highly skilled migrants, diplomats, researchers, graduates, start-ups, and family members in supported cases.

Best for: HSM, diplomats, researchers, families; registration and permit collection in one appointment for supported cases

Free services

Visit The Hague International Centre

Municipality of The Hague – Moving and immigration

Official

Official BRP registration routes: first registration (EU/EEA/Swiss, residence permit, Dutch from abroad), re-registration, and highly skilled migrants/researchers.

Best for: First registration, re-registration, correct flow for your status

Official municipal service

Visit Municipality of The Hague – Moving and immigration

Banking / money

bunq

Digital bank with expat-friendly signup and multi-currency options. Often used by newcomers before or shortly after receiving a BSN.

Best for: Expats, digital-first banking

Varies by plan

Visit bunq

ABN AMRO

Major Dutch bank with branches and online banking. Full-service accounts; requirements typically include ID and BSN.

Best for: Traditional banking, in-branch support

Typical account fees apply

Visit ABN AMRO

ING

Large Dutch bank with strong digital offering. Common choice for salary and daily banking.

Best for: Salary account, iDEAL, daily use

Typical account fees apply

Visit ING

Wise

International transfers and multi-currency. Useful for moving money to the Netherlands and holding euros; often used alongside a Dutch bank account.

Best for: International transfers, multicurrency

Varies by transaction

Visit Wise

Housing / relocation

HousingAnywhere

Platform for mid-term rentals and accommodation search, often used by students and short-term relocators.

Best for: Mid-term rental, students

Varies

Visit HousingAnywhere

Documents / translation

Bureau Wbtv – Sworn translator register

Official

Official register of sworn interpreters and translators (Rbtv). Search by language pair and location; only Rbtv-registered translators can provide sworn translations for Dutch authorities.

Best for: Finding a sworn translator (required for official use)

Free to search; translator fees vary (e.g. short doc ~€25–60, birth/marriage ~€40–100, diploma ~€60–150)

Visit Bureau Wbtv – Sworn translator register

Sworntranslation.nl

Amsterdam-based agency offering sworn translations by Rbtv-registered translators. Handles birth certificates, diplomas, and other documents for IND and municipality procedures.

Best for: Sworn translations, fast turnaround, Amsterdam area

Typical: short document ~€25–60, birth/marriage cert ~€40–100, diploma ~€60–150

Visit Sworntranslation.nl

Beëdigd Vertaalbureau

Sworn translation agency with all translators registered in the Rbtv. Online ordering; documents for immigration, municipality registration, and legal use.

Best for: Sworn translations, online ordering

Varies by document (e.g. certificate ~€40–100, diploma ~€60–150)

Visit Beëdigd Vertaalbureau

Exito Vertaalbureau

Sworn translations plus assistance with apostille and legalisation for documents used abroad or with Dutch authorities.

Best for: Sworn translation + apostille/legalisation

Translation from ~€25–60 per page; legalisation services extra

Visit Exito Vertaalbureau

Document translation & legalisation guide

When translation is required, which languages are accepted, sworn translation steps, legalisation order, and common mistakes. Use alongside the Bureau Wbtv register or agencies above.

Best for: Understanding requirements and process

Free guide

Read guide

Insurance

Zilveren Kruis

One of the largest Dutch health insurers (Achmea). Broad care network, basic and supplementary packages; widely recognised by expats.

Best for: Broad network, brand recognition

Basic from ~€158/month; supplementary extra. Indicative.

Visit Zilveren Kruis

CZ

Large Dutch insurer with a big customer base. Standard basic and various supplementary packages; solid option for daily cover.

Best for: Large customer base, standard cover

Basic ~€152–159/month; supplementary extra. Indicative.

Visit CZ

VGZ

Major Dutch health insurer with a wide range of basic and supplementary products. Often chosen for flexibility.

Best for: Wide choice, supplementary options

Basic ~€152–159/month; supplementary extra. Indicative.

Visit VGZ

DSW

Health insurer often positioned at a competitive price for basic cover. May suit budget-focused expats.

Best for: Budget-conscious, competitive basic

Basic from ~€142/month; supplementary extra. Indicative.

Visit DSW

FBTO

Part of Achmea; no-frills, online-focused option with competitive basic premiums. Suitable for online-only users.

Best for: Online, no-frills, competitive price

Basic from ~€142/month; supplementary extra. Indicative.

Visit FBTO

Independer

Comparison site for Dutch health insurance. Compare premiums and packages from major insurers; useful before choosing a provider.

Best for: Comparing premiums and packages

Free to compare

Visit Independer

Your First 30 Days in The Hague

Week 1

Move in and secure your address.
Confirm your registration path and any appointment (municipality or The Hague International Centre if eligible).
Gather documents (ID, proof of address, any required translations or legalizations).
Set up transport basics (OV-chipkaart or HTM; consider a bike once you have storage).

Week 2

Receive or confirm your BSN.
Apply for DigiD (activation letter by post, generally within about 3 working days).
Start the bank account process if not already done.

Week 3

Arrange health insurance if applicable.
Activate DigiD within 21 days of receiving the letter.
Update employer, school, or landlord with your BSN and address where needed.

Week 4

Finalise local admin (DigiD, bank account, insurance).
Review taxes, 30% ruling, residence permit, or family/school planning if relevant.

After arriving in the Netherlands Health insurance in the Netherlands Open a bank account in the Netherlands

Comparing Dutch Cities for Expats

City	Best for	Typical jobs	Lifestyle	Housing cost	Commute
Amsterdam	Global careers	Tech / finance / startups	Fast-paced international	High	Good transit
Rotterdam	Engineering	Logistics / engineering	Modern urban	Medium	Good transit
Utrecht	Balanced life	Consulting / healthcare / education	Historic and relaxed	Medium–high	Excellent
The Hague	International organisations	Government / diplomacy	Quiet coastal city	Medium–high	Good
Eindhoven	Tech careers	Engineering / semiconductors	Innovation-driven	Medium	Regional commuting

Explore detailed city guides

Who Typically Moves to The Hague

Diplomats and embassy staff
NGO and non-profit workers
Policy and government affairs professionals
International law and court professionals
Families seeking international schools

Example Scenarios

Realistic situations and what to prioritise: documents, timing, and common pitfalls.

Diplomat / embassy staff relocating to The Hague

Posting to an embassy or international organisation; The Hague is the natural base. Registration route depends on nationality and status; The Hague International Centre can support some with registration and guidance.

Needs first

Correct registration route (EU/residence permit/etc.)
BSN
DigiD
Health insurance
Bank account

Key documents

Passport; Accreditation or proof of posting if applicable; Proof of address; Residence permit if non-EU

Timing

Register as soon as you have an address; arrange insurance and banking in the first weeks.

Common mistakes

• Using the wrong registration flow for your nationality/status
• Assuming DigiD is immediate
• Underestimating housing competition

NGO / international organisation professional choosing The Hague

Role in an NGO or international organisation based in The Hague. Same registration and BSN/DigiD/insurance/banking sequence; The Hague International Centre offers free services for many internationals.

Needs first

Registration (correct route)
BSN
DigiD
Health insurance
Bank account

Key documents

Passport; Proof of address; Employment contract; Residence permit if non-EU

Timing

Register early; housing demand is high—start searching as soon as you can.

Common mistakes

• Delaying health insurance
• Opening banking too late
• Not preparing translated/legalized documents when required

Highly skilled migrant using supported registration routes

Employer sponsors permit; The Hague has a specific BRP registration route for highly skilled migrants and scientific researchers. The Hague International Centre allows HSM to register and collect residence permits in one appointment for supported municipalities.

Needs first

Registration via HSM route / The Hague International Centre if eligible
BSN
DigiD
Health insurance
Bank account

Key documents

Passport; Employment contract; Proof of address; Residence permit when issued

Timing

Follow employer and The Hague International Centre guidance; arrange insurance from permit start date.

Common mistakes

• Assuming every newcomer can use the same International Centre route—check eligibility
• Assuming DigiD is immediate

Family relocating to The Hague (schools and commuter access)

Family prioritising international schools and commuter access. The Hague International Centre’s family migrant checklist highlights housing demand (start early), municipal registration, and BSN as part of early arrival setup.

Needs first

Registration (correct route for your status)
BSN
DigiD
Health insurance
Bank account
Housing and school planning

Key documents

Passports/IDs; Proof of address; Marriage/birth certificates if required; Residence permits if applicable

Timing

Start housing and school search early; register and get BSN in the first weeks.

Common mistakes

• Underestimating housing competition
• Not preparing translated or legalized documents for dependants
• Delaying health insurance

Common Mistakes

Using the wrong registration flow for your nationality or statusMunicipality registration
Assuming every newcomer can use the same International Centre route—eligibility variesThe Hague International Centre
Assuming DigiD is immediate (activation letter by post, must activate within 21 days)
Delaying health insurance when it is requiredHealth insurance
Opening banking too lateOpen bank account
Underestimating housing competition; start searching early
Not preparing translated, legalized, or apostilled documents when neededDocument translation