Entry and residence regulations for the Netherlands: Your move made easy

Moving to the Netherlands – to the land of windmills, canals and a cosmopolitan way of life – is an attractive goal for many Germans. With its high standard of living, strong economy and central location in Europe, the country offers ideal conditions for a new start. As a leading moving company, KOCH Moving Logistics is by your side. Here you will find all the important information about entry and residence regulations in the Netherlands, specifically for German citizens.

German citizens can enter the Netherlands visa‑free for short stays of up to 90 days. As the Netherlands belong to the Schengen Area, entry is even more straightforward than to many non‑European countries. A valid identity card or passport is sufficient for entry – this applies to tourism, business trips, conference visits and family visits, as well as for jobseekers and persons wishing to pursue self‑employed activity. 

NOTE ON ETIAS: From the end of 2026 (expected), an ETIAS travel authorisation (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will be required for visa‑free stays. This costs €20, is valid for three years and will presumably be applied for online. The European Union will announce the exact date several months before its introduction.

Thanks to EU freedom of movement, German citizens can live and work in the Netherlands under simplified conditions. For employment or a stay of more than three months, no special documents are initially required. However, EU citizens must register with the local municipality (Gemeente) if they stay for more than 90 days. After registration, you will receive a Burgerservicenummer (BSN), a type of tax and social security number, which is required for all administrative procedures as well as for opening a bank account.

EU citizens such as German nationals have an unconditional right of residence for up to three months. For a longer stay (more than three months), the right of residence continues if you are engaged in employment (employee or self‑employed), are undergoing training, have sufficient means of subsistence and health insurance, or are a family member of a person with such status. For the duration of your stay, you can apply for a residence card for EU citizens, which documents your right of residence but is not mandatory.

For third‑country nationals (i.e., citizens from outside the EU), stricter rules apply. For stays over 90 days, they generally require a residence permit such as the residence permit for highly skilled migrants (Kennismigrant), which must meet specific salary and employer requirements.

After five years of uninterrupted lawful residence in the Netherlands, EU citizens can apply for the permanent residence card for EU citizens. This status is unlimited and facilitates further residence. You must prove that you have met the conditions for the right of residence for the entire five‑year period. The permanent residence card is issued under a simplified procedure.

Naturalisation in the Netherlands is possible under certain conditions. The general naturalisation requirements include:

 

– Five years of uninterrupted lawful residence in the Netherlands. in den Niederlanden.

– Good integration: proof of sufficient knowledge of the Dutch language (at least level A2) and of Dutch society (civic integration exam).

– Clean criminal record: no serious criminal offences at the time of application.

– Renunciation of previous nationality: the Netherlands generally requires the surrender of previous citizenship. Exceptions to this obligation exist, for example, for persons married to a Dutch citizen, as well as for persons for whom renouncing their previous nationality would involve unreasonable hardship.

 

Last but not least, the Netherlands require you to complete the naturalisation ceremony and take an oath of allegiance to the Dutch king and the legal order.

A double taxation agreement (DTA) exists between Germany and the Netherlands, which prevents income and assets from being taxed in both countries. An updated version of this agreement entered into force on 1 January 2026. The most important change for cross‑border commuters is the introduction of a de minimis rule for homeworking. In future, cross‑border employees may work from home in Germany for up to 34 days per calendar year without changing the tax treatment (allocation of taxing rights). For the remaining working days, taxation generally remains in the state of employment (the Netherlands). Individual tax advice is recommended to correctly assess personal circumstances.

The Netherlands are similar to Germany in many ways, but also show typical Dutch characteristics. The Dutch are considered very direct, almost blunt. This is not to be understood as rudeness, but as an expression of honesty and efficiency. Dutch work culture is characterised by flat hierarchies and an informal style – you quickly address each other with the informal "je", even with superiors. Punctuality is expected, but not quite as strictly as in Germany. Some cultural differences should be known to avoid misunderstandings.

Dutch work culture is characterised by pragmatism, results orientation and a balanced work‑life balance. Overtime is not encouraged; the weekly working hours are often somewhat shorter (36‑40 hours). Flexible working hours and home office are widespread. Employees are expected to take initiative and have a high degree of personal responsibility, but not excessive personal ambition. The famous Dutch consensus is a reality: decisions are negotiated in the team, not dictated from above.

International skilled professionals from Germany have good chances in this work culture, as they are considered structured and reliable. However, they must learn to occasionally soften their own direct manner and orient themselves towards the more informal but also sometimes "Dutch‑direct" communication.

Registration with the municipality (Gemeente) is the central administrative act after your arrival in the Netherlands. It must generally take place within five days of arrival at your place of residence. Registration is done in person at the town hall of the municipality. Required documents are generally a valid identity card or passport, proof of residential address (e.g., rental contract), and possibly an original birth certificate.

After successful registration, you will receive your Burgerservicenummer (BSN). This number is your key to almost everything: you need it for your tax return, opening a bank account, access to healthcare, applying for child benefit and much more. The municipality will also issue you with an official registration certificate.

There are generally no fees for registration with the municipality – minimal administrative costs may apply in some cases. German citizens do not need a visa to enter the Netherlands, so no visa fees are incurred. Detailed information about local requirements can be found on the websites of the relevant municipality or the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).

Moving to the Netherlands requires thorough preparation and an understanding of local administrative procedures. We at KOCH Moving Logistics are by your side to make your dream of emigrating to the Netherlands as smooth as possible.