· 10 min read
Moving to the Netherlands: Essential Dutch Phrases and Expat Guide
By Language Lab editorial team
Practical Dutch vocabulary for life in the Netherlands — DigiD, BSN, gemeente registration, DigiD, zorgverzekering, and phrases for everyday expat situations.
The Netherlands has one of Europe's most organised expat registration systems — and among the highest English proficiency rates of any non-English-speaking country. Almost every Dutch person will speak to you in English the moment they detect a foreign accent. But the bureaucratic and administrative vocabulary is still in Dutch, and knowing it will make your first weeks significantly smoother.
Core registration vocabulary
| Dutch term | English meaning |
|---|---|
| Gemeente | Municipality — your local council, where you register |
| Inschrijving / BRP-inschrijving | Registration in the Basic Registration of Persons (Basisregistratie Personen) |
| BSN (Burgerservicenummer) | Citizen service number — Dutch equivalent of National Insurance number, essential for work, banking, healthcare |
| DigiD | Digital identity login for Dutch government services |
| Paspoort / identiteitsbewijs | Passport / identity document |
| Verblijfsvergunning | Residence permit |
| IND (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst) | Immigration and Naturalisation Service |
| 30%-regeling | 30% ruling — tax benefit for qualifying highly skilled international employees |
| AON / GBA-uittreksel | Extract from the Personal Records Database — often required for official purposes |
| Huurcontract | Rental contract |
| Borgsom | Security deposit |
| Makelaar | Real estate agent |
Healthcare vocabulary (zorgverzekering)
Healthcare in the Netherlands is mandatory private insurance (basisverzekering — basic insurance) purchased from competing private insurers, subsidised through a system of zorgtoeslag (healthcare benefit) for lower incomes. You must enroll within 4 months of registering as a resident. Key insurers: VGZ, CZ, Zilveren Kruis, Menzis, ONVZ. The basic package costs approximately €130–160/month. You choose a huisarts (GP) after registering — most have patient lists, so register early. Hospital referrals (verwijzing) go through your huisarts, not directly.
| Dutch term | English meaning |
|---|---|
| Zorgverzekering | Health insurance |
| Basisverzekering | Basic mandatory insurance package |
| Aanvullende verzekering | Supplementary insurance (dental, physio, etc.) |
| Zorgtoeslag | Healthcare benefit/subsidy (income-dependent) |
| Eigen risico | Annual deductible (€385 in 2024, paid before insurer covers most costs) |
| Huisarts | GP / family doctor |
| Verwijzing | Referral to specialist or hospital |
| Apotheek | Pharmacy |
| Spoedeisende hulp / SEH | Emergency department |
| Zorgkaart Nederland | Government tool to find and compare healthcare providers |
Everyday Dutch phrases for expats
| Dutch phrase | English meaning |
|---|---|
| Ik wil me inschrijven bij de gemeente. | I want to register with the municipality. |
| Wanneer kan ik een afspraak maken? | When can I make an appointment? |
| Heeft u een uittreksel uit de BRP? | Do you have an extract from the BRP? |
| Ik heb een BSN nodig. | I need a BSN number. |
| Hoe vraag ik een DigiD aan? | How do I apply for a DigiD? |
| Wat zijn de huurkosten per maand? | What are the rental costs per month? |
| Is de borgsom één maand huur? | Is the deposit one month's rent? |
| Ik wil me inschrijven bij een huisarts. | I want to register with a GP. |
| Heeft u een verwijzing nodig? | Do you need a referral? |
| Kunt u dat herhalen, alstublieft? | Could you repeat that, please? |
Frequently asked
Do I need to learn Dutch to live in the Netherlands?
Practically speaking, English is sufficient for most of daily life in the Netherlands — it consistently ranks #1 or #2 globally in English proficiency among non-native speakers (EF EPI). In Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, and Utrecht, you can work, socialise, and navigate most official interactions in English. However: some government forms (especially tax returns, DigiD letters, healthcare correspondence) are Dutch-only; some employers prefer Dutch-speaking employees for client-facing roles; and social integration into Dutch society is considerably faster with Dutch. A2-B1 Dutch is achievable in 12–18 months of dedicated study.
What is the 30% ruling and how do I know if I qualify?
The 30%-regeling allows qualifying internationally recruited employees to receive 30% of their salary tax-free (as a cost-of-living allowance). To qualify: you must be hired from abroad; your salary must exceed approximately €46,107/year (2024 threshold); your employer must apply on your behalf within 4 months of starting work; and you must have lived more than 150km from the Dutch border in the 24 months before taking the job. The ruling is granted for 5 years. Many tech, finance, and international company employees in Amsterdam qualify — always ask your employer's HR team within your first weeks.
