Relocate Quest

Working Holiday Residence Permit

For young adults on a Working Holiday Scheme/Programme in the Netherlands.

📋 22 steps total✅ 10 free pre-arrival steps🔒 12 post-arrival steps

The full Dutch Working Holiday Residence Permit process

  1. Obtain or Renew Passport

    Make sure your national passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended entry into the Netherlands.

  2. Apply for Working Holiday residence permit

    Apply for Working Holiday Scheme/Programme (eligible 18–30, quota applies).

    ⏱ ~90 days💶 €85🔗 Official link

  3. Collect MVV entry visa

    Pick up MVV sticker at Dutch embassy/consulate after approval.

    🔗 Official link

  4. Arrange Travel / Expat Insurance

    Purchase travel or provisional health insurance that covers you until Dutch basic health coverage starts.

  5. Plan moving logistics (household goods)

    Arrange shipment/customs for household goods, pets, vehicles, medicines, etc.

    🔗 Official link

  6. Pre-open Dutch Bank Account

    Open a Dutch (IBAN) account remotely or through a fintech provider so you can transfer funds before arrival.

  7. Search for Housing

    Start looking for rental properties online or via agents; gather required documents such as proof of income.

    🔗 Official link

  8. Travel to the Netherlands

    Travel to NL with MVV/permit documents and enter within visa validity.

  9. Submit biometrics at IND

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link
    Post-arrival steps are part of the full flow. Start free to track your pre-arrival progress, then unlock the 12 post-arrival steps when you land.
    Start free →

  10. Collect residence permit card

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link

  11. Secure housing (residential address)

    Find and secure a place to live in the Netherlands.

    🔗 Official link

  12. Register at municipality (BRP & BSN)

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link

  13. Apply for DigiD

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link

  14. Activate MijnOverheid account

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link

  15. Arrange Private Health Insurance

    Take out private medical insurance that covers your entire Working-Holiday stay in the Netherlands.

    🔗 Official link

  16. Obtain health insurance

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link

  17. Open a bank account

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link

  18. Register with a GP (doctor)

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link

  19. Set Up Energy & Water Contracts

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

  20. Set Up Internet Contract

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

  21. Exchange foreign driver’s license

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link

  22. Set up a Dutch SIM card

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    🔗 Official link

Track this journey instead of reading about it

Turn this guide into a personal checklist: tick off steps, keep your documents together, and always know what comes next.

🚀 Start this flow free▶See how it works

Other routes to the Netherlands