MOVING TO AMSTERDAM

“At the Amsterdam canals I forever found my heart. Amsterdam as the most beautiful city of our country, fills my mind with thoughts...” - Wim Sonneveld.

Do you agree with this beloved Dutch artist? Do you agree with him thát much, you’re planning on moving to this beautiful city? Then you’re at the right place! ScanMovers headquarters is located in Amsterdam and we looove this city. That’s why we’re going to discuss how you can best plan your move to Amsterdam! We will go through this moving process for people moving within the netherlands, for people moving as EU citizens and for those who are non-EU citizens. So quickly read on for some very (very) handy tips…

Moving to Amsterdam within the Netherlands:

If you’re moving from within the Netherlands to Amsterdam you should take into account:

1. When moving to Amsterdam, you have to register for the municipality of Amsterdam. You can register here online (in Dutch) with your DigiD. You have time to register yourself in Amsterdam within 4 weeks before, until 5 days after your move. When you register for the municipality of Amsterdam, you’re automatically deregistered at your old municipality.

2. When moving to Amsterdam, don’t forget to communicate your address change to your family, friends, insurance, work, energy supplier, etc… For a better overview on who to pass on your address change, click here for our moving checklist!

3. Finding yourself moving to Amsterdam, but you don’t have moving boxes yet? No worries! At ScanMovers you can buy high quality moving boxes here.

Immigrating to Amsterdam as EU citizen:

When immigrating to Amsterdam in The Netherlands as an EU citizen, there are a couple of steps you have to take:

1. When moving to Amsterdam, you should first register yourself at your local embassy:

If you’re an EU citizen, you only need a valid passport/proof of identification to move to the Netherlands.

- You do not need a work-or residence permit when an EU-citizen.

- If you’re not sure what the requirements are on moving to the Netherlands for your country then consult this webpage The Netherlands and You.

2. When moving to Amsterdam you have to register at the municipality of Amsterdam. For your registration at the municipality of Amsterdam, you need to come by at the municipality (in Dutch “gemeentehuis”) for a personal appointment. You have to register at the municipality within 5 days after your move.

To make an appointment you’ll need to call the municipality of Amsterdam. You’ll receive a written confirmation of your appointment per post or email.

If you’re moving together with your partner and/or kids, they need to come to the appointment too.

Bring to your appointment:

- A valid passport/proof of identification

- Certificates: birth certificate, and other certificates relevant for your situation (marriage certificate, divorce certificate).

TIP: Some of these certificates possibly need to be legalized/ and or translated to Dutch. Check this on time!

- Your rental/purchase contract

During your appointment you will be registered in Amsterdam already and receive your BSN-number. This BSN number is very important and mandatory, as this allows you to open a Dutch bank account and request a working permit.

3. If you’re moving to Amsterdam with pets, your pets need a passport and microchip for identification before you move. Furthermore you have to vaccinate your pets against rabies and show proof of this vaccination 21 days before you move to Amsterdam. Make sure you start with this on time.

Immigrating to Amsterdam as a non-EU citizen:

When immigrating to Amsterdam as a non-EU citizen, you need to take the following steps:

1. When immigrating to Amsterdam to work or study as a non-EU citizen, you need to arrange a long-term entry schengen visa or other permit. For all the different kinds of visas for the Netherlands and their application process, you can find more information here.

2. You need to register for the municipality of Amsterdam within 5 days after your move. For this register process you need to make an appointment with the municipality (gemeentehuis) of Amsterdam. For your registering you’ll need:

A valid passport and a Dutch permit or
A valid residence permit by IND or
An entry visa (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf — MVV)
Certificates: birth certificate, and other certificates relevant for your situation (marriage certificate, divorce certificate)

TIP: Some of these certificates possibly need to be legalized/ and or translated to Dutch. Check this on time!

Your rental/purchase contract

3. If you’re not from within the EU and are moving to Amsterdam with pets, you need to check if your pet has a passport and microchip for identification. Furthermore you have to vaccinate your pets against rabies and show proof of this vaccination 21 days before you move to Amsterdam. This is a long process (6,7-9 months), so make sure you start with this early.

4. For more tips on planning an international move, click here.

Moving to Amsterdam with ScanMovers

Moving to Amsterdam is very exciting, however such a stressful thought too right? A new country, getting used to the bluntness of Dutchies, different food, different (weird) language. ScanMovers is here to help take that stress away! No more yoga lessons and calming music.. Our goal is a smooth, stress-free move for from anywhere to everywhere for everyone! So all you have to do is fill in the details of your move here. After this, we’ll start searching for companies that fit your move. Within 24 hours you will receive 5 free moving offers from us, which you can compare. Made your choice? Let us know, and we’ll arrange the rest!

Do you have any questions or remarks about comparing moving offers or ScanMovers? Do not hesitate on contacting us or calling us (tel:085-8888641); we’re happy to help you with anything!

Good luck with your move to Amsterdam!

Team ScanMovers