Practical matters and rules
Read more here about practical matters in the Netherlands. This covers everyday life, as well as the rules in the Netherlands and the important papers and documents you need to keep.
Information
In the Netherlands, you need a BSN to sort out your personal affairs
If you are in the Netherlands for more than 6 months, you will get a personal number: a citizen service number (BSN). You need this number to arrange your personal affairs in the Netherlands. Read here how to get such a number.
Apply for a DigiD to log in to Dutch government websites
In the Netherlands, you arrange many personal matters online. For example, with the Dutch government. Or for your health insurance or pension. For this you need DigiD. This article explains what DigiD is and how to apply for it.
All about DigiD
Here, Steffie explains what DigiD is, how to apply for DigiD and how to use it.
Here is how to find free or affordable legal support in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, there are several ways to get free or low-cost legal help. For example, you may have questions about your asylum procedure or need help if you have problems at work or with your home. Read here where you can go for legal help.
What post and documents do you need to keep in the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands, you receive a lot of post. Sometimes it is on paper, sometimes digitally, for example via MijnOverheid, the Berichtenbox or email. The post may come from the municipality, the Dutch tax authorities, the IND, your health insurance provider or your landlord. You need to keep some of it. Other post requires a response or payment.
Good and cheap shopping in the Netherlands
In some countries, when people think of discounts, they think of products that are almost past their expiration date or are not so good anymore. That can give a negative feeling. In the Netherlands, this is different. Here, discount means shopping smart. In this article you will read how the Dutch look at discounts and how you can shop safely and cheaply.
Here is how to find reliable news in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands you can find reliable information because there is freedom of the press. And because the press is part of Dutch democracy. But there is also a lot of fake news. In this article you read about how reliable the Dutch press is. And how to find reliable news yourself.
Waste separation in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, you are often required to sort your waste before disposal. Sorting waste helps to recycle raw materials and protect the environment. But how exactly does it work? In this article, you can find out which types of waste go where and how waste collection is organised in your neighbourhood.
Funerals in the Netherlands: burial, rules and costs
When someone dies, there are often many things you need to take care of. In the Netherlands, there are rules regarding what must be done after a death. In this article, you will learn what you need to know if someone dies in the Netherlands.
This is how you can demonstrate in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, anyone can demonstrate, even if you do not yet have Dutch citizenship. However, the government can set conditions on how you demonstrate. This article explains how demonstrating in the Netherlands works.