Arriving in the Netherlands as a non-EU student can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re joining a smaller institution like the Rietveld/Sandberg, where resources and support may not be as extensive as at larger universities. Once accepted, you’ll need to manage a number of administrative, bureaucratic, and legal tasks—all while moving across the world, adapting to a new city and culture, securing housing, and starting your studies.

This page is designed to help non-EU students find the information most relevant to their situation. 

Need help?
If you have questions about studying in the Netherlands as a non-EU student, don’t hesitate to reach out to international@rietveldacademie.nl. We’re here to support you!

First Steps in the Netherlands

Registering with the Municipality

If you’re moving to Amsterdam from abroad and haven’t lived in the Netherlands before, you must register as a resident. For non-EU students, this is especially critical: failing to register on time can jeopardize your residence permit.

 

When searching for housing, always confirm that you can register at the address. Every time you move, you need to deregister via the municipality website and re-register at your new address. After registration, you’ll receive your BSN number (Dutch citizen service number), which is essential for living, working, and accessing services in the Netherlands.

 

How to register:

  • Book an appointment to register in person before you arrive—you must do this within 5 days of your arrival. You can find information about the appointment here.
    Please note: During August and September, the municipality requires you to first pre-register online within 5 days of arrival, before scheduling your in-person appointment (which can be after the 5-day period).
  • Please bring to the appointment:
    * A valid proof of identity: a passport or an ID card (not a driving licence).
    * Proof of an Amsterdam address. For example, a copy of the rental contract, or an address registration permission form⁠⁠⁠⁠ signed by the main occupant and a copy of their proof of identity. The rental contract must have already been entered.
    * Proof that you are a student of a Dutch school or university: a student card (studentenkaart), or proof of registration (bewijs van inschrijving).
  • You can visit a City Office by appointment only. Call the City of Amsterdam’s information line 14 020, Monday to Friday from 08.00 to 18.00. (From abroad: +31 20 624 1111).

 

For more information about registering in Amsterdam, go here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

BSN

The citizen service number (BSN) is a unique personal number allocated to everyone registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP). Everyone who registers with the BRP is automatically given a BSN. It is used by the government, healthcare, education, and for housing and healthcare allowances. You need to apply for a BSN as soon as you arrive. You do this by making an appointment to register at the local municipality/gemeente.

 

Read more about the BSN here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

DigiD

DigiD (short for Digital Identification) is a form of online ID that allows you to access many services and government websites in the Netherlands. The DigiD consists of a username and password that are linked to your personal public service number (BSN). You need your DigiD to do your administration online in the Netherlands. You can apply for your DigiD on the official DigiD application page⁠⁠⁠⁠. Once you have your DigiD, it is recommended to download the app on your phone, as often logging in to official websites requires you to verify it via the app.

 

Read more about DigiD here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Banking

To pay rent, receive your salary, or manage daily expenses in the Netherlands, you’ll need a Dutch bank account. While some banks allow you to start the process online, most non-EU residents will need to visit a branch in person to complete the setup. 

 

Make sure to bring the following documents to your appointment:

  • Your BSN number (Burgerservicenummer)
  • A valid form of ID (passport or identity card - often a driver's licence is not acceptable)
  • Proof of address (i.e, a rental contract)
  • Residence permit if you come from outside the EU.