Arriving in the Netherlands

Get prepared

Upon receipt of full payment of your tuition fees, we will finalise your admittance and notify you of this decision. After completing your application, you will be able to start preparing your journey to the Netherlands before the start of your programme.

You will need to arrange quite a few things. That's why we made the HVL survival guide: When in the Netherlands! A booklet with all kinds of useful information for international students. This guide informs you about what you should take care of and what you should know. 

Download the survival guide here(pdf - 1.8MB)

Registration at the local municipality

All new residents of the Netherlands need to register at the local municipality.  On the International Student Day in the introduction week, we will give you further information on how to make an appointment to register.

Documents checklist to bring to the municipality:

  • Passport 
  • Proof of residence in the Netherlands (rental contract) 
  • Only for non-EU students: your Dutch residence permit (recommended), your passport with visa stamp (MVV)

 

Bank account

Upon arrival you will need to open a bank account in the Netherlands because you simply cannot get around without one. It is to keep your money safe, rent accommodation, buy a mobile phone, or for example receive the wages of your student job. Most banks are quite similar and offer good services. The largest banks in the Netherlands are ABN AMRO, Rabobank and ING bank, but you can also consider ASN Bank or Bunq for example. 

To open a private bank account, you will need the following documents:

  • proof of address (for example your rental agreement)
  • valid passport (if applicable with visa sticker)
  • Citizen Service Number (BSN). You will receive a BSN when you register with the municipality after you've arrived in The Netherlands. 

If you have any questions, please send an e-mail to [email protected]

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