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This route is for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens. Non-EU nationals and family members must check Dutch entry and residence rules first, because a German permit is not a Dutch one.
At a glance
- Germany
- Deregister within 2 weeks of moving out
- Netherlands
- BRP registration if staying over 4 months; generally within 5 days
- Residence permit
- Not required for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens
- Health insurance
- Within 4 months of arriving
Your checklist
First steps
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Before leaving Germany
Keep your move-out date and Abmeldung confirmation, plus copies of identity, employment and insurance records. Tell your employer, insurer, bank and benefit providers where relevant. If you keep another German home, ask your registration office which registration duties remain.
Health insurance across the border
German health insurance is mandatory for people living in Germany, so ask your insurer before you deregister what happens to your cover: it may end automatically, or you may need to prove other health insurance. In the Netherlands, Government.nl says to take out health insurance within four months of coming to live there; without a policy you can be fined and pay your care costs yourself.
An EHIC supports necessary care during temporary stays only and is not a general plan for a permanent move. Which country collects social-security contributions and where you are tax resident follow separate rules, so ask the relevant institutions rather than assuming your German arrangements continue.
After arrival: the BRP and your BSN
The BRP records your address in the Netherlands. It does not grant a residence permit and does not decide your tax residence or health insurance. Most municipalities use appointments, and every family member who registers attends in person.
If you worked in Germany, keep your German tax ID. It stays valid for life and does not change when you move. The BSN is a separate Dutch number that you use for tax, work, healthcare and DigiD.
Common questions
Do I have to deregister from Germany when I move to the Netherlands?
If you leave a German dwelling and do not take another in Germany, § 17 BMG requires deregistration within two weeks after moving out, and no earlier than one week before departure. If you keep another German home, ask your registration office.
How soon must I register in the BRP?
NetherlandsWorldwide and Government.nl say to register in person, generally within five days of arrival, if you will live in the Netherlands for more than four months.
Does my German tax ID change?
No. The Steuer-ID is valid for life and does not change when you move. You also receive a Dutch BSN at registration.
Official sources
Read this first
- Federal Registration Act (BMG), section 17Deregistration within two weeks of moving out
- Your Europe: residence rightsFree movement and the three-month rule
- NetherlandsWorldwide: when to registerFour-month threshold and BRP registration
- Government.nl: staying longer than three monthsConditions for staying beyond three months
- IND: EU, EEA and Swiss citizensNo Dutch residence permit for EU citizens
- Government.nl: health insurance after movingTaking out Dutch health insurance
- Your Europe: social-security coverage abroadWhich country covers social security
- Your Europe: health cover when living abroadHealth cover when moving
- Your Europe: income taxes abroadIncome tax across borders
Rules can vary by nationality, work or study status, and city. Confirm your route with the official authority before you act.