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Netherlands Expat Checklist Download

Secure your wealth, protect your future, and make your move to the Netherlands stress-free.

Whether you’re relocating for work, lifestyle, or retirement, the Netherlands offers an exceptional quality of life, a stable economy, and an efficient tax system. But before you settle in, it’s essential to have your financial affairs in order.

This checklist will help ensure your wealth, pensions, and investments are structured efficiently for life in the Netherlands.


1️⃣ Before You Move

✔️ Review Your Tax Residency Status

  • Understand when you’ll become a Dutch tax resident.
  • The Netherlands taxes residents on worldwide income, so timing your move can impact your tax bill.
  • Consider splitting your tax year between the UK and the Netherlands for efficiency.

✔️ Understand the 30% Ruling

  • If you’re moving for employment, you may qualify for the 30% tax ruling, which allows 30% of your income to be paid tax-free for up to five years.
  • Check eligibility early and apply through your employer.

✔️ Notify HMRC and UK Institutions

  • Complete the P85 form to inform HMRC you’re leaving the UK.
  • Update your address with pension providers, banks, and investment platforms.
  • Review any UK rental income or investments that remain taxable in the UK.

✔️ Review Your Health Cover

  • The Netherlands has mandatory health insurance.
  • Arrange private cover for the interim period between leaving your home country and your registration in the Netherlands.

2️⃣ Banking and Currency

✔️ Open a Dutch Bank Account

  • Essential for paying rent, insurance, and utilities.
  • Most banks (e.g. ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank, Bunq) allow online setup once you have a BSN number.

✔️ Manage Currency Exposure

  • If you receive income or pensions in another currency (GBP, USD, etc.), use a specialist FX provider or multi-currency account to reduce transfer costs.
  • Consider how currency fluctuations could affect your income and investments.

3️⃣ Pensions and Retirement Planning

✔️ UK Pensions

  • Understand the tax implications of receiving a UK pension while resident in the Netherlands.
  • The UK-Netherlands Double Taxation Treaty usually prevents double taxation, but advice is essential.
  • Consider pension consolidation or international pension solutions.

✔️ Dutch Pension System (AOW + Employer Pensions)

  • Residents qualify for a state pension (AOW) based on years of residence or work.
  • If employed, check whether you’re enrolled in a bedrijfspensioenfonds (company pension fund).

✔️ Review Lifetime Allowance and Future IHT Exposure

  • If you retain UK pensions or investments, remember they may still fall under UK Inheritance Tax (IHT) rules.
  • Review your estate-planning structure to avoid future cross-border complications.

4️⃣ Investments and Savings

✔️ Reassess Investment Strategy

  • Confirm your current investments remain tax-efficient in the Netherlands.
  • UK ISAs, for instance, are not tax-exempt once you become Dutch tax resident.
  • Consider alternatives such as Assurance Vie-style life wrappers or EU-compliant portfolio bonds.

✔️ Declare Global Assets

  • The Dutch tax system includes Box 3 Wealth Tax, applied to savings and investments.
  • You may be taxed on a deemed return rather than actual income.
  • Professional advice can help you structure assets efficiently to reduce this burden.

5️⃣ Property and Mortgages

✔️ Renting vs. Buying

  • Understand property transfer tax (2–10.4%) and annual property tax.
  • Check whether your property is treated as a primary residence (Box 1) or an investment (Box 3) for tax purposes.

✔️ Selling a UK Property

  • You may still face UK Capital Gains Tax on property sales post-move.
  • Timing and tax residency can make a significant difference.

6️⃣ Tax and Compliance

✔️ Register for a BSN (Citizen Service Number)

  • This is required for employment, healthcare, and tax filing.

✔️ File Annual Tax Returns

  • Most expats must file with the Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Authority) each year.
  • Include worldwide income, investments, and property.

✔️ Avoid Double Taxation

  • Leverage the UK-Netherlands Double Tax Treaty to avoid paying tax twice on the same income.
  • Ensure pension and dividend payments are reported correctly in both jurisdictions.

7️⃣ Estate Planning & Inheritance

✔️ Review Your Will

  • UK wills may not automatically cover assets in the Netherlands.
  • Consider a Netherlands-specific will to align with Dutch inheritance law (forced heirship rules).

✔️ Check IHT Exposure

  • Dutch inheritance tax applies to worldwide assets if you are resident at the time of death.
  • UK domicile can mean exposure to both UK and Dutch inheritance tax — careful planning is key.

8️⃣ Ongoing Financial Management

✔️ Regular Financial Reviews

  • Schedule annual reviews with an international financial adviser to keep your portfolio, pensions, and tax planning aligned.

✔️ Stay Informed

  • Keep track of updates to Dutch Box 3 reforms and international tax rules.
  • Consider diversifying across currencies, asset classes, and jurisdictions.

✅ Final Thoughts

Relocating to the Netherlands can be a rewarding move, offering a high standard of living, excellent healthcare, and a thriving economy. But international tax and pension rules can be complex. A proactive financial plan ensures your wealth is protected and structured to work efficiently across borders.


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