Welcome to Holland
Since Holland is just a part of our country, it’s more accurate to say: Welcome to the Netherlands! Whether you’re here temporarily to study, work, or complete an internship—or you’ve decided to move here permanently—moving to the Netherlands requires solid preparation. Therefore, we’ve created a student financial guide covering everything from obtaining the necessary visa and finding accommodation to organizing your finances, applying for benefits, and arranging essential insurance.
The Studentenverzekeringen.nl team is happy to help you get started. We’ve bundled all relevant information for you in this section. Have a great time in the Netherlands!
Student financial guide
Are you preparing to study, intern, or work in the Netherlands? Our ‘Welcome to Holland Student Financial Guide’ provides a clear checklist summarizing the necessary financial preparations for your adventure abroad. You can download this guide for an overview, including links to pages with more detailed information.
Get started: Welcome to Holland!
Upon arrival, several important steps must be taken, such as municipality registration, opening a Dutch bank account, registering your digital ID (DigiD), and, if necessary, obtaining Dutch healthcare insurance. Additionally, you’ll find valuable information about transport in the Netherlands, learning the Dutch language, and integrating into Dutch society.
Visit our page Get started
Student finance
Before you start studying, working, and living in the Netherlands, it’s essential to get your finances in order. Discover the average living costs, tuition fees, scholarships, grants, and allowances you can apply for. The Dutch government also offers student loans. Additionally, part-time jobs can help you earn extra income. Students can also benefit from a ‘student travel product,’ allowing free travel on weekdays or weekends.
Learn more on our page Student finance
Student insurance
If you’re temporarily living and studying in the Netherlands, you’re not required to obtain Dutch healthcare insurance and can instead rely on your existing insurance or private coverage. However, Dutch health insurance becomes mandatory if you decide to work, undertake a paid internship, or perform volunteer work with an allowance. You’ll then receive a letter from CAK (Central Administration Office) regarding your insurance status. This section explains how to respond and provides comprehensive information on healthcare insurance, policies, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), and other essential insurance types like home, liability, travel, and mobile insurance.
Visit our page Student insurance
Benefits & Allowances
To support lower-income groups like students, the Dutch government provides various benefits (‘toeslagen’). These include healthcare allowance (‘zorgtoeslag’) and rent allowance, both depending on your income and financial assets. This section explains eligibility criteria and how to apply.
Read more on our page Benefits & allowances
Student housing
Finding accommodation in the Netherlands, especially in popular student cities, can be challenging. Start searching early and consider options like student housing, apartments, or university accommodations. Discover tips, resources, temporary housing options, housing rights, and home insurance information here.
Visit our Student housing page
Student visa & permits
Whether you need a student visa or residence permit depends on your nationality and the length of your stay. Visit our detailed page to learn about the requirements and application processes.
Check our Student visa & permits page
Student work
Want to earn extra money during your studies? EU students can work freely; non-EU students are allowed up to 16 hours per week. Discover everything about work permits and regulations here.
Read more on our page Student work
