First Time in NL

Arrival

Most Non EU Au pairs are picked up by the host family from Airport.  Au pairs can be home sick for the first few weeks. Need to get used to new family and culture. Au pairs has to do some process

1. Residence Card

Non EU Au pairs need to make an appointment to collect the residence card. Sometimes Au pair need to wait few weeks to get an appointment. Its collected from an IND office. Residence permit is given for a validity of 1 year. However if IND cancel the visa due to any reason the validity period mentioned in the residence card is not valid.

2. Registration at Muncipality

Its mandatory for All Au pairs to be registered at the municipality they stay. For this an appointment with municipality is needed. Documents needed

• Passport

• Residence card

• Birth certificate

• Host parent, who is the main resident should come for the appointment. If host parent is not able to come then an Authorization letter and copy of id card of host parent is needed. The Authorization letter has a specific format and it need to be obtained from the municipality. For Amsterdam it can be downloaded from municipality website. 

 After registration municipality gives a BSN number or social security number. Sometimes the BSN number is given at the time of registration and sometimes its mailed to your address after 2-3 weeks.

3. Open a Bank account 

You can get a new bank account from BUNQ, ABN Amro, ING, Revolt or other banks. BUNQ is an app. You can download the app and register. BUNQ seems to be the only app which does not need BSN number while signing up. They give you 90 days to provide them with BSN. They will send you bank card in few days. ABN AMRO and ING are also good option. They have app in English. 

4. Get Digiid

Its an online loginid and password provided by government. Its used to login to government websites. It is used by Au pairs to apply for health care allowance. You can apply for digiid in the digiid.nl website. They will mail you the details to your registered home address. 

5. Tuberculosis test

For some Non EU Au pairs its mandatory to do Tuberculosis test. For that appointment need to be made at GGD

6. Health Insurance

The details of health insurance and healthcare allowance in provided in Insurance section.

7. Healthcare Allowance

The details of healthcare allowance in provided in Insurance section.

8. Travel card

The details are in Public transport section

9. SIM Card

Its important to have a new mobile connection in Netherlands. Au pairs maily use Lebara or Lyca. Its possible to order sim card online or at some shops and supermarkets.

10. Schedule

Make sure you have a work schedule

FAQ

1. Why my credit card is not working in supermarket?

Most supermarkets in Netherlands accepts only debit card or cash

2. Which apps should I install new on mobile?

NS App for train travel. Flixbus app for bus travel. 9292 app can be used to get public transport information and ticket price. Google maps also provide public transport information. Uber App or Bolt App just incase if you need a taxi. 

Google translate if you need help with translation. Booking.com app if you want to reserve accommodation when travelling. App of the bank that you register with.