Arriving in a new country brings many questions: Where do I register? What if I need legal advice or someone to translate? Luckily, the Netherlands has a strong network of local support.

1. Registering at the Municipality (Gemeente)

Your first step is to register at the gemeente (city hall or town hall) where you live. This is required by law within 5 days of arrival (or as soon as you find housing).

What you need:

Valid passport or EU ID
Proof of address (rental contract or declaration)
Birth certificate (in some cases, with translation)

You’ll receive your BSN number after registration. Without this number, you can’t legally work, get health insurance, or receive benefits.

Tip: Most gemeente offices have a website with English information and an option to make an appointment online.

2. Buurtcentra (Neighborhood Centers)

In most cities and towns, there are community centers (buurtcentra or wijkcentra) that help people:

Practice Dutch
Join free social or cultural activities
Get advice on housing, energy bills, or legal matters
Meet other newcomers

You don’t need to register — just walk in and ask. Staff often speak English, and many centers have volunteers who can help with translations or forms.

Look for flyers at libraries or supermarkets with announcements of free courses or workshops.

3. Expat Desks and Helpdesks

Larger cities like Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, Utrecht and Eindhoven have Expat Centers where you can:

Get help with registration and formalities
Ask questions about work, health, education, or transport
Attend events for newcomers

Most services are free or low-cost and available in English. Look up “Expat Center [city name]” to check what’s available.

4. Religious or Cultural Communities

Many Romanians, Poles, Bulgarians, and other migrant groups find help through:

Churches (Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant)
Cultural associations
Facebook groups or WhatsApp networks

These communities often offer translation help, jobs, or housing tips, especially in your first month.