Can Austrian citizens live in the Netherlands?
Austrian citizens can live, work, and study in the Netherlands because Austria is a member of the European Union (EU). As an EU citizen, you have the right to freedom of movement, meaning you can move to the Netherlands without needing a visa or residence permit.
Requirements for Living in the Netherlands
- Short-Term Stay (Up to 90 Days)
- Austrian citizens can stay in the Netherlands for up to 90 days without a visa or registration.
- Long-Term Stay (More than 90 Days)
- You don’t need a residence permit, but if you plan to stay in the Netherlands for more than 4 months, you must register with the local municipality (Gemeente).
- After registering, you’ll receive a BSN (Burgerservicenummer – Citizen Service Number), which is required for work, opening a bank account, and accessing healthcare.
- Working in the Netherlands
- As an EU citizen, you don’t need a work permit and can start working immediately.
- Once employed, you must get Dutch health insurance (Zorgverzekering), as it’s mandatory for all residents.
- Health Insurance (Zorgverzekering)
- If you live in the Netherlands long-term or work there, you must take out Dutch health insurance.
- If you’re only staying temporarily, your Austrian health insurance (with an EHIC card) might be sufficient.
- Taxes and Bank Account
- Once you start working, you’ll need a BSN number for tax purposes.
- You may also need to open a Dutch bank account to receive your salary.
- Language Requirements
- While English is widely spoken in the Netherlands, learning Dutch can be beneficial for integration and work opportunities.
If you plan to start a business, work as a freelancer, or study in the Netherlands, there might be additional registration steps depending on your specific situation.
