Moving to the Netherlands is equal parts exciting and overwhelming. The bureaucracy, the cycling culture, the unpredictable weather, the Dutch directness: there is a lot to take in. For Arab expats, there is an additional layer: finding community, keeping your cultural identity, and sourcing the products that make daily life feel familiar. This guide is written for you. Whether you have just arrived or you are planning a move, here is what to arrange first, and how MnBaladna makes food the easiest part of your move.

The first weeks: practical essentials

1. Register at the municipality (gemeente)

If you will live in the Netherlands for more than four months, you must register at the municipality where you live within five days of arrival. Make an appointment in advance, as slots can fill up. When you register, you receive your BSN (citizen service number), which you need for work, healthcare, banking and dealing with the government. Staying four months or less? You can register as a non-resident instead. See the official registration rules on Government.nl.

2. Open a Dutch bank account

A local bank account and a debit card are essential for daily life: your salary, rent and bills usually run through it. Many shops prefer debit (PIN) cards, and some do not accept credit cards, so a Dutch debit card makes paying much easier. You will usually need your ID and your BSN to open an account.

3. Take out health insurance (zorgverzekering)

Basic Dutch health insurance is compulsory if you live or work in the Netherlands, even if you have insurance from another country. Take it out as soon as possible and no later than four months after arrival: within that period your cover starts from the day you arrived. If you wait longer, you are not insured retroactively and you pay any care costs from that period yourself. Read more on Government.nl's health insurance page.

4. Apply for DigiD

Once you have your BSN, apply for DigiD, your digital ID for government websites, taxes, healthcare and more. You will use it more often than you expect.

Getting around and settling in

1. Get an OV-chipkaart and a bike

Public transport is excellent, and you can travel on trains, trams and buses with an OV-chipkaart or by checking in with your bank card. Still, getting a reliable second-hand bicycle is the ultimate rite of passage for daily commuting.

2. Finding a home

Housing is one of the biggest challenges for newcomers, especially in the large cities. A few tips:

• Start searching early and look in nearby towns as well as the big cities.
• Check that you are allowed to register at the address. You need this for your BSN and many other services.
• Never pay a deposit or rent before you have seen the home (in person or by a live video call) and signed a written contract.

The Dutch government's overview of what to arrange when moving to the Netherlands is a useful checklist.

3. Finding familiar food with MnBaladna

One of the hardest parts of moving abroad is missing familiar flavours and halal groceries. With MnBaladna, you can find local Arab stores and restaurants in one place and have your favourite products delivered to your door, or pick them up yourself where the store offers it. Our guide on where to buy Arab and halal products online explains what to look for.

• Order on the website, in the Android app, or on iPhone through the web app at web.mnbaladna.com (an iPhone app is in development). All options are on our apps page.
• Use MnBaladna, and get help from our support team, in English, Arabic, Dutch or German.
• MnBaladna covers 371 delivery zones across the Netherlands; enter your address to see the stores near you.

4. Looking for flexible work?

If you have the right to work in the Netherlands and want flexible hours while you settle in, delivery can be a good start. Read how to become a delivery driver with MnBaladna.

Why community matters

Building a support network takes time. Joining local expat groups, connecting with cultural associations, mosques and community centres, and meeting neighbours all help you feel at home faster. Shared moments matter too: our Ramadan guide helps you plan suhoor, iftar and Eid in your new home. For questions about using MnBaladna, visit our FAQ.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do first after arriving?

If you are staying longer than four months, register at your municipality within five days to get your BSN. Then open a bank account and take out health insurance within four months.

Can I find halal and Arab groceries outside the big cities?

Often, yes. Local shops vary by town, and online platforms such as MnBaladna bring Arab stores from across the country into one place. Enter your address to see what delivers to you.

Do I need to speak Dutch to use MnBaladna?

No. You can use MnBaladna in English, Arabic, Dutch or German.

Start your journey with us!

Settle in smoothly and bring familiar tastes to your new home. Start shopping on MnBaladna and discover how easy the move can be.

Helpful guides from the MnBaladna Help Center

• Create an Account and Log In
• Using MnBaladna on iPhone (Web App)
• Payment Methods
• Share and Earn