Checklist: Moving Out of the Netherlands Permanently
(for Indian Citizens)
📍 1. Deregister from the Municipality (BRP)
When: Must be done within 5 days before departure
Where: Local gemeente (municipality)
How: Online (if allowed) or in person with ID/passport
Who: Applies to everyone moving out, including family members
📌 Get proof of deregistration (uittreksel from BRP) — you may need this for visa closure, tax filings, etc.
💳 2. Inform IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service)
If you're holding a residence permit, it is your responsibility to inform the IND when leaving permanently.
You may need to return your residence card via mail if it's still valid.
🔗 IND – Reporting your departure
💼 3. Notify Employer / End Work Contract
- Resign officially and request a certificate of employment
- Settle last month's salary, unused leave, etc.
- Ask for an annual salary statement (jaaropgave) for tax filing
📜 4. File Final Taxes (M Form – Migration Form)
- If you're leaving mid-year, file a M-form (Migration Tax Return) to settle income tax
- You may be eligible for refunds if overpaid
- Filing is typically done the following year (e.g., leave in 2025 → file in 2026)
🔗 You can get help from a tax advisor or file using Mijn Belastingdienst (requires DigiD)
🏦 5. Bank Account and Finances
Decide if you want to close or keep your Dutch bank account
You may need it for tax refund or last salary
Cancel or settle:
- Credit cards
- Loans or subscriptions linked to your IBAN
🏥 6. Cancel Health Insurance
- Mandatory Dutch health insurance must be cancelled as soon as you're deregistered
- Inform your insurer (Zilveren Kruis, VGZ, etc.)
- Provide proof of deregistration (BRP extract)
- Final bill or refund will follow
📦 7. Cancel Utilities and Subscriptions
Inform and close or transfer:
- Electricity, gas, and water (Essent, Eneco, etc.)
- Internet and mobile plans
- Gym, public transport subscriptions (e.g., NS Flex), streaming services
- Local library or municipality services
🏠 8. End Rental Contract / Sell Property
Rental: Give official notice to landlord (check your contract's notice period)
- Conduct a final inspection and take photos
- Return keys and request security deposit return
Owned Property: If selling, notify tax authorities and bank for mortgage closure
🚚 9. Shipping / Moving Belongings
Plan what to:
- Ship internationally (via cargo services)
- Carry with you
- Sell or donate locally (Marktplaats, kringloop, Facebook groups)
📬 10. Mail Forwarding
Set up a mail forwarding service with PostNL or inform key institutions of your new address abroad
📎 11. DigiD and Online Accounts
Keep your DigiD active if you plan to:
- Access Dutch tax portal
- File M-form or check benefits
Some services require a Dutch phone number, so update your login methods
👶 12. Child & Education Related
- Inform daycare/school about leaving
- Deregister your child from local health authorities and youth services
- Request school records for transfer to India or another country
🧾 13. Check for Any Benefits (Toeslagen)
Inform Belastingdienst Toeslagen if you're receiving:
- Healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag)
- Rent allowance (huurtoeslag)
- Childcare or child benefits
Benefits stop after you deregister, but overpayments must be repaid
🔗 Toeslagen – Stop Benefits
🛂 14. Update Indian Embassy / Consulate
Inform the Indian Embassy in The Hague (optional but recommended)
Useful for passport updates, power of attorney, or certificates
🔗 Embassy of India – Netherlands
📲 15. Optional: Keep a Digital Record
Keep copies of:
- Deregistration letter
- Final salary slip
- Jaaropgave (annual tax)
- Utility closure letters
- Final rent inspection form
- DigiD details
- Insurance cancellation letters
This checklist provides a comprehensive guide for Indian citizens permanently relocating from the Netherlands. Always verify current requirements with official sources.