Checklist: Moving Out of the Netherlands Permanently
(for Indian Citizens)
๐ 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
๐ Get proof of deregistration (uittreksel from BRP) โ you may need this for visa closure, tax filings, etc.
๐ณ 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.
๐ IND โ Reporting your departure
๐ผ 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
๐ 4. File Final Taxes (M Form โ 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 โ file in 2026)
๐ You can get help from a tax advisor or file using Mijn Belastingdienst (requires DigiD)
๐ฆ 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
๐ฅ 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
๐ฆ 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
๐ 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
๐ 9. Shipping / Moving Belongings
Plan what to:
- Ship internationally (via cargo services)
- Carry with you
- Sell or donate locally (Marktplaats, kringloop, Facebook groups)
๐ฌ 10. Mail Forwarding
Set up a mail forwarding service with PostNL or inform key institutions of your new address abroad
๐ 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
๐ถ 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
๐งพ 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
๐ Toeslagen โ Stop Benefits
๐ 14. Update Indian Embassy / Consulate
Inform the Indian Embassy in The Hague (optional but recommended)
Useful for passport updates, power of attorney, or certificates
๐ Embassy of India โ Netherlands
๐ฒ 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.