Au Pairs and Host Families: Administrative Tasks in the Netherlands
Administrative Tasks After Arrival in the Netherlands
Moving to a new country involves several important administrative tasks. Completing these correctly helps ensure that the au pair remains compliant with Dutch regulations and can access essential services such as healthcare, banking and government services.
The usual order of the administrative tasks is:
Although this may seem like a lot of administration, Sunshine provides guidance throughout the entire process and is available if either the au pair or host family has questions.
Before the Au Pair Arrives
There are several practical tasks that should be completed before arrival to help the au pair settle into life in the Netherlands smoothly.
We recommend that the host family:
Unlike previous procedures, Sunshine now arranges the official appointments for the arrival process, helping to reduce delays and ensure the correct procedures are followed.
Sunshine books the appointment for the au pair to collect their Dutch residence permit.
The follow-up team will send both the host family and the au pair confirmation of:
Whenever possible, the appointment location should not be changed, as changing locations can significantly delay the collection of the residence permit.
Most au pairs provide their biometric data (photograph, fingerprints and signature) before travelling to the Netherlands.
Occasionally, the IND may require additional biometric data before issuing the residence permit.
If this happens:
The residence permit confirms the au pair's legal right to live in the Netherlands under the Dutch Au Pair Programme.
It is also needed for many other administrative tasks, including:
Every au pair living in the Netherlands must register with their local municipality (gemeente).
Registration creates the au pair's record in the Dutch Personal Records Database (BRP).
After registration the au pair receives a BSN (Burger Service Nummer), which is the Dutch citizen service number.
The BSN is essential because it is required for many important administrative processes, including:
Sunshine now books the municipality appointment on behalf of the host family and au pair.
This helps reduce delays and ensures appointments are scheduled in the correct order following residence permit collection.
Appointment details are sent by Sunshine's Follow-up Team.
Yes.
Although Sunshine books the appointment, the host family still has several responsibilities.
Depending on the municipality, the host family may need to provide:
Normally the au pair should bring:
Following successful registration:
What is DigiD?
DigiD is the Dutch government's secure online identification system.
It allows residents to access many government websites and online services safely.
Examples include:
Once the BSN has been received, the au pair can apply online for a DigiD.
A Dutch telephone number is generally required during the application process.
Sunshine recommends applying for DigiD as soon as possible after municipality registration, as many later administrative tasks become much easier once DigiD has been activated.
The following summary explains the responsibilities of each party.
Sunshine Au Pair
Sunshine coordinates and supports the administrative process by:
Appointments should only be changed if absolutely necessary.
Changing appointments—particularly IND appointments—can cause significant delays to the administrative process.
If attendance is impossible, contact Sunshine immediately before making any changes so that the best solution can be discussed.
Occasionally delays occur because of:
Please read all emails carefully and respond promptly to requests for information. Taking action quickly helps prevent unnecessary delays throughout the arrival process.
Yes.
If you are a Filipino au pair, you are required to register with the Philippine Embassy after arriving in the Netherlands. This is an important administrative requirement set by the Philippine government and is separate from your Dutch residence permit and municipality registration.
Registering with the Embassy ensures that your stay in the Netherlands is officially recorded and allows the Embassy to assist you more effectively if you require consular services during your placement.
You should complete your Embassy registration as soon as possible after arriving in the Netherlands.
Although this is not part of the Dutch immigration process, we recommend completing it soon after you have:
Registering with the Philippine Embassy helps ensure that you can access Embassy services if needed while living in the Netherlands.
These services may include:
The Embassy's registration procedures may change from time to time.
Sunshine will provide guidance where possible, but you should always follow the latest instructions published by the Philippine Embassy.
If you are unsure which documents are required, please contact Sunshine before submitting your registration.
Yes. This is an important recent update to our procedures.
Once you have submitted your Embassy registration, please copy (CC) Sunshine in your registration email or forward the confirmation email to:
If you have been in the Netherlands for a short time and have not yet completed your Embassy registration, we recommend doing so as soon as possible.
If you are unsure how to begin the process or have misplaced the registration instructions, simply contact the Sunshine Follow-up Team and we will be happy to point you in the right direction.
If any of your personal details change during your stay, for example:
No.
Embassy registration is completely separate from your Dutch immigration status.
Your residence permit remains valid under the Dutch Au Pair Programme provided you continue to meet the IND requirements and comply with the programme rules.
In most cases, yes.
Au pairs who live in the Netherlands for more than four months are generally required to have Dutch Basic Health Insurance (basisverzekering). This insurance gives you access to the Dutch healthcare system, including visits to your GP (family doctor), hospital treatment, specialist care and prescription medication included within the Dutch basic healthcare package.
Many au pairs already have Au Pair Insurance before travelling to the Netherlands. However, it is important to understand that Au Pair Insurance and Dutch Basic Health Insurance are not the same and one does not replace the other. Au Pair Insurance provides additional protection for risks associated with living abroad, while Dutch Basic Health Insurance covers your everyday healthcare in the Netherlands.
These two types of insurance have different purposes.
Au Pair Insurance is designed specifically for people travelling and living abroad. Depending on the policy selected, it may provide cover for:
You should apply for Dutch Basic Health Insurance as soon as possible after you have registered with your municipality (BRP).
Although the legal deadline is generally within four months of your BRP registration, we strongly recommend arranging your insurance immediately rather than waiting.
This is because Dutch Basic Health Insurance is normally backdated to the date you registered with the municipality, meaning you may receive an invoice covering several months of insurance premiums if you delay your application.
Important: Delaying your application may also result in a fine from the relevant Dutch authorities, in addition to the backdated insurance premiums. Applying promptly helps avoid both unnecessary costs and administrative problems.
The au pair is responsible for submitting the application.
Sunshine will guide you through the process and explain the steps, but the insurance policy is issued in your name and therefore you are responsible for ensuring that the application is completed correctly and on time.
To arrange your insurance, you will normally need:
There are several Dutch health insurance companies available and you are free to choose the provider that best suits your needs.
Sunshine often recommends comparing policies carefully and has worked successfully with insurers that have experience supporting au pairs. As policies, prices and coverage can change each year, always compare the current options before making your decision.
Healthcare Allowance (zorgtoeslag) is a monthly contribution from the Dutch Government that helps eligible residents pay for Dutch Basic Health Insurance.
Many au pairs qualify for this allowance, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
It is important to understand that Healthcare Allowance is not paid automatically. The au pair must submit an application to the Dutch Tax Administration (Belastingdienst).
Before you can apply, you should normally have:
Applications should always be made through the official Dutch Government website. The application is free of charge, so be cautious of third-party websites that charge a fee to submit the application on your behalf.
Not always.
Processing times vary and payments may not begin immediately after your application is submitted.
In addition, Healthcare Allowance is generally not paid for part of a month, whereas your Dutch Basic Health Insurance premium may begin from your BRP registration date. This means you may need to pay part of your first insurance premium before your Healthcare Allowance begins.
Under the Sunshine Au Pair Programme, the cost of Dutch Basic Health Insurance is shared between the Dutch Government (where applicable) and the host family.
If the au pair is eligible for Healthcare Allowance (zorgtoeslag), the Dutch Government contributes towards the monthly insurance premium.
For 2026, eligible au pairs can receive up to €132 per month in Healthcare Allowance, depending on their personal circumstances and the rules set by the Dutch Government.
As part of the Sunshine Au Pair agreement, the host family is responsible for paying the difference between the Healthcare Allowance received by the au pair and the total monthly cost of the chosen Dutch Basic Health Insurance policy.
For example:
The au pair should not be left financially disadvantaged because they are required to have Dutch Basic Health Insurance to participate in the programme.
Yes.
Healthcare Allowance is determined by the Dutch Government and may change each year. The amount an au pair receives depends on government regulations and their individual circumstances.
For this reason, Sunshine recommends checking the current Healthcare Allowance rates each year.
If the allowance changes, the host family's contribution towards the monthly insurance premium may also change accordingly.
The healthcare deductible (eigen risico) is the amount that an insured person may need to pay themselves before certain healthcare costs are reimbursed.
Not all healthcare is subject to the deductible. For example, visits to your GP are generally covered without using the deductible.
The amount of the deductible depends on the insurance policy selected. Some Au Pair Insurance policies may reimburse all or part of this amount, depending on the level of cover chosen. Always check the policy terms carefully before selecting a higher voluntary deductible.
Sunshine has prepared a separate Health Insurance & Healthcare Allowance Guide, which explains the process step by step and includes useful links and practical examples. It is available on our website - LINK
We recommend reading both this FAQ and the guide, as together they answer the most common questions asked by new au pairs.
Not all au pairs are required to complete a tuberculosis (TB) test.
The Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) requires some nationalities to complete a TB test after arrival in the Netherlands. Whether a TB test is required depends on the au pair’s nationality and the current IND regulations.
Sunshine will check the requirements for each au pair and inform the au pair and host family if a TB test is needed.
The Netherlands has strict public health procedures to help prevent the spread of tuberculosis.
A TB test is part of the Dutch immigration process for certain nationalities. Completing the test helps confirm that the au pair does not have active tuberculosis when starting their cultural exchange programme in the Netherlands.
The test is a standard immigration requirement and does not mean that there is any reason to suspect that an au pair has tuberculosis.
Previously, host families were responsible for arranging the TB test appointment.
Sunshine now arranges the TB test appointment on behalf of the au pair.
The Sunshine Follow-up Team will:
The host family is responsible for covering the cost of the TB test appointment.
The cost may vary depending on the local GGD location and current fees.
Sunshine will inform the host family if a payment is required and provide any relevant information about the appointment.
If a TB test is required, it should be completed within the timeframe communicated by Sunshine and the IND requirements.
Sunshine recommends completing the appointment as soon as possible after arrival to ensure that all immigration requirements are completed on time.
A TB test is usually a simple chest X-ray.
The au pair will attend an appointment at the GGD (Municipal Health Service), where trained healthcare professionals will perform the required examination.
The appointment is generally quick, and the au pair can return to normal activities afterwards.
The exact requirements may vary depending on the GGD location, but generally you should bring:
After the appointment, the GGD processes the results according to their standard procedures.
In most cases, no further action is required if the results are clear.
Sunshine keeps track of the required administrative steps and may follow up if additional information is needed.
A positive TB result does not automatically mean that an au pair has active tuberculosis.
The result may indicate different situations, including:
The au pair should follow all instructions provided by the healthcare professionals and inform Sunshine immediately so that we can provide support and guidance.
No.
A positive TB result does not automatically mean that an au pair cannot continue their programme.
The next steps depend on the medical assessment and advice from the relevant healthcare authorities.
You must follow the requirements that are given to you about following up after your positive result.
Sunshine will support the au pair and host family throughout the process while ensuring that all Dutch immigration and health requirements are followed.
If a TB test is required as part of the IND procedure, the au pair must cooperate with this requirement.
Failing to complete required immigration procedures can create problems with maintaining a valid residence permit.
If you have concerns about the TB test, please contact Sunshine before missing an appointment so we can discuss the situation and advise you.
Yes.
Opening a Dutch bank account is one of the first administrative tasks you should complete after receiving your BSN (Citizen Service Number).
Having a Dutch bank account makes it much easier to manage your finances while living in the Netherlands. It allows you to receive your monthly pocket money, receive your Healthcare Allowance (zorgtoeslag), pay your Dutch Basic Health Insurance premium if required, and make everyday purchases.
Although it may be possible to use a foreign bank account for a short period, Sunshine strongly recommends opening a Dutch bank account as soon as possible after arrival.
A Dutch bank account is useful for many everyday activities, including:
You should open your bank account as soon as possible after:
Opening your account early will help prevent delays in receiving your Healthcare Allowance and will make it easier to complete other administrative tasks.
Sunshine often recommends Bunq because many international au pairs find it one of the quickest and easiest banks to open an account with.
Benefits include:
Yes.
You are free to choose the bank that best suits your needs.
Many au pairs also successfully open accounts with banks such as:
Although requirements vary between banks, you will usually need:
Most Dutch banks require a BSN before they can open a standard Dutch current account.
For this reason, you should normally wait until after your municipality registration has been completed.
If exceptional arrangements are possible, Sunshine will advise you.
In some situations this may be technically possible, but Sunshine strongly recommends using your Dutch bank account.
Using a Dutch account generally makes the application process simpler and helps avoid unnecessary delays with government payments.
Yes.
Dutch banks use secure online banking systems and two-factor authentication to protect your account.
You should always:
Do not close your bank account immediately before leaving.
You may still need it for:
Sunshine generally recommends waiting approximately one month after leaving the Netherlands before closing your account, unless your bank advises otherwise.
Before closing your account, make sure that:
If you experience difficulties opening a bank account, please contact Sunshine as soon as possible.
In many cases we can suggest alternative banks or explain which additional documents may be required.
Yes.
Every au pair living in the Netherlands should register with a General Practitioner (GP), known in Dutch as a huisarts, as soon as possible after arranging Dutch Basic Health Insurance.
The GP is your first point of contact for almost all non-emergency medical care. Whether you have a minor illness, need medical advice, require a prescription or need to be referred to a specialist, your GP will normally be the healthcare professional you contact first.
Registering before you become ill ensures that you can receive medical care quickly when you need it.
Sunshine recommends that, where possible, you register with the same GP practice as your host family.
Using the same GP practice can make administration easier and ensures that the practice is already familiar with your household.
However, this is not always possible. Some GP practices may not be accepting new patients or may only accept patients who live within a certain postcode area.
If you are unable to register with your host family's GP, choose another GP close to your home.
You should register with a GP as soon as:
The registration process varies slightly between GP practices.
Most practices will ask you to complete a registration form, either online or at the practice.
You may be asked to provide:
Your GP is responsible for providing most routine healthcare.
This includes:
In the Netherlands, you usually cannot make an appointment directly with a hospital specialist. In most cases, you must first visit your GP, who will determine whether a referral is required.
If you become unwell during normal surgery opening hours, contact your GP practice as soon as possible.
The receptionist may ask questions about your symptoms to determine how urgently you need to be seen.
Depending on your condition, you may:
If you need urgent medical assistance outside your GP's normal opening hours, you should contact the local Huisartsenpost (GP Emergency Service).
The Huisartsenpost provides urgent medical care during evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays.
Always telephone first before attending.
The healthcare professional will advise whether:
Hospitals are intended for emergencies and specialist care.
You should only go directly to the Emergency Department (Spoedeisende Hulp – SEH) in situations involving serious or life-threatening medical emergencies.
For non-life-threatening medical concerns, always contact your GP first.
If someone is seriously injured or there is an immediate danger to life, call 112 immediately.
The emergency operator will ask whether you require:
Visits to your GP are generally covered by your Dutch Basic Health Insurance.
However, other healthcare services, such as hospital treatment or specialist care, may be subject to the annual healthcare deductible (eigen risico), depending on the type of treatment received.
If you are unsure whether a particular treatment is covered, contact your health insurer before receiving treatment.
If you take regular prescription medication, tell your GP during your first appointment.
Bring:
Before leaving the Netherlands, there are several important administrative tasks that must be completed. Completing these tasks correctly helps prevent unnecessary costs, avoids future administrative problems, and ensures that your departure complies with Dutch regulations.
Some organisations continue to charge fees until you have officially cancelled your registration or subscription. Failing to complete the required departure tasks could result in continued insurance premiums, bank charges or other administrative complications after you have left the Netherlands.
Sunshine will guide you through the departure process, but it is the responsibility of both the au pair and host family to ensure that all required steps are completed.
As soon as your departure date has been confirmed, please send Sunshine:
Before leaving the Netherlands, please complete the following steps:
Completing these steps will help ensure that your departure is processed smoothly and that you do not continue to receive unnecessary bills after leaving the Netherlands.
You should deregister from your municipality within the five days before leaving the Netherlands.
Each municipality has its own procedure. Some municipalities allow you to deregister online, while others require an appointment or a written request.
If you are unsure how to deregister, Sunshine can help direct you to your municipality's instructions.
This is one of the most important documents to obtain before leaving the Netherlands.
After deregistering, request an official Proof of Deregistration from your municipality.
This document may be required to:
Once you have officially deregistered from the municipality and know your departure date, you should contact your health insurance provider to cancel your policy.
Your insurer may ask for:
If you have been receiving Healthcare Allowance (zorgtoeslag), you must inform the Dutch Tax Administration (Belastingdienst) that you are leaving the Netherlands.
Failing to stop your Healthcare Allowance may result in overpayments that you will later be required to repay.
If you are unsure how to stop your allowance, please contact Sunshine before leaving.
No.
Sunshine recommends waiting approximately one month after leaving the Netherlands before closing your Dutch bank account.
This allows time for:
If you have a Dutch mobile phone subscription, make sure you cancel it before leaving the Netherlands.
Some contracts continue automatically until cancelled.
If you have a prepaid SIM card, cancellation may not be necessary, but you should check with your provider.
Your Dutch residence permit belongs to the Dutch Government.
Depending on your circumstances and the instructions you receive from Sunshine or the IND, you may be required to return your residence permit card after leaving the Netherlands.
Sunshine will advise you if this applies to your situation.
Yes.
Once your placement has officially ended and the required information has been received, Sunshine will complete the necessary notifications to the IND as required under our responsibilities as a recognised sponsor.
To avoid delays, please make sure you send Sunshine your travel details and any requested documents promptly.
Failing to complete your departure administration can lead to unnecessary problems after leaving the Netherlands.
These may include:
If you experience any delays with administrative tasks, appointments or government procedures, please contact Sunshine as soon as possible.
While some delays are outside anyone's control (for example, municipality waiting lists or government processing times), informing Sunshine promptly allows us to provide guidance and help minimise any impact on your placement.
We also encourage both au pairs and host families to read all emails carefully and respond promptly to requests for information or documents. Taking action quickly can often prevent unnecessary delays later in the process.
If you have only recently arrived in the Netherlands, you may temporarily use your international mobile number.
However, Sunshine recommends obtaining a Dutch mobile number as soon as possible.
Having a Dutch number makes it easier to:
There are several mobile providers in the Netherlands offering prepaid SIM cards and subscriptions. Your host family can usually help you choose a suitable provider if required.
Although the au pair is responsible for completing their own applications and attending appointments, host families often provide valuable practical support.
For example, they may:
Working together helps ensure that the administrative process runs smoothly for everyone. However, as an independent adult, you should be able to manage many things by yourself and Sunshine is also here to assist if you are struggling.
It is very important that Sunshine is informed of any significant changes during your placement.
Examples include:
Keeping Sunshine informed helps us ensure that your records remain accurate and that your placement continues to comply with Dutch immigration regulations and programme requirements.
If your passport or Dutch residence permit is lost or stolen:
Please inform Sunshine as soon as possible if your:
This FAQ answers the most common questions about living as an au pair in the Netherlands.
For more detailed information, please also refer to:
If you are unsure about any aspect of your placement or have questions about administrative tasks, please contact the Sunshine Follow-up Team, either via email followup@sunshine-aupair.com or contact your Program Coordinator (check your email and WhatsApp communications to find out who your Program Coordinator is).
If your question relates to another area, your Program Coordinator will be happy to direct you to the appropriate member of the Sunshine team.
We are here to support both au pairs and host families throughout the entire programme and to help ensure that your experience in the Netherlands is positive, enjoyable and fully compliant with the Dutch Au Pair Programme.
If you have questions about any administrative task, contact Sunshine Au Pair's Follow-up Team at followup@sunshine-aupair.com. We are here to help both au pairs and host families throughout the entire process.
