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Moving to the Netherlands is exciting, the bikes, the canals, the stroopwafels, but sorting out healthcare is one of those practical things you do not want to leave until you actually need a doctor.

The good news?

The Dutch system is efficient, high-quality, and built around your local general practitioner, known as a huisarts or GP.

Your GP is your first point of contact for almost everything health-related.

Need advice for a cold, a prescription, a referral to a specialist, or even mental health support? You start with them.

They know your history, coordinate your care, and help keep costs down by handling most issues themselves.

In this guide, I will walk you through exactly how to register with a GP, based on the latest information as of 2026.

Whether you are an expat, student, or long-term resident, these steps will make the process smooth and stress-free.

First Things First: The Prerequisites

Before you can sign up with a GP, you need two key things sorted:

A BSN (Burgerservicenummer): This is your personal citizen service number. You get it automatically when you register your address at your local municipality (gemeente) in the Personal Records Database (BRP). If you are staying longer than 4 months, this registration is mandatory anyway, and it is how you access pretty much everything official in the Netherlands.
Dutch Health Insurance: Everyone living in the Netherlands must have at least a basic health insurance package (basisverzekering). You have 4 months from your arrival to arrange this. Once you have your BSN, you can compare and buy insurance online easily. Your insurance card (or digital proof) will be needed when registering with a GP.

Without these, most practices will not be able to accept you.

Step-By-Step: How To Register With A GP

Here is the straightforward process:

Step 1: Find a GP in your area: GPs usually serve a specific postcode area, so you will need one close to where you live. Popular ways to search:

Use websites like zorgkaartnederland.nl (patient reviews in Dutch, but Google Translate helps).
Check your health insurer’s website; they often have a search tool.
Ask neighbours, colleagues, or expat Facebook groups for recommendations.

Step 2: Check if they are accepting new patients: Many practices, especially in big cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or Utrecht, have waiting lists or are temporarily closed to new registrations. Always check their website first or call to ask: “Neemt u nieuwe patiënten aan?” (Are you accepting new patients?)

Step 3: Prepare your documents: Most practices ask for the same basic information. Have these ready:

Document/Item	Why it’s needed
Valid ID (passport or residence permit)	To verify your identity
BSN number	Essential for all official records
Proof of address	Confirms you live in their catchment area
Health insurance details	Policy number and insurer name
Previous medical records (if possible)	Helpful for continuity of care

Step 4: Register Practices make this easy these days:

Many have an online registration form on their website — just fill it in and upload scans of your documents.
Some prefer you to call or visit in person.
A few offer an introductory appointment (kennismakingsgesprek) where you can meet the doctor and decide if it is a good fit.

Once accepted, you will get confirmation, and your old medical file (if you had one in the Netherlands) will be transferred automatically.

Step 5: Register with a pharmacy too: Your GP will usually recommend a nearby pharmacy (apotheek). It is a good idea to register there as well, so they have your details for prescriptions.

What Happens After Registration?

You will be able to book appointments online or by phone. Most practices have an assistant (assistente) who triages calls; they are highly trained and can often give advice directly.

Routine appointments are usually same-day or next-day. For non-urgent issues, you might wait a week or two.

Evenings, nights, and weekends are covered by out-of-hours GP services (huisartsenpost); never go straight to A&E unless it is a real emergency.

Tips For Expats And New Arrivals

In high-demand cities, it can take persistence to find an open practice. Start looking as soon as you have your address and BSN.
Some practices have English-speaking staff, especially in international areas. Look for that in reviews.
Students: Many universities have campus or recommended GPs.
Families: mention if you have children, some practices specialise in family care.
If you are struggling to find a spot, your health insurer can sometimes help.

Interesting Fact

Did you know that Dutch GPs resolve around 90% of health complaints without sending patients to a hospital or specialist? This gatekeeper system is one reason the Netherlands consistently ranks among the top healthcare systems in Europe, efficient, cost-effective, and focused on primary care.