Tips for Connecting Utilities When Moving to the Netherlands

As an expat moving to the Netherlands, setting up utilities such as energy, water, internet, television, and mobile services can be a time-consuming and sometimes complicated task. This can feel overwhelming at first, especially if you're unfamiliar with local procedures, timelines, or providers.

To help you get started, we got some practical tips from our partners at Easy Nuts. They are the experts on arranging utilities in the Netherlands and have created this guide to help you prepare for setting up the utilities for your Dutch move.

1. Arrange everything in advance

We know that you have a lot on your plate during a move. That’s why getting started early and arranging your utilities ahead of time can be a big help. Many providers allow you to schedule your connection date in advance. If you have everything set up and ready to go one month before your move-in date it will ensure that everything is connected by the time you receive your keys. This early communication helps prevent delays, so you can move into your new home without any issues.

2. Know Which Utilities You’ll Need

In the Netherlands, common household services you’ll need to arrange include:

• Electricity and gas: These are usually provided by the same supplier. You can compare energy providers online based on price, sustainability, and fixed or flexible contracts.
• Water: This is regionally supplied by the local water authorities. You must register directly with the water company that services your municipality.
• Internet and TV: These are often bundled together, with a variety of options available for what you would like to include in your package. Fiber optic networks are quite widely available throughout the Netherlands, but the connection options depend on your location and place of residence.
• Mobile service: A Dutch SIM card or mobile contract can save you money compared to sticking with a foreign plan. There are many different providers that offer phone and internet packages on both a prepaid or monthly contract basis.

3. Don’t Forget Your Insurance

In addition to utilities, insurance is another essential component of setting up your household in the Netherlands. Arranging a basic liability insurance (aansprakelijkheidsverzekering) and household insurance (inboedelverzekering), should also be at the top of your list, especially if you’re renting.

European Insurance, a partner of both Undutchables and Easy Nuts, specializes in offering insurance for both national and international relocations. They can help you find the best liability insurance and household insurance, to protect you from risks such as theft, fire, or water damage.

4. Set Priorities and Keep Important Rules in Mind

Whether you’re looking for the most affordable option, the most reliable provider, or specific services, can determine which provider will be most helpful (and have the best deal) for you. Having clear priorities can help you choose which packages and companies will be the right match for you.

When choosing providers, always make sure they follow Dutch consumer protection laws and are transparent about costs, contract terms, and cancellation policies. If you are unsure, look for providers that comply with ACM (Authority for Consumers and Markets) regulations and are clear about how they handle your personal data under GDPR guidelines.

5. Check for Housing-Specific Requirements

Some rental properties, especially short-stay or furnished apartments, might already have the utilities included in the rent price. Others may require tenants to set up everything independently. Make sure to ask your landlord or housing agency what is and isn’t covered so you don’t accidentally double-pay or miss a deadline.

6. Be well prepared

Keep good track of your account numbers, start dates, and login details for each provider. Most communication is likely to be in Dutch, so if you do not speak the language yet, it is helpful to translate documents or ask someone who speaks the language to assist you. In some cases you can request that the information sent to you and your client portal be available in English, but this is not yet possible with every company. To stay in the loop about changes or benefits related to utilities, you can also subscribe to newsletters or local expat platforms who often share updated information in English about price changes, energy-saving tips, or available subsidies.

Need Help Setting It All Up?

Now that you know what you need to arrange we completely understand if you are feeling overwhelmed by the number of tasks and providers involved. We get it, it is a lot! Luckily, our partners at Easy Nuts fully understand this complex world and provide the perfect solution: they are your one-stop shop for energy, internet, water, mobile, and even insurance services. Easy Nuts provides an easy-to-use platform that allows you to quickly and easily arrange all your utilities, within just 15 minutes! They offer advice that’s tailored to your situation and ensure you get the best deals from energy suppliers, internet and television providers, and mobile providers. With a professional and personalized approach and their direct contact with these providers, they can arrange everything for you quickly and efficiently, so that you can focus on enjoying your new home in the Netherlands.

At Easy Nuts they also understand that moving to a new country can bring many questions and uncertainties. That’s why, along with their platform, they offer an extensive members' service to support you throughout the entire process. They assist you from setting up utilities to answering any questions you may have about life in the Netherlands. The goal: Set you up for a smooth start, so you can quickly settle in and fully enjoy your new home.