Thinking about moving to the Netherlands in 2027? Whether you’re relocating for work, studying abroad or starting a new chapter, having the right apps on your phone can make settling into Dutch life a whole lot easier.
From how to use public transport and managing official paperwork to understanding Dutch habits and avoiding the rain, there are a few apps you’ll quickly discover that are quite useful.
The five useful apps for moving to the Netherlands are SecondSoil, 9292, DigiD, Buienradar and Tikkie. Together, they help newcomers find practical relocation advice, travel around the country, access Dutch government services, check the weather and manage everyday payments.
Five Essential Netherlands Apps at a Glance
- SecondSoil — Moving, settling in and everyday Dutch life Before and after arrival
- 9292 — Public transport and journey planning Before and after arrival
- DigiD — Accessing government and public services Usually after registration
- Buienradar — Weather and rain forecasts Before and after arrival
- Tikkie — Splitting bills and sending payment requests Once you have a Dutch bank account
1. SecondSoil – Your Audio Guide to Life in the Netherlands
Moving to a new country can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. There are so many things to figure out, from finding accommodation and arranging health insurance to understanding Dutch taxes, banking and everyday customs.
That’s exactly why I created SecondSoil – your audio guide to life in the Netherlands.
As a South African who moved to the Netherlands in 2013, I remember how difficult it was to find practical information when I first arrived. Answers were scattered across countless websites, and it wasn’t always clear where to start.
SecondSoil is an audio-led app for moving to the Netherlands and navigating everyday Dutch life. It offers short, human-recorded audio guides, bite-sized articles, practical tips and curated links covering topics such as:
- Moving and relocation
- Housing and utilities
- Healthcare and health insurance
- Money, budgeting and taxes
- Transport and mobility
- Career and working life
- Dutch language and integration
- Buying a home and mortgages
Rather than spending hours searching through different websites, you can explore practical information organised around the questions newcomers actually have. The app includes free content, with additional guidance available through premium access.
And SecondSoil isn’t only for people preparing to relocate. It’s also designed for internationals already living in the Netherlands who want to better understand local systems, discover useful services and feel more at home.
Practical tip: Start exploring the Moving & Relocation, Housing & Utilities and Healthcare categories before arriving. They’ll help you familiarise yourself with some of the systems you’ll encounter.
Best for: Anyone planning a move to the Netherlands or settling into everyday Dutch life.
Explore: SecondSoil app
Download: SecondSoil on Google Play
2. 9292 – Navigate Dutch Public Transport
The Netherlands has an extensive public transport network, but figuring out which train, tram, bus or metro to take can be confusing when you’re new. That’s where 9292 comes in.
This Dutch public transport app helps you plan journeys across the country, combining information from different transport operators in one place.
You can check departure times, connections, delays and alternative routes. You can also purchase certain public transport tickets through the app.
Whether you’re commuting to work, heading to university or exploring a new city, 9292 is an app you’ll probably use regularly.
Practical tip: Check your route again shortly before leaving. Platform changes, delays and disruptions can affect your journey, particularly when you’re making connections. You can even buy digital tickets across bus, tram, metro, and train with 9292, which is useful as you can scan a code directly on your phone to open the gates when entering public transport.
Best for: Planning public transport journeys throughout the Netherlands.
Find out more: 9292
3. DigiD – Access Essential Dutch Government Services
If you’re moving to the Netherlands, you’ll soon come across the term DigiD.
DigiD is the Dutch digital identification system, allowing you to log in securely to many government and public-service websites. You’ll use it for various administrative tasks, from accessing tax information and certain healthcare services to arranging other official matters online.
The DigiD app makes logging into participating services easier without having to enter your full username and password every time.
To apply through the standard procedure, you’ll generally need a Dutch citizen service number (BSN), a registered address with a Dutch municipality and a mobile phone. Different application arrangements are available for eligible people living abroad.
Practical tip: Once you’ve completed the relevant registration steps, arrange your DigiD rather than waiting until you urgently need to access a government service.
Best for: Managing official Dutch administrative matters online.
Find out more: DigiD
4. Buienradar – Stay One Step Ahead of the Dutch Weather
One thing you’ll learn about living in the Netherlands is that the weather can change unexpectedly. A sunny morning can turn into a rainy afternoon, and if you cycle regularly, knowing when the next shower is coming can make a real difference.
Buienradar is a popular Dutch weather app that shows approaching rainfall, local weather forecasts and rain radar maps. It’s particularly helpful when you’re deciding whether to cycle to the supermarket, head out for a walk or wait another fifteen minutes before leaving home.
Practical tip: Check the short-term rain radar before setting off on your bike. It can help you decide whether to leave immediately or wait until a shower has passed.
Best for: Checking rain forecasts before heading outdoors.
Find out more: Buienradar
5. Tikkie – Split Bills the Dutch Way
If there’s one app that reflects Dutch everyday culture, it’s Tikkie and it’s the app on everyone’s lips here!
In the Netherlands, splitting bills is very common. Whether you’ve gone out for dinner with friends, bought a colleague a coffee or shared the costs of a group activity, you might receive a Tikkie.
Tikkie lets people send payment requests through a link, often shared via WhatsApp. The recipient can then pay through their bank. It’s a simple and convenient way to settle small payments without exchanging cash.
To send payment requests using Tikkie, you’ll need a Dutch current account. However, you don’t need the Tikkie app yourself to pay someone else’s request.
Practical tip: Don’t be surprised if someone sends you a Tikkie for a relatively small amount. Splitting costs is common in Dutch social life, and a payment request isn’t necessarily considered impolite.
Best for: Splitting bills and managing everyday payments with friends and colleagues.
Find out more: Tikkie
Which Apps Should You Download Before Moving to the Netherlands?
If you’re putting together your moving to the Netherlands checklist, downloading a few essential apps is an easy place to start.
SecondSoil, 9292 and Buienradar are useful even before you arrive. They can help you prepare for everyday Dutch life, explore transport routes and get an idea of the local weather.
DigiD becomes especially important once you’ve completed the relevant registration steps, while Tikkie is useful once you’ve opened a Dutch bank account.
Of course, these aren’t the only useful apps for living in the Netherlands. Depending on your circumstances, you might also want to explore apps for grocery shopping, finding accommodation, learning Dutch or getting around by bike. The important thing is to start with the essentials and gradually build your own collection of useful tools.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apps in the Netherlands
What are the best apps for expats in the Netherlands?
Some useful apps for expats and internationals include SecondSoil for practical relocation guidance, 9292 for public transport, DigiD for accessing official services, Buienradar for weather forecasts and Tikkie for payment requests.
The most useful combination depends on whether you’re preparing to relocate or already living in the Netherlands.
Can I download Dutch apps before moving to the Netherlands?
Yes. Many apps, including SecondSoil, 9292 and Buienradar, can be explored before arriving, subject to availability in your app-store region.
Other services may require additional arrangements. For example, using DigiD generally involves obtaining a BSN and completing the relevant application process, while sending Tikkie payment requests requires a Dutch bank account.
Are there useful English-language apps for living in the Netherlands?
Yes. SecondSoil is designed for English-speaking internationals, while 9292 provides English-language journey-planning information and Buienradar supports English.
Even if you’re planning to learn Dutch, English-language apps can make the first few months of settling in considerably easier.
Need More Help Settling Into the Netherlands?
Understanding how things work in your new country takes time, and even small everyday tasks can feel unfamiliar at first. That’s where the above-mentioned apps can definitely help.
Whether you’re still planning your relocation or have already started building your life here, the SecondSoil app offers practical, audio-led guidance on the topics that matter most so you can begin listening even before you’ve arrived in the Netherlands to prepare for your move abroad.
Download SecondSoil – an app for living in the Netherlands and explore helpful advice for making the Netherlands feel like home.
