Is the Huisly app free?

Yes, Huisly is 100% free to use for searching rental and purchase properties in the Netherlands. We do not charge subscription fees.

Do I need a BSN to open a bank account?

Most traditional Dutch banks (ING, ABN AMRO) require a BSN. However, neobanks like bunq often allow you to open an account with a grace period of 90 days to provide your BSN.

What is the best app for train travel?

The NS app is best for trains specifically, as it belongs to the national railway operator. For mixed travel (bus, tram, metro), 9292 is the better choice.

Essential Apps for Living in the Netherlands: A Complete Guide for 2026

Published: January 2026

You’ve just moved to the Netherlands, or you’re planning to soon. There are hundreds of apps to choose from, but which ones are truly essential? This article gives you a complete overview of the apps you actually need to live comfortably in the Netherlands—for housing, safety, transport, payments, and daily life.

1. Huisly – Your First Step: Finding a Home

With housing as your first priority, Huisly should be the first app you install. It’s the leading app in the Netherlands for searching rental and purchase properties.

What you can do (Huisly)

Search for homes to rent or buy across the Netherlands
Filter by budget, location, size, and amenities
All property information in one place
Ideal for Dutch nationals and expats without local knowledge

Why it’s important: Before you install anything else, you’ll need a home first. Huisly helps you navigate the housing market and understand realistic prices.

2. DigiD – Your Digital Identity (Absolutely Essential)

DigiD is not optional—it’s fundamental to almost everything you need to do officially in the Netherlands.

What is DigiD?

DigiD is your digital identity. You use it to log in to government websites, tax services, municipality apps, health insurers, pension funds, and more.

What you can do with it

File income tax returns
Register with your municipality (Read our registration guide)
Access health records
Manage pension fund matters
Handle DUO matters (student finance)
Access online public services

How to get DigiD

You must be registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP)—meaning registered with a Dutch municipality
You need a BSN number (citizen service number)
You apply for DigiD at digid.nl
You receive an activation code by post within 3 working days
You must activate DigiD within 21 days
You set a PIN for two-factor authentication in the app

Why it’s critical: Without DigiD, you cannot:

File your tax return
Apply for housing allowance (huurtoeslag)
Handle most official government matters online

Even expats who feel DigiD “isn’t for them” will need it eventually.

3. NL-Alert & 112 – Emergency Warnings and Services

NL-Alert App

NL-Alert is the Dutch government’s official warning system for emergencies.

When you receive NL-Alert

Major fires
Extreme weather (storms, floods)
Terrorism or security incidents
Chemical accidents
Mass casualty events

What you see in an NL-Alert

Clear description of what’s happening
What you should do
Where to find more information

Important notes

Your phone must be ON and not in airplane mode
Most phones automatically receive NL-Alerts via cell broadcast (channel 919)
If you live near the border or have limited reception, the NL-Alert app is essential

The app is specifically designed for

People who regularly are near the border (Germany/Belgium)
Deaf or hard-of-hearing people (visual alerts)
Reviewing previous alerts (up to 7 days)
Flash notifications instead of audio

Test dates: Twice yearly—first Monday of June and December

112 App

For direct emergencies, you call 112 for:

Police
Ambulance
Fire brigade

The 112NL app can automatically share your GPS location, which is helpful if you don’t know your address.

4. Buienradar & Buienalarm – Understanding Dutch Weather

Dutch weather is famous (or infamous) for its unpredictability. These two apps are essential.

Buienradar: The Classic Choice

Buienradar is a household name in the Netherlands and is consulted millions of times daily.

How it works (Buienradar: The Classic Choice)

Shows you if it will rain in the next 2 hours
Precipitation intensity graph (light, moderate, heavy)
Organized by region and neighborhood
Customizable modules (temperature, wind, pressure, etc.)
Real-time updates

When you use it

Before you go outside (cycling to work, walking, planning a picnic). Dutch trick: ALWAYS check Buienradar before you leave.

Buienalarm: The Proactive Choice

Buienalarm doesn’t wait for you to open Buienradar—it sends you a push notification.

How it works (Buienalarm: The Proactive Choice)

Monitors your location in the background
Sends warning if rain is coming
Graph showing precipitation intensity
Works in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and parts of Germany

Advantage: You’re always prepared. No more “I didn’t know it would rain.”

Cost overview (Buienalarm: The Proactive Choice)

Free version: available
Premium (ad-free): small one-time payment

5. NS & 9292 – Public Transport Masterclasses

Cycling is popular, but sometimes you take trains, trams, buses, or metros. These two apps are essential.

NS App – Trains in Your Pocket

The NS app (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) is your guide for train travel.

What you can do (NS App)

Live departure times and platform changes
Delay and cancellation information
Trip planning (from A to B)
Buy and use mobile tickets (no paper needed)
Scan your phone to check in/out

Why it’s important: Trains are reliable and fast. With the NS app, you’re always informed.

9292 – Your Complete Transport Planner

9292 is the all-in-one public transport planner for the Netherlands.

What you can do (9292)

Plan routes using trains, trams, buses AND metros—all in one app
Real-time departure/arrival information
Delay and replacement service information
Save preferred stations
Real-time location of buses/trams

What you use it for

You have an appointment in an unfamiliar city
You want the cheapest or fastest route
You just arrived in the Netherlands and don’t know the networks

Advantage over NS: 9292 combines ALL transport providers. You don’t need to switch between apps.

6. Tikkie, Banking Apps & bunq – Managing Money and Payments

The Netherlands is a digital payment economy. You rarely need cash.

Tikkie – Payment Requests via WhatsApp

Tikkie is uniquely Dutch—a payment request app you send via WhatsApp.

How it works (Tikkie)

Someone owes you money (e.g., splitting a restaurant bill)
You open Tikkie and enter the amount
You select who owes you money from your WhatsApp contacts
Tikkie sends a link via WhatsApp
They click the link and pay via iDEAL—done!

Smart facts

The recipient does NOT need the Tikkie app
50% are paid within 30 minutes
85% are paid within 24 hours
Completely free to use
4+ million users in the Netherlands
Works with Dutch, German, and Belgian phone numbers

What you need

Dutch bank account
Dutch/German/Belgian phone number
WhatsApp

Why it’s important: This is HOW Dutch people split money. If you don’t send a Tikkie, your friends will find it odd. “I’ll Tikkie you” means someone will send you a payment request via WhatsApp.

Dutch Banking Apps

You need a Dutch bank account. Many Dutch banks have good apps:

Rabobank
ING
ABN AMRO (also manages Tikkie)

All support iDEAL payments and contactless transactions.

bunq & Revolut – For Expats

If you’ve just arrived in the Netherlands, bunq and Revolut are your best options. Both are modern neobanks that understand the needs of internationals.

Why they are great for new residents

100% Online: Open an account in minutes from your phone.
IBAN Included: You get a bank account number immediately.
English Support: Both apps are fully English-friendly.

Important Difference (BSN)

bunq, ABN AMRO, ING: You usually have a grace period (e.g., 90 days) to provide your BSN.
Revolut: Often requires a BSN immediately during signup in the Netherlands.

Comparison

Feature	bunq	Revolut
Origin	Dutch (Ideal for iDEAL)	Global/Lithuanian (Works in NL)
BSN	90 days grace period	Requires BSN directly
Cost	Free plan available	Free plan available
Travel	Zero FX fees (paid plans)	Great exchange rates

Recommendation

bunq is often better if you just arrived and don’t have your BSN yet. Revolut is a fantastic free alternative for daily spending and travel once you have your documents sort out.

7. Albert Heijn, Picnic & Jumbo – Grocery Shopping

The Netherlands has excellent online grocery shopping. You can have groceries delivered to your home.

Albert Heijn App

The Albert Heijn app (AH) is the largest and oldest supermarket in the Netherlands.

What you can do (Albert Heijn App)

Order groceries online
Home delivery or pick-up
Digital receipts
Recipes and health advice
Personalize bonus offers
Save favorites

Practical info (Albert Heijn App)

Minimum order: €50
Delivery cost: €1.70 (with “neighborhood moment”) to more
Free delivery: orders over €70
Delivery: Monday-Saturday, 7am-10pm
Time slot: 30 minutes precise
Next-day delivery available

Why it’s popular: Large selection, reliable, fast delivery.

Picnic – The Sustainable Alternative

Picnic is an online supermarket that delivers 100% electrically.

Unique features (Picnic)

Free delivery (no minimum order requirement!)
Minimum order: €40 (very manageable)
Electric delivery trucks
In 120+ cities and towns
Also in Germany and France
Rapidly expanding selection (users can suggest products)
Good customer service
Prices equal to or lower than Albert Heijn

Advantage: Perfect for singles or small households. No minimum order stress.

Jumbo & Other Options

Other major grocery delivery apps:

Jumbo: Comparable to Albert Heijn
Coop: Regional
Store-specific apps: Depends on your region

8. Marktplaats – Second-Hand & Furnishing

If you’ve just moved, you need to furnish your home. Marktplaats is the place. (Or read why finding furnished apartments is hard).

Marktplaats Stats

8+ million active users
10 million ads per month
Largest second-hand marketplace in the Netherlands
40% of all Dutch second-hand items are traded here

What you can buy/sell

Furniture
Bicycles
Electronics
Cars
Child care items
Household goods—everything

How it works (What you can buy/sell)

Browse or search
Log in and bid/respond
In-app messaging with buyers/sellers
Local pickup (no shipping usually)

Why it’s important: New furniture in the Netherlands is expensive. Marktplaats is much cheaper. Many expats save thousands of euros.

Caution: Marktplaats has buyer users who bid very low. Be patient.

9. Thuisbezorgd – Food Delivery

No mood to cook tonight? Thuisbezorgd delivers food from local restaurants.

How it works (Thuisbezorgd)

Download app
Find restaurants near you
Browse menus
Order and pay via iDEAL
Track delivery

Popular restaurants

Domino’s Pizza
New York Pizza
KFC
Sumo
Shabu Shabu
Burger King
1000s of local restaurants

Warning (Popular restaurants)

Waiting times can be longer than quoted
Customer service via bot (can be slow)
Restaurant is responsible for delays

The cycling network is unique in the Netherlands. These apps help you navigate it.

Google Maps works well in the Netherlands, including for cycling.

For cyclists

Select “cycling” as your mode of transport
Respects Dutch cycling rules
No routes on A-roads (highways) or N-roads (provincial roads)
Usually: parallel cycle paths
Sometimes suggests illogical routes—use common sense

Caution: Google Maps might direct you to a parking garage entrance instead of a bike path. Always double-check.

Fietsnetwerk / Efita – Advanced Cycling Routes

For serious cycling (recreation, long routes), Fietsnetwerk is better.

Advantages (Fietsnetwerk / Efita)

Route junction system (easy navigation)
Beautiful/interesting routes
Local stops and attractions
GPX download for offline navigation

11. Duolingo – Learning Dutch

You’re in the Netherlands—you want to learn Dutch. Duolingo is a good starting point.

What it does well

Build vocabulary
Improve reading and listening skills
Gamified (fun!)
Free
500M+ downloads

What it doesn’t do well

Dutch speaking skills
Deeper grammar
Speaking/accent
Less comprehensive than French/German/English on Duolingo

Realistic expectations

Complete Duolingo = B1 level (basic conversation)
Additional resources needed for fluency
Combine with DutchPod or lessons for deep grammar

Advantage: It’s free and you can do it anywhere (train, break, etc.).

12. Stocard – Digital Loyalty Cards

Dutch stores have many loyalty programs. Carrying all plastic cards is cumbersome.

Stocard is your digital wallet for customer cards.

Stores where Stocard works

Albert Heijn
Jumbo
Kruidvat
Hema
Etos
IKEA
And more (1000s)

How it works (Stores where Stocard works)

Open Stocard
Scan or upload your customer card
At checkout: show your phone
Cashier scans your phone
You get points/discounts

Advantages (Stores where Stocard works)

One app instead of 10 plastic cards
Works offline
Offers and rewards push notifications
50M+ users worldwide

The Netherlands is relatively open to online dating.

Tinder

Tinder is the most used in the Netherlands.

13% of Dutch people use it
75M+ active users worldwide
Evolved more toward casual/hookups than serious dating
Popular first step for internationals

Bumble

Bumble is now the #1 dating app in the Netherlands.

Women must message first
Mix of serious dating and casual
Fewer “Instagram influencer” profiles

Happn

Happn is growing in the Netherlands.

Location-based (people you cross paths with)
100M+ users worldwide
Popular for festivals/events

Hinge

Hinge for serious relationships:

Better algorithm for shared interests
Less one-night-stand focus than Tinder
Fewer Instagram promoters than Tinder

14. Signal – Private Messaging

Signal is striking—it’s the #1 most downloaded app in the Netherlands.

Why popular

Privacy-first messaging
End-to-end encryption
Free
No ads
Open source
Strong reputation in tech communities

Advantage: If you receive many messages, Signal is user-friendly and private.

15. WhatsApp – The Unavoidable

Despite notorious privacy issues, WhatsApp is practically mandatory in the Netherlands.

Hard truth

Almost everyone uses it
Many Dutch don’t share phone numbers; they say “send me your WhatsApp”
Schools, employers, friends—all via WhatsApp
Without it, you become an outsider
Integrates with Tikkie

Warning: Many apps (Picnic, restaurants, governments) use WhatsApp for customer service. So you need it.

16. Welcome, Meetup & Expatica – Community & Networking

If you’ve just moved to the Netherlands, community matters.

Welcome App

Welcome connects newcomers with information and events.

Aimed at people who just moved
Local activities
Groups and organizations
Practical city information

Meetup

Meetup is universal and very active in Dutch cities.

Tech groups
Sports clubs
Language exchanges (English, Spanish, Dutch)
Professional networks
Friend-finding groups

Expatica

Expatica is aimed at expats in the Netherlands.

News and features
Practical information
Expat community
Mobile app version available

When your landlord, employer, or office asks for a copy of your ID, use KopieID.

What it does

Upload your ID photo
The app automatically masks your BSN number
Adds watermark with purpose and date
Sends secured copy

Why it matters

Prevents identity fraud
Protects your BSN
Employers/landlords appreciate it

18. KNMI Weer – Official Weather Institute

For the most accurate weather forecasts:

KNMI is the official Dutch meteorological institute
Scientifically accurate forecasts
Severe weather warnings
Available only in Dutch

Preference: Use Buienradar daily; KNMI when you need serious forecasts.

Practical Installation Checklist

Here’s the order to install apps if you’ve just arrived in the Netherlands:

Week 1 (Urgency: High)

Huisly – find housing
DigiD – start application (takes 21 days)
Buienalarm – never get soaked again
WhatsApp – essential for communication

Week 2 (Urgency: High)

9292 – transportation
NS – if you plan train trips
Banking app – if you’ve opened an account
Tikkie – once you have friends

Week 3 (Urgency: Medium)

Picnic or Albert Heijn – groceries
Thuisbezorgd – food delivery
Duolingo – learn Dutch
NL-Alert – emergency warnings (if near border)

Week 4+ (Urgency: Low)

Stocard – loyalty cards
Marktplaats – furniture/furnishing
Meetup – making friends
Komoot / Fietsnetwerk – long cycling trips

For Expats: Special Tips

DigiD Timing

DigiD application takes 21 days to activate. Apply immediately when you arrive.

Bank Account

Many banks ask for BSN. bunq lets you start without a BSN (90-day grace period).

Language Barrier

Duolingo is free
Many government apps have no English support
Google Translate will be your best friend

Cycling

Google Maps works, but use your common sense. The Dutch cycling network is logical once you understand it.

Housing Allowance?

Is your rent high? Download the toeslagen.nl website/app. Many expats qualify (170k+ new households in 2026!).

Conclusion: What You Really Need

Commit to essential apps in this priority order:

Huisly (find housing)
DigiD (government)
Buienalarm/Buienradar (weather)
9292 (transport)
Banking app + Tikkie (money)
WhatsApp (communication)
Albert Heijn/Picnic (groceries)
Duolingo (Dutch)

After that, add apps based on your lifestyle (dating, cycling, etc.).

Good luck with your Dutch adventure! With these apps, you’re well-prepared.

This article is based on data from December 2025 and January 2026 from official app stores and Dutch providers.