Dutch Mobile Phone Contracts: SIM-Only, BSN Requirements & eSIMs for Expats

A SIM-only plan (sim-only abonnement) gives you a SIM card with a monthly data, call, and text allowance — you bring your own phone. These contracts typically run 1–2 years and cost €10–25/month depending on data. A phone contract (toestelabonnement) bundles a phone with your plan and spreads the device cost over 24–36 months, resulting in higher monthly payments (€30–80/month). SIM-only is almost always cheaper if you already own a phone, since phone contracts effectively charge retail price plus interest. Most Dutch providers offer both options, and you can switch from SIM-only to a phone contract later.

Dutch providers report qualifying credit to BKR (Bureau Krediet Registratie) — in practice this applies to contracts that finance a device, where the credit amount and term meet the registration requirements. A plain SIM-only subscription without device financing is generally not a BKR-registered credit, though providers may still run identity or payment checks. A BKR check requires a BSN, which means you cannot get a standard phone contract before you have registered at the gemeente. SIM-only plans from some providers also require a BSN for identity verification under Dutch anti-money-laundering law. However, prepaid SIM cards and certain flexible SIM-only plans (monthly cancellable) are available without a BSN, making them the go-to option for new expats in their first weeks.

Prepaid SIM cards are the easiest way to get a Dutch phone number before you have a BSN. Available at Schiphol Airport, Albert Heijn supermarkets, and newsstands, they cost €10–20 for a starter pack with included credit. You top up online or via the provider's app. Major prepaid providers include Lebara, Lyca Mobile, and Simyo. Downsides: prepaid rates per MB/minute are higher than contract plans, and you need to top up regularly to keep the number active. Once you have your BSN, you can port your prepaid number to a contract plan without changing it.

eSIMs are increasingly available from Dutch providers. KPN, Vodafone, and T-Mobile/Odido all support eSIM activation on compatible devices. Neobanks and digital providers like Simyo and Youfone also offer eSIM. For expats arriving with an eSIM-compatible phone, this means you can activate a Dutch number digitally without visiting a store. Some providers require a BSN for eSIM contract activation, but prepaid eSIMs from Lebara and Lyca can be activated with just a passport. This is the fastest path to a Dutch number if your phone supports eSIM.