How does it work? - Registration in the Netherlands

Registration at the local municipality upon moving to the Netherlands is essential for a smooth and easy immigration process. Registering will provide you with a BSN number, essential for all residents and will allow you to go through all kinds of administrative processes, such as opening a Dutch bank account and getting health insurance. 

There are two types of registration to consider, depending on the duration of your stay.  If you intend to stay less than 4 months or you live abroad, you can register as a non-resident in the Non Resident Database (RNI). You register with both your temporary Dutch address, and your international address - this can be done at various desks throughout the Netherlands, including The Hague. Staying longer than 4 months will require you to register as a resident in the Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP) at the local municipality in which you reside. This requires a Dutch address, and for non-EU citizens, a residence permit. If you are to leave the Netherlands or change your address, you must inform the municipality. If this leave is for a period longer than 8 months, you must deregister. 

Learn about the different types of registration in the Netherlands and find out which one applies to you in our short animation video:

If you would like further information on registration, or on how to make an appointment, please visit our other page regarding registration.