Moving to the Netherlands

If you come to live in the Netherlands, you must register with the municipality. This also applies if you have lived in the Netherlands before.

In that case, it is called 'relocation from abroad'.

How does it work?

  • Register in person at the municipality. Do this within 5 days of arriving in the Netherlands.
  • Register at your permanent residential address.
  • If your partner has also come to the Netherlands, your partner must come with you to the municipality.
  • If your children have also come to the Netherlands, they must come with you to the municipality.
  • After your registration, you will receive a citizen service number (BSN). You need this number to contact the government, for example, to apply for allowances. In the case of resettlement, you will already have a BSN.

Sometimes we need to take your photo at the town hall. The computer can then use it to check your travel document.

You have lived in the Netherlands for less than 4 months.

If you live in the Netherlands for less than 4 months, you do not have to register with the municipality. You can register as a non-resident in the Personal Records Database (BRP). You do this with your address abroad. This is called the Non-Residents Records Database (RNI).

When do I need to register?

If you come to live in the Netherlands for at least 4 months within a period of 6 months, you must register with the municipality.

You can register with the municipality if you are legally in the Netherlands. This is called lawful residence. Your residence is lawful in the following cases:

  • You have Dutch nationality.
  • You have the nationality of another country from the European Union.
  • You have the nationality of Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, or Switzerland.
  • You have a valid residence permit.
  • You are allowed to await the decision on your application for a residence permit in the Netherlands.

 

What do I need to bring?

  • Your valid proof of identity.
  • A travel document or other document showing your nationality.
  • Documents that prove you live here, such as a rental agreement, proof of ownership, or a statement from the main occupant of the property.
  • Official documents from your time abroad. For example, a birth certificate, marriage certificate, recognition certificate, or divorce certificate. Please note: if these documents are not in Dutch, English, German, or French, they must first be translated and legalized. Do this before you come to the Netherlands. 
  • If you are going to live with someone or you are going to cohabit, you need written permission from the main resident of that address.
  • If you are coming to the Netherlands from Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, or Sint Maarten, you need proof of deregistration.
  • If applicable: your valid residence permit or proof that it has been applied for.