Coming to live in the Netherlands

Are you coming to live in the Netherlands for at least 4 out of the coming 6 months? You must register your address with the municipal authority.

You may register if you are living legally in the Netherlands; this is known as lawful residence. The term 'lawful residence’ applies in the following cases:

• If you have Dutch nationality.
• If you have the nationality of another member state of the European Union.
• If you are a citizen of Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland or Switzerland.
• If you have a valid residence permit.
• You may stay in the Netherlands while you are waiting for the decision on your application for a residence permit.

Make an appointment. Cal: (0224) 210 400

• You must come in person to the Town Hall of the municipality where you wish to register. Do this within 5 days of your arrival in the Netherlands.
• Register your fixed address.
• Has your partner come with you to live in the Netherlands? Your partner must come with you to the Town Hall.
• Have your children come with you to live in the Netherlands? They must come with you to the Town Hall.
• After you have completed your registration you will receive a Public Service Number (BSN). You will need this number for your contact with Dutch authorities. For example: if you apply for benefits.
• We will complete your registration as soon as possible. This will take no longer than 4 weeks.

Will you be staying in the Netherlands for less than 4 months? You will not need to register with the municipal authority. Do you still need a Public Service Number (BSN)? In that case, you can register as a non-resident in the Key Register of Persons (BRP). You can do this from your address abroad. This is known as Registration as a non-resident (RNI).

You will need the following:

• A valid identity document.
• A travel document or other document that proves your nationality. Do you have more than one nationality? You will need to prove each nationality with a valid travel document or other official document.
• Documents which act as proof of residence: a tenancy agreement, title deeds or a declaration from the main occupant of the building. 
• Official documents issued to you when you lived abroad. For example: a birth certificate, a marriage certificate, a divorce certificate or an acknowledgement certificate. Please note: if these documents are not in Dutch, English, German or French they must first be translated and legalised. You should do this before you move to the Netherlands. 
• Are you coming to live with someone else? You will need written consent from the main occupant of that address.
• If you move to the Netherlands from Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius or Sint Maarten you will need a certificate of deregistration from your previous country.
• In some cases, you will need a valid residence permit or evidence that you have applied for one.

If you do not have a fixed address you will have to ask us for a postal address. For example: if you work as an inland shipping operator or if you are living in an institution. For more information, call: (0224) 210 400.