First registration in the Netherlands

Are you moving to the Netherlands from abroad for the first time and will you be living here for more than 4 months? Or have you previously been registered with the Municipal Personal Records Database ( BRP ) in the Netherlands? If so, you are required to (re)register with the Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP). The procedure depends on your individual situation.

How does it work?

Anyone who comes from abroad to live in this municipality for more than 4 months within a 6-month period must register with the municipality.

You can register if your stay in the Netherlands is legal. This is called lawful residence. The following are examples of lawful residence:

You are a Dutch citizen.
You hold the nationality of one of the members of the European Union.
You are a national of one of the following countries: Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, or Switzerland.
You have a valid residence permit.
When you have to wait for a decision on your residence permit in the Netherlands.

What should I do?

You must register in person at the municipality within 5 days of arriving in the Netherlands.
You will be registered at your new address.
If your partner is also coming to live in the Netherlands, your partner must go to the municipal office with you.
If your children are also coming to live in the Netherlands, they must go to the municipal office with you.
After registration, you will receive a Citizen Service Number (BSN). You need a Citizen Service Number for all communication with the municipality and the national government.

Will you be staying in the Netherlands for less than 4 months?

If your stay in the Netherlands will be less than 4 months, you do not need to register with the municipality. You should instead register as a non-resident with the BRP . This is called the Registration of Non-Residents (RNI).

What should I bring?

Valid identification.
Identification that proves your nationality.
Documents that prove you live in the Netherlands, such as a lease agreement, sales contracts, or a statement from the primary occupant of the residence.
Foreign official documents related to life events, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, certificates of recognition, or documents from previous or dissolved marriages.

In certain situations, you need to submit additional documents along with your application:

If you are moving in with someone else, you need written consent from the primary occupant of that address.
If you are moving from Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustatius, or St. Maarten, you need proof of deregistration.

How long does it take?

The municipality will register you as soon as possible. This takes up to 4 weeks.