Moving to the Netherlands

How does it work?

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

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

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

What should I do?

Make an appointment

• Please do this within 5 days of your arrival in the Netherlands.
• Register at your permanent address.
• If your partner has also come to the Netherlands, they must accompany you to the municipal office.
• If your children have also come to the Netherlands, they must accompany you to the municipal office.
• After you register, you will receive a citizen service number (BSN). You will need this number to deal with government agencies, such as when applying for benefits.

You have been living in the Netherlands for less than 4 months

If you have been living in the Netherlands for less than 4 months, you do not need to register with the municipality. Instead, you must register as a non-resident in the BRP( ). You do this using your address abroad. This is called the Non-Resident Registration (RNI).

What do I need?

• Your valid ID.
• A travel document or other document proving your nationality.
• Documents proving that you live here. For example, a lease, proof of ownership, or a statement from the primary resident of the property.
• Official documents from your time abroad. For example, a birth certificate, marriage certificate, acknowledgment of paternity, or divorce decree. Please note: if these documents are not in Dutch, English, German, or French, they must first be translated and legalized. Please do this before you come to the Netherlands.
• If you are moving in with someone or moving in together, you need written permission from the primary resident of that address.
• If you are traveling to the Netherlands from Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, or Sint Maarten, you will need a certificate of deregistration.
• If applicable: your valid residence permit or proof that you have applied for one.

How long does it take?

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

Additional information

If you do not have a permanent residence, you must first request a mailing address from the municipality. For example, if you are an inland waterway operator or are staying at a residential facility.