Moving to the Netherlands

If you come 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 in the Netherlands legally. This is called lawful residence. Your residence is lawful in the following cases:

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

• Go in person to the municipality to register, for this you need a Make an appointment appointment.
• 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 you register, you will receive a Citizen Service Number (BSN). You will need this number for contact with the government. For example, to apply for benefits.

Make an appointment moving to the Netherlands

Need a Make an appointment appointment for more than 4 people or want to register migrant workers? Then contact us at tel: 14 0181.

You live 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 then register as a non-resident in the BRP. You do this with your address abroad. This is called the Non-Resident Registration (RNI).

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

The municipality will register you as soon as possible. This takes a maximum of 4 weeks.