If you’re planning to stay in the Netherlands for more than four months, one of the first things you’ll need to do is register your address at the town hall in the municipality (gemeente) where you live.
It may feel a bit bureaucratic, but this is one of the most important steps for expats. From getting your citizen service number (BSN) to accessing healthcare, opening a bank account and receiving your salary, registration is your gateway to everyday life in the Netherlands.
Below you’ll find everything you need to know, step by step.
Why do you need to register?
Everyone living in the Netherlands, Dutch residents and expats, must register their home address in the Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP – Basisregistratie Personen). New arrivals have five days from arrival to get this done. Registration is free of charge.
Registration ensures that municipalities can:
Most importantly, registration is how you get your BSN (burgerservicenummer).
You need your BSN for:
Without registration, you simply cannot function in Dutch administrative life.
Who needs to register?
Staying more than four months
If you’ll live in the Netherlands for more than four months within six months, you must register as a resident in the BRP.
You must do this within five days of arrival.
Staying fewer than four months
If your stay is shorter than four months, you generally don’t need to register, unless you’re working or studying for up to 12 weeks. In that case, you’ll need to register as a short-stay resident. If your stay is shorter than four months, this falls under the RNI (Registration for Non-Residents). Through the RNI, you can still obtain a BSN, but without full municipal registration. This is mainly intended for people who are in the Netherlands temporarily, for example for short-term work or study.
Can you register without a permanent address?
Here’s a common expat dilemma: you need to register within five days, but you haven’t found a permanent place to live yet. Ideally, you’d have a rental contract ready when you arrive. But if the Dutch rental market is giving you headaches, you have two alternatives:
Registering at someone else’s address
If you’re staying with a partner, friend, or family member, the main occupant can fill out a consent form, giving you permission to live there.
You’ll need:
Most municipalities provide a downloadable form on their websites.
Correspondence address (briefadres)
If you temporarily have no fixed home address, you may be allowed to register using a correspondence address.
This can be:
A briefadres is a temporary administrative address valid for up to three months. A written declaration of consent from the resident (or a signed employer form) is required. A briefadres must be approved by the municipality, therefore always check local rules first as they may vary.
Important:
Avoid renting accommodation where registration is not allowed. Some landlords do this to avoid taxes.
This can cause serious issues such as:
Documents you need to register
Although details may vary by municipality, expect to bring:
Foreign documents must usually be:
All About Expats can assist with legalization and translations if needed.
How to register?
You must register within five days of arrival at the town hall in the municipality (gemeente) where you live.
Step 1 – Book an appointment
Most municipalities allow online booking for first registration from abroad (eerste inschrijving).
Popular municipalities:
Step 2 – Go to your appointment
You must register in person. If your partner and/or children are also moving with you, they generally need to attend.
Brings all documents to avoid delays.
Step 3 – Receive your BSN
You’ll usually receive your BSN:
or
Large cities sometimes have longer waiting times (up to several weeks), so book early.
Municipality staff commonly speak English, but bringing someone who speaks Dutch can be helpful.
Short-stay registration (RNI)
If you’re staying less than four months but still need a BSN (e.g., for work or study), you register as a non-resident (RNI) at one of the 19 RNI municipalities. This registration gives you a BSN but does not require a fixed address in the Netherlands. If you later stay longer than four months, you must still register as a resident at your living address.
How many people can register at one address?
Municipalities monitor overcrowding and address fraud. Rules vary depending on whether a property is rented, owner-occupied, or managed by a housing corporation. A general guideline often used is approximately one person per 10m², especially in shared housing.
If the municipality suspects irregularities, they may conduct an address investigation (adresonderzoek), including a possible home visit.
You can always check who is registered at your address via MijnOverheid using DigiD.
What happens if you don’t register?
Failing to register, or registering incorrectly, can result in administrative problems and fines up to €325.
You may be fined for:
Registration is a legal obligation, so make sure to complete it properly.
Changing your address within the Netherlands
If you move within the Netherlands, you must update your address with the municipality.
In many municipalities you can do this:
Always update your address promptly to avoid issues.
Deregistering
If you leave the Netherlands for more than eight months in a 12-month period, you must deregister from the BRP.
You can deregister:
If needed for authorities abroad, request a proof of deregistration.
Your departure will automatically be shared with the tax office and other public agencies.
Registering doesn’t have to be stressful
With the right documents and a bit of preparation, registering in the Netherlands is straightforward.
Once it’s done and you have your BSN, you can take care of all the other essentials and enjoy a smooth start to your new life here.
Need our help?
If you’d like personal guidance through the registration process, we’re here to help.
We can help with:
