registering in the Netherlands

Everyone living in the Netherlands is required to register at the “gemeente” (municipality/city council). Apart from other reasons this is mostly important because you need to be registered at your home address so you can receive a BSN number (personal public service number) 

BSN number

A BSN number is important because you need it for important matters like opening a bank account, receiving medical care, getting health insurance and applying for schools.

 

registering in the Netherlands

Most municipalities want you to register within 5 days or at the start of your rental contract. To register you have to make an appointment, when you call city hall make sure you ask for an appointment for a registration from abroad (inschrijven vanuit het buitenland). You will receive confirmation through mail or email.

 

Documents you need to register:

  • A valid passport or ID card

  • your residence permit (either a sticker in your passport, a plastic ID card or a letter from IND)

  • your rental contract

  • a certified copy of your birth certificate

  • your foreign marriage certificate, certificate of registered partnership or divorce

 

If your documents are not in Dutch, English, French or German you will have to have them officially translated. Some documents such as your birth certificate may need proof of authenticity with an apostille for example.

 

correspondence or temporary address

If you do not have an official address yet, you can register a correspondence address. This could be the adresse of a family member for example. They will need to sign a declaration of consent.

 

changing address

If you are changing addresses within the Netherlands you do not have to make an appointment you can easily change it online with your digiD account.

 

deregistering

If you will depart the Netherlands indefinitely you need to deregister at your local municipality, this is free of charge. Make sure you do this at least one month before you leave.

 

Your comment



Subscribe to our Newsletter!