Registration

Welcome to the Netherlands! If you are moving to the Netherlands, you will need a BSN or citizen service number. You need it to arrange a lot of formalities. You need a BSN to work, open a bank account or take out health insurance. Your registration depends on your length of stay and immigration status. If you intend to stay for more than four months in the Netherlands you need to register in the municipality where you are living. The process is relatively smooth because of the fast-tracked registration services of the international centres in The Hague (also for Delft), Rotterdam and Leiden.  

Staying less than four months 

If you live outside of the Netherlands or plan on staying for less than four months, you can register in the Non-residents Records Database (RNI). Registration is not required. You must register if you need a BSN to work, open a bank account or take out health insurance. You can register in person at one of the 19 municipalities with a RNI desk. In South Holland, you can find RNI desks in The Hague, Rotterdam, Leiden and Westland. After registering at an RNI desk you will immediately receive your BSN and can apply for DigiD. 

Staying longer than four months

If you are staying in the Netherlands for longer than four months, you need to register in person with the municipality where you will be living. During registration the municipality (gemeente) records your personal details in the Personal Records Database (BRP). You need to make an appointment to register within five days of your arrival. When you register, you need to hand in various supporting documents, such as proof of identify (passport or EU ID card), address and residence status (for non-EU citizens). You may be asked to provide a birth or marriage certificate to proof a relationship. You do not always receive your BSN immediately. International centres and student registration desk do provide the BSN directly. When you move and change address or leave the Netherlands again, you need to report this to your local municipality.  

Diplomats

If you represent another country or an international organisation in the Netherlands, you will be registered by your employer as non-resident with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ProBas database contains the personal details of everyone living and working in the Netherlands with a diplomatic or privileged status. You will receive a diplomatic ID card (MFA card) with your BSN from your employer. If you are living in the Netherlands for a longer period or with a family, we do recommend to register as a resident with the municipality. The voluntary registration allows you to access online government services easier, and enroll for vaccinations, education and benefits.

Your BSN

A BSN is a unique personal number from the Dutch government. A BSN is comprised of eight or nine digits. Government authorities use your BSN to retrieve your personal details and exchange information. You receive a BSN once. The number will always stay the same and remains valid, even once you move to another country.

DigiD and MijnOverheid

In the Netherlands, you can arrange a lot of government services online. You can prove your identity online by logging in with your DigiD. If you are a resident, you can apply for DigiD in English on a website. You will receive an authorisation code at your home address. If you are a non-resident, you need to visit a special DigiD Desk to verify your identity (closest one is in The Hague). With your DigiD you can submit your annual income tax return, change your health insurance or municipal registration and apply for government benefits. 

Most municipalities (MijnGemeente) and the central government (MijnOverheid) have personal online portals. You can log in with DigiD and directly change your details and apply for services. With the Berichtenbox you can receive official notifications from the Dutch government in a secure app – helping the government to go paperless.