Registration

Whether you’re a Dutch citizen or an international, all individuals residing in the country must be officially registered at their place of residence.

Most municipalities require you to register within the first 5 days of your arrival to the country or as soon as you have your rental contract.

You should make an appointment with the city municipality (gemeente) to be registered at your address.

Documents needed to register

• Your valid passport or ID card 
• Your residence permit (if applicable, either a sticker in your passport, a plastic ID card or letter from IND).
• Your rental contract.
• A certified copy of your birth certificate.
• Your foreign marriage certificate, certificate of registered partnership pr divorce (if applicable).

Once you’re registered, you will receive your BSN number (Citizen Service Number). You can use this number to open a bank account, apply for health insurance and get employed.

Penalties for not registering

Being unregistered is not permitted in the Netherlands. Also, there are fines of up to 325 euros for people who fail to register at the correct address, to notify the municipality of their change of address on time or to present all relevant documents.

Deregistration

After the final check-out of your apartment, you must also deregister from your address. Please visit your gemeente’s website to deregister.