How to get a BSN in the Netherlands: registering with your municipality in 2026
Facts last verified on against 4 sources (4 official). By the Relocate+ team.
Short answer
If you'll live in the Netherlands for more than four months, you must register as a resident in the Personal Records Database (BRP) within five days of arriving. You do that at the municipality (gemeente) where you live, and you get your citizen service number (BSN) when you register.[1][2]
Book an appointment, bring a valid ID, proof that you may live in the Netherlands, proof of your address and original foreign certificates such as your birth certificate. Registration is free and is usually processed within about four weeks, when your BSN arrives by post.[3][4]
Key facts at a glance
How to register
Resident registration (BRP)
Best for: Anyone moving to the Netherlands for more than four months.
Requirement: Register in person at the municipality where you live, within five days of arriving. You need a legal right to live in the Netherlands, such as EU/EEA/Swiss nationality or a residence permit. Partners and children who moved with you come to the appointment too.[1][2][4]
Non-resident registration (RNI)
Best for: People staying less than four months, or who live abroad but need a BSN.
Requirement: Register in the Non-residents Records Database with your address abroad. You also get a BSN this way.[1]
Through an international or expat centre
Best for: Highly skilled migrants, recognised researchers and some other groups.
Requirement: In The Hague, these groups book their registration through The Hague International Centre instead of the regular city counter.[3]
Step-by-step timeline
- 1
Before you move
Get your foreign certificates legalised
Your birth certificate and, if relevant, your marriage, partnership or divorce papers may be checked. Foreign certificates often need legalisation or an apostille; Utrecht accepts English, German and French documents without a certified translation.[3][4][2]
- 2
Before you move
Secure an address you can register at
You'll need a rental or purchase contract, or written permission from the owner. In Utrecht you can't register before your contract starts.[4]
- 3
Within 5 days of arriving
Book your registration appointment
Book online or by phone with your municipality. Appointments can be scarce, so book as soon as you know your arrival date. In The Hague, keep the booking confirmation: registration can be backdated to the day you booked.[1][4][3]
- 4
At the appointment
Register everyone in person
Bring originals of your ID, your proof of lawful residence, your proof of address and your certificates. Your partner and children must come with you. A driving licence doesn't count as ID in The Hague.[3][2][4]
- 5
About 4 weeks later
Receive your BSN
Once you're registered in the BRP, you get a letter by post showing your registered details and your BSN.[3][4]
- 6
Whenever you move
Keep your registration up to date
Tell your municipality about a move within the Netherlands from four weeks before until five days after it. Leaving for more than eight months? Deregister within five days before you go.[2]
Document checklist
- Valid passport or ID card for each person (not a driving licence)[3][4]
- Proof you may live in the Netherlands (e.g. residence permit, MVV sticker or IND letter)[3][2]
- Rental or purchase contract, or the owner's written permission[4]
- Original birth certificate, legalised or apostilled if required[3][4]
- Marriage, partnership or divorce papers, if they apply[3][2]
- Children's birth certificates[3][4]
- Your appointment confirmation[3]
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Registering with the municipalityAs listed by The Hague. | Free[3] |
Legalising or apostilling foreign certificates is charged by the country that issued them.
Moving with family
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting until you've settled in. The deadline is five days after arriving, and appointments can take time to get.[1][4]
- Arriving without a legalised birth certificate. Municipalities check foreign certificates, and some need an apostille or legalisation first.[3]
- Booking before your rental contract starts. You can only register at an address you already live at.[4]
- Using a driving licence as ID. It isn't accepted for registration.[3]
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a BSN in the Netherlands?
Register at your municipality. Residents staying more than four months register in the BRP within five days of arriving; people staying less than four months register as non-residents (RNI). Either way you receive a BSN.[1]
How long does it take to get a BSN?
Registration is usually processed within about four weeks, after which the municipality sends you a letter with your BSN.[3][4]
What do I need to register with the gemeente?
A valid ID, proof you may live in the Netherlands, proof of your address (such as a rental contract or the owner's permission) and original foreign certificates like your birth certificate, legalised where required.[3][4][2]
What is a BSN used for?
It's your personal number for dealing with government services. Your employer uses it for tax and pension, and doctors, hospitals and pharmacies use it too.[2][1]
Does registering cost anything?
No. The Hague lists first registration from abroad as free.[3]
Sources
Every fact on this page links to one of these. Official = government, consulate or official gazette.
- [1] When should I register with the Personal Records Database as a resident? — Government of the NetherlandsOfficial · checked 31 October 2026
- [2] Brochure: The Personal Records Database (BRP) — RvIG (National Office for Identity Data)Official · checked 31 October 2026
- [3] 1st BRP registration when coming from abroad with residence permit — Municipality of The HagueOfficial · checked 31 October 2026
- [4] Registering from abroad — Municipality of UtrechtOfficial · checked 31 October 2026
Immigration rules change often. Always confirm requirements with the consulate or authority that handles your application before you book or pay for anything. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.