First registration in the Netherlands
Are you staying in the Netherlands for longer than 4 months and you don't have a Citizen Service Number (BSN) yet? Make sure you make an appointment to register in person in the city you will be living in.
First answer a few questions to find out whether you need to register. If so, you will see a link to a page with more information about the documents you need. You can then make an appointment online for your registration at the desk.
Check if registration is needed
For whom
- You are coming from abroad and staying in the Netherlands for at least 4 of the 6 months.
- You have not been registered before
or
you were registered before 1994 and you are now returning to live in the Netherlands.
Residence permit
Do you have the nationality of a country outside the European Union? Then you must first apply for a residence permit at the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND). Link opens an external page.
You cannot register until you have a residence permit or you have a running application for one.
Resettlement
Have you moved back to the Netherlands from abroad? Or have you been deregistered? Then you must re-register.
In this case, you make an appointment for resettlement.
Costs
Registration is free of charge.
The municipality of Rotterdam can impose an administrative fine if you deliberately provide incorrect information for the BRP. This fine is an incentive to make sure that everyone registers properly and passes on correct information in good time.
Date of registration
This depends on your personal situation and the documents required. Usually, your registration will be processed within 4 weeks after you have submitted all the documents. You will be informed in writing.
Contact
Do you want to read all the content on this site in the language you prefer? Use the Translate button in the upper-right of the menu bar.
If you have questions, call the municipal service number 14 010. When you call from abroad, call +31 10 267 16 25.
FAQ
Every person in the Netherlands has a personal registration number. It is called the Citizen Service Number ('Burgerservicenummer' or BSN). This number is issued to Dutch citizens along with their birth certificate.
You need the BSN in order to:
- be permitted to work
- open a bank account
- make use of a care institution (or hospital)
- apply for benefits
If you were not born in the Netherlands, you must apply for the number yourself.
How to obtain a BSN
When you come to live in the Netherlands and register with the Municipal Personal Records Database, you will automatically receive a Citizen Service Number. You need the following documents:
- if you are from the EU or the EEA: a valid passport or identity card
- in other cases: your visa, residence permit or work permit
Check the following webpage of the government. Link opens an external page for more information.
To invite friends and family use the IND Application form. Link opens an external page (pdf) proof of sponsorship and/or private accommodation. This procedure is only for people who need a visa to be able to come to the Netherlands.
Fill in the application form and have your signature legalized by the municipality. In 2019 this will cost € 12,10. Make an appointment by calling our municipal service number 14 010
Check the IND website. Link opens an external page for more information.
There are 3 ways to do this:
- From abroad, call the municipal service number +31 10 267 16 25
- Call the municipal service number 14 010
- For making an appointment online, press the button 'Make an appointment'
If you are a highly skilled migrant ('kennismigrant') your employer will arrange your registration. In other cases you must do so yourself.
Please visit the webpage expat-centre for more information.
