Deregistration from the Netherlands

Yes, this is possible. For example, when moving to or from a location abroad, customs can ask you to present an inward or outward clearance certificate for your household effects.

If you have left the Netherlands, send a note by post, together with a copy of your valid identification (passport, identity card or residence permit) to:

Gemeente Rotterdam
Klantcontact, afdeling Gegevensverstrekking
P.O. Box 70013
3000 KR Rotterdam

You will receive an invoice to be paid after receiving the document.

An extract is € 9.90 plus mailing costs.

You receive a free extract of deregistration if you are moving to the Caribbean Netherlands (the countries Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten and the special municipalities Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius).
You need this document to register in the Caribbean Netherlands.

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 website of the government. Link opens an external page for more information.

There are 2 ways to do this:

1. Call the municipal service number 14 010.
2. Log in to the online service window Mijn Loket. Link opens an external page (Dutch only).