Registration

When we talk about registration in the Netherlands, we mean officially registering with the government if you come to live or work here.

Personal details of people in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, personal details are stored in the Personal Records Database (the BRP). As a result, you do not need to keep providing the same information to the government or other organisations. Residents

The BRP contains the details of people who live in the Netherlands. These people are called residents. They are registered with the municipality in which they live. The municipality keeps records of their details, such as their name, address, date of birth and citizen service number (BSN).

Non-residents

The BRP also includes people who do not live in the Netherlands. These people are called non-residents. They include people who used to live in the Netherlands but now live in another country.

People who are staying in the Netherlands briefly can also register as non-residents in the BRP. These people include foreign students who come to the Netherlands for internships as well as migrant workers who come to work here temporarily. They can register at any of the 19 municipalities with an RNI desk. RNI stands for ‘Registratie niet-ingezetenen’ (Non-residents Records Database).

Register to get a BSN

You will be included in the BRP if you register with the municipality or if you register at an RNI desk. Once you have registered you will be given a citizen service number (BSN). You can then apply for a DigiD and arrange matters such as health insurance, work and taxes.

Frequently asked questions:

  • What is the difference between the BRP and RNI? The BRP is for people who live in the Netherlands. The RNI is a part of the BRP that is specially for people who live in the Netherlands for less than four months or who live abroad but have contact with the Dutch government. In both cases, you are given a BSN when you register.
  • What happens after you are registered? Once you have been registered, your details will be entered in the Personal Records Database (BRP). You will then be given a BSN. You need this for your work, tax, healthcare and allowances.
  • Where can I register as a non-resident? You can register at one of the 19 RNI desks located throughout in the Netherlands. Towns and cities with an RNI desk include Amsterdam, Eindhoven and Rotterdam. You can find the addresses on the website of the RvIG (the National Office for Identity Data).