🇳🇱 EU / International

BRP Registration (Netherlands)

Dutch Municipal Registration — Get Your BSN

Easy ~15 min RegistrationNetherlandsBSN

/ What is this form?

The BRP (Basisregistratie Personen) is the Dutch municipal population register. Registering gives you a Burgerservicenummer (BSN) — a 9-digit unique identifier needed for almost everything in the Netherlands: employment, banking, healthcare, taxes, and DigiD.

You must register at your local gemeente (municipality) within 5 days of establishing a Dutch address. Only residents staying 4 months or more need to register.

Foreign documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates) may need to be apostilled and translated into Dutch, English, French, or German.

/ Who needs this form?

Anyone moving to the Netherlands for 4 months or more
EU and non-EU citizens alike
Students, workers, and family members

/ What you need before you start

Valid passport (national ID cards generally not accepted)

Birth certificate with apostille (for many countries)

Rental contract or proof of address

Marriage and/or birth certificates of family members if applicable

Residence permit for non-EU nationals

/ Step-by-step guide

1 Secure a Dutch Address

You must have a fixed address in the Netherlands before registering. Temporary stays (hotel, Airbnb) do not qualify.

2 Book Gemeente Appointment

Book an appointment at your local gemeente (municipality). Not all municipalities accept walk-ins.

3 Prepare Documents

Bring passport (ID cards not accepted), birth certificate (apostilled), rental contract, and marriage/birth certificates if applicable.

4 Attend Appointment

Present all documents. For non-EU nationals, bring your visa or residence permit as well.

5 Receive BSN

You receive a BSN on the spot or by letter. Use it to apply for DigiD, health insurance, and employment.

/ Key fields explained

Field	What to enter	Common mistake
Verblijfadres	Your Dutch home address — must be a genuine, fixed residence, not a hotel or temporary arrangement.	Registering before having a confirmed address — you cannot register without one.

/ Common mistakes to avoid

Trying to register without a fixed Dutch address — hotels and temporary accommodation don't qualify.

Bringing a national ID card instead of a passport — passport is required.

Not apostilling or translating foreign documents — the gemeente will reject unverified foreign documents.

/ Frequently asked questions

What is the BSN?

The Burgerservicenummer (BSN) is your unique 9-digit Dutch citizen service number. It is used for all government interactions, employment, banking, healthcare, and taxes.