Registering with the municipality in the Netherlands
Do you intend to live in the Netherlands for more than 4 months? Then you must register in the Personal Records Database (Basisregistratie Personen – BRP). You can do this at the municipality where you intend to live.
You must register in the BRP at the municipality where your intended address is located. There is no charge for this.
If you have no fixed address, you must register your postal address. For example, if you are a ship’s captain, or where the institution that you are in, such as a prison or psychiatric facility, is located.
Are you moving from one municipality to another municipality in the Netherlands? Then you must notify the new municipality of your change of address.
You must register with the municipality within 5 days of arriving in the Netherlands. You can do this at your municipality. Are your partner and/or children are coming with you to the Netherlands? They must come with you to the municipality.
Once you register in the BRP, you will receive a citizen service number (Burgerservicenummer – BSN). You will need this number for any contact with the Government of the Netherlands, such as when managing your taxes.
Exceptions: registering later or in a different way
There are some exceptions for registering with the municipality. In some situations you can register later than 5 days or in a different way. The exceptions are as follows:
- You are going to be living in the Netherlands for less than 4 months. Then you can register in the BRP as a non-resident. For this you can use an address outside the Netherlands. You will still receive a BSN.
- You do not have valid residence status, and to be allowed to stay in the Netherlands, you need a residence permit (verblijfsvergunning). If you are waiting for your residence permit to arrive, you do not have to register within 5 days.
- You are unable to prove your identity. This may require additional investigation. Registering with the municipality can then wait until the outcome of this investigation. After that, you will have to register.
This is how it works for you
Here is some information from your municipality.
Municipality of Veendam: Registering with the municipality
You must inform us of your move to the Netherlands in person. You must make an appointment to do this.
All family members who wish to be registered must come to the appointment with you. This includes babies, young children and elderly people.
Please bring the following to City Hall:
- a valid identity document
- a valid travel document or other document proving your nationality.
Bring if necessary
Bring the following to the town hall if it applies to you:
- If you were born abroad: the birth certificate.
- Depending on the country of birth, see Ministry of Justice circular on legalization.
- In case of a foreign nationality: a proof of registration at the Foreigners Office.
- Possibly a marriage certificate, a divorce certificate or a certificate as proof that the marriage was dissolved by death.
- If you are from the Netherlands Antilles or Aruba: proof of deregistration.
- Sometimes we ask for documents because we need proof that you live somewhere, for example a rental contract, proof of ownership or a statement from the main occupant of the property.
Registration is free of charge. You must pay the costs of translating or legalising official documents that you may need to take with you.
The municipality will register you in the Basisregistratie Personen – BRP (Personal Records Database) during the actual appointment. You will receive a confirmation letter. The municipality will send your citizen service number (BSN) by post within 4 weeks.
Questions about this topic?
Contact the Municipality of Veendam