PLAIN-LANGUAGE REFERENCE

Relocation glossary

Short, clear explanations of the registrations, numbers and documents you will meet when you move. Each entry links to the guide that covers the procedure.

Germany

Anmeldung

Address registration

Registering your new address with the local registration office. The general deadline is two weeks after you move in; appointments and online options differ by city.

Wohnungsgeberbestätigung

Landlord’s confirmation

A confirmation from your landlord that you have moved in. Many registration offices ask for it when you register your address.

Steuer-ID

Tax identification number

A personal tax number from the German federal tax authority. It is normally sent by post after you register your address; if it never arrives, there is a separate route to ask for it.

Spain

Padrón

Municipal register

The register of residents kept by each Spanish town hall. Procedures and accepted documents are set locally, and being registered is separate from immigration permission.

Ayuntamiento

Town hall

The local council that runs the Padrón and many local services. Appointment channels and housing-proof rules can differ from one Ayuntamiento to the next.

NIE

Foreigner identification number

A number assigned to foreigners with an economic, professional or social interest in Spain. Its assignment is separate from permission to live or work there.

Italy

Residenza

Registered residence

Your official residence recorded by the Italian municipality. Deadlines and filing channels can differ locally; Turin, for example, asks for the declaration within 20 days of the move.

Comune

Municipality

The Italian local authority whose Anagrafe office registers your residence. Always confirm the process with the Comune for your address.

ANPR

National population register

Anagrafe Nazionale della Popolazione Residente. It supports certain online residence-change declarations, but a first registration from abroad can follow a different local process.

Codice fiscale

Italian tax code

A personal tax code issued by the Agenzia delle Entrate. The right request channel can depend on your status and where you apply from.

SSN and ASL

National health service and local health authority

The Servizio Sanitario Nazionale is Italy’s public healthcare. Eligibility depends on your status, and the local ASL confirms how to enrol.

SPID, CIE, CNS

Digital identity

Digital authentication methods some Comuni accept for online filing, such as the residence declaration in Turin. Availability depends on the service and on your status.

The Netherlands

BRP

Personal records database

The Dutch register of residents (Basisregistratie Personen). A stay of more than four months generally means registering in person with the municipality, within five days of arrival.

BSN

Citizen service number

Your personal number for Dutch government, work, banking and healthcare. The municipality issues it when you register in the BRP, if you do not already have one.

RNI

Non-residents records database

The registration route for people who live abroad or stay under four months in qualifying cases. It is handled at designated municipal desks, so check the desk list before you travel.

DigiD

Digital login for government services

Applying needs a BSN, a registered Dutch address and a mobile phone. The activation letter goes to your registered address, and the login is strictly personal.

IND

Immigration and Naturalisation Service

The Dutch authority for residence permits. Non-EU nationals usually need a permit or a pending application before the municipality registers them.

EU-wide and documents

EHIC

European Health Insurance Card

Covers medically necessary care during a temporary stay in another EU country. It is not health cover for a permanent move.

S1

Healthcare entitlement form

A document that can confirm your right to healthcare in the country where you live, in eligible cases such as some pensioners. Whether you qualify depends on your situation.

PD A1

Social-security certificate

Confirms which country’s social-security rules apply, for example during an eligible temporary posting of normally up to 24 months.

Apostille

Legalisation of foreign documents

A certificate that authenticates a public document for use in another country. Some foreign civil-status documents need an apostille or legalisation; check the rules of the country that issued each one.

Definitions are short orientation. The linked guide and the official source control the procedure for your case.