Municipalities run the registration appointment. The five-day rule and document examples come from national guidance, but your municipality confirms the exact process.
Your checklist
First steps
Your checklist stays on this device.
Documents can vary
A valid passport or identity card is the starting point. Birth, marriage or other certificates may be requested; ask the municipality whether foreign documents need legalisation or translation.
BRP is your resident record
The BRP records residents and their addresses. It is not the same as a residence permit, tax-residence decision or health-insurance policy.
Common questions
How soon must I register in the BRP?
For a stay longer than four months, national guidance says to register in person within five days of arrival. Confirm the appointment process with your municipality.
Can my family register with me?
Partners and children who also move to the Netherlands generally register in person and bring valid identification.
What is the difference between BRP and RNI?
BRP is the resident record for people living in the Netherlands. RNI is the non-resident record used for people staying under four months or living abroad.
Official sources
Read this first
- NetherlandsWorldwide: when to register with a municipalityNational BRP, five-day and BSN guidance
- Government.nl: Personal Records DatabaseOfficial BRP and RNI definitions
- IND: living in the NetherlandsResidence-permit holder checklist and document warning
- City of Amsterdam: moving from abroadCity example only; other municipalities differ
Rules can vary by nationality, work or study status, and city. Confirm your route with the official authority before you act.