RNI is for non-residents. If you move to the Netherlands and will live there for more than four months, the BRP route is the relevant starting point.
Your checklist
First steps
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RNI is not a substitute for BRP
RNI records people who do not live in the Netherlands, including some short-stay workers and students. Moving into a longer-term Dutch home generally means switching to municipal BRP registration.
Check the desk rules
The municipality you choose can affect appointment availability and documents. Use the current NetherlandsWorldwide list before travelling to a desk.
Common questions
Can I use RNI for a stay over four months?
RNI is intended for non-residents, including many stays under four months. A longer move normally uses BRP registration with your municipality.
How many RNI municipalities are there?
Official guidance currently refers to 19 municipalities with an RNI desk. Confirm the current list before booking.
Do I get a BSN from RNI?
Yes, after successful RNI registration you receive a BSN and an overview of the recorded data.
Official sources
Read this first
- NetherlandsWorldwide: register in the RNIOfficial RNI eligibility and appointment steps
- NetherlandsWorldwide: contacting an RNI deskCurrent desk list and nationality notes
- Government.nl: BRP and RNIOfficial distinction between resident and non-resident records
- NetherlandsWorldwide: when to registerFour-month threshold and switch to BRP
Rules can vary by nationality, work or study status, and city. Confirm your route with the official authority before you act.