UTRECHT · LOCAL PROCEDURE

Registering in Utrecht from abroad: appointment, location and BSN

How first registration works in Utrecht: the appointment-only counter, how to book, where to go and the national five-day and four-month rules.

On this page

Utrecht’s counter works by appointment. We could not retrieve Utrecht’s own document list, so check it on the city’s registration page before you go; the national rules below apply everywhere.

At a glance

Appointment
Required; book online
Where
Stadsplateau 1, Utrecht
Deadline
Within 5 days if staying over 4 months
Fee
Free

Your checklist

First steps

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The national rules behind the Utrecht visit

Government.nl’s national page says anyone who will live in the Netherlands for more than four months must register in the BRP at the municipality where they live, within 5 days of arriving, and that registration is free.

It also says that if you are waiting for a residence permit you do not have to register within 5 days, and that registration may be postponed if your identity must be investigated first.

How the Utrecht appointment works

The city’s page tells you to enter the number of persons because the system uses it to work out the time needed at the desk. Book the right number rather than adding people on the day.

Phone: the city’s customer service line is 030 286 00 00; press 1 for English. The civil-affairs page also lists 14 030 for general questions.

Opening hours and location

The civil-affairs page lists the counter at Stadsplateau 1, 3521 AZ Utrecht, open Monday 09:00 to 17:00, Tuesday 09:00 to 20:00, Wednesday 09:00 to 17:00, Thursday 12:00 to 20:00 and Friday 09:00 to 17:00. Hours can change, so confirm them when you book.

What to read next

For the national building blocks, see the guides on BRP, BSN and the BSN without a rental contract. For a city that publishes a full document list, see the Amsterdam guide.

Common questions

Do I need an appointment in Utrecht?

Yes. The city’s civil-affairs counter is open by appointment only.

Where is the appointment?

At Stadsplateau 1, 3521 AZ Utrecht, in the building the city calls Publiekszaken or the Stadskantoor.

How soon must I register?

Government.nl says within 5 days of arriving if you will stay longer than four months.

Does registration cost money?

No. Government.nl says registration is free.

What if I stay under four months?

You can register as a non-resident (RNI) and still receive a BSN.

Official sources

Read this first

Sources checked 29 October 2026

Rules can vary by nationality, work or study status, and city. Confirm your route with the official authority before you act.