How to Register in the BRP for Expats Moving to the Netherlands

Why BRP Registration is Your First Step

The BRP is the official record of all residents in the Netherlands. Registering here is essential because:

• Mandatory: It's a legal requirement if you plan to stay for more than four months.
• BSN Acquisition: This is how you obtain your Citizen Service Number (BSN), without which you cannot work, open a bank account, access healthcare, or interact with Dutch authorities.
• Access to Services: It's the basis for almost all official interactions, from receiving mail from government bodies to applying for a DigiD.

Prerequisites for BRP Registration

Before you can register, you need a few key elements in place:

• A confirmed address in the Netherlands: You must have a fixed residential address where you will be living. This could be a rental property, a purchased home, or a room where you are officially allowed to reside.
• A valid purpose for residency: For non-EU/EEA citizens, this typically means you must have an approved residence permit (or be in the process of obtaining one) from the IND. EU/EEA citizens have the right of free movement.

Step-by-Step BRP Registration Process

The registration process usually takes place at the municipality (gemeente) of the city where you will live.

Step 1: Make an Appointment at Your Municipality

As soon as you have a confirmed address, contact your local municipality to schedule an appointment for 'first registration' (eerste inschrijving). Most municipalities allow you to book online via their website. Search for "BRP registration [city name]".

Step 2: Gather All Required Documents

This is the most critical step. Ensure you have originals of all necessary documents. Requirements can vary slightly between municipalities, so always check your specific municipality's website. Generally, you will need:

• Valid Identification: Your passport or, for EU/EEA citizens, a national ID card. Ensure it's not expired.
• Proof of Address: One of the following:
  • Your signed rental contract.
  • The purchase agreement for your house.
  • A written 'declaration of consent' (instemmingverklaring) from the main occupant of the address (if you're living with someone), along with a copy of their ID. The main occupant may need to attend the appointment with you.
• Original Birth Certificate: This must be original and often requires legalisation or an apostille stamp from your country of origin. If it's not in Dutch, English, German, or French, a sworn translation may be needed.
• Marriage Certificate / Divorce Decree (if applicable): Similar legalisation/apostille and translation requirements apply.
• Children's Birth Certificates (if applicable): Required if you are registering children with you.
• Residence Permit (for non-EU/EEA citizens): Your valid Dutch residence permit card or MVV sticker in your passport.

Step 3: Attend Your BRP Appointment

Go to your appointment at the municipality on time with all your original documents. A municipal official will review your documents and enter your personal details into the BRP. If you are registering as a family, all family members (including children) must generally be present.

Step 4: Receive Your BSN

During or shortly after your BRP registration appointment, you will receive your Burgerservicenummer (BSN). This is often printed on a document handed to you at the appointment. Keep this document safe as proof of your BSN.

What Happens After BRP Registration?

Once you're officially registered in the BRP and have your BSN:

• You are legally recognised as a resident of the Netherlands.
• You can proceed to open a Dutch bank account.
• You can apply for Dutch health insurance and register with a GP.
• You can apply for and activate your DigiD.

Remember to inform your municipality if you change address within the Netherlands or if you move abroad permanently.