Registration

Registering with the city council (Gemeente) is one of the first things you will have to do upon your arrival in The Netherlands. How else will you get post from the government like taxes? Even if you are only living briefly in the country, registration is necessary. This includes if you are coming over to study. You have to do it within 5 days of arrival. It is vital as when you register you will receive your Citizen Service Number (National Insurance number/social security number) known as the Burgerservicenummer, the BSN. You can learn more about why this is needed in this post here.

So how do you do it?

You have to make an appointment at the local city office. In many places this will be the gemeentehuis or city hall, but a larger city like Amsterdam will have several locations. You can make an appointment online or over the phone. You could also just turn up at the city hall, but you will probably have to wait longer. The Amsterdam website can be found here.

Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or provider.

What documents do I need?

You will need:

• A valid proof of identity (a passport, or only if you are a citizen from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein an ID card).
• An original birth certificate (not a copy! This is why you need the apostille!).
• If you are married: an original marriage certificate (not a copy! Again, the apostille).
• For children under 16 years of age: a valid proof of identity for the parent, guardian or care provider accompanying.
• If you have bought a home you will need proof of purchase (koopcontract);
• If you rent, you will need a copy of the rental agreement (huurcontract);
• If you will be staying with someone and so have no contract you will need an address registration permission form signed by the main occupant and a copy of his or her proof of identity, such as a passport or an ID card. A postal address enables you to temporarily receive post at the address of someone you know.

And there you go! It is as easy as that!