Registering your address in Amsterdam and getting your BSN

Before you start

• An address in Amsterdam where you actually live and are allowed to register
• Lawful residence in the Netherlands (for non-EU citizens usually a residence permit or a pending application)

Documents you need

• Valid passport (EU, EEA and Swiss citizens may use a national ID card)

  required

• Residence document or IND decision

  Non-EU citizens, if already issued

  optional

• Rental contract or purchase deed for your Amsterdam address

  required

• Permission from the main occupant with a copy of their ID

  If you live in someone else's home

  optional

• Original birth certificate, legalised or apostilled and translated if needed

  required

• Original marriage or partnership certificate

  If you are married or in a registered partnership

  optional

Step by step

1. 1

   Step 1: Prepare your certificates before you move

   Bring your original birth certificate. The IND states that the municipality needs a legalised and translated birth certificate, and IN Amsterdam asks for originals of birth and marriage certificates. Depending on the country that issued the document, legalisation means an apostille or legalisation through the Dutch embassy, and a sworn translation may be required if the document is not in an accepted language. The City of Amsterdam's foreign documents page explains what applies. Start early, because this often takes several weeks from abroad.

2. 2

   Step 2: Secure an address you can register at

   You must have a home in Amsterdam to register there. Bring a rental contract or purchase deed. If you live with someone else, bring a signed declaration from the main occupant giving permission and a copy of their ID. !WOON, the City-funded tenant advice service, points out that you do not need your landlord's permission to register if you can prove you live there, for example with a written contract. If a landlord tells you that you cannot register, be cautious: it can indicate an illegal sublet.

3. 3

   Step 3: Check whether you can use IN Amsterdam

   IN Amsterdam combines municipal registration with IND formalities in one visit. It serves people who move to Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Almere, Diemen, Haarlem, Haarlemmermeer, Hilversum or Velsen and who are highly skilled migrants (including researchers), start-up, orientation-year or intra-corporate transferee permit holders, or EU citizens working for an IND-recognised sponsor. You fill in an online form and then call IN Amsterdam to fix a date. Service fees apply and cash is not accepted.

   If your employer uses IN Amsterdam for your permit application, IN Amsterdam usually contacts you to plan the appointment once the IND has decided.

4. 4

   Step 4: Arrange your visit to a City Office

   Everyone else registers at a City Office of the City of Amsterdam. IN Amsterdam's registration guide (last updated November 2025) says you register in person and need to make an appointment in advance. Check the City's moving from abroad page for the current arrangements before you go, or call the City on 14 020.

5. 5

   Step 5: Register in person

   Go with every family member who is moving with you. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or carer with valid ID. Bring all originals. Depending on your situation, the official may ask for additional documents such as your residence permit.

6. 6

   Step 6: Receive your BSN and use it

   After registration you receive your BSN. Give it to your employer, your health insurer and your bank, and use it to apply for a DigiD. Official post, including your DigiD activation code, goes to the address registered in the BRP.

Staying four months or less (RNI)

After you register

Moving house within the Netherlands

Leaving the Netherlands

Watch out

Common mistakes

• Bringing a copy instead of the original birth certificate, or one without the required apostille or legalisation.
• Letting the five-day deadline pass while waiting for a permanent flat. Register where you live now and report later moves.
• Forgetting that each family member must attend in person.

Tips

• If your permit is arranged by an IND-recognised employer, ask HR whether they book the combined IN Amsterdam appointment for you.
• Ask your landlord or short-stay provider in writing, before you sign, whether you can register at the address.
• Put your name on your letterbox on the day you move in; your BSN-related post and DigiD letter go to this address.

Frequently asked questions

Editorial answers written by our team, based on the sources below.

Official links

In your plan

• Register your address and get your BSNAdd to plan
• Book your registration appointment before you arriveAdd to plan
• Get your birth certificate legalised and translatedAdd to plan
• Report your move when you change addressAdd to plan
• Find a long-term homeAdd to plan
• Book temporary accommodation where you can registerAdd to plan
• Check what free movement means for youAdd to plan

Sources

Written and checked by HomiStart editorial against the official sources below. Next scheduled check: 5 Jan 2027.