Every non-Dutch citizen (including citizens of the Schengen area) arriving in the Netherlands for work or study is required to register their presence in the Municipal Personal Records Database (Basisregistratie Personen or BRP). If you will be staying for less than four months, there is a special procedure for your registration: the ‘registration as a non-inhabitant’ (registratie niet ingezetenen or RNI).
If it is your first time in the Netherlands, you will need to register in-person. This type of registration does not require a home address in the Netherlands. You only need to bring your passport and your address in your home country. After registering, you will receive a citizen service number (Burger Service Nummer or BSN).
Making an appointment
To make an appointment in Rotterdam, click on the website and follow the steps on the Rotterdam municipal website. Having trouble with the Dutch website? Call +31 (0)10 2671625 to make an appointment by phone.
When should I make the appointment?
It can take as long as one or two weeks to schedule an appointment with the Public Affairs office of the municipality of Rotterdam. It is therefore advisable to make this appointment before arriving in the Netherlands.
If you will be staying in the Netherlands for longer than four months, you need to file for a long-term registration in your chosen city of residence.
Registration is mandatory
If you plan to live here for work or study purposes, you are required by Dutch law to register your presence within five days after arriving; after that, you may be fined for not registering. Fines up to a maximum of 325 euros may be imposed by the municipality. It is no longer possible to live in the Netherlands and only register with the tax authorities (this option is now only possible if you work in the Netherlands, but will not be a resident).
Schedule an appointment at the municipality of Rotterdam