How to Register in Amsterdam & Get Your BSN
Published • Mon, Apr 1, 2024
A clear, up-to-date guide for expats and international professionals — covering BRP registration, what documents you need, where to book, and exactly what your BSN unlocks once you have it.
Need a registerable address from day one?
Every City Retreat apartment supports BSN registration — formal tenancy contract included.
If you've just arrived in Amsterdam — or you're about to — there's one administrative task that unlocks everything else: registering with the municipality and getting your BSN (burgerservicenummer, or citizen service number). Without it, you can't open a Dutch bank account, start getting paid properly, sign up for health insurance, or access most government services. It's step one, and it matters.
The good news: the process is free, the municipality staff speak English, and if you're staying in registered serviced accommodation in Amsterdam such as a City Retreat apartment, you'll have the proof of address you need from day one. The less good news: appointment slots at Amsterdam's Stadsloket offices can run 6–8 weeks out during peak periods, so the earlier you book, the better.
What Is the BRP — and Why Do You Have to Register?
The BRP (Basisregistratie Personen) is the Dutch municipal population database. When you register, your details are added and you receive your BSN — a unique 8 or 9-digit citizen service number that functions as your administrative identity for almost everything in the Netherlands.
Registration isn't optional. Dutch law requires new arrivals to register within five days of moving into their Dutch address if they intend to stay for more than four months. As of 2026, failing to register can result in a fine of up to €325. Without a BSN, you can't legally start work, open a bank account, take out health insurance, or access government services.
You are legally required to register within five days of moving into your Amsterdam address. Appointment availability can be 6–8 weeks, so book your appointment the moment you have a confirmed start date on your tenancy contract — even if the slot falls later.
You can only register at the address where you are actually living — not a hotel, Airbnb, or an address your landlord doesn't permit. City Retreat temporary accommodation is registered serviced accommodation, meaning all tenants can register from the start of their tenancy without complications.
Who Needs to Register in Amsterdam?
Almost everyone planning to live or work in the Netherlands, regardless of nationality — EU, EEA, Swiss nationals, and non-EU citizens alike.
Register at your local Stadsloket or via IN Amsterdam if you're a highly skilled migrant. You receive a BSN and become a registered Amsterdam resident.
✓ Standard for City Retreat tenantsRegister as a non-resident at one of 19 designated RNI municipalities. You still receive a BSN but without full Amsterdam residency.
For stays under 4 monthsYour old BSN is still valid. Register your new address online via DigiD if you already have one, or in person at a Stadsloket.
BSN unchanged — just update addressPartners and children register at the same appointment. Bring documents for each person. Children must be registered — it affects school enrolment and healthcare access.
Documents You'll Need for Registration
Get these together before you book — some documents may need to be legalised or apostilled in advance, which can take time.
Valid Passport or National ID
Proof of Address
Birth Certificate
Marriage Certificate
IND Residence Permit
Children's Documents
Documents not in Dutch, English, French, or German must be translated by a sworn translator (beëdigd vertaler) before your appointment. Find certified translators at NGTV.nl.
Where to Register in Amsterdam
Option 1: Stadsloket (Standard Route)
For most expats, registration takes place at one of Amsterdam's seven Stadsloket locations. You can attend any of them regardless of neighbourhood. Appointments are required — book at amsterdam.nl or by calling 14 020.
| Location | Address |
|---|---|
| Centrum | Amstel 1, 1011 PN Amsterdam |
| West | Bos en Lommerplein 250 |
| Noord | Buikslotermeerplein 2000 |
| Oost | Oranje-Vrijstaatplein 2 |
| Zuid | President Kennedylaan 923 |
| Nieuw-West | Osdorpplein 946 |
| Zuidoost | Anton de Komplein 150 |
Book as soon as your move-in date is confirmed. Check all seven locations — one may have a slot significantly sooner than another.
Option 2: IN Amsterdam (Highly Skilled Migrants)
If you're coming as a highly skilled migrant (kennismigrant) with an IND-recognised employer sponsor, IN Amsterdam combines IND and municipality registration into a single appointment — typically within 2–6 weeks. Located at Concertgebouwplein, Amsterdam Zuid. Book via iamsterdam.com.
Option 3: RNI (Stays Under 4 Months)
If your stay will be under four months but you still need a BSN, register as a non-resident at any of the 19 designated RNI municipalities. You don't have to do this in Amsterdam — another city may have faster slots.
How to Register in Amsterdam — The Full Process
Confirm Your Address and Start Date
You can only register on or after the start date of your tenancy contract. Make sure your City Retreat agreement is signed and you know your exact move-in date before booking.
Book Your Appointment — As Early as Possible
Go to amsterdam.nl and navigate to 'First Registration from Abroad', or call 14 020. Check all seven Stadsloket locations for the earliest available slot.
Prepare Your Documents
Gather everything in the documents section above. If you need an apostille on your birth certificate, start immediately — it can take several weeks.
- Valid passport or ID for each person registering
- City Retreat tenancy agreement (signed, with start date and address)
- Birth certificate(s) — apostilled if required
- Marriage certificate if applicable
- IND letter or permit if non-EU national
Attend Your Appointment
Arrive 10–15 minutes early. The appointment takes around 30–45 minutes. Staff at all Amsterdam Stadsloket offices speak English — no Dutch required.
Receive Your BSN
You'll usually receive your BSN on the day, or by post within 5–10 working days. Keep it safe — you'll use it repeatedly throughout your time in Amsterdam.
Your BSN is still valid — you won't be issued a new one. Simply update your address at a Stadsloket, or online via DigiD if you already have one.
How City Retreat Helps with Registration
The biggest practical barrier to registration isn't the appointment itself — it's having the right proof of address. Hotels, Airbnbs, and many short-term sublets cannot support a formal BRP registration.
Every City Retreat apartment is registered serviced accommodation under Dutch tenancy law. From day one, you have a formal Dutch tenancy agreement — the exact document the municipality requires.
What to Do Once You Have Your BSN
Your BSN is the key that opens everything else. Work through this list as quickly as your situation requires — some have time limits or will block other steps.
Health Insurance
Mandatory for everyone living or working here. Sign up within 4 months of starting work. ~€159/month basic in 2026.
Do this firstDutch Bank Account
Open with ABN AMRO, ING, or Rabobank. You'll need your BSN, passport, and proof of address.
Needed for payrollDigiD
Your digital identity for all Dutch government services. Apply free at digid.nl. Activation code by post in ~3 working days.
Apply earlyRegister with a GP
Your huisarts is the first point of contact for all healthcare. Register with a practice near your City Retreat apartment.
Within first weeksEmployer Payroll
Your employer needs your BSN to process salary and tax contributions. Share it as soon as you have it.
Tell your employer30% Ruling
If you're a highly skilled migrant earning above €48,013 (2026), you may qualify. Apply within 4 months of your employment start date.
Check eligibilityDutch SIM & Utilities
Some providers ask for a BSN. City Retreat utilities are already covered — but get a local SIM early on.
When convenientSchool Enrolment
If you have children, registration is required before Dutch school enrolment. Both parents and children must be registered.
Priority for familiesFrequently Asked Questions
Yes — if the accommodation is registered for residential use and your landlord allows registration. City Retreat operates under formal Dutch tenancy agreements, meaning all tenants can register from the start of their stay. Hotels and Airbnbs cannot support BRP registration.
Secure temporary accommodation in Amsterdam that is a legal, registerable address — such as a City Retreat apartment. This gives you somewhere to live and an address you can register immediately, while you take your time finding something permanent.
Stadsloket appointments are currently running 6–8 weeks ahead. Check all seven Amsterdam locations simultaneously — one may have earlier slots. IN Amsterdam (highly skilled migrants only) typically offers appointments within 2–6 weeks.
No. Staff at all Amsterdam Stadsloket offices and at IN Amsterdam speak English. The booking process at amsterdam.nl is also available in English.
If you leave for more than eight months in any 12-month period, you're legally required to de-register (uitschrijven) at a Stadsloket. Your BSN remains associated with you and is reactivated when you return and re-register.
Yes. BRP registration is free of charge. The only costs you might encounter are for document translations or apostilles — arranged through your home country before the appointment.
The City Retreat Four-Point Guarantee
Every City Retreat tenancy is backed by four commitments. This page covers the third — click through to read about the others.
Need a Registerable Address in Amsterdam?
Every City Retreat apartment comes with a formal Dutch tenancy agreement and full BSN registration support from day one.