BSN and City Registration: Your Crucial First Steps to Moving to Amsterdam

1. The BSN: Your Essential Dutch Identification Number The BSN (Burgerservicenummer) is the Dutch equivalent of your social security number or tax identification number. It is absolutely essential for anyone wishing to live and work in the Netherlands. Without it, many doors will remain closed.

• Why do you need a BSN? This unique number will be requested for almost all your administrative and financial interactions:

  • Working in the Netherlands: Your employer will need it to pay you and declare your taxes. Without a BSN, no legal employment contract.

  • Opening a Dutch bank account: Essential for managing your daily finances.

  • Accessing healthcare: To take out mandatory health insurance and consult a doctor.

  • Applying for benefits or social welfare.

  • Contracting subscriptions (phone, internet, energy).

  • Declaring your taxes.

  • Buying property in Amsterdam. It's your passport to Dutch administrative life.

• How to obtain your BSN? The BSN is generally assigned automatically during your first registration at Amsterdam's city hall (Gemeente), provided you meet the criteria. It is not possible to apply for it separately in advance.

2. Registering with Amsterdam City Hall (Gemeente): A Legal Obligation Registering your residential address with the municipality of Amsterdam (Gemeente Amsterdam) is a legal obligation for anyone planning to live in the Netherlands for more than 4 months. It is through this registration that you will be recorded in the Personal Records Database (Basisregistratie Personen - BRP).

• Who needs to register at city hall?

  • EU/EEA and Swiss citizens who plan to live in the Netherlands for more than 4 months.

  • Non-EU/EEA citizens who have a valid residence permit for the Netherlands.

• When to register? You must register within 5 working days of your arrival at your new address in Amsterdam. It is crucial to adhere to this deadline.

• How to make an appointment for your registration?

  • Online: The most common procedure is to make an appointment via the official Gemeente Amsterdam website. Search for "Aangifte verhuizing buitenland" (Declaration of relocation from abroad) or "First Registration."

  • Choose an office: You can choose the city hall office that suits you best. Amsterdam has several "Stadsloket" (municipal service points).

  • Book your slot: Slots can be quickly taken, especially during peak arrival periods (university intake, etc.). Book as soon as you know your arrival date.

• Essential Documents for Your City Hall Registration To ensure your appointment goes smoothly, carefully prepare the following documents. An incomplete file will result in a postponement of your registration and thus a delay in obtaining your BSN.

  • Valid passport or national ID card: For all family members registering.

  • Rental contract (huurcontract): This is proof of your address in Amsterdam. Make sure you have the original or a certified copy. If you are temporarily residing with someone, you might need a declaration from the person hosting you, accompanied by their ID and proof of residence (recent utility bill).

  • Birth certificate (if not born in the Netherlands): An international birth certificate or a sworn translation into Dutch or English may be required for your first registration. (Check specific requirements on the Gemeente Amsterdam website or via the Dutch embassy in your country of origin.)

  • Marriage certificate/registered partnership (if applicable): If you are married and your spouse is registering with you, prepare this certificate (international or translated).

  • Residence permit (if you are a non-EU/EEA citizen): Ensure it is valid at the time of registration.

  • Proof of deregistration from your country of origin (optional but recommended for certain cases): Although not always mandatory for initial registration, proving you have left your previous country of residence can be useful for certain future procedures (e.g., taxation, social security).

  • AAA Tip: Scan or photograph all these documents and keep both digital and physical copies. It's always better to have more documents than not enough!

• What happens during the appointment? During your appointment at the Stadsloket, an official will verify your documents. If everything is in order, your registration will be processed. Your BSN will be provided on the spot or sent by mail shortly after. Keep it safe!

Frequent Problems and How to Avoid Them

• Address not found: Ensure that the address on your rental contract is the same as the one you declare.

• Missing or non-compliant documents: Check the specific requirements for foreign documents (apostille, legalization, translation) before your departure.

• No appointment: Do not show up without an appointment; you will not be received.

• Deadlines: Book your appointment well in advance.

After Registration: Your Next Steps Once you have your BSN and your city hall registration is complete, you can move on to the next steps of settling in Amsterdam:

• Open a Dutch bank account: Essential for your salary and payments.

• Take out mandatory health insurance: A legal step to be done within 4 months of your registration.

• Exchange your driving license (if necessary): For non-EU/EEA citizens, there's a limited period to use your foreign license.

• Register your car (if applicable).

The immigration process in the Netherlands can seem daunting, but with good preparation, these first steps will go smoothly.

At Amsterdam Apartment And Advice (AAA), we are here to facilitate your relocation to Amsterdam by offering reliable advice and personalized support. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have specific questions.