What Is Registration (BRP) and Why It Matters for Expats in the Netherlands
What Is BRP Registration?
BRP stands for Basisregistratie Personen, the Dutch Personal Records Database. It is the official population register that records where you live, your legal status, and key personal details.
When you register, your data is stored by the local municipality, such as Gemeente Amsterdam. This registration confirms that you officially reside at a specific Dutch address.
Anyone staying in the Netherlands for longer than four months is legally required to register in the BRP. This applies to employees, freelancers, students, and family members.
Why Is BRP Registration So Important for Expats?
BRP registration is more than an administrative formality. It is the foundation of your legal and financial life in the Netherlands.
Once registered, you can:
- Receive a BSN (citizen service number)
- Legally work and receive a salary
- Open a Dutch bank account
- Take out Dutch health insurance
- Register with a GP and dentist
- Apply for benefits or tax rulings (such as the 30% ruling)
Without BRP registration, most institutions will simply not process your requests.
How BRP Registration Affects Your Housing Situation
Your rental address is directly linked to your BRP registration. This has several implications for expats renting in Amsterdam:
- You can only register at a legal residential address
- The property must allow registration (some short-stay or holiday rentals do not)
- Overcrowding rules may limit how many people can register at one address
From a housing perspective, this means choosing the right type of rental property is essential. Many expats encounter problems because they sign a lease that does not permit BRP registration.
Professional expat housing agencies typically pre-check whether registration is allowed, reducing legal and practical risks.
When and How Should You Register?
You must register within five days of moving into your Dutch address. Registration is done in person at the municipality or via the website of the municipality.
Typically required documents include:
- Valid passport or EU ID card
- Rental contract or proof of address
- Birth certificate (sometimes required)
- Residence permit (if applicable)
Appointments in Amsterdam can be busy, especially during peak expat seasons. Delays can affect your ability to work or access healthcare, so early planning is crucial.
Temporary Stays and Non-Resident Registration (RNI)
If you stay in the Netherlands for less than four months, you do not register in the BRP but in the RNI (Non-Residents Records Database).
This still provides you with a BSN, but your rights and access are more limited. Many expats mistakenly assume RNI registration is sufficient for long-term living it is not.
Once your stay exceeds four months, full BRP registration becomes mandatory.
Common BRP Mistakes Expats Make
Even experienced international professionals make avoidable mistakes, such as:
- Renting properties that do not allow registration
- Registering too late
- Registering at an incorrect address
- Assuming employers or landlords will handle registration
These mistakes can lead to fines, cancelled insurance policies, or problems with immigration authorities.
To conclude
BRP registration is the legal gateway to living and working in the Netherlands. It affects housing, employment, healthcare, banking, and taxation. For expats, getting this step right early prevents unnecessary complications later on. A property that looks perfect on paper may cause serious legal issues if registration is not permitted. Working with specialists who understand both the housing market and municipal rules significantly reduces risk and stress especially in a competitive city like Amsterdam.