If you are moving to Amsterdam from abroad and have not lived in the Netherlands before, you need to register as a resident here. When looking for housing, always check if you can register there. You have to make an appointment within 5 days of arrival and register in person. Make this appointment before you arrive. If you do not register, you risk a fine. Every time you move you need to deregister via the municipality website, and reregister at your new address. After registering, you will receive your BSN number.
To register you need:
- A valid proof of identity: a passport or an ID card (not a driving licence).
- Proof of an Amsterdam address. For example a copy of the rental contract, or an address registration permission form(opens in a new tab) signed by the main occupant and a copy of their proof of identity. The rental contract must have already been entered.
- Proof that you are a student of a Dutch school or university: a student card (studentenkaart), or proof of school registration (bewijs van inschrijving).
- Birth certificate, and marriage/divorce certificates if applicable.
Make an appointment
You can visit a City Office by appointment only. Call the City of Amsterdam’s information line 14 020, Monday to Friday from 08.00 to 18.00. (From abroad: +31 20 624 1111).
For more information about registering in Amsterdam, go here(opens in a new tab).
You can find out more information about what to do upon arriving in the Netherlands on this Study In NL webpage(opens in a new tab).