Registration procedure for non-residents of the Netherlands

If you plan to stay in the Netherlands for less than 4 months, you can be registered in the RNI. RNI stands for ‘registratie niet-ingezetenen’, meaning registration of non-residents. At registration you will be provided with a BSN (‘burgerservicenummer’ or citizen service number).

Our services

Due to crowds, we have longer waiting times for making appointments. It may therefore happen that you are unable to book an appointment. We try to make extra space for this every day. So keep a close eye on our website. In addition, there are 18 other RNI counters in the country where you can book an appointment. For the addresses of these RNI desks click here.

Ukraine

Ukrainian refugees are not eligible for registration in the RNI because they are expected to stay in the Netherlands for longer than 3 months. Because of their status as refugees, they can be registered in the municipal database (BRP) of the municipality in which they reside. Read more about registration of Ukrainian refugees on www.utrecht.nl/refugeesukraine.

Who is registered via the RNI procedure?

Non-residents are individuals who do not live in the Netherlands. Or who live in the Netherlands for less than 4 months within a period of half a year. These individuals therefore cannot be registered in the Basic Registry of Persons (BRP). Non-residents live or temporarily work in the Netherlands, or have lived in the Netherlands and currently live abroad.

Please note: if you emigrated from the Netherlands after 1 October 1994, your personal data was transferred to the RNI.

Citizen Service Number (BSN)

If you register in the Netherlands for the first time, you will receive a BSN. The BSN is your personal number for contact with the government. The number consists of 9 digits.

  • If you get a job, you have to submit your BSN to your employer. Your employer will use the BSN to make a variety of arrangements for you. For instance with the Tax Authorities and a pension fund.
  • Your BSN is also used for healthcare purposes. When you visit a general practitioner or hospital, you will be asked for your BSN. Healthcare institutions are required to register your BSN in their administration.

Registering via the RNI procedure

As a non-resident you can register in 19 municipalities in the Netherlands: Alkmaar, Almelo, Amsterdam, Breda, The Hague, Doetinchem, Eindhoven, Groningen, Goes, Heerlen, Leeuwarden, Leiden, Nijmegen, Rotterdam, Terneuzen, Utrecht, Venlo, Westland and Zwolle. You can choose with which municipality you want to register.

RNI desk Utrecht

If you want to register using the RNI procedure in the municipality of Utrecht, you need to make an appointment. You cannot visit the RNI desk without an appointment. Make an appointment through the online appointment tool. You can also dial 14 030 (from abroad: +31 (0)30 286 00 00), Monday to Friday from 9.00 a.m. till 5.00 p.m.

On the date of your appointment, you visit the Stadskantoor at Stadsplateau 1. Please bring a valid proof of identity. Also bring the registration form you completed in advance (available in 15 languages) with you to your appointment. If we can not establish your identity, we will not register you.

Registration of minors up to the age of 16 in the RNI

A minor will be registered if:

  • at least one of the parents and the child go to the RNI desk in person
  • all those present show a valid proof of identity (passport)
  • the child’s original birth certificate or extract of the child’s birth certificate is shown, in which the parents are stated

The birth certificate has to meet the following rules:

  • If the birth certificate is not written in English, French or German, you will need to have it translated. If you have the document translated in the Netherlands, it has to be translated by a sworn translator. If you have the document translated abroad, it has to be translated by a sworn translator. It also has to be legalised, regardless of the country where the translation is made.

RNI extract with BSN

After we have established your identity, we will register your personal details and your previous address in your home country. You will receive immediately an extract of the registration free of charge, on which your BSN is stated.

Extra RNI extract as a proof of deregistration

To request an RNI extract, for instance as a proof of deregistration after emigration, you can do so in 3 ways:

At the RNI Desk

If you want to pick up the extract at the RNI Desk, please:

  • Make an appointment online or by phone (phone number 14 030, from abroad: +31 (0)30 - 286 00 00. You can reach the desk by phone from Monday to Friday (from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.). You cannot visit the RNI desk without an appointment.
  • Please bring a valid proof of identity
  • Payment for the extract is made directly at the desk (cash or by credit/debit card). You will receive the extract immediately.
  • The RNI extract is available in Dutch, English, German, French, Spanish, Italian and Turkish.

Online

If you apply for an RNI extract online, you will need to pay directly, with iDEAL or by credit card. Only one extract will be issued per application.

Please note that the extract will only be sent to the address as registered in the RNI. We are not allowed to send the extract to a different address.

With DigiD

Important: With DigiD you can only apply for an extract for yourself and minor children.

Apply for RNI extract with DigiD 

Without DigiD

If you apply for an extract without DigiD, you will need a valid copy of a proof of identity. Prevent abuse: read how to make a safe copy of your ID with KopieID (in Dutch). You will need to upload this document as annex when you fill in the online form.

Apply for RNI extract

By mail

If you want to apply for the extract by mail, please send us a letter in which:

  • You explicitly request an ‘RNI extract’ (‘Uittreksel RNI’)
  • You indicate the requested language of the extract. Available languages are: Dutch, English, German, French, Spanish, Italian and Turkish.
  • Do not forget to sign the letter.
  • Please add a valid copy of your ID as an attachment with your letter. Prevent abuse: read how to make a safe copy of your ID with KopieID (in Dutch).

Please send your letter and the attached copy of your ID to: 

Gemeente Utrecht
Publiekszaken RNI
Postbus 5000
3502 JA Utrecht

Important: You have to pay for the RNI extract after your request has been processed. A payment invoice (‘acceptgiro’ in Dutch) will be sent via post to your given address. Listed on the invoice is the account name and number reference for simplified internet banking.

Authorize someone

You can also authorize someone else to apply for an RNI extract for you. Please use the Authorisation form (pdf, 50 kB).

Change of address RNI

You can inform us about a change of address RNI in 3 ways:

At the RNI Desk

If you wish to inform us of a change of address, please:

  • Make an appointment online or by phone (phone number 14 030, from abroad: +31 (0)30 – 286 0000; available Monday to Friday, 9.00 a.m. till 5.00 p.m.). You cannot visit the RNI desk without an appointment.
  • Please bring a valid proof of identity.

Online

With DigiD

Important: With DigiD you can only change your address for yourself and minor children. Not for any other adults, e.g. your spouse.

If you only want to report your move, you can also arrange this on the website of the central government via the digital counter How can I update my personal data in the Non-residents Records Database? | Netherlands Worldwide.

Report a change of address with DigiD

Without DigiD

If you wish to change your (RNI registered) address without DigiD, you will need:

You will need to upload these 2 documents as an attachment.

Report a change of address without DigiD

By mail

Send the letter and all relevant attachments to:

Gemeente Utrecht
Publiekszaken RNI
Postbus 5000
3502 JA Utrecht

Price/costs 2024

  • Free of charge    Registration/report a change of address
  • € 19,90             Extract; online or at RNI Desk
  • € 25,45             Extract by mail

More information about the RNI

For further details on the RNI please visit the website of the national government. You can also contact our call center by phone number 14 030. Call from abroad: +31 (0)30 - 286 00 00).