Rotterdam arrival hub
Registering in Rotterdam after moving from abroad.
2 min read2 cited sourcesReviewed 2026-07-31
For a stay longer than four months and no existing BSN, make an appointment to register in person in Rotterdam when that is the city where you will live.
Build my Rotterdam planPrepare
- Valid passport or EU/EEA identity card
- Visa, residence permit or work permit where applicable
- Complete Rotterdam address and accepted occupancy evidence
- Original civil-status documents
- Translations or legalisation where required
Housing-permit warning
Rotterdam identifies specific streets where a housing permit is required. Check the current municipal list before relying on the tenancy agreement or moving into the address.
A valid rental contract does not automatically prove that every local housing condition has been met.
Short stay
For work or study under four months, Rotterdam offers RNI registration by appointment. A completed RNI registration provides a BSN and can support a later DigiD application.
Do not use RNI as a substitute when you are actually becoming a resident.
Check the exact street
Rotterdam's housing-permit list is address-specific and can change. Verify it against the official city page before signing or registering.
Continue your first-week plan
Official Rotterdam sources
Last reviewed 25 July 2026. Verify the appointment route and current housing-permit streets directly with Rotterdam.