Registering in The Hague after moving from abroad
The Hague uses different registration pathways depending on nationality, whether you already have a BSN, your residence evidence and whether you qualify for an international-centre route.
The Hague registration process
Use resident registration when you will live in the Netherlands for more than four months and your Dutch address is in The Hague. Immigration permission and municipality registration are separate checks.
Start from the Moving and immigration hub and choose the page matching your case. Do not use the ordinary domestic change-of-address form when you are completing first registration from abroad.
The appointment page for your route lists who must attend and which original documents are required. Highly skilled migrants and scientific researchers may qualify for an expedited international-centre process.
For a stay of four months or longer, resident BRP registration applies. A stay of less than four months is generally handled through the RNI, subject to current RNI desk eligibility.
Documents to prepare before the appointment
- A valid passport or accepted identity document for each person.
- Proof of the The Hague address, such as a rental agreement, purchase deed or completed consent evidence.
- Residence permit, MVV, IND decision, sticker or other lawful-residence evidence where applicable.
- Original birth, marriage, divorce, adoption, custody or death certificates that are relevant to the BRP record.
- Legalisation, apostille and sworn translation where the issuing country or document language requires it.
- Proof of deregistration when moving from parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands if the municipality requests it.
- The appointment confirmation and any municipality-specific form.
From 1 January 2026, The Hague states that its RNI desk registers only people using a European passport. Non-European passport holders are directed to Breda or Venlo for RNI registration. This restriction concerns RNI, not resident BRP registration.
What to do after registration
Check the spelling of names, dates, nationality, address and family relationships on the confirmation. Store the BSN securely. Once the BSN and Dutch address are active, the next common actions are DigiD, Dutch health-insurance assessment, payroll or study administration, a bank account and GP registration.
A BSN is an identification number. It does not by itself prove lawful residence, create a right to work or replace an IND residence document.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Booking a domestic move instead of registration from abroad.
- Assuming a temporary accommodation address is automatically registrable.
- Bringing scans when the municipality requests originals.
- Forgetting that a partner or child may need to attend.
- Leaving legalisation or translation until after arrival.
- Using an RNI appointment for a move that should be resident BRP registration.
Track the whole move, not only the appointment
SettlePilot My Move turns your relocation plan into tasks, dependencies, due dates, document statuses and family ownership. Saving is optional and device-only.
Build my planOpen My MoveFrequently asked questions
When should I register in The Hague after moving from abroad?
For a resident stay of more than four months, arrange registration promptly and normally within five days of arrival. Use the official municipality page for the current booking process.
Will I receive a BSN through The Hague registration?
Resident registration records you in the BRP and allocates or confirms the citizen service number. The timing can vary by municipality and case.
Can I use the RNI instead of resident registration?
The RNI is generally for people who live abroad or stay in the Netherlands for no more than four months. It is not a substitute for resident BRP registration when you will live in the Netherlands longer.
Official sources and related guides
Municipality of The Hague: registration from abroadNetherlandsWorldwide: BRP registrationSettlePilot: BSN registration guideCompare municipality registration routesLast reviewed 25 July 2026. Appointment availability, document lists and service locations can change. The official municipality page and appointment confirmation are decisive.