Registering your first address in the Netherlands
Planning to live in the Netherlands while studying in Maastricht? Anyone from abroad who wishes to live in the Netherlands for more than four months is required to register with the municipality (gemeente) in which they live within five weekdays of arrival.
Your first registration
If this is your first registration in the Netherlands, the municipality will provide you with a citizen service number (BSN). You will need this number for your health insurance, opening a bank account and accessing all kinds of government services. It can take up to five weeks to be issued your BSN number, so it is best if you register as soon as possible.
Documents needed to register
As a student, you need the following documents to register at your municipality in the Netherlands:
- valid passport
- proof of residence in the Netherlands: a rental agreement signed by your landlord and yourself
- a legalised or apostilled copy (not older than six months) of your birth certificate. If your birth certificate is in a language other than English, Dutch, German or French, it must be translated into one of these languages by a sworn translator. The legalisation or apostille is usually done in your country of origin. Contact your local Dutch embassy or consulate for more information on sworn translations. If you don’t have this document in time for your registration appointment, you may submit it later.
Need to register in Maastricht?
If you’re living in Maastricht, find out more information about your first registration with Gemeente Maastricht.