Registering a move from abroad

Have you found an address in Leiden and do you know the date of your arrival? Then make an appointment with the municipality in advance.

Do you plan to live in the Netherlands temporarily? Then you also should make an appointment with the municipality within 5 working days after your move.  This is called a 'declaration of first registration'.

Conditions for a declaration of first registration

  • In the next six months, you plan to live in the Netherlands for at least 4 months and your current address is in Leiden.
  • You have a valid residence permit or you are a citizen of a country in the European Economic Area or Switzerland.
  • You should come to the counter in person. You will have to make an appointment first.
  • Are there any family members moving with you? For example, a partner or children? They too should make a separate appointment in order to file a declaration of first registration. 

Moving from the Netherlands Antilles?

Are you moving to the Netherlands from the countries Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten or the special municipalities of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius or Saba? Then you must be able to show a change of address notification to the municipality of Leiden. This will proof that you have deregistered from one of those countries or special municipalities. It confirms that you are moving to the Netherlands.

Student at Leiden University

Are you moving to the Netherlands to study at Leiden University? At the beginning of each semester (September and Februari), Leiden University holds special town hall registration sessions for newly-arriving students. At other times of the year, please make an appointment directly with the town hall. You can find detailed information about this subject on the university’s English-language website.

Registration of Non-Residents

Do you plan to stay in the municipality of Leiden for a maximum of 4 months? Then you need to register in the Non-residents Records (RNI). You will then be issued a . You need a BSN to work or study in the Netherlands.

Are you not a Dutch citizen and do you plan to stay in the municipality of Leiden for a maximum of 4 months? Then you need to Database (RNI). You will then be issued a citizen service number (BSN). You need a BSN to work or study in the Netherlands.

Are you going to live in Leiden and will stay in the Netherlands for a longer period than 4 months? In that case you should file a declaration of first registration.

The Expat Centre Leiden

The Expat Centre Leiden provides information and services and organizes registration appointments at the municipality for highly skilled migrants, intra corporate transferees, scientific researchers, entrepreneurs, recent graduates, and EU citizens with at least a Bachelor’s degree along with their families. Make an appointment. Please note that the Expat Centre charges a fee for their assistance and additional services.

Further information

Are you in the Netherlands for the first time and do you want more information on how to become a Dutch citizen, on social integration, work and learning the Dutch language? You will find more information on the website https://www.workinnl.nl/en/.