How can I register in the Non-residents Records Database (RNI) if I live abroad?

You can register in the RNI at an RNI desk if you:

• live outside the Netherlands
• will be staying in the Netherlands for less than 4 months

After registering you will receive a citizen service number (BSN).

How does it work?

Your particular situation will determine which desk you can register with:

• If you are a Dutch national or the national of another EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you can choose which RNI desk you make an appointment with.
• If you are not a Dutch national or a national of another EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you can only make an appointment with the RNI desk in Breda or Venlo.

Making an appointment

Make an appointment at an RNI desk.

• Alkmaar
• Almelo
• Amsterdam
• Breda*
• Doetinchem*
• Eindhoven
• Goes
• Groningen
• Heerlen*
• Leeuwarden
• Leiden
• Nijmegen*
• Rotterdam
• Terneuzen
• The Hague*
• Utrecht
• Venlo*
• Westland*
• Zwolle

Preparing for your appointment

You will need a valid passport or valid ID card to register at an RNI desk.

If you don’t speak Dutch or English, bring someone with you who can interpret for you.

Registering children

Children aged 16 and older can register themselves. If you wish to register a child under 16 you will also need to bring:

• your child’s valid passport or valid ID card
• the child’s birth certificate or a declaration of acknowledgement of parentage stating that you are the child’s parent. Find out if you need to have your foreign document legalised and/or translated. Check with the RNI desk in your municipality what requirements the document must meet.

Registering in person

You must register at an RNI desk in person so that a staff member can verify your identity. If you want to register anyone other than yourself, that person must be present too. This also applies to children.

After you have registered

The RNI desk will give you a summary of your data in the RNI and a letter with your BSN.

If you live outside the Netherlands, the Tax Administration can register you in the RNI if you:

• need to declare gift or inheritance tax
• need to declare transfer tax
• wish to register for a dividend tax rebate
• will be employed by a Dutch employer
• receive, or will receive, a pension
• own property in the Netherlands
• need a BSN for your benefit partner
• need a BSN for your tax partner
• are entitled to childcare benefit and need a BSN for your child.

How does it work?

If one of the above situations applies to you, arrange your registration in the RNI through the Tax Administration. After you are registered, you will receive a citizen service number (BSN).

Registering in the RNI through the Tax Administration (Belastingdienst.nl)

If you live outside the Netherlands, the Social Insurance Bank (SVB) can register you in the RNI if you:

• are entitled to Dutch state pension (AOW)
• are entitled to child benefit and need a BSN for your child.

How does it work?

If one of the above situations applies to you, apply for Dutch state pension or child benefit via the SVB. The SVB will then take care of your registration in the RNI. After you are registered, you will receive a citizen service number (BSN).

• How do I apply for AOW from abroad?
• How do I apply for child benefit from abroad?

If you live in Aruba, Curaçao or St Maarten and are going to study in the Netherlands, the Education Executive Agency (DUO) can register you in the RNI if you have Dutch nationality and apply for student finance before you leave for the Netherlands. This is also possible for students in secondary vocational education (MBO) who are aged 17 or younger.

How does it work?

If this situation applies to you, apply to DUO for student finance. DUO will then register you with the RNI. After you are registered, you will receive a citizen service number (BSN).
Find out more about registering in the RNI via DUO (DUO.nl) (information in Dutch)

If you live outside the Netherlands and are entitled to a benefit from the central office for exceptional medical insurance (CAK) or the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV), one of these organisations may be able to register you in the RNI. After you are registered, you will receive a citizen service number (BSN).

More information

Contact the CAK or UWV for more information.

• Contact the CAK
• Contact the UWV