Registration
If you are staying, or plan to stay in the Netherlands for more than four months, you need to get registered. Note that registration refers to and thus has to take place in the city / town you are living in.
Being registered to a specific home address allows the Dutch authorities to allocate the municipal taxes to every household. This charge is often included in the monthly rent.
Note that house owners might not allow registration in order to avoid paying extra. Keep in mind that this is illegal and may cause you quite of trouble, especially when applying for a BSN.
To complete the registration process, you must provide your local town hall with:
› valid proof of identity (not driving license)
› residence permit (if applicable)
› rental contract
› certified copy of your birth certificate
Also note that there are no costs / fees to be paid but it would be wise to arrange an appointment beforehand. In fact, setting an appointment when dealing with Dutch authorities is (most of the times) necessary.
About one month before departing from the Netherlands, expats need to fill in an application (local town hall), again free of charge.
