Privileged expats
Expats that have been employed at a consulate, embassy or international organisation in the Netherlands and afforded diplomatic status are not considered foreigners under the Dutch Immigration Law (Vreemdelingenwet).
As a rule, all representatives of other countries and staff of international organisations (including their families) enjoy a special "privileged" status: Privileged persons (Geprivilegieerden) are not obliged to register with the Municipal Personal Records Database (Gemeentelijke Basis Administratie - GBA)*. Nevertheless, they are strongly encouraged to since numerous governemental organisations may make use of the GBA database.
Moreover, privileged expats do not have to get registered with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND)** since they are registered in the Probas (Protocollaire basisadministratie) system of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
However, their families have to appear in person (regardless of age) and bring the following official documents:
› Valid proof of identity (not driving license)
› Valid residence document (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
› Rental contract or a purchase deed***
› Certified copy of one’s birth certificate and if applicable, marriage or divorce certificates. For document legalisation click here or call 070 348 5901.
Finally, privileged expats will automatically receive their Sofi number from the municipality. If a Sofi number has already been issued, the municipality should be informed immediately for avoiding double-entries. Note that BSN is not applicable to privileged expats.
Useful links
› How to submit a written request for Sofi number.
› Information regarding the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
› The Protocol Guide for Diplomatic Missions and Consular Posts by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (detailed information about Visa, residence permit and permanent residence status, social security, immunity, fiscal privileged and more) can be downloaded here (pdf version).
Notes
* GBA / Municipal Personal Records Database (Gemeentelijke Basis Administratie) is a database containing personal information (names, address, marital status, child births, deaths etc.) about those residing in the Netherlands. GBA is administered by the Registration Office (Dienst Burgerzaken) and shared by many official organisations such as the police, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND), the Tax Authority (Belastingdienst), the Ministry of Justice and many others.
Registration in the Netherlands upon arrival and residence permits for non-privileged expats are recorded in GBA.
** Privileged expats do not need to make an appointment at the Immigration Office. In case they need to arrange a meeting, they should dial 14070 and clearly state their privileged status.
*** One may also present a copy of the owner / main occupant’s valid proof of identity.
