If you are moving to a new place in the Netherlands, there are a few important steps you need to take. We’ve put together this checklist to help you make sure you’ve got everything covered when changing address.
Registering a new address in the Netherlands
When you move to a new address in the Netherlands, you have to register your new address with the municipality (gemeente). You can do this:
- Up to two weeks before moving
- Until up to five days after moving
If you don’t register your new address, you might be fined. Being incorrectly registered could also affect your benefits, insurance and taxes.
You don’t need to de-register from your old address; your new municipality will inform your old municipality of your address change.
How do I change my address in the Netherlands?
Changing your registration address (verhuizen) is a relatively simple administrative procedure, similar to the one you did when you first arrived, but even simpler because you have already been registered in the Netherlands for a while and have a BSN.
In many cases, it can be done online.
How to change address online
In many Dutch cities, you can change your registration address online, for free. If your family is moving with you to the same address, you can report everyone’s move at the same time, via the following links:
Note that this is only possible if you have previously registered in the Netherlands. If you are moving to one of these municipalities from abroad, you will need to register differently; see our registration page for more information.
To change your address online, you will need:
- Your DigID
- A copy of your rental contract or purchase agreement for your new home, or a signed consent form, if you are living at someone else’s primary residence, plus a copy of the primary resident’s passport, driving licence or ID card
- A copy of the user agreement, if you are anti-squatting
Other ways to register your new address
If you would prefer, you can also register your new address by post or in person at your local municipality, although this may take longer. Check with your local authority for more information.
If you update your address by post or in person, as well as the documents outlined above, you will also need to provide (a copy of) your ID, like a driving licence, ID card or passport. You can create a secure copy of your ID using the Dutch government’s KopieID app.
Receiving confirmation
Within five days to two weeks of informing your municipality of your address change, you should receive confirmation that you have been registered at the new address. You can also check your account on MijnOverheil.nl to see where you are registered.
Forgot to change your address?
If you forget to inform your municipality of your address change within five days of moving, the date on which you inform the municipality will be treated as your move-in date.
Municipalities are entitled to impose fines of up to €325 if you do not inform them of your address change within the five-day window.
Besides this, being registered at the wrong address could also invalidate your residence permit (if you have one) and lead to issues with your taxes, benefits and other administrative matters.
To be on the safe side, don’t delay, and change your address as soon as possible.
Who to notify when you’re moving
Your municipality will automatically inform the following organisations and agencies about your new address:
You can see a full list of the organisations notified of your new address on the Rijksoverheid’s website.
However, it’s not just your municipality that needs to know about your move; you should also let the following people/companies know about your change of address.
Your landlord
You’ve probably already done this, but just in case: if you are renting a house or apartment, remember to notify your landlord of your intention to move. Make sure you take your tenancy agreement’s notice period into account and leave the property in good order to get your rental security deposit back.
Utility companies
You should also inform or give notice to the utility companies. When it comes to energy (electricity and gas), it might be possible to keep your existing contract. In some cases, it might be necessary to select new utility companies.
Bank
Giving your bank your new address should also be high on your priority list. You don’t want your new debit card being sent to the wrong address, after all. Most of the time this can be done online or via your banking app.
Insurance providers
Moving address will most likely affect your insurance, particularly when your premium is calculated based on where you live, for instance your car insurance or home insurance. You should let your insurance providers know as soon as possible that you have moved.
Belastingdienst (in some cases)
You are not normally obliged to submit a change of address to the Belastingdienst, but you are required to do so in the following two situations:
- If you receive the housing allowance, you should notify the Belastingdienst of your move within two weeks
- If you move outside the Netherlands, you should inform the Belastingdienst using this form
Other people you need to tell about your move
You should also let the following people know about your move:
PostNL’s moving service
If you move within the Netherlands, you could also make use of the PostNL moving service. The service enables you to choose from over 400 companies and organisations and have PostNL inform them of your new address, for free.
You can also request to have your mail forwarded to your new address, with prices starting from €1,50 per week.