Address Registration in the Netherlands: A Must-Know Guide for Renters

Why Is Registration So Important?

In the Netherlands, registering at your residential address with the BRP (Basisregistratie Personen) is legally required if you plan to stay longer than 4 months. Registration is not just a bureaucratic step — it’s necessary for:

• Getting your BSN (Citizen Service Number) (needed for DigiD)
• Accessing Dutch healthcare
• Opening a bank account
• Applying for study or work benefits
• Receiving official mail and tax letters

If you can’t register, you may run into delays or issues in nearly every aspect of life in the Netherlands.

Common Challenges Tenants Face

Unfortunately, registering at your address isn’t always straightforward. Here are the most common issues people face — especially expats and students:

1. Landlord Doesn’t Allow Registration

Some landlords, particularly those renting out illegally or subletting, don’t allow tenants to register. This puts renters in a difficult position — they have legal obligations, but no cooperation.

2. Shared Housing Situations

If you’re living in a shared flat or renting a room, the address might already be registered to someone else. In some cases, municipalities limit how many people can be registered at one address.

3. Short-Term Rentals

In short-term or temporary housing, the landlord may not allow you to register — especially if it’s an Airbnb-style arrangement.

4. Incomplete Contracts

Without a written rental agreement, many municipalities will refuse your registration request.

Risks of Not Being Registered

Living in the Netherlands without being registered can affect your:

• Legal residency status
• Health insurance eligibility
• Study enrollment
• Tax returns and allowances
• Ability to sign up for utilities or services

In serious cases, it may lead to fines or issues with immigration authorities.

What Can You Do?

Here are some steps to take if you’re struggling to register:

✅ Always Ask Before You Sign

Before renting a place, ask explicitly whether registration is allowed — and get it in writing.

✅ Use Huisly to Find Legal Rentals

With platforms like Huisly, you can find listings aggregated from trusted sources like Funda, Pararius, and Kamernet — helping you avoid rentals where registration is not permitted.

✅ Go to the Municipality (Gemeente)

If you’re facing issues, make an appointment with the gemeente. In some cities, they offer support for internationals and students who cannot register due to landlord non-cooperation.

✅ Look for Housing with a Clear Contract

Huisly can help you find listings with verified contract information, making the registration process smoother.

Municipal Flexibility (In Some Cases)

Some cities — especially those with large student or expat populations — are starting to show more understanding. For example:

• They may offer temporary “care of” registrations
• They may inspect a property if you’re being denied registration illegally
• Some municipalities have housing desks specifically for internationals

Still, these are exceptions — it’s better to find housing where registration is clear from the start.

Final Thoughts

Registering at your address is a key step in settling down in the Netherlands, but unfortunately, it’s not always easy — especially in the private rental market. Whether it’s a landlord who doesn’t allow it, a temporary rental, or shared housing complications, the challenges are real.

With the right preparation and reliable housing platforms like Huisly, you can avoid these hurdles and move forward with confidence.

Looking for housing where you can register without hassle? Huisly gathers listings from trusted platforms across the Netherlands, with detailed information to help you make informed choices. Simplify your move — start your search with Huisly.