On 30 August 2021 a new design of the national passport was introduced. At the same time, a new design of the refugee travel document was also introduced. The other new passport designs were introduced in November 2021.

By including the document holder’s citizen service number (BSN) in a QR code, the new design fulfils a commitment to the House of Representatives. A number of changes have also been made to maintain consistency across all Dutch travel documents. The changes will help to prevent fraud, misuse and forgery.

Passports are valid for up to 10 years. The maximum period of validity of passports issued to children under the age of 18 is five years.
Travel documents for refugees and aliens are valid for up to five years. Emergency passports and laissez-passers are valid for up to one year.

This document provides information about the security features of the new design, where these features are located on the passport and how they can be verified.

Changes to the design (front side of biographical data page)

The following changes have been made to the front side of the biographical data page of the 2021 Dutch passport design.
Front side of biographical data page of 2021 national passport

Back of biographical data page of 2021 national passport

1. New Kinegram 

2. QR-code with BSN

The document holder’s BSN is contained in a QR code on the back of the biographical data page of their passport. Their
BSN has therefore been removed from the machine-readable strip and chip.

The BSN still appears in numerical form on the back of this page. QR codes offer a fast, easy and accurate way to read BSNs. The BSN-related changes apply only to national passports and business passports. Other passport designs do not include a BSN.

3. Design number

The design number appears on the back of the biographical data page of passports, emergency passports, and laissez-passers.
Design number of 2021 national passport

First-line security features

Front side of biographical data page of 2021 national passport

1. Second photo (Stereo Laser Image®)

Location

Biographical data page of passports.

Description

Second image of photo with year of birth and three-dimensional effect.

Verification method

With the naked eye.

2. Raised print

Location

At the left and right sides of the laminated biographical data page of the passport.

Description

The raised print can be felt and the text ‘Koninkrijk der Nederlanden’ (Kingdom of the Netherlands) is also visible when held at a certain angle.

Verification method

By touch.

3. Kinegram®

Location

On the biographical data page of passports, to the left and right respectively under the first and second photos.

Description

Metallised image that can change shape and colour.

Verification method

By tilting the passport.

4. Watermark

Location

On the paper pages of passports, emergency passports and laissez-passers.

Description

Multi-tone watermark.

Verification method

With the naked eye and by holding up to a light source.

5. Document number

Location

Biographical data page and paper pages of passports, emergency passports and laissez-passers.

Description

The number is laser-engraved in the laminated biographical data page of passports. Conical laser perforations in each paper page. Number format: positions 1 and 2: letters; positions 3 to 8: lettersor digits; position 9: digit. The letter ‘O’ and the number ‘0’ are not used in document numbers.

Verification method

The document number can be read with the naked eye. Perforated document numbers can be seen by holding up to a light source.

6. Tilted Laser Image (TLI)

Location

Biographical data page of passports.

Description

Perforations showing the month and year of the document holder’s birth.

Verification method

By holding up to a light source.

 

Second-line security features

7. UV fluorescerend image

Location

On the biographical data page of passports. On the paper pages of passports, emergency passports and laissez-passers.

Description

Fluorescent patterns and, in the paper pages, also fluorescent fibres.

Verification method

By using ultraviolet light.

 

8. Microprint

Location

Various locations in the background print of the biographical data page of passports. Various locations on the paper pages of passports, emergency passports and laissez-passers.

Description

Repetition of text ‘Koninkrijk der Nederlanden’ (Kingdom of the Netherlands).

Verification method

With a magnifying glass.

Overview of passport designs

Below is an overview of the passport designs introduced in the course of 2021.

National passport

34 pages
Introduced: 30 August 2021

Diplomatic passport

66 pages
Introduced: 5 November 2021

Service passport

66 pages
Introduced: 29 November 2021

Refugee travel document

34 pages
Introduced: 30 August 2021

Alien’s travel document

34 pages
Introduced: 29 November 2021

Business passport

66 pages
Introduced: 29 November 2021

No changes were made to the emergency passport or laissez-passer in 2021.
For information on the features of these documents, please consult the document ‘Features of Dutch passports and Dutch identity card 2014’.

Download the brochure as PDF

Denter di poko bo ta bai studia na Hulanda?

E ora ei ta importante pa bo regla algun asuntu pa bo inskripshon na Hulanda promé ku salida i despues di yega Hulanda.

Pa studiantenan for di: Boneiru, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Aruba, Sint Maarten, Kòrsou
 

Paso 1. BSN ora di hasi petishon pa finansiamentu di estudio

Bo ta pidifinansiamentu di estudio pa un estudio na Hulanda? I bo tin nashonalidat hulandes, pero bo no tin un Burgerservicenummer (BSN, Number di servisio sivil) ainda? E ora ei bo ta haña un BSN ora bo pidi finansiamentu di estudio. Ku bo BSN bo por kuminsá regla algun asuntu na Hulanda for di awor, tambe ora bo no ta na Hulanda ainda. Pa pidi finansiamentu di estudio bo ta wak riba DUO.

Bo no ta pidi finansiamentu di estudio? E ora ei ta te ora ku bo ta na Hulanda bo por pidi un BSN. Lo bo haña un BSN e ora ei despues di inskripshon den e Basisregistratie  Personen (BRP, Registrashon Básiko di Persona) di e munisipio hulandes unda bo ta bai biba.

Paso 2. Risibí bo BSN

Bo ta risibi bo BSN via pòst di Rijksdienst voor Identiteitsgegevens (RvIG, Rijksdienst pa Dato di Identidat). Komo ku e pòst pa e área Karibense tin biaha por dura largu, bo por apliká pa bo BSN tambe telefonikamente for di awor serka DUO. Pa hasi esei  bo tin ku warda te ora e e-mail di DUO drenta ku e mensahe ku a prosesá bo petishon pa finansiamentu di estudio. Den e e-mail ei, tin e number di telefòn unda bo por pidi bo BSN.

Paso 3. Apliká pa i aktivá DigiD

Ku bo BSN, bo por apliká pa bo DigiD. DigiD ta e medio online pa log in pa gobièrnu. Bo tin mester di bo DigiD entre otro pa bo produkto di biahe pa studiante i pa log in riba Mijn DUO. Mas informashontokante aplikashon i aktivashon di bo DigiD bo ta haña riba e wèpsait di DigiD .

Paso 4. Sita munisipio pa inskribí den e BRP

Denter di 5 dia despues di bo yegada na Hulanda bo tin e obligashon di inskribí bo mes den e BRP di e munisipio unda bo ta bai biba. Wak riba e wèpsait di e munisipio si bo por hasi un sita adelantá pa e inskripshon den e BRP.

Tip: tin biaha, munisipionan tin sitanan òf dianan di inskripshon apart pa studiante pa inskripshon den e BRP. Informá tokante e posibilidat aki serka e munisipio unda bo ta bai biba òf e instituto di enseñansa unda bo ta bai studia.

Paso 5. Kanselá bo inskripshon den registro sivil

Denter di 10 dia promé ku bo salida, bo ta kanselá bo inskripshon den registro sivil di e isla unda bo ta biba. Esaki ta obligatorio. Durante e kanselashon, indiká den kua munisipio na Hulanda bo ta bai biba. Bai Hulanda ku e komprobante di kanselashon di inskripshon, esaki ta un di e dokumentonan ku bo mester pa inskripshon na Hulanda.

Paga tino: bo ta inskribí bo mes na un otro munisipio hulandes ku esun bo a indiká na momentu ku bo a kanselá bo inskripshon? E ora ei, lo manda bo datonan personal pa un otro munisipio. Esaki por trese un retraso di algun siman di bo inskripshon den e BRP.
 

Paso 6. Inskripshon den e BRP na e munisipio

Si bo ta bai keda na Hulanda pa mas ku 4 luna, bo tin e obligashon di inskribí bo mes den e BRP. Bo mester hasi esaki denter di 5 dia despues di bo yegada, na e munisipio unda bo ta bai biba. Traha un sita pa esaki serka e munisipio.

Dokumentunan ku semper bo tin mester.

• un pasport bálido;
• e komprobante original di e kanselashon di inskripshon di Registro Sivil;
• e komprobante di e adrès na Hulanda unda bo ta bai biba. Por ehèmpel un kopia di e kontrato di hür òf un karta firmá i kopia di e karnèt di identifikashon di e habitante prinsipal di e kas, si e persona ta duna pèrmit pa bo biba den su kas.

Tin biaha un munisipio ta pidi tambe pa;

• un sertifikado di nasementu: pidi pa esaki na Registro Sivil di e lugá kaminda bo a nase. Bai Hulanda ku e akta original. Bo no a nase den e parti Karibense di Reino? Apliká pa un sertifikado di nasementu (di eksterior) na tempu i den kaso ku esaki ta nesesario laga legalisá i tradusí esaki. Wak pa mas informashon, riba nederlandwereldwijd.nl.
• un pèrmit di bibienda; na sierto munisipio bo mester di un pèrmit di bibienda. si bo ta hür un bibienda sosial òf ta bai biba serka un hende ku ta hür un bibienda sosial. Un pèrmit di bibienda bo ta pidi promé ku inskripshon den e BRP na e munisipio. Wak riba e wèpsait di e munisipio si bo tin mester di un pèrmit di bibienda.
   

Link i informashonnan útil

Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs (DUO)

Pa aplikashon pa òf preguntanan tokante finansiamentu di estudio.
+31 (0)50 599 77 55
www.duo.nl/antillen

Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland

Informashon tokante e opstarttoelage (gratifikashon inisial).
+599 715 83 33
www.rijksdienstcn.com/studiefinanciering
studiefinanciering@RijksdienstCN.com

Arubahuis

E departamento di Enseñansa di Arubahuis (Kas di Aruba) ta duna informashon i instrukshonnan na studiantenan di Aruba promé ku nan sali pa Hulanda. Na Hulanda nan ta yuda ku e akohida i guia di studiantenan ku fiansa pa estudio for di Aruba. Den kada region hulandes tin un mèntòr di estudio ku ta guia e studiantenan

+297-528-3400 | +31 (0)70 356 62 00
www.arubahuis.nl/afdelingen/onderwijs
www.ea.aw/pages/studia-na-hulanda
info@arubahuis.nl | arubalening@ea.aw (fiansa di estudio)

Stichting Studiefinanciering Curaçao (SSC)

Na Kòrsou SSC ta atendé ku e aplikashonnan di finansiamentu di estudio pa studiantenan for di Kòrsou. Na Hulanda e departamento ta sòru pa akohida, 
guia i bibienda pa e studiantenan. Kada region di Hulanda tin mèntòrnan ku ta guia e studiantenan.

+599 9 724 7272 | +31 (0)30 285 5070
www.ssc.cw | info@ssc.cw

Dienst Studiefinanciering Sint Maarten (DSF)

DSF ta regla e finansiamentu di estudio adishonal pa e studiantenan for di Sint Maarten. Na Hulanda tin mèntòrnan i “buddy’s” ku ta asistí i guia e studiantenan ku un fiansa di estudio for di Sint Maarten.

+1-721-527-3840
studyfinancing-sxm.com | info@studyfinancing-sxm.com

Mas pregunta?

Bo tin pregunta tokante e inskripshon den e BRP na Hulanda òf pa haña un BSN? Tuma kontakto ku e Rijksdienst voor Identiteitsgegevens (RvIG), via info@rvig.nl òf +31 (0)88 900 1000.

Kolofòn

Rijksdienst voor Identiteitsgegevens
Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken en Koninkrijksrelaties
Postbus 10451 | 2501 HL Den Haag
www.rvig.nl

Klik aki pa e pdf

Will you be studying in the Netherlands soon? If so, it is important that you make some arrangements for your registration in the Netherlands before you leave and once you arrive in the Netherlands. For students from: Bonaire, Saba, St Eustatius, Aruba, Sint Maarten, Curaçao

You are almost leaving!

Step 1. BSN with application for student finance

Are you applying for a student finance to study in the Netherlands? And do you have the Dutch nationality but no Citizen Service Number (BSN) yet? Then you receive a BSN when you apply for your student finance. With your BSN, you can already arrange a number of things in the Netherlands, even if you are not in the Netherlands yet. To apply for a study student finance, you go to DUO.

Not applying for student finance? Then you can only apply for a BSN in the Netherlands. You then receive a BSN after registration in the Personal Records Database (BRP) of the Dutch municipality where you are going to live.

Step 2. Receive your BSN

You receive your BSN by post from the National Office for Identity Data (RvIG). Because the post to the Caribbean sometimes takes a long time, you can also request your BSN by telephone from DUO. To do so, wait for the email from DUO informing you that your student finance application has been processed. This email contains the telephone number where you can request your BSN.

Step 3. Apply for and activate a DigiD

With your BSN, you can apply for DigiD. DigiD is the online log-in tool for the government. You need your DigiD, among other things, for your student travel product and to log in to Mijn DUO. You can find more information about applying for and activating your DigiD on the DigiD website.

Step 4. Appointment with municipality for registration in the BRP

Within five days of arriving in the Netherlands, you are required to register in the BRP of the municipality where you are going to live. Check the website of the municipality whether you can already schedule an appointment for registration in the BRP.

Tip: sometimes municipalities have separate appointments or registration days for students for registration in the BRP. Ask about this possibility at the municipality where you are going to live or the educational institution where you are going to study.  

Step 5.  Deregister from the population register

Within 10 days before departure, deregister from the population register of the island where you live. This is compulsory. When you deregister, state in which municipality in the Netherlands you are going to live. Take the proof of deregistration with you to the Netherlands, this is one of the documents you need for the registration in the Netherlands.

Please note: do you register with a different Dutch municipality than the one you specified when deregistering? Your personal data are then forwarded to another municipality. This may lead to a delay of several weeks in your registration in the BRP.

You have arrived in the Netherlands!

Step 6. Registration in the BRP at the municipality

If you stay in the Netherlands for more than 4 months then you are required to register in the BRP. You have to do this within 5 days of your arrival, at the municipality where you are going to live. Schedule an appointment with the municipality to do so.

Documents you always need:

• a valid passport;
• the original proof of deregistration from the population register;
• proof of address in the Netherlands where you are going to live. For example a copy of the rental contract or a signed letter and copy of the identity document of the main occupant, if the person allows you to live there.

Sometimes a municipality may also ask for:

• a birth certificate: apply for it from the Census Office in the place where you were born. Bring the certificate with you to the Netherlands. If you were not born in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom, make sure you apply for a (foreign) birth certificate in time and have it legalised and translated if necessary. For more information, see nederlandwereldwijd.nl
• a housing permit: some municipalities require a housing permit if you rent social housing or move in with someone who has social housing. You can apply for a housing permit from the municipality before registering in the BRP. Check the website of the municipality whether you need a residence permit.

Where to go? Useful links and information

Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs (DUO, Education Executive Agency)

To apply for or with questions about student finance
+31 (0)50 599 77 55
www.duo.nl/antillen

Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland

Information about the start-up grant.
+599 715 83 33
www.rijksdienstcn.com/studiefinanciering
studiefinanciering@RijksdienstCN.com

Arubahuis

The Education Department of the Arubahuis provides information and orientation to students from Aruba. In the Netherlands they assist in the
welcoming and support of students with study loans from Aruba. There is a study mentor in each Dutch region who advises students.
+297-528-3400 | +31 (0)70 356 62 00
www.arubahuis.nl/afdelingen/onderwijs
www.ea.aw/pages/studia-na-hulandaw
info@arubahuis.nl | arubalening@ea.aw (student loan)

Stichting Studiefinanciering Curaçao (SSC)

In Curaçao, the SSC takes care of the application for study financing for students from Curaçao. The department in the Netherlands welcomes,
supports and provides housing for students. Each region in the Netherlands has mentors who advise students.
+599 9 724 7272 | +31 (0)30 285 5070
www.ssc.cw | info@ssc.cw

Dienst Studiefinanciering Sint Maarten (DSF)

DSF regulates additional study financing for students from Sint Maarten. There are mentors and buddies in the Netherlands who support and advise students
with student loans from Sint Maarten.
+1-721-527-3840
www.studyfinancing-sxm.com/ | info@studyfinancing-sxm.com

More information?

Do you have questions about registration in the BRP in the Netherlands or getting a BSN? Contact Rijksdienst voor Identiteitsgegevens
(RvIG), at info@rvig.nl or +31 (0)88 900 1000.

Download the brochure as PDF

Ga jij binnenkort in Nederland studeren?

Dan is het belangrijk dat je vóór vertrek en na aankomst in Nederland een aantal zaken voor je inschrijving in Nederland regelt.

Voor studenten uit: Bonaire, Saba, St Eustatius, Aruba, Sint Maarten, Curaçao
 

Stap 1. BSN bij aanvraag van studiefinanciering 

Vraag je studiefinanciering aan voor een opleiding in Nederland? En heb je de Nederlandse nationaliteit en nog geen Burgerservicenummer (BSN)? Dan krijg je een BSN als je studiefinanciering aanvraagt. Met je BSN kun je alvast een aantal zaken in Nederland regelen, ook als je nog niet in Nederland bent. Voor het aanvragen van studiefinanciering kijk je op DUO. 

Vraag je geen studiefinanciering aan? Dan kun je pas een BSN aanvragen in Nederland. Je krijgt dan een BSN na inschrijving in de Basisregistratie Personen (BRP) van de Nederlandse gemeente waar je gaat wonen.

Stap 2. Je BSN ontvangen

Je krijgt je BSN per post van de Rijksdienst voor Identiteitsgegevens (RvIG). Omdat de post naar het Caribisch gebied er soms lang over kan doen, kun je je BSN ook alvast telefonisch opvragen bij DUO. Wacht daarvoor de e-mail van DUO af met het bericht dat je aanvraag studiefinanciering is verwerkt. In die e-mail staat het telefoonnummer waar je je BSN kunt opvragen.

Stap 3. DigiD aanvragen en activeren

Met je BSN, kun je DigiD aanvragen. DigiD is het online inlogmiddel voor de overheid. Je hebt je DigiD onder andere nodig voor je studentenreisproduct en om in te loggen op Mijn DUO. Meer informatie over het aanvragen en activeren van je DigiD vind je op de website van DigiD.

Stap 4. Afspraak gemeente voor inschrijving in de BRP

Binnen 5 dagen na aankomst in Nederland ben je verplicht je in te schrijven in de BRP van de gemeente waar je gaat wonen. Kijk op de website van de gemeente of je alvast een afspraak kunt maken voor het inschrijven in de BRP.

Tip: Soms hebben gemeenten speciale afspraken of inschrijfdagen voor studenten voor inschrijving in de BRP. Vraag naar deze moge¬lijkheid bij de gemeente waar je gaat wonen of de onderwijsinstelling waar je gaat studeren.

Stap 5. Uitschrijven bevolkingsadministratie

Schrijf je binnen 10 dagen voor vertrek uit bij de bevolkingsadministratie van het eiland waar je woont. Dit is verplicht. Geef bij de uitschrijving door in welke gemeente in Nederland je gaat wonen. Neem het bewijs van uitschrijving mee naar Nederland, dit is één van de documenten die je nodig hebt voor de inschrijving in Nederland. 
Let op: schrijf je je in bij een andere Nederlandse gemeente dan je bij de uitschrijving hebt aangegeven? Dan worden je persoonsgegevens doorgestuurd naar een andere gemeente. Dit kan leiden tot enkele weken vertraging van je inschrijving in de BRP.

Let op: schrijf je je in bij een andere Nederlandse gemeente dan je bij de uitschrijving hebt aangegeven? Dan worden je persoonsgegevens doorgestuurd naar een andere gemeente. Dit kan leiden tot enkele weken vertraging van je inschrijving in de BRP.
 

Stap 6. Inschrijven in de BRP bij de gemeente

Als je langer dan 4 maanden in Nederland verblijft ben je verplicht om je in te schrijven in de BRP. Dit moet je binnen 5 dagen na aankomst doen, bij de gemeente waar je gaat wonen. Maak hiervoor een afspraak bij de gemeente. Documenten die je altijd nodig hebt.

• Een geldig paspoort.
• Het originele bewijs van uitschrijving uit de bevolkingsadministratie.
• Het bewijs van het adres in Nederland waar je gaat wonen. Bijvoorbeeld een kopie van het huurcontract of een ondertekende brief en kopie van het identiteitsbewijs van de hoofdbewoner, als de persoon toestemming voor inwoning geeft.

Soms vraagt een gemeente ook om;

• een geboorteakte: vraag deze bij Burgerzaken aan, in de plaats waar je geboren bent. Neem de akte mee naar Nederland. Ben je niet geboren in het Caribische deel van het Koninkrijk? Vraag dan op tijd een (buitenlandse) geboorteakte aan en laat deze als dat nodig is legaliseren en vertalen. Kijk voor meer informatie op nederlandwereldwijd.nl;
• een huisvestingsvergunning: bij sommige gemeenten heb je een huisvestingsvergunning nodig als je een sociale woning huurt of gaat inwonen bij iemand met een sociale huurwoning. Een huisvestingsvergunning vraag je vóór inschrijving in de BRP bij de gemeente aan. Kijk op de website van de gemeente of je een huisvestingsvergunning nodig hebt.
   

Handige links en informatie

Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs (DUO)

Voor het aanvragen of bij vragen over studiefinanciering
+31 (0)50 599 77 55
www.duo.nl/antillen

Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland

Informatie over de opstarttoelage.
599 715 83 33
www.rijksdienstcn.com/studiefinanciering
studiefinanciering@RijksdienstCN.com

Arubahuis

De afdeling Onderwijs van het Arubahuis geeft voor vertrek naar Nederland informatie en voorlichting aan studenten uit Aruba. In Nederland helpen ze bij de opvang en begeleiding van studenten met een studielening uit Aruba. In elke Nederlandse regio is er een studie mentor die studenten begeleidt.

+297-528-3400 | +31 (0)70 356 62 00
www.arubahuis.nl/afdelingen/onderwijs
www.ea.aw/pages/studia-na-hulanda
info@arubahuis.nl | arubalening@ea.aw (studielening)

Stichting Studiefinanciering Curaçao (SSC)

In Curaçao verzorgt SSC de aanvraag van studiefinanciering voor studenten uit Curaçao. In Nederland verzorgt de afdeling de opvang, begeleiding en huisvesting voor studenten. Elke regio in Nederland heeft mentoren die studenten begeleiden.

+599 9 724 7272 | +31 (0)30 285 5070
www.ssc.cw | info@ssc.cw

Dienst Studiefinanciering Sint Maarten (DSF)

DSF regelt de aanvullende studiefinanciering voor studenten uit Sint Maarten. In Nederland zijn er mentoren en buddy’s die studenten met een studielening uit Sint Maarten ondersteunen en begeleiden.

+1-721-527-3840
www.studyfinancing-sxm.com | info@studyfinancing-sxm.com

Meer weten?

Heb je vragen over de inschrijving in de BRP in Nederland of het krijgen van een BSN? Neem contact op met de Rijksdienst voor Identiteitsgegevens (RvIG), via info@rvig.nl of +31 (0)88 900 1000.

Colofon

Rijksdienst voor Identiteitsgegevens
Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken en Koninkrijksrelaties
Postbus 10451 | 2501 HL Den Haag
www.rvig.nl
 

Klik hier voor de pdf

The Personal Records Database (BRP): for the government and for you

In the Netherlands, everyone is required to report things like the birth of a child or a change of address to the municipality where they live. But what does the government actually do with all this information?

This brochure explains the various kinds of personal data recorded in the Personal Records Database (BRP) and what it’s used for. It also sets out your rights and obligations. This brochure is not just for people currently living in the Netherlands; if you’re coming from abroad and will be staying in the Netherlands for an extended period, you should read this brochure to find out what information you need to provide and how to report it.

Why is the Personal Records Database important?

The Dutch government needs to have up-to-date information about the people living in the Netherlands. It needs this information to issue passports, identity cards and driving licences, but also to know who can vote in elections, who is eligible for benefits and who needs to pay municipal taxes. Organisations like the Tax and Customs Administration, benefit agencies and pension funds also use this information to make sure their decisions are the right ones for the people they serve. The Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations has tasked all municipalities in the Netherlands with keeping the Personal Records Database up to date and correct. This is a legal require- ment set out in the Personal Records Database Act.

What personal data?

If you live in or have lived in the Netherlands, your personal data is recorded in the Personal Records Database, or BRP. This includes information like:

• your name
• your date, place and country of birth
• your address
• your citizen service number (BSN)
• your parents' names
• your nationality (and residence status if applicable)
• your marital status
• your children's names
• your passport and identity card
• your right to vote.

How does the government get all this personal data?

There is data that you must provide yourself: for example, if you change your address, have a baby, get married abroad, or if a family member dies. Some data is automatically collected or updated. For example, if you get married in the Netherlands, the registrar of births, deaths and marriages reports the change in your marital status to the municipality you live in.

If you want to live in the Netherlands

If you come to the Netherlands from another country and you intend to stay longer than four months, you need to register with the municipality where you will be living. You must do this within five days after arriving in the Netherlands. You must have a legal right to live in the Netherlands. This means you must be a Dutch national or a national of a member state of the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland, or you must have a valid residence permit.

A unique citizen service number for everyone

Your citizen service number (BSN) is your own personal ID code for your contacts with government services. This number helps you identify yourself and protect your identity. Everyone is assigned a BSN when their details are first registered in the BRP. This includes newborn babies – when the parent registers the birth, the child gets a BSN right away. Your BSN is on your Dutch passport, driving license and identity card. Having a BSN offers you and the government a number of benefits. It simplifies your contacts with the municipality and other government organisa- tions, for example. When you start a job and you give your BSN to your employer, they will use it to arrange things for you with the Tax and Customs Administration, the employee pension fund, and certain other organisations. The healthcare system also uses your BSN. You may be asked for it when you visit your doctor, go to hospital, collect a prescription from the pharmacy or apply for home care. For more information, visit www. government.nl.

Your privacy is well protected

The BRP contains personal data that is not in the public domain. The government takes great pains to protect everyone’s privacy and only uses your data to carry out its tasks properly.

What are your rights?

When you register in the BRP for the first time, you will be given a copy of the information that is registered. This copy is free of charge. If you move abroad for a time and then return to the Netherlands, you will also receive a free copy of the data held on you in the BRP.

You can review the data held on you in the BRP at the offices of your municipality, free of charge. If you require a paper copy of the data held on you, the municipality will normally charge a fee for this service. You can also review your data on mijn.overheid.nl.
 
If any of your data is incorrect or incomplete, you can ask the municipality to correct or update it. When you do this, the municipality will ask you for supporting documentation. Aside from a few specific exceptions set out in the Personal Records Database Act, you cannot have any information deleted from the BRP.

You may ask the municipality not to provide your data to specific institutions. If you wish to make such a request, contact your municipality.

You can request a list of the institutions to which your data has been provided in recent years from the municipality where you are registered. This list is free of charge. For a general list of the type of institutions to which your data may be provided in certain situations, go to www.wiekrijgtmijngegevens.nl.

What if you want to exercise your data protection rights?

Any request to exercise any of your rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) should be sent to the municipal- ity where you are registered. You will receive a decision on your request within one month.

What if you have questions or complaints?

Every municipality in the Netherlands has a data protection officer who makes sure that privacy laws are followed. You can get in touch with the data protection officer by contacting your municipality. If you have a complaint about how your munici- pality is handling your personal data, you can file a complaint with the Data Protection Authority, the external body that monitors compliance with privacy legislation. You can do this either online or by phoning +31 (0)88 180 5250.

What are your obligations?

Whenever you have any contact with government services, you must be able to identify yourself with a valid form of identification.

If the municipality where you live asks you to, you must provide further information about your data in the BRP.

If you move to a different address in the Netherlands, you must inform the municipality from four weeks before you move to no later than five days after you move.

If you are going abroad for an extended period (more than eight months), you must notify your municipality within five days before your departure. When you return, if your personal data has changed while you were away from the Netherlands (for example, if you got married or had a baby abroad), you need to make sure that you will be able to present all original documents relating to this change when you return to the Netherlands.
 
If you are moving to the Netherlands from abroad (or returning after an extended stay abroad), you must register with the municipality where you will be living within five days of arriving in the Netherlands. If you also need to register your partner and/ or children, all of you must appear in person at the offices of the municipality. Bring originals of all the documents you need to confirm your identity, marital status and address in the Netherlands. At a minimum, you will need to bring your passport and, if applicable, documentation proving that you are living in the Netherlands legally. Documents that may be required include: birth certificates (for yourself and your children), marriage certificates (including from previous marriages), and a rental contract or a contract of sale for your home in the Netherlands or proof that you are entitled to lodge with the primary resident of a property.

In the following situations, you will not be able to register with the municipality directly:

• If you are not a Dutch national and do not have a valid residence permit. In this case, you must first apply for a residence permit at an office of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). For more information, see ind.nl/en.
• If you have requested asylum and are staying in an asylum seekers’ centre operated under the authority of the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA), the COA will register you for your first six months in the Netherlands. After this period, or if you leave the centre earlier, you must register with the municipality where you will be living.
• If you have lived in one of the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom, you must provide proof that you have deregistered from that location. This is to prevent people being registered in two places within the Kingdom of the Netherlands at the same time.

Registering as a non-resident

If you come from another country and will be staying in the Netherlands for less than four months, please read the brochure on registering for a short-term stay in the Netherlands, which can be found on www.government.nl.

Questions

If you still have any questions after reading this brochure, contact your municipality.

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In deze infographic vind je werkinstructies voor het vaststellen van iemands identiteit. De werkinstructies zijn bedoeld voor medewerkers burgerzaken.

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