Your First Official Step in The Hague
If you have just arrived in The Hague, congratulations — you have chosen one of Europe’s most international cities. But before you can open a bank account, sign a rental contract, or start a job, you need one thing: a burgerservicenummer (BSN), the Dutch citizen service number.
Getting a BSN requires registering at the municipality (Gemeente Den Haag). Here is exactly how the process works in 2026, what documents you need, and how to avoid the common mistakes that delay registration by weeks.
Step 1: Check If You Need to Register
If you plan to live in the Netherlands for more than 4 months, you must register as a resident. Short stays under 4 months can use the Registratie Niet-Ingezetenen (RNI) process instead, which is handled at a separate desk and requires fewer documents.
- Long stay (4+ months): Full BRP registration → BSN issued
- Short stay (under 4 months): RNI registration → BSN issued but limited validity
- EU/EEA citizens: Register within 5 days of arrival
- Non-EU citizens: Register within 5 days of receiving your residence permit
Step 2: Book Your Appointment
In 2026, The Hague municipality requires online booking. Walk-in registration is no longer accepted at the main city hall. Book your appointment at denhaag.nl/en/moving-and-immigration.
Pro tip: Appointment slots are released every Monday morning at 9:00 for the following week. They fill within minutes, especially during August and September when international students arrive. Set an alarm and book immediately. Alternative: the Leyweg city office in Escamp sometimes has earlier availability than the Spui city hall.
- Location: City Hall Spui (Spui 70) or Leyweg City Office (Leyweg 813)
- Wait time for appointment: 1–3 weeks (varies seasonally)
- Cost: Free
Step 3: Gather Your Documents
Missing documents are the number one reason registrations fail. Bring originals — photocopies are not accepted. Bring everything, even if you think it is unnecessary.
Required documents:
- Valid passport or EU identity card
- Signed rental contract or proof of residence (if living with someone, a signed permission form from the main tenant + copy of their ID)
- Birth certificate (legalised or apostilled if issued outside the EU)
- Marriage certificate if applicable (also legalised/apostilled)
- Residence permit or proof of lawful residence (non-EU citizens)
- Completed registration form (downloadable from denhaag.nl)
Important for 2026: The municipality now accepts digital birth certificates from several countries via the e-Apostille system. Check if your country participates — it can save weeks of waiting for paper documents.
Step 4: Attend Your Appointment
Arrive 10 minutes early. At the Spui city hall, go to the immigration desk on the ground floor (follow signs for “Verhuizen” or “Moving”). A municipal officer will review your documents, enter your information into the BRP (Basisregistratie Personen), and — crucially — issue your BSN immediately.
The appointment usually takes 15–20 minutes. You will receive your BSN on a printed extract from the BRP (uittreksel BRP). Guard this document — you will need it for your bank, employer, health insurance, and doctor registration.
Step 5: What Happens After Registration
With your BSN in hand, here is what you can and should do immediately:
- Open a Dutch bank account: Bunq, Revolut, and ABN AMRO all accept BSN registration online. Bunq is fastest — often same-day approval.
- Register for health insurance: Mandatory within 4 months of arrival. Basic Dutch health insurance (basisverzekering) costs approximately €145–160/month in 2026. Popular insurers for expats: CZ, Zilveren Kruis, and LoonZorg.
- Register with a GP (huisarts): Find a local practice at zorgkaartnederland.nl. Many GPs in Statenkwartier and Archipelbuurt are experienced with international patients.
- Get a DigiD: Apply online at digid.nl. This is your digital identity for all Dutch government services, from tax returns to parking permits. It takes about 5 working days to receive the activation code by post.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Booking too late: EU citizens must register within 5 days of arrival. If you miss this window, you may face a fine of up to €325.
- Unlegalised documents: If your birth certificate is in a language other than Dutch, English, French, or German, you need a sworn translation. The municipality can reject any document not meeting their requirements.
- Temporary address: Hotels and hostels do not count as a residential address for BRP registration. You need a permanent rental contract or a written declaration from your landlord.
- Wrong desk: The Spui city hall handles different services at different desks. Make sure you go to the immigration desk, not the general information desk.
BSN Fraud Warning
In 2026, the municipality has stepped up enforcement against BSN fraud, where individuals register at addresses where they do not actually live. This is a criminal offence in the Netherlands, punishable by fines of up to €20,000. Always register at your actual residential address.
Once your registration is complete, check out our cost of living guide to plan your monthly budget, and our cycling guide for the best way to get around your new city.
