Registration with the city

In the Netherlands, all citizens are registered in a national database. This is required by Dutch law. Once you register with the city you will automatically receive a BSN (Burger Service Number), which you may need to open a bank account or apply for a work permit. 

Who needs to register

All students who are staying in the Netherlands for more than 4 months are required by law to register.

How do you register

1. On the orientation day you receive information on which documents to hand in for the registration.
2. The university forwards these documents to the City Registration Desk (Burgerzaken) who prepares your registration in advance.
3. The university organises a special registration day. You go to the City Registration Desk in person to check the information and formally register. You will be informed of the date and time.

Important

Students who do not live in the city of Utrecht (e.g. Nieuwegein, Zeist, De Bilt) must register at the town hall of their community themselves.