If you have found another house and are in the process of moving, here is a helpful checklist you can use to make sure you’ve covered all the bases.
Change of 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) within five days of moving. If you don’t do this, you might be fined. Also, if your address is registered incorrectly, it could affect your benefits and taxes. But how do you register your new address in the Netherlands?
Moving within the same municipality
If you are moving within the same municipality, you will only need to inform the department of civil affairs (Afdeling Burgerzaken).
Moving to a different municipality
If you are moving to a different municipality, you do not need to inform your old municipality. Once you register at your new municipality, they will inform your old one for you.
How to register when you move to a new address
There are three different ways to register your new address: in person, by post or online:
Register in person
When you want to register your new address in person, you will need to bring the following documents to the department of civil affairs (Afdeling Burgerzaken) of your municipality:
- Your passport, identity card or residence permit.
- If you are renting a house, you will need to bring your rental contract.
- If you have bought a house, you will need to bring the purchase contract.
- If you are moving in with someone else, you will need to bring a copy of the main resident’s identity document along with a declaration stating that he / she is giving you permission to live there.
Please note, some municipalities require you to make an appointment.
Register by post
If you can’t register your new address in person, it is also possible to do it by post. Some municipalities also accept registrations via email. However, when you register by post, the registration process is slower. Check with your municipality about how to register by post, since the procedure differs for each.
Register online
It is also possible to register your new address online. To do this, you will need your DigiD. You will also need to fill out an online form and upload the necessary documents. Please check the official site of your municipality to see what is required of you when you want to register your address online, since procedures may differ across the country.
Who to notify when you change address
Remember to do the following when you are changing your address in the Netherlands:
Are you renting? Let your landlord know
If you are renting a house, remember to notify your landlord. 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.
Inform or give notice to utility companies
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.
Inform the post office
When you move within the Netherlands, you can make use of a free moving service offered by PostNL, the premier provider of postal services in the Netherlands. PostNL can inform your insurance company, bank, telephone company, and Internet provider about your change of address, free of charge. You can also choose to have your post forwarded to your new address for a fee.
Do I need to notify the tax office if I move to a new address?
You (usually) don’t need to notify the tax office or the Department of Road Transport (car owners) because the municipality will notify them for you. You will only need to inform the tax office when you receive rent benefit or when you are living / moving abroad (outside of the Netherlands).
It is also worth noting that your residence permit (MVV) is only valid if your address is kept up to date!
How many people can register at one address?
This differs per situation; i.e. renting vs. owning a house, and housing corporation and municipality rules.
In general, the aim is one person per 10m2, unless it concerns a family. If there are a lot of people registered at your address, your municipality might start an address investigation (adresonderzoek) to see if fraud is being committed. Please note, if your municipality contacts you concerning an address investigation, it is important to respond to their request. Failure to comply might get you fined (€ 240- € 325) or worse.
Also, note that the number of people registered at an address may affect one's taxes and benefits. You can check whether your details are registered correctly with the BRP via Mijnoverheid. You will need a DigiD for this.
