Utrecht
ResideNL · Moving to NL · BSN · Without a permanent address
Can you get a BSN without a permanent address in the Netherlands?
Usually, yes — you don't strictly need a permanent home to get a BSN, but the route depends on how long you're staying. For a short stay you register as a non-resident (RNI). For a longer stay you normally register at the address where you're actually living, even temporarily — and if you genuinely have no home address, some municipalities allow a correspondence address (briefadres). The exact rules vary by gemeente, so this is a "here's how it works, then confirm locally" situation.
First, three terms that get confused
- BSN — your personal citizen service number. It's the output: you don't apply for it directly, you receive it when you register. See how to get a BSN.
- BRP — the Personal Records Database. You're entered in it when you register as a resident at your municipality.
- RNI — the Non-residents Records Database, for people who don't live in the Netherlands long enough (or at all) to register as residents. It also issues a BSN. See RNI vs BRP.
Staying more than 4 months vs a short stay
The 4-month line is what decides your route:
- More than 4 months → you're expected to register as a resident in the BRP at your gemeente, which is where a home address normally comes in.
- Less than 4 months → you can register as a non-resident (RNI) at one of the designated RNI municipalities and get a BSN without registering a Dutch home address at all.
What having no permanent address actually changes
The BSN itself isn't blocked by lacking a permanent home. What changes is which registration you use and what proof you can give. BRP resident registration normally expects an address where you live; without one, you either use the RNI route or ask about a correspondence address.
Temporary accommodation
If you're in a rental, sublet, hotel, or staying with friends or family, that is often still a residential address you can register at for the BRP — a temporary address is not automatically disqualified. The practicalities (whether the main occupant must consent, what evidence is needed) vary by municipality. We cover this in detail in registering at a temporary address.
Correspondence address (briefadres), where applicable
A briefadres is a BRP registration at an address where you receive mail rather than live — used, for example, when someone has no residential address of their own. It requires a person already registered at that address to act as your briefadresgever and receive official post for you, and the municipality assesses whether your circumstances qualify. Municipalities apply this differently and can refuse, so treat it as "ask your gemeente", not a guaranteed option.
What municipality registration requires
- A valid passport or ID card.
- For resident (BRP) registration: proof of the address you're registering at, and usually a legalised/translated birth certificate.
- A booked appointment — see the BRP registration guide.
What to do next
- Decide your route by length of stay (over vs under 4 months).
- Short stay → book an RNI appointment at a designated RNI municipality.
- Long stay with a temporary address → book BRP registration at that gemeente.
- Long stay with no address at all → contact your intended gemeente about a briefadres or an interim RNI registration.
- Once you have a home address, complete or switch to BRP resident registration.
Official sources: government.nl — Citizen service number (BSN) and Personal Records Database (BRP). Rules for the RNI and for a briefadres are set nationally but applied by individual municipalities — confirm with the specific gemeente.
No fixed address yet? See which route applies.
Tell us your situation and ResideNL shows whether you register as a resident (BRP) or non-resident (RNI) — and what comes next.
Related:
ResideNL is not a government service and does not provide legal advice. Rules, fees and deadlines change — always confirm on the official pages we link to.