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ResideNL · Moving to NL · BRP · RNI vs BRP
RNI vs BRP: which Dutch registration do you need?
Short version: if you're living in the Netherlands for more than 4 months, you register as a resident in the BRP at your municipality. If you're here for less than 4 months, or you live abroad but still need a Dutch number, you register as a non-resident in the RNI. Both give you a BSN — the difference is whether you're registered as a resident or a non-resident.
What the BRP is
The BRP (Basisregistratie Personen, the Personal Records Database) is the register of people who live in the Netherlands. Registering in it makes you an official resident of your municipality and is the basis for most day-to-day admin. See how to register with your municipality (BRP).
What the RNI is
The RNI (Registratie Niet-Ingezetenen, the Non-residents Records Database) is for people who are not registered residents but still need a BSN — for example, seasonal or short-term workers, or people living abroad with Dutch tax, pension or property matters. You register at one of the designated RNI municipalities (not every gemeente offers it).
Who should use each
- Use the BRP if you're moving to the Netherlands to live here for more than 4 months.
- Use the RNI if you'll be here 4 months or less, or you don't live here at all but need a BSN.
The 4-month distinction
The dividing line is whether you'll be in the Netherlands more than 4 months within any 6-month period. Over that, you're treated as a resident and belong in the BRP; under it, the RNI is the route. If you're staying long term but don't have a home address yet, see getting a BSN without a permanent address.
How each relates to your BSN
Both registrations issue a BSN, and it's the same number either way — you don't get a different BSN if you later switch from RNI to BRP. The BSN comes from registering; there's no separate application. More on that in how to get a BSN.
At a glance
| BRP (resident) | RNI (non-resident) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | People living in NL > 4 months | Short stays (≤ 4 months) or people living abroad |
| Where you register | Your own municipality (gemeente) | A designated RNI municipality |
| Dutch home address needed? | Normally yes | No |
| Gives a BSN? | Yes | Yes |
| Registered as a resident? | Yes | No |
What happens if your circumstances change
- Came short-term, now staying? Once you'll pass 4 months and have an address, you register as a resident in the BRP. Your BSN stays the same.
- Registered as a resident but leaving? You deregister from the BRP with your municipality when you move away.
Practical examples
- Software engineer relocating for a 2-year job → BRP, at the municipality where they'll live.
- Seasonal worker here for 3 months → RNI, to get a BSN for payroll.
- Someone abroad who inherited a Dutch account → RNI, to get a BSN without moving.
Official sources: government.nl — Personal Records Database (BRP) and Citizen service number (BSN). The list of designated RNI municipalities and their procedures is published by the Dutch government and the municipalities themselves — confirm before you travel to an appointment.
Not sure whether you need RNI or BRP?
Answer a few questions and ResideNL tells you which registration applies to you — and every step that follows.
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.