Register your residence as an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen in the Netherlands

Most EU citizens need no permit, but a few cases go through the IND

As an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen you can normally live and work in the Netherlands without a residence permit, and registering at your municipality gives you a citizen service number (BSN). Only a few people register with the IND, the Dutch immigration service, and receive an EU registration card, for example when an earlier stay was ended. The card is collected in person at an IND desk once the IND writes that it is ready. Family members from outside the EU follow a separate IND procedure.

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How it works

Register residence as an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen

Get the residence certificate EU, EEA and Swiss citizens need for a longer stay.

As an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you can live in another EU or EEA country, but for stays of more than three months you often have to register your residence and get a certificate. You usually show your passport or ID card and proof that you work, study, have enough money and health insurance, or are a family member. After five years you can apply for a document confirming permanent residence. This is separate from registering your address with the municipality, although some countries handle both at once. Swiss citizens may have their own procedure.

Also searched as

EU registration certificateresidence certificate for EU citizensEU citizen residenceEEA residence certificatepermanent residence certificateSwiss citizen residencegreen NIE certificate

At a glance

Offices
7 offices in 7 cities
Book online
At 7 of 7 offices
Apply online
Not offered
Offices for specific groups
  • For EU, EEA and Swiss citizens: 7 offices

Your letter names the only desk you can use

Pick-up points for approved cards

Cards are handed over in person at certain IND desks and service points, each by appointment. Take your passport and any old residence documents, and note that a parent has to be present when a child’s card is collected.

See pick-up desks

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Other countries

The same task in other countries

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Where to next

IND desks for EU registration cards

IND desks and service points that hand over cards each have their own rules on bookings and on who has to attend.

EU registration card desks in the Netherlands

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