10 key reasons why registering in the BRP

Welcome to the Netherlands! As a migrant worker from the EU, you are here to explore new opportunities and build a better life. We assume you currently only have a Registration Non-Residents (RNI). But did you know there is a simple step that can make your stay here even more enjoyable and beneficial? By registering in the Basisregistratie Personen (BRP) of your municipality, you open the door to numerous benefits that can significantly improve your life in the Netherlands.

On this page, you will discover 10 key reasons why registering in the BRP is a smart move for you as a migrant worker. From accessing essential healthcare and financial benefits to gaining legal work status and more, these benefits will help you feel completely at home and take advantage of everything the Netherlands has to offer.

1.    Access to health insurance: A BRP registration allows you to get Dutch health insurance, which is essential for accessing medical care and covering medical expenses. With an RNI registration, you can also take out health insurance, but this can be more complicated and often requires additional documentation such as a letter address or recent payslip.

2.    Benefits and allowances: Registration in the BRP is necessary to qualify for benefits such as rent allowance, healthcare allowance and child benefit. An RNI registration alone does not qualify you for these financial benefits.

3.    Legal work status: A BRP registration helps obtain a citizen service number (BSN), which is necessary for legal work status and tax returns. Although you can also get a BSN with an RNI registration, a BRP registration is often required for long-term work contracts and full tax returns.

4.    Opening bank accounts: With a BSN obtained through the BRP, you can more easily open a bank account in the Netherlands. Some banks accept an RNI registration, but this is not always the case and may require more effort.

5.    Access to education: To register children at schools and access educational facilities, a BRP registration is necessary. With an RNI registration, you cannot register your children for regular education in the Netherlands.

6.    Leases and utilities: Many landlords and utility companies require a BRP registration to conclude a rental contract or arrange utilities such as gas, water and electricity. With an RNI registration, you cannot usually conclude these contracts.

7.    Driving licence conversion: Converting a foreign driving licence to a Dutch one often requires a BRP registration. With an RNI registration, this process is usually not possible.

8.    Municipal services: Registration in the BRP gives you access to various municipal services, such as waste collection, parking permits and library services. With an RNI registration, you do not have access to these services.

9.    Right to vote in local elections: As an EU citizen, you have the right to vote in local elections in the Netherlands, provided you are registered in the BRP. With an RNI registration, you do not have this right to vote.

10.    Safety net: In case of an emergency or calamity, the municipality can reach and support you better if you are registered in the BRP. With an RNI registration, you are less accessible for municipal help and support.

Do not wait any longer and register with your municipality's BRP as soon as possible to benefit from all the advantages. Visit your town hall or your municipality's website for more information and to arrange your registration.