City Hall Registration

Why does the au pair need to register at City Hall? 

Registration is required to obtain a BSN- Burger Service Nummer (citizen service number in English) which is essential for: 

• Opening a Dutch bank account. 
• Applying for Dutch health insurance. 
• Applying for healthcare benefits. 

How do we book a City Hall registration appointment?

• You can book a City Hall appointment online via your local municipality’s website.  Host families are responsible for this step and should attend the appointment together with the au pair. 

• If the host is unable to attend the appointment, an official permission document must be completed on the local municipality website to state that the au pair is going alone. Check the official website for details. 

          Example Links for Major Cities: 

1. 1. Amsterdam: Register at City Hall 
   2. Rotterdam: Registration Info 
   3. The Hague: Register in The Hague 
   4. Utrecht: Register at Utrecht City Hall 

• Many City Halls have long waiting lists.   You should book the appointment as early as possible, for around 2 weeks after the scheduled arrival date of the au pair.    The gap in between allows for any unforeseen delays in picking up the residence permit, for example due to missing biometric data. 

What documents are needed for registration?

For the au pair: 

• Passport. 
• Legalized original birth certificate, proof of single status, clear criminal record. 
• Dutch residence permit card (once collected). 

For the host family: 

• Passports. 
• Proof of homeownership or rental agreement. 

What happens after City Hall registration? 

• The au pair receives a letter, which includes their BSN number. This is critical for administrative processes. Send a scanned copy to the agency. 
• Later the au pair must request a BRP extract.  They can do this either in person or by using a DigiD.  Send a scanned copy to the agency. 
• The BRP extract costs € 15-25, depending on which city hall.  The cost is shouldered by the host family.   
• Visit your local City Hall website to confirm the details – the exact process and cost varies between municipalities. 
• The DigiD can be set up using the BSN number and Dutch phone number.  They can then register on the website.  

What is a DigiD, and how do I obtain one?

A DigiD is a digital identification system that allows you to access various Dutch government websites and services. To apply for a DigiD, you need your BSN. The application can be completed online at www.digid.nl. Instructions are available in English to guide you through the process.