What to Know Before Registering in Groningen
The essential guide to moving to Groningen, registration and getting your BSN number.
Just moved to Groningen? Whether you're here to study at one of the universities or to start your career, there's one important task that should be at the top of your to-do list: getting registered with the city.
This process will get you your BSN number (Burgerservicenummer) – think of it as your Dutch social security number. Without it, you'll find yourself stuck when trying to open a bank account, see a doctor, get paid from your job, or even apply for student housing. The good news? Once you know what to expect, the process is pretty straightforward.
Why Registration Matters
If you plan to stay in the Netherlands for more than four months, you're legally required to register in the BRP (Personal Records Database). This applies to everyone – students, workers, and people joining family members.
Think of registration as your official "I live here now" declaration to the Dutch government. Once you're in the system, you'll receive your BSN number, which serves as your key to accessing most aspects of Dutch society.
Getting Registered in Groningen
You'll need to visit the Groningen city hall (called the gemeente) to complete your registration. Here's where things get tricky: appointments fill up incredibly quickly, especially during August and September when thousands of international students arrive. Some people end up waiting weeks for an available slot, so book as soon as you know your moving date.
What to bring to your appointment:
Your passport or EU/EEA ID card
Proof of your Dutch address (like a signed rental contract or official housing letter)
Birth certificate (they don't always ask for this, but it's good to have)
Residence permit (if you're from outside the EU)
Student enrollment letter (if you're studying)
Important: No Dutch address means no registration. Your BSN is directly linked to where you live, so you absolutely must have your housing sorted first. Even if it's just a temporary room while you look for something better, you need that official address.
Common Problems (And How to Avoid Them)
The registration process usually goes smoothly, but here are the most common issues that can slow things down:
Missing housing documents – This is the big one. Make sure your rental contract is signed and official. A WhatsApp message from your landlord won't cut it.
Incomplete paperwork – Double-check you have everything before your appointment. Missing one document means rebooking and waiting again.
Peak season chaos – If you're arriving in late August or early September, expect everything to take longer. Book your appointment the moment you can.
Language barriers – Most staff speak excellent English, but if your documents are in another language, bring official translations to avoid confusion.
Your BSN: When and How You'll Get It
After your appointment, you'll usually receive your BSN number in the mail within 2-4 weeks. Sometimes you might get it right away – it depends on how busy they are and whether any additional checks are needed.
Don't panic if you don't have your BSN immediately. You can still get started with some important tasks like opening a bank account (many banks accept temporary numbers) and looking into health insurance options.
Your First Month Action Plan
Here's a practical order for tackling your move-in tasks:
Week 1-2:
Secure your housing (even if temporary)
Book your registration appointment
Start researching Dutch bank accounts and health insurance
Week 2-3:
Attend your registration appointment
Open a Dutch bank account
Get Dutch health insurance (you have 4 months from arrival, but earlier is better)
Week 3-4:
Register with a local doctor (called a huisarts)
Set up internet and utilities for your place
Apply for any student benefits or housing allowances you might qualify for
Don't Put It Off
Your employer or university will likely ask for your BSN pretty quickly, and you'll need it for almost every official task in the Netherlands. The sooner you get registered, the sooner you can fully settle into your new life in Groningen.
Remember, thousands of people go through this exact process every year – you've got this! The city officials are used to helping international newcomers, and once you're registered, you'll find that most other administrative tasks become much easier.
Welcome to Groningen!