Registering in Amsterdam

You will need to register with the municipality (gemeente) if you plan to live or work in the Netherlands. Please see the website of the City of Amsterdam for information on how to register. Registration is mandatory when you are staying more than 4 months in The Netherlands.

Citizen Service Number (BSN)

If you are moving from abroad and registering for the first time in The Netherlands, you will receive a citizen service number (burgerservicenummer, BSN). A BSN is required in order to work, open a bank account, get access to health care and apply for benefits or allowances. 

DigiD

When you take care of official matters in the Netherlands, a DigiD is required: a unique online identification that is connected to your citizen service number (BSN) and home address. 

Housing allowance

For tenants of self-contained accommodations (social housing system) you might be eligible for a housing allowance, depending on your income and savings. Applying for a housing allowance takes place through the municipality where you live. The University of Amsterdam cannot apply for you or influence the outcome of your application.

Tourist tax (for hotel stays)

For visitors not registering with the municipality of Amsterdam, your hotel will charge you a tourist tax. This is 7% of the room rate plus €3 for the first 21 days of your stay.

Municipal taxes 

Read more about the different types of taxes in the Netherlands.

Waste collection

Local authorities will contact you, by letter or by email, in order to collect municipal taxes for things like garbage collection. If you have a low income, you may be eligible for an exemption from municipal taxes.

Water

Waternet is the organisation in charge of water management and purification in the Amsterdam region. You will receive a yearly bill for water use and water tax. Read more about understanding your Waternet bill. If you have a low income, you may be exempt from paying the water tax. Read more about the remission of your water tax.