What to Do If You Don’t Have an Address in the Netherlands (RNI Option Explained)
Discover how EU workers in the Netherlands can secure a BSN without a fixed address, enabling legal work and vital services through RNI registration.
A practical guide for EU workers arriving without fixed housing
🏠 No address? You can still register and work
If you’ve just arrived in the Netherlands and don’t have a rental contract or official housing, you may feel stuck — but don’t worry. You can still get a BSN number and start working by registering in the RNI: the Non-residents Register (Registratie Niet-Ingezetenen).
This guide explains how the RNI works, who it’s for, and how to transition later to full registration.
🔹 What is the RNI?
The RNI is a special register for people who live in the Netherlands temporarily or without a fixed address. It allows you to:
- Receive a BSN number
- Work legally
- Pay taxes and social security
- Open a bank account (in many cases)
It’s meant for:
- Migrant workers staying for less than 4 months
- People working seasonally or in short contracts
- People waiting for permanent housing
📌 Even if you’re planning to stay longer, the RNI can be your temporary solution until you find official accommodation.
✅ Who can register via RNI?
You can register if:
- You are from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland
- You don’t yet have a fixed Dutch address
- You can provide a temporary address, such as:
- Employer-provided housing
- A hotel or short-term stay
- A friend’s or relative’s home (with permission)
- You have a valid passport or EU ID
🗂️ What documents do you need?
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid EU passport or ID | Required |
| Temporary address in NL | Even hotel or agency address may be accepted |
| Arrival date | Often asked |
| (Optional) Work contract or agency paper | Sometimes helpful but not mandatory |
🏢 Where to register?
There are 19 official RNI registration offices in the Netherlands. These are located in larger cities such as:
- Amsterdam
- Rotterdam
- The Hague
- Eindhoven
- Groningen
- Utrecht
- Breda
- Arnhem
- Zwolle
Find the full list here: official RNI municipalities
🕐 You usually need to make an appointment in advance. Don’t just walk in.
🆔 What happens after RNI registration?
You will receive your BSN number immediately during the appointment or within a few days by post or email. With this, you can:
- Start working
- Register for health insurance
- Open a Dutch bank account
- Receive your salary legally
🔄 Switching later to full BRP registration
Once you:
- Find permanent housing
- Stay longer than 4 months
👉 You must switch to full BRP registration at your local gemeente (city hall).
Steps:
- Make an appointment at the gemeente
- Bring your ID, rental contract, and BSN
- Your BSN stays the same, but you become a resident instead of a non-resident
⚠️ If you don’t make this switch, you may miss out on government benefits like zorgtoeslag or huurtoeslag.
❓ FAQ
Can I work without a BSN?
No. You need a BSN for legal work, taxes, insurance, and payment. RNI gives you a BSN even if you don’t have housing.
Can I get health insurance with RNI?
Yes, but only basic coverage. You may not be eligible for zorgtoeslag until you register in the BRP.
Can I get a DigiD with RNI?
Yes — but access is limited. You’ll need full BRP registration for full DigiD functionality.
✅ Summary
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| No rental contract yet | Register via RNI at an approved gemeente |
| Need BSN to work | Bring valid ID and a temporary address |
| Staying longer than 4 months | Switch later to BRP registration |
| Need benefits or full DigiD | You must be BRP registered |
