Moving Within The Netherlands
Moving house is always complicated: changing address, notifying utilities companies, moving internet and telecom services, updating the BRP database, etc. This list of essential “to-do” items should simplify your move in the Netherlands…
Moving house always requires a lot of preparation and endless planning, but there are some specifics to remember when moving in Holland. Below are a few tips and points on all that must be done when moving house in Holland.
MUNICIPALITY
Contact your new local council (‘Stadhuis’ or ‘gemeentehuis’) and register your new address. This can usually be done online but in some areas may require an in-person visit. De-registration from your old address will follow automatically when the BRP record is updated.
RESIDENCE PERMIT
The Immigration Department will be automatically notified of your new address when you register with the local council.
The Dutch postal service (PostNL) can redirect mail to your new address. To initiate this forwarding service, submit the mail forwarding service (‘verhuisservice’) online form with all relevant details (the service includes notifying senders of the correct new address). Choose the number of weeks/months you want the service for and pay the applicable fee. The request must be received at least 7 days before it is to go into effect. Note that certain items cannot be forwarded, including over-sized objects that do not fit through a standard mailbox slot, mail coming from outside the Netherlands and legal correspondence.
DRIVING LICENCE and CAR REGISTRATION
Drivers who hold a Dutch driving licence or have a car registered in their name do not need to notify the Department of Road Transport (Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer or RDW) of their new address. This will be handled automatically when registration with the local council is complete.
INSURANCE
Dutch insurance companies need to be notified of a change of address. Home insurance may be transferred to a new property. If the description or size of the new home is very different, a reassessment may be necessary. It is usually possible to change an address online.
SOCIAL SECURITY and TAXES
It is not necessary to notify the tax office of a change-of-address as this will happen automatically when you register with your new town hall (‘gemeente’). That registration will update your file in the BRP (Dutch personal records database), which is used by all government ministries and agencies).
UTILITIES
Generally, when moving home, the utilities in the new location will already be connected, although the service will need to be re-registered in the incoming occupant’s name. When cancelling an account at a previous address it is advisable to contact suppliers at least 14 days before moving.
SCHOOLS
As well as contacting the school to let them know the child will be leaving it is advisable to obtain copies of school records to give to the next school. The municipal offices in the new location should provide a list of state schools, and will see to enrollment.
Remember to also contact…
– Employer
– Doctors/dentists to have any health records transferred
– Bank (it is possible in almost all cases to update your address details online)
– Any organisation where a subscription is held
Related information…