Netherlands Restricts RNI Registration Options for Non‑EU Nationals

Key Points 

• The Dutch government confirms that, beginning January 2026, non‑EU/non-EEA/non-Swiss nationals can register in the Non‑Residents Records Database (RNI) only at two municipalities: Breda and Venlo.  
• Previously, these individuals could register in 19 municipalities.  
• Other nationalities can still use all 19 municipalities. 

RNI Registration for Non-EU Nationals  

The Rijksdienst voor Identiteitsgegevens (RvIG) has updated its official guidance on the Registratie Niet‑Ingezetenen (RNI), the national database for individuals who live abroad or stay in the Netherlands for fewer than four months. The RNI provides non‑residents with a burgerservicenummer (BSN) and is part of the national Basisregistratie Personen (BRP). 

According to the government’s updated instructions: 

• Individuals with an EU passport, EEA passport or Swiss passport may continue to register at any of the 19 RNI desks across the Netherlands.
• Individuals without an EU passport, EEA passport or Swiss passport may register only at two locations — Breda and Venlo — starting January 2026.
• Dutch authorities require anyone who needs a BSN to register, although registration itself remains optional for others.

The RvIG notes that this change is part of the government’s broader effort to streamline identity‑management processes and centralize services for third‑country nationals. 

Insights from Envoy Global’s Netherlands Leadership

RNI is often used to obtain a BSN more quickly and avoid the anonymous tax rate, which can result in employees receiving a lower net salary,” explained Mandy Janzen‑Westernburgen, Director of Immigration and Managing Director, the Netherlands. 

“However, this is not the intended purpose of the RNI system. RNI exists solely for individuals who do not meet the requirements for full registration in the Dutch Basic Registration of Persons (BRP) but still need a BSN. At an RNI desk, the BSN is issued immediately, whereas a full BRP registration can take several weeks before the BSN becomes available. 

In practice, most third‑country nationals register through an expat center and receive their BSN immediately, which means the new RNI restrictions will have a limited impact on many foreign nationals.

Ultimately, the change simply means individuals may need to travel a bit farther to obtain a BSN — and given the Netherlands’ size, no location is truly far.

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