Resettlement after living abroad
If you are resettling in the Netherlands after having lived abroad, you have to declare your intent with the municipality within 5 days of your arrival.
If you move to the Netherlands, you have to arrange a lot in the country of origin as well as in the Netherlands. The Checklist going to live or work in Nederland gives you an overview of all regulatory matters.
This declaration only applies to you if you emigrated from the Netherlands after 1 October 1994. If you have deregistered with the municipality before 1 October 1994, for reasons of immigration or 'leaving without a known destination', an Initial registration in the Netherlands is applicable to your situation.
Appointment
Declare your intent of resettlement after living abroad in person at the Civil Affairs Department. To register your resettlement, you have to schedule an appointment.
What is needed?
- A valid proof of identity
- A travel document or different document that shows your nationality
- Proof of deregistration if you are from Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Saba or St. Eustatius
- Other official documents concerning juristic facts that have occurred after the date of departure abroad, such as a marriage certificate or divorce certificate (complete with apostille or legalisation, see www.rijksoverheid.nl)
- Recent and completed documents that prove occupation of your house or building. Examples include permission from the housing association, a tenancy agreement, a title deed or a statement from the principal occupant (pdf, 98 kB) with a copy of the proof of identity of the principal occupant
Not a citizen of the EU, EEA or Switzerland?
If you are not a citizen of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you will have to report to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) before registering with the Civil Affairs Department.
Costs
The registration of resettlement in the Netherlands is free of charge.
Processing
Processing your resettlement registration takes 5 workdays. You will receive a confirmation from the Civil Affairs Department.