Effective January 1, 2026, the Dutch government will close Non-residents Records Database (RNI) registration desks for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals (third-country nationals) at 17 of the 19 border municipalities.
Foreign nationals who work in the Netherlands but do not live there often need a Dutch social-fiscal number, known as the Burgerservicenummer (BSN). Residents receive a BSN when registering their address with the municipality. Non-residents can obtain one by registering in the Non-residents Registration (Registratie Niet-Ingezetenen, or RNI).
Currently, 19 municipalities have an RNI desk. However, starting January 1, 2026, only Breda and Venlo will continue to allow third-country nationals to register in the RNI. The other 17 municipalities will restrict RNI registration to EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals.
Because the number of locations where third-country nationals can register in the RNI will be reduced, many individuals will face longer travel times, and appointment waiting periods are likely to increase. It will therefore be more important than ever to plan ahead.
This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.
