Netherlands - Registration

The steps should be followed in the sequence shown below, but do check office hours in advance as morning only registration is common, and as yet there is no "EU citizens" desk, long queues form especially in the larger city offices.

First Step - Registration
EU/EEA citizens must register with their local Foreign Police registration office (Vreemdelingenpolitie) within 8 days of arrival. If you are intending to look for work (and are without a work contract) and want to take advantage of the free movement of labour within the European Union then you must simply present your passport at the Foreign Police Registration Office. With a (non temporary) work contract, you must present your passport, the contract, two non-machine passport type photographs and the appropriate fee. In certain cases those with temporary contracts will have to report back for renewal, and another fee may be payable. (The permit issued on proof of acceptable work contracts will more than likely be a magnetic card with your photograph affixed).

Second Step - SOFI Number
If you are a first time jobseeker in the Netherlands you will need to obtain a SOFI number (Social Welfare/Taxation) from the local Tax Office (Belastingdienst). You will need to take your passport together with the police permit from Step 1. If you have worked previously in the Netherlands the old SOFI Number may suffice.

Third Step - Residence Permits
If you intend to look for work for more than 3 months then you must apply for a residence permit (Verblijfsvergunning). This can be obtained from the Town Hall or community office - "Stadhuis" or "Gemeente". You can ask the Police at Step 1 if in doubt about the location and office hours of items 2 and 3. You will need to present your passport, police permit, SOFI number, two photographs, a full version of your birth certificate, and in some cities (i.e. Amsterdam) proof from your landlord that you have a permanent address. NB Local Authorities are much more independent of Central Government than may be the case in your country so allow for variations in procedures. Don't forget to deregister with the Police and Town Hall when you are leaving the country permanently!