Town hall registration
If you intend staying in the Netherlands for longer than four months, or if you have been granted a student residence permit, you must register with your local Dutch town hall shortly after arrival. Sign up for your town hall appointment well in advance!
How to make an appointment
At the beginning of each semester, the municipality of Leiden holds special town hall registration sessions for newly-arriving students.
September 2025
Session dates and registration links will be communicated here soon. Please await this information before trying to make an appointment.
Other arrival period
If you are arriving at a different time of year, please check here how to make an appointment.
At the beginning of each semester, the municipality of The Hague holds special registration sessions for newly-arriving students.
September 2025
Session dates and registration links will be communicated here soon. Please await this information before trying to make an appointment.
Other arrival period
If you are arriving at a different time of year, please check here how to make an appointment.
Call +31 (0)71 519 1793 and press 1 to make an appointment.
Visit the website to sign up for an appointment.
Contact the town hall directly to make an appointment.
What to bring to your appointment
Make sure to make any necessary photocopies in advance. You cannot copy documents at the town hall!
- Valid passport
- Copy of the visa/residence permit approval email you received from Leiden University
- Proof of your Dutch address in the form of:
- original rental contract in your name, or
- written approval that you may reside at the address, issued by the principle tenant at the address and accompanied by a copy of their identity document.
- Valid passport or EU ID card – plus one copy
- Copy of the visa/residence permit approval email you received from Leiden University
- Proof of your Dutch address in the form of:
- original rental contract in your name, or
- declaration of permission issued by your landlord or the official main occupant of the property, accompanied by copy of their passport or ID card
- Valid passport or EU ID card – plus one copy
- Copy of the visa/residence permit approval email you received from Leiden University
- Original legalised birth certificate – plus one copy
- Proof of your Dutch address in the form of:
- original rental contract in your name, or
- original landlord’s statement granting you permission to reside at that address, accompanied by copy of his/her passport or ID card and documentary proof of property ownership
- Valid passport or EU ID card – plus one copy
- Copy of the visa/residence permit approval email you received from Leiden University
- Optional: birth certificate - if available in English, French, German or Dutch
- Proof of your Dutch address in the form of:
- original rental contract in your name, or
- original landlord’s statement granting you permission to reside at that address
Check with the town hall directly.
Do I need a legalised birth certificate?
You will only need a legalised birth certificate to register at certain town halls or in exceptional circumstances. Check well in advance whether you need a legalised birth certificate by looking in the list above or contacting your future town hall.
- If you are from a country that has signed the Apostille Treaty: Have your birth certificate affixed with an Apostille by the designated authority in your country.
- If you are from a country that has not signed the Apostille Treaty: Contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your country of birth to find out what steps to take. Note that up to three different bodies may have to sign and stamp your birth certificate, so make sure to start the process several months in advance.
- If your birth certificate is not in Dutch, English, French or German: also obtain a sworn translation.