How do I officially report my change of address?

In the Netherlands in 2026, reporting a move is a process that is seamlessly integrated with the digital government, but it remains a task where precision and timing are crucial. An official address is more than just a place to deliver mail; it's the basis for your registration in the Personal Records Database (BRP), your tax status, your voting rights, and your access to local services. Failure to report a move in time or incorrectly can lead to administrative fines, problems with benefits or missing important medical calls in 2026.

The process to officially update your address is divided between the central government, semi-public institutions and private parties. In this article, we'll analyze the steps needed to make sure you're registered correctly in each system.

The Basic Registration of Persons (BRP) via the municipality

The most important step in the entire process is to report it to the municipality where you will live. In 2026, the BRP will be the “source of the truth” for almost all government agencies. Once you are registered here, the tax authorities, the Social Insurance Bank (SVB) and your pension fund will be automatically informed.

You can report your move from four weeks before the move to no later than five days after the scheduled move date. In 2026, this will almost always be done digitally via the website of the relevant municipality using ji DigiD (or the now more widely accepted European digital identity). If you exceed the five-day period, the municipality may impose a penalty and the commencement date of your registration can be set on the day the notification is received, which may affect your right to benefits.

The tax authorities and surcharges

Although the tax authorities will automatically receive your new address via the BRP, there will be an important distinction in 2026 for people who receive housing allowance or childcare allowance. The change of address itself is automatic, but the amount of your allowance can change immediately due to the new living situation.

Within one week after you move, check whether the data has been processed correctly in the “My Allowances” portal. For housing allowance, it is essential that the new rent and household composition exactly match your new contract. In 2026, the tax authorities will use real-time data connections with landlords, but as a borrower or recipient, you remain ultimately responsible for the accuracy of the information. An incorrect registration can lead to a chargeback that only comes to light months later.

Healthcare institutions and the health insurer

Your health insurer usually receives your change of address automatically via the link with the municipality, but this does not apply to the executive care institutions. In 2026, the exchange of patient data will be strictly regulated and not every hospital or pharmacy is directly linked to the BRP for address updates.

It is essential to inform your doctor, dentist and pharmacy personally (often via their own patient portal). This is especially important if you're moving outside your current region and need to switch to a new practice. In 2026, the National Exchange Point (LSP) will still be the method for transferring your medical file, but physical registration at a new address remains a manual action that you must initiate yourself to ensure continuity of care.

Banks, insurers and financial institutions

In the private sector, there will be no central link with the municipal basic administration in 2026. This means that you must separately inform each financial institution with which you have a customer relationship. Banks require a current address due to “Know Your Customer” (KYC) legislation and to prevent fraud.

For insurers, the change of address is not only an administrative issue, but often also a risk issue. Your place of residence and the build quality of your new home influence the premium of your household, building and even your car insurance. In 2026, failure to report a move may result in the refusal of compensation, because the risk was assessed at the old address and not at the new location. In 2026, most insurers will offer a “transfer service” within their app that allows you to update all your policies with one click.

Employers and educational institutions

Although payroll tax goes through the tax authorities, your employer needs your official address for travel allowance and personnel administration. In 2026, many organizations will be working with self-service HR portals. Don't forget to change your address here immediately on the day of your move.

For students, it is crucial to report the change of address to DUO. In 2026, there will be strict controls on the difference between exchanges living away from home. A mismatch between your registration in the BRP and your registration with DUO can lead to an immediate cancellation of student loans and a penalty. Make sure that the date of registration with the municipality exactly matches the date you inform DUO.

Mail forwarding service and subscriptions

Even if you have notified all the official authorities, there is always mail that keeps coming the same way, such as association magazines, Christmas cards or small online shops where you ordered something years ago. In 2026, the postal market in the Netherlands will be concentrated, making it easier to use a forwarding service.

PostNL offers a transfer service where your mail is automatically forwarded to your new address for a period of three, six or twelve months. A major advantage of this service in 2026 is the “information service”: PostNL can optionally inform a large number of companies and organizations about your new address on your behalf. This is an effective safety net for the parties you may have overlooked. List your regular subscriptions (magazines, streaming services, meal boxes) and update them manually to prevent packages from being delivered to your old neighbors.

In 2026, officially updating your address is a digital exercise that requires a structured approach. By taking the BRP as a starting point and then systematically working through private and medical relationships, you prevent administrative noise in your new life.