Letter address
Anyone who resides legally in the Netherlands must be registered in the Basic Registration of Persons (BRP). Preferably at a residential address, and in certain situations at a mailing address. A valid reason is required to apply for a mailing address. This is possible if one of the situations listed below applies.
- You do not have a residential address under the BRP Act BRP Section 2.23 of the BRP Act).
- You are residing in a facility (Article 2.40 of the BRP Act).
- You are staying in a psychiatric facility (Section 2.40 of the BRP Act).
- You are staying at a child welfare facility, a shelter, or a supported living facility (Article 2.40 of the BRP Act).
- For security reasons, it is not advisable to include a residential address (Section 2.41 of the BRP Act).
The municipality where a mailing address is requested does not have to be the municipality where a person is currently residing. A mailing address is requested in the municipality where the mailing address is located. If any of these Requirements not met, a person cannot be granted a mailing address.
How does it work?
If you meet the Requirements a mailing address, you must submit a request for information regarding a mailing address (click the green button below). In this request, explain why you need a mailing address. The request will be reviewed by the Public Affairs staff, and depending on the situation, an interview will be scheduled at City Hall.
You can then use the application form to submit a valid request for a mailing address.
Request for Information:
During the meeting, we will discuss your situation and go over the options with you.
Please bring a valid form of identification to this appointment. If you have any supporting documents, it would be helpful if you could bring them with you to the appointment. These documents are ultimately required to submit a correct application. Examples of supporting documents:
- Upon admission to a healthcare facility or correctional facility:
- A certificate of admission issued by the facility. - If you are (temporarily) homeless:
- Booking confirmations and payment receipts from campgrounds, hotels, and other accommodations that prove you are staying there;
- Your expired lease agreement;
- The contract proving that your home has been sold; - If you are staying abroad for less than 8 months:
- Air (or other) tickets;
- Visas;
- Hotel bookings, camping and/or B&B bookings. - If you are being threatened or, for other safety reasons, do not want your whereabouts to be known:
- Clear and substantiating evidence demonstrating that your safety is at risk.
What does it cost?
Applying for a letter address is free of charge.
For what reason might you be eligible for a mailing address?
You may need a mailing address if you:
- (temporarily) do not have a residential address while moving between two homes;
- are a ship’s captain and are away from home for up to 2 consecutive years for work;
- are residing in a correctional facility;
- are residing in a nursing home;
- are residing in a psychiatric facility;
- is staying in a women’s shelter or other shelter;
- is being threatened or, for other safety reasons, cannot disclose their whereabouts.
You are not eligible for a mailing address if you are living at another address for a short period of time or if you are going abroad for more than 8 months. Every application is carefully reviewed by the staff of the Public Affairs Department. As soon as you have a residential address, you BRP register in the BRP using that address. This also applies if you are staying at a campground on a permanent basis.