Rights and help in the Netherlands

This section explains where to start when you need help or face a problem with work, housing, registration, discrimination or a government organisation.

Basic rights

First identify which organisation is responsible. The municipality, IND, DUO and Dienst Toeslagen each have different responsibilities.

You have rights and duties concerning areas such as housing, work, healthcare, taxes and residence. Your exact rights depend on your situation.

BRP and BSN

Keep your BRP and BSN information secure and only share copies with trusted parties that need them.

If you live in the Netherlands for more than 4 months, you generally must register in the BRP within 5 days of arrival. You then receive a BSN used for government contact.

Incorrect BRP information

If BRP information is wrong, request a correction and provide evidence showing the correct information.

If information in the BRP is incorrect or incomplete, you can ask the responsible organisation, usually the municipality, to correct it. Evidence may be required.

Employment rights

For a workplace problem, compare the contract, collective agreement and payslip before making a complaint.

A foreign worker employed by a Dutch employer generally has the same rights as a Dutch worker regarding pay, leave, working hours and working conditions.

Legal help

Ask about costs before starting legal help if your situation is not covered by free assistance.

Juridisch Loket can help with questions about work, housing, family and police/justice. First-line legal advice is free for people with a low income.

Reporting discrimination

When reporting discrimination, note the date, place, event and any witnesses. Specific details make a report more useful.

If you experience discrimination, you can report it to Discriminatie.nl. Support is free and anonymous reporting is possible, although anonymous reports cannot receive personal follow-up.

Police and emergencies

Use 112 only for emergencies requiring immediate assistance. Use the appropriate route for non-emergency police questions.

Call 112 for immediate danger or when every second counts. For non-emergency police contact, call 0900-8844.

Complaints about an organisation

Follow the organisation’s complaints procedure and keep the submission date, reference number and response.

Usually start with the organisation’s own complaints procedure. Keep letters, decisions, deadlines and evidence.

Understanding an official letter

When an official letter arrives, first identify the sender, deadline and reference number before working through the details.

Do not ignore a deadline. Ask for translation or help if needed, and first check who sent the letter before sharing personal information.

Important documents to keep

Keep a separate digital or paper file for each subject and order documents by date. Good organisation can prevent missed deadlines.

Keep copies of your passport, residence document, BRP/BSN, contracts, payslips, insurance and letters from IND, DUO, the municipality and Toeslagen.