New address registration rules in the Netherlands in 2026: changes for Ukrainians and Russians

On 1 January 2026, several important changes to address-registration rules (Basisregistratie Personen — BRP) took effect in the Netherlands. They directly affect hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians who arrived because of Russia's military invasion and Russians living with residence or permanent-residence permits. Many have received letters from municipalities requesting proof of residence, and some have already lost access to benefits and allowances. This article explains what changed, what new risks appeared and how to register and protect your address details correctly.

1. What is the BRP and why did it become even more important in 2026?

The BRP is not simply a passport stamp or a residence registration like those used in former Soviet countries. It is a central government database that stores the official address of every person living in the Netherlands. Its information is used for:

• Issuing a BSN (Burgerservicenummer)
• Opening bank accounts
• Arranging health insurance (zorgverzekering)
• Receiving allowances (toeslagen: zorgtoeslag, huurtoeslag, kinderbijslag)
• Employer commuting allowances (reiskostenvergoeding)
• Applications for visas, residence permits, permanent residence or citizenship
• Paying taxes and receiving refunds

Since 2026, checks on the accuracy of BRP data have become much stricter. Municipalities are now required to check regularly whether someone really lives at their stated address. If not, they can be deregistered as “vertrokken naar het buitenland” (left for abroad) or “adres onbekend” (address unknown).

2. Main changes in 2026 — overview

3. What changed specifically for Ukrainians following the military invasion?

The Temporary Protection Directive has been extended until March 2027, but a very strict requirement was introduced on 1 January 2026:

“People under temporary protection must register at their actual residential address within four weeks of arrival. Registration at an intermediary's address (postadres or briefadres) is now possible only with a notarised power of attorney (machtiging verklaring) and written consent from the property owner.”

This means that if you registered through an intermediary without the property owner's genuine consent, you could be deregistered in 2026. Many Ukrainians who arrived in 2022–2023 and still use the old arrangements have started receiving letters requesting proof of residence.

Official source:ind.nl — Extension Temporary Protection Directive Ukraine

4. What changed for Russians with residence and permanent-residence permits?

For Russian citizens holding a permit for work, study or family reunification, stricter checks on postadres have been introduced since 2026. If your registered address does not match where you actually live, the immigration authorities may:

• Determine that residence-permit conditions were breached
• Revoke the residence permit
• Order you to leave the country within 28 days

This is especially relevant for people registered at one apartment but actually living elsewhere, for example renting a room from friends.

5. Fines and consequences of false registration in 2026

In serious cases (fraud, fictitious registration to obtain benefits), criminal liability may apply, including up to two years' imprisonment.

6. Examples from 2025–2026

Case 1. Ukrainian family from Kharkiv

Registered in The Hague through an intermediary. In March 2026 they received a letter to attend a check. They could not prove residence and were deregistered, losing access to benefits and health insurance. They urgently had to find a new address and arrange the paperwork again, spending €2,800 and two months.

Case 2. Russian IT specialist with a residence permit

Registered in Utrecht but actually living in Berlin. Following an IND check in April 2026, the permit was revoked within 28 days. He lost his job and access to his salary for three weeks.

Case 3. Woman from Odesa

Registered in Rotterdam and left for Poland in December 2025 without updating the address. In February 2026 the bank blocked her account. She had to return and register again, spending €2,400 and two months.

7. How to avoid additional checks in 2026

1. Register only where you actually live at least four or five days each week
2. Keep utility, internet and delivery bills in your name
3. Do not use an address only to receive letters (postadres); this is now a warning sign
4. If using an intermediary, require a notarised authorisation and the property owner's consent
5. Respond immediately to any letter from the gemeente and provide supporting evidence

8. What if you are already being investigated or face deregistration?

If you receive a letter from the gemeente requiring you to attend:

• Do not ignore it
• Bring your tenancy agreement, bills and proof of residence
• If you live with friends, bring them along as witnesses
• If it is too late, find a new address as soon as possible (we can help)

9. Conclusion: what to do right now

If you are registered through an intermediary without actually living there, it is time to:

• Find a reliable address (we help our partners)
• Collect proof of residence
• Update your registration before an inspection