The short answer
A briefadres is an address through which government correspondence can reach a person without a residential address or in another qualifying situation. It is not a rented post-office box and not a way to hide where you actually live.
A correspondence address has a specific purpose
The municipality decides whether you qualify. If a qualifying person cannot find an address provider, the municipality has a role in arranging registration.
Explain the real housing situation
Contact municipal registration services, describe where you stay and ask what evidence they require. A private address provider normally needs to give written permission and ensure your official mail reaches you. If you do have an actual residential address but a landlord says registration is forbidden, ask the municipality how to register correctly instead of buying an unrelated address.
What to do next
- Explain your residence and housing situation to the municipality.
- Ask which identity and address-provider documents are required.
- Arrange reliable collection of official letters and report later changes.
Your agency accommodation ends and you temporarily have no fixed home. Ask municipal registration services about the appropriate route; do not assume a short-stay RNI registration solves every resident-registration obligation.
Questions people ask
Can I use a post-office box?
No. A briefadres must meet municipal requirements and cannot simply be a post-office box.
Does a friend have to consent?
A private address provider normally gives written permission and must ensure official mail reaches you. Ask the municipality for its document requirements.
What if I cannot find an address provider?
Explain this to the municipality. Its registration duty and available municipal arrangements must be assessed for your situation.
Can I use it while actually living at another address?
It is not a substitute for truthful residential registration. Tell the municipality where you actually stay.
Does a briefadres automatically qualify me for allowances?
No. Registration and each benefit’s eligibility conditions are separate. Check the relevant benefit rules.
Sources
Last verified: 4 October 2026. Sources are in Dutch or English.