THE HAGUE – The Kingdom of the Netherlands has introduced new rules governing the exchange of personal data between the Netherlands, Curaçao, Aruba, Sint Maarten, and the Caribbean Netherlands, aiming to improve the accuracy of population records across the Kingdom.
The new regulations, issued by the Dutch Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, replace a circular that had been in effect since 2013. Officials say the updated framework is necessary to prevent individuals from being registered as residents in multiple population registries at the same time.
The changes come after the introduction of the Dutch citizen service number (BSN) on Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba on November 11, 2025. Since then, residents of the three islands have been assigned a BSN and their information has also become part of the Dutch Personal Records Database (BRP).
According to the ministry, the integration of the BSN system makes it increasingly important for population records throughout the Kingdom to remain synchronized and accurate.
Under the new rules, municipalities, public entities, and civil registries will automatically exchange personal information whenever a person moves between the Netherlands, the BES islands, Curaçao, Aruba, or Sint Maarten. Authorities will also be required to use a single administrative identification number for each individual.
The updated procedures include the automatic sharing of information related to civil status, previous registrations, and changes of residence through a digital connection known as the PIVA-BRP linkage.
While Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten will continue to operate their own population administration systems, the new regulations require closer coordination with Dutch and Caribbean Dutch authorities.
Officials believe the measures will improve administrative efficiency, reduce errors, and ensure that residents moving within the Kingdom are correctly registered in only one jurisdiction at a time.