In the Netherlands, and elsewhere in Europe, it’s not because of any requirement that tourists must register with authorities, but rather that some towns and cities have rules that restrict (or even ban) short-term AirBnB style rentals.

Here in London there is a 90-day rule (a property can’t exceed 90 days total short-term rentals per year), and it’s 60 days in Amsterdam. This is enforced on the AirBnB platform, but landlords will try to get around it by listing on multiple platforms or by having multiple listings for a property.

Dutch here. I don't for wherever. However, hotels are required to register their occupants to the city (council).

This reasoning given is 'security', that is, the city should know in case of an emergency ( say, a nuclear attack ) who to rescue. Ahum.

Of course, there is the nightly tourist taxes, that might have something to do with it too.

Small, family run hostels in China manage to figure it out. AirBnBs in middle income countries operate much more like hotels than the empty apartments they're known for in the US and Europe.

No, only if you're planning on living in the Netherlands for 3 months or more.

In UK as a foreigner you have to register within 7 days every time you move.

> Does the Netherlands have a rule that you register with the local public security bureau for wherever you are staying?

Yes, I believe they do (Vreemdelingendienst).