How to Obtain Your BSN (Citizen Service Number) in the Netherlands

What is a BSN and Why Do I Need It?

A BSN is a nine-digit number used by all Dutch government agencies and service providers to identify you. It streamlines administration and ensures your data is correctly linked across various systems. Without a BSN, you cannot:

• Start employment and receive a salary.
• Open a Dutch bank account.
• Access Dutch healthcare or apply for health insurance.
• Apply for a DigiD (digital ID for online government services).
• Apply for benefits or subsidies.
• Engage in official tax matters.

How to Obtain a BSN for Long-Term Residents (Over 4 Months)

If you plan to live in the Netherlands for more than four months, you will obtain your BSN automatically through your municipal (BRP) registration.

Step 1: Register with Your Local Municipality (BRP Registration)

The BSN is issued when you register your address in the Basisregistratie Personen (BRP – Personal Records Database) at the municipality where you will reside.

1. Make an Appointment: Contact your local municipality (gemeente) to schedule an appointment for 'first registration' (eerste inschrijving). Many municipalities allow online booking.
2. Gather Documents: For your appointment, you will need:
   • A valid passport or EU/EEA identity card.
   • Proof of your Dutch address (e.g., rental contract, purchase agreement, or a declaration of consent from the main occupant of your residence).
   • An original, legalised/apostilled birth certificate (and possibly translated, depending on the language and country of origin).
   • If applicable: marriage certificate, children's birth certificates (also legalised/apostilled and translated).
   • Your residence permit (for non-EU/EEA citizens).
3. Attend the Appointment: During the appointment, your details will be entered into the BRP. All family members being registered must usually be present.

Step 2: Receive Your BSN

Once your details are successfully registered in the BRP, your BSN will be generated. You will typically receive a document with your BSN either immediately at the end of the appointment or via post shortly after.

Keep this document safe, as it is your official proof of your BSN.

How to Obtain a BSN for Short-Term Residents (Less Than 4 Months)

If you will be staying in the Netherlands for less than four months but still require a BSN (e.g., for seasonal work, a short-term contract, or an internship), you can register as a non-resident in the Register Niet-Ingezetenen (RNI – Register of Non-Residents).

1. Visit a Designated RNI Municipality: RNI registration can only be done at one of 19 designated municipalities across the Netherlands. These include major cities like Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Eindhoven, and Groningen.
2. Make an Appointment: Schedule an RNI registration appointment at one of these municipalities.
3. Bring Required Documents: You will need a valid passport or EU/EEA identity card and your current address abroad.
4. Receive Your BSN: After the appointment, you will immediately receive an RNI extract containing your BSN.

What to Do if You Lose Your BSN

If you forget or lose your BSN, you can usually find it on:

• Your Dutch driving license.
• Your payslip from a Dutch employer.
• Correspondence from the Belastingdienst (Tax and Customs Administration).
• Your health insurance card.
• Your "mijn.overheid.nl" account (if you have an activated DigiD).

If you cannot locate it, you can contact your local municipality or the Belastingdienst to request it, often requiring proof of identity.