Ochtend Flits

What is it?

BSN stands for Burgerservicenummer — the Dutch equivalent of a social security number. It is a unique nine-digit number assigned to every person registered in the Netherlands. You need it for almost everything official: opening a bank account, starting a job, registering with a GP, filing taxes, enrolling children in school, applying for benefits.

Without a BSN, daily life in the Netherlands is significantly harder. Getting one is one of the first things to arrange when you arrive.

How to get one

If you're staying longer than 4 months: Register at your local municipality (gemeente). Once registered in the Basisregistratie Personen (BRP) — the Dutch population register — you are automatically assigned a BSN. Bring your passport, proof of address, and any relevant visa or residence permit documents.

If you're staying fewer than 4 months but need one for work or tax purposes: Register as a non-resident at a designated RNI (Registratie Niet-Ingezetenen) desk. Not every gemeente has one — check the government's website for locations.

If you're an EU citizen: Registration is typically straightforward; you don't need a residence permit, just proof of identity and address.

Where you'll need it

• Employment: Your employer is legally required to record your BSN. You'll see it on your Loonstrook (payslip).
• Banking: Most Dutch banks require a BSN to open an account.
• Healthcare: Your GP (huisarts), health insurer, and the Zorgverzekeringswet (ZVW) health insurance system all use it.
• Tax: The Belastingdienst (tax authority) uses your BSN for income tax, benefits, and toeslagen (allowances).
• Children: Your children need their own BSN for school registration and child benefits (kinderbijslag).

DigiD

Your BSN is the foundation of DigiD — the Dutch digital identity system. DigiD is the login you use for government websites: filing your tax return, checking your pension, managing your health insurance. You apply for DigiD after getting your BSN. Almost everything with the Dutch government goes through it.

Important notes

• Your BSN is personal and sensitive — treat it like a password. Do not share it unnecessarily.
• It does not expire and does not change.
• If you leave the Netherlands permanently and deregister, your BSN is deactivated — but if you return, it can be reactivated.
• Non-EU workers need a valid residence permit (verblijfsvergunning) before or alongside BSN registration, depending on their situation.