ResideNL · Moving to NL · BSN
How to get a BSN in the Netherlands
The BSN (Burgerservicenummer, or citizen service number) is your personal national ID number in the Netherlands. You'll need it for work, tax, healthcare, opening a bank account and setting up DigiD — so it's one of the first things to sort out.
How you get a BSN
You don't apply for a BSN on its own — you get it by registering with the authorities:
- Staying more than 4 months? You get your BSN when you register with your municipality (BRP) as a resident. It's often issued at the appointment, or sent by post soon after.
- Staying less than 4 months? You register as a non-resident in the RNI (Registratie Niet-Ingezetenen) at a designated municipality, which also gives you a BSN.
What you'll need
- A valid passport or ID card.
- For resident registration: proof of your Dutch address and, usually, a legalised/translated birth certificate.
- A booked appointment at the municipality.
What the BSN is used for
- Starting a job and being paid (your employer needs it).
- Tax and benefits with the Belastingdienst.
- Health insurance and seeing a doctor.
- Opening a Dutch bank account.
- Setting up DigiD, your login for government services.
Official source: government.nl — Citizen service number (BSN).
See exactly what you need, in order.
ResideNL builds a personalised checklist from your situation — including whether you register as a resident or non-resident, and everything the BSN unlocks next.
Related:
ResideNL is not a government service and does not provide legal advice. Rules, fees and deadlines change — always confirm on the official pages we link to.