BSN Number Netherlands: Step-by-Step Guide For Expats

BSN number Netherlands – if you have just arrived, this is the first thing you need to sort. A BSN number in the Netherlands is required before you can open a bank account, get health insurance, start work properly, or register with a doctor. The good news is that getting a BSN number in the Netherlands is completely free and straightforward. The bad news is that the clock starts ticking the moment you land.

What exactly is a BSN number?

BSN stands for Burgerservicenummer – your Dutch citizen service number. It is a unique nine-digit identifier that follows you for life. The Dutch government, your employer, your bank, your health insurer, and your municipality all use it to identify you in their systems. Think of it as the Dutch equivalent of a national insurance number or social security number. Every person living in the Netherlands needs one, including children. You can read more about how the BSN is used on the Rijksoverheid website.

The five-day rule – don’t ignore this

You are legally required to register with your municipality within five days of arriving in the Netherlands if you plan to stay for four months or longer. Miss this window and you risk a fine of €325 or more.

The catch is that appointment slots, especially in Amsterdam, can be booked out weeks in advance. The practical solution is to book your appointment before you even land. If your appointment ends up being scheduled after the five-day window through no fault of your own, ask the municipality to backdate your registration to the date you booked. Most will accommodate this.

Gemeente or RNI – which applies to you?

There are two ways to get a BSN number in the Netherlands depending on your situation.

If you are staying for four months or more and already have a Dutch address, register at your local gemeente (municipality). This is the standard route for most expats moving here for work or study.

If you are staying for less than four months, or do not yet have a fixed Dutch address, register at an RNI desk instead. RNI stands for Registratie Niet-Ingezetenen, the Non-residents Records Database. There are 19 RNI municipalities including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Eindhoven and Groningen. From January 2026, non-EU passport holders can no longer register at The Hague’s RNI and must use Breda or Venlo instead. Full details are available on the official RNI registration page.

What documents do you need?

For gemeente registration bring the following:

A valid passport or EU identity card
Proof of address – your rental contract or a verklaring van inwoning (a signed declaration from your landlord confirming you live at their address)
Your employment contract if you are starting work

If you do not yet have your residence permit, an IND Letter of Approval is accepted as an alternative. Check the IND website for the latest documentation requirements.

Step-by-step: how to get your BSN number in the Netherlands

Step 1 – Book your appointment Go to your municipality website and book an appointment online. For RNI registration, complete the online pre-registration form at rvig.nl first. You will receive a QR code to bring to your appointment.

Step 2 – Prepare your documents Gather everything listed above before your appointment. Missing a document means starting the process again and potentially losing your appointment slot.

Step 3 – Attend in person You must appear in person. The municipality verifies your documents on the spot and you cannot send someone on your behalf.

Step 4 – Receive your BSN Your BSN arrives by post within four weeks. Keep this letter as it is the clearest record of your number. If you lose it, your BSN also appears on official government correspondence, your Dutch residence permit, and your driving licence. Once you have a DigiD you can also retrieve it through MijnOverheid (see our DigiD guide – coming soon).

Starting work without a BSN number in the Netherlands

If your job starts before your BSN comes through, your employer can put you on payroll but you will be taxed at the emergency rate, which is the maximum Dutch income tax rate. Getting your BSN number sorted quickly can save you hundreds of euros in your first month. If you are also eligible for the 30% ruling, read our guide on how the 30% ruling works to make sure you apply within the four-month window.

Frequently asked questions

Does my BSN number ever change? No. Once issued your BSN number in the Netherlands stays with you permanently. If you have lived in the Netherlands before, use your existing number as it never expires or changes.

Do children need their own BSN number? Yes. Each child is registered alongside their parents at the gemeente and receives their own unique nine-digit number.

Can I get a BSN number without a Dutch address? If you are staying less than four months, yes – via RNI registration. For longer stays you need a fixed Dutch address to register at a gemeente.

Is there a fee for getting a BSN number in the Netherlands? No. Getting a BSN number in the Netherlands is completely free of charge.

How long does it take to get a BSN number? Some municipalities issue your BSN on the day of your appointment. Others send it by post within four weeks. Check with your specific gemeente before attending.

What if I had a BSN number before? Your BSN never changes. Look it up on previous government correspondence or retrieve it through MijnOverheid once you have a DigiD.

For official guidance visit the Rijksoverheid website.