For this you need a BSN in the Netherlands
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A BSN is your personal number for contact with the government in the Netherlands. You need it for work, healthcare and other official matters. The BSN is unique and not for sale. Read in this article what you need the BSN for.
What is a BSN?
Everyone registered with a municipality in the Netherlands has a citizen service number (BSN). The BSN is confidential personal data. This means that it is not intended for everyone. Only people or organisations that need the BSN may use it.
This personal number allows you to communicate easily and securely with various government agencies. For example, you need a BSN to:
Open a Dutch bank account (for living expenses or salary).
Work in the Netherlands.
Be able to make use of the
Enrol in an educational institution.
Without a BSN, you cannot enter employment and it is more difficult to handle administrative matters.
When do you get a BSN?
You get your BSN when you register in the
How can you register with a municipality?
If you want to register with a municipality, you need to make an appointment. How quickly you have an appointment varies by municipality. Sometimes it can happen quickly, but due to the large number of applications there can also be a waiting period. The municipality will register you at the address where you live (temporarily), such as in a reception centre.
After registering, you will receive a BSN. The BSN has no bearing on getting a (another) place in a reception centre or your own rental home. The BSN is only a way to have contact with the government.
Where is my BSN written on it?
Your BSN is on:
Passport
ID card
Driving licence
Payslip
- Annual income statement
- Healthcare card
Healthcare policy
The difference between the RNI and the BSN
Ukrainians who come to the Netherlands as immigrant workers can register in the Non-residents Records Database (RNI). For example, if you came to the Netherlands through a labor intermediary, you often have such an RNI registration. This number allows you to work and stay in the Netherlands for a maximum of four months.
In the BRP, but no BSN
The RNI is part of the Dutch population register (BRP). Therefore, many immigrant workers are listed in the BRP but do not have a BSN.
Do you want to stay in the Netherlands longer than 4 months? Then convert your RNI into a BSN
Do you want to stay in the Netherlands under the Temporary Protection Directive? Then you must have your RNI number converted to a BSN at the municipality. Only then can you make an appointment with the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) for an TPD sticker.
Do you leave the Netherlands? Then your BSN becomes an RNI again.
Are you leaving the Netherlands permanently? If so, your BSN will be converted back to an RNI number. This way you remain registered in the BRP, for example for the Dutch tax authorities.
Can I buy a BSN?
A BSN is not available for purchase. Buying, selling or trading a BSN is punishable by law. It is a form of
When do you use your BSN?
You may only use your BSN if you have contact with:
Government agencies: municipalities, the Dutch tax authorities, UWV, Social Insurance Bank (SVB), ministries, RDW, DUO.
Healthcare providers: general practitioners, hospitals, pharmacies, dentists.
Financial institutions: banks, insurers, pension funds.
Educational institutions: schools and universities.
Childcare: To apply for childcare benefits.
Employers: For payroll.
Other organisations may not ask for your BSN.
On 'MijnOverheid' you can find your data and post
All letters and messages with a BSN you get from the government are stored in '
How do I prevent fraud with my BSN?
Criminals would like to have your BSN. With your BSN, they can open a bank account or purchase a telephone subscription, for example. Therefore, it is important that your BSN does not show up on a copy of your ID.
Has an organisation asked for a copy of your ID? Then make sure your BSN is not on display.