BSN in the Netherlands – what it is, how to get one and why you need it

A practical explanation for international clients who are starting work, moving to the Netherlands or arranging basic administrative matters.

If you plan to work or move to the Netherlands, one of the first terms you will hear is BSN, or Burgerservicenummer. It is a personal identification number used in contact with Dutch public administration.

Without a BSN, many matters become difficult. The number is used for work, taxes, health insurance, DigiD, allowances and official correspondence. It is therefore important to know when you receive it and where to find it.

Good to knowIn principle, you receive a BSN only once. Even if you leave the Netherlands and return after several years, you normally continue using the same number.

What is a BSN?

BSN is a personal administrative number assigned to a person registered in the Dutch population register. It is used by municipalities, Belastingdienst, employers, insurers, pension institutions and many other organisations.

What do you need a BSN for?

In practice, the BSN is one of the most important numbers you receive in the Netherlands. You need it for:

starting legal work,
filing an income tax return,
applying for DigiD,
taking out Dutch health insurance,
using healthcare services,
applying for allowances such as zorgtoeslag or huurtoeslag,
contact with Belastingdienst, the municipality, UWV or SVB,
checking data in MijnOverheid.

Simply put: BSN is the basis for most formalities in the Netherlands.

How do you get a BSN?

The way you receive a BSN depends mainly on how long you plan to stay in the Netherlands.

If you move to the Netherlands for more than 4 months, you register with the municipality where you live. After registration in the BRP, the Dutch population register, the BSN is assigned automatically.

If you stay in the Netherlands for less than 4 months, you can register as a non-resident in the RNI. This registration also allows you to receive a BSN.

Common mistakeMany clients think the employer arranges the BSN. This is not correct. The number is issued by the authorities after the appropriate registration.

Which documents may be needed?

Requirements may differ depending on the municipality and your situation, but usually you should prepare:

a valid identity document, such as a passport or ID card,
your address in the Netherlands,
a rental agreement or proof of address if required,
a birth certificate or other documents if the authority asks for them.

Can you work without a BSN?

An employer needs your BSN to correctly register employment, tax and social contributions. In practice, starting work formally and processing payroll correctly is difficult without it.

Where can you find your BSN?

Once issued, the BSN can usually be found:

on documents from the municipality,
in MijnOverheid after logging in with DigiD,
on a Dutch identity document if you have one,
on a salary slip,
on the annual income statement, Jaaropgaaf,
on health insurance documents.

BSN and DigiD

You need a BSN to apply for DigiD. The usual order of formalities is therefore: first BSN, then DigiD.

Practical tipAfter receiving your BSN, it is worth applying for DigiD straight away. This makes it easier to check official correspondence, taxes, allowances and many other matters online.

Frequently asked questions

Does a BSN expire?
No. The number remains assigned to one person.

Will I receive a new BSN if I return to the Netherlands?
No. If a BSN has already been issued, you continue using the same number.

Is BSN needed for a tax return?
Yes. Belastingdienst uses BSN to identify the taxpayer.

Summary

BSN is one of the basic numbers needed to function in the Netherlands. It is important for work, taxes, health insurance, DigiD, allowances and contact with authorities.

Sources

Government.nl – information about BSN and BRP.
Netherlands Worldwide – obtaining a BSN via RNI.
DigiD.nl – DigiD application requirements.