TL;DR
Your BSN (Burgerservicenummer) is the key to everything in the Netherlands. You get it by registering at your local gemeente (municipality). Book your appointment before arriving — wait times can be 1–6 weeks. Bring your passport, apostilled birth certificate, and proof of address. You receive the BSN on the spot.
What is a BSN?
The BSN (Burgerservicenummer, literally “citizen service number”) is a unique 9-digit personal identification number assigned to everyone registered in the Netherlands. It was introduced in 2007 and is used by the government, employers, healthcare providers, banks, and tax authorities.
Without a BSN you cannot:
- Open a Dutch bank account
- Start employment at the correct tax rate
- Activate Dutch health insurance
- File a tax return
- Apply for government benefits (zorgtoeslag, huurtoeslag)
- Apply for DigiD (digital government ID)
- Register with a GP (huisarts)
How to get your BSN: step by step
Step 1: Book your gemeente appointment
Visit the website of the gemeente where you will live. Search for “registration” or “inschrijving” and book an appointment online. Most cities use an online booking system, though some smaller municipalities accept walk-ins.
Book early
In popular expat cities the wait time for an appointment can be 2–6 weeks. Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, and Eindhoven have the longest queues. Book before you arrive if possible. You can also register at any municipality — not just the one where you live.
Step 2: Gather your documents
Bring the following to your appointment:
- Valid passport or EU identity card — must be the original, not a copy.
- Birth certificate with apostille — translated into English, Dutch, German, or French by a sworn translator. Some municipalities accept certificates in English without translation. The apostille must be recent (some require less than 6 months old).
- Proof of address — a signed rental contract, letter from your landlord, or employer housing confirmation. Hotels and short-term Airbnbs are generally not accepted.
- Marriage certificate with apostille (if applicable) — required if you want your partner registered at the same address.
- Employment contract or employer letter (recommended) — not always required but speeds up the process, especially for highly skilled migrant (kennismigrant) visa holders.
Tip: apostilles
An apostille is an international certificate that authenticates your document. You must get it from the country that issued the document — for example, a US birth certificate needs a US apostille. This is typically handled by your country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs or a designated authority.
Step 3: Attend the appointment
The appointment itself is straightforward and takes about 15–30 minutes. The gemeente employee will:
- Verify your identity and documents
- Enter your details in the BRP (Basisregistratie Personen — the population register)
- Assign your BSN number
- Provide a confirmation letter with your BSN
You receive your BSN immediately. Write it down and keep it safe — you will use it constantly in the Netherlands.
Step 4: Receive your official confirmation
Within a few weeks you will receive an official letter (uittreksel BRP) at your registered address confirming your registration. This letter includes your BSN and is useful as proof of registration when opening a bank account or signing contracts.
What to do after getting your BSN
With your BSN in hand, prioritize these tasks:
- Activate your health insurance — call your insurer with your BSN. You are legally required to have Dutch health insurance within 4 months of registration.
- Open a Dutch bank account — visit ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank, or use bunq for faster online setup. You need a Dutch IBAN for salary payments.
- Apply for DigiD — at digid.nl. This is your digital identity for all government services. Activation code arrives by post within a week.
- Register with a GP (huisarts) — find a GP near your home. Many have waiting lists so register early.
- Check 30% ruling eligibility — if you were recruited from abroad, you may qualify for a significant tax benefit.
Common issues and troubleshooting
- No appointments available: Try nearby smaller municipalities — they often have shorter wait times and your registration is national, not local.
- Proof of address rejected: Ask your landlord for a signed declaration (verklaring van inwoning) or provide your employer's confirmation of housing.
- Missing apostille: Some municipalities are flexible about apostilles for EU citizens. Non-EU citizens generally must have all documents apostilled. If in doubt, call the gemeente before your appointment.
- Already working without a BSN: Your employer can apply for an emergency tax number, but your salary will be taxed at the highest bracket (49.50%) until you get your BSN.
Frequently asked questions
What is a BSN number?
A BSN (Burgerservicenummer) is the Dutch citizen service number — a unique personal identification number assigned to everyone registered in the Netherlands. It is required for employment, tax filing, healthcare, banking, and all government interactions. Think of it as the Dutch equivalent of a Social Security Number.
How long does it take to get a BSN?
You receive your BSN immediately during your registration appointment at the gemeente (municipality). However, booking the appointment itself can take 1–6 weeks depending on the city. Amsterdam and The Hague often have the longest wait times.
Can I work in the Netherlands without a BSN?
Technically your employer can apply for a temporary BSN through the Belastingdienst, but most employers require a BSN before your start date. It is best to register as early as possible. Without a BSN your employer must withhold the highest tax rate (49.50%) on your salary.
What documents do I need for BSN registration?
You need a valid passport or identity card, a birth certificate with apostille (not older than 6 months for some municipalities), proof of address in the Netherlands (rental contract), and if applicable a marriage certificate with apostille. EU citizens may also need a registration certificate from the IND.
Do I need to speak Dutch for the appointment?
No. All municipality registration desks can handle appointments in English. The forms are in Dutch but staff will explain everything. Some larger cities offer information in multiple languages.
What if I cannot find an appointment in my city?
You can register at any gemeente in the Netherlands — it does not need to be where you live. Check smaller municipalities nearby for earlier availability. After registration, your record is automatically transferred to your actual gemeente based on your registered address.