Citizen service number (BSN)

What is it?

A BSN (burgerservicenummer) is a personal citizen service number assigned to anyone living or working in the Netherlands. It works similar to the Social Security Number (SSN) in the U.S. or a Tax Identification Number (TIN) elsewhere.

You receive a BSN when registering in the Dutch Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP) or the Non-Residents Records Database (RNI). It’s issued to both residents and non-residents who plan to stay in the country for more than four months.

How to get a BSN?

To obtain a BSN, you need to register with your local municipality (gemeente) or at an expat center that is available in major cities (e.g., IN Amsterdam). Sometimes, appointments are required and must be booked online or by phone.

While document requirements can vary slightly by location, you’ll generally need:

• A valid passport
• Birth certificate (original document + translation if applicable)
• Proof of residence (e.g., rental contract, landlord’s statement or property deed)
• Residence permit or proof from IND (e.g., a visa or confirmation letter)
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)

Depending on the current situation appointment waiting times can vary from a few days to several months. After the registration, your BSN will be issued on the spot or sent by mail within 2–3 weeks.

Once issued, your BSN remains valid for life even if you leave the Netherlands and return later.

Why do you need a BSN?

A BSN is essential for day-to-day life in the Netherlands. You’ll need it to:

• Start working
• Get medical insurance
• Accessing healthcare and education services
• File taxes

The BSN helps streamline communication between individuals, government agencies, and private organizations – reducing errors and administrative burdens.

BSN and banking

You also need a BSN to open a Dutch bank account. Some banks allow you to open an account without one, but you must provide it within 90 days.

BSN and taxes

The BSN identifies you as a taxpayer. Employers typically require it before or on your first day of work. Without a BSN, you’re taxed at the anonymous rate – a flat 52% income tax with no benefits or deductions. Once your BSN is provided, your employer can adjust your rate retroactively and issue a refund within the same tax year.

You’ll also need a BSN to apply for tax benefits such as the 30% ruling for expats.

BSN and healthcare

Your BSN is used across the healthcare system for GP visits, hospital treatment, insurance, and prescriptions. It ensures accurate and secure data sharing among medical institutions, pharmacies, and government systems.

BSN and education

Educational institutions also use the BSN, often referring to it as a PGN (personal identification number), though the number itself is the same. You’ll need your child’s BSN to enroll them in school. While some schools may accept temporary enrollment without it, the BSN must be provided shortly after.

Where to find your BSN

Once issued, you can find your BSN in the following documents:

• Dutch driver’s license
• Official letters from the tax office
• Health insurance policy or card
• MijnOverheid (if you have a DigiD )

If you can’t locate your BSN, you need to contact the municipality where you’re registered to request it.