How to get a BSN in NL

A BSN (Burgerservicenummer) is your citizen service number for dealing with Dutch public services. You receive one when you are first registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP), either as a resident or as a non-resident through the RNI. If you previously lived, worked or studied in the Netherlands, you may already have a BSN, so check before starting a new registration.

First check whether you already have a BSN. Netherlands Worldwide explains where to find it on Dutch documents, in MijnOverheid or through an RNI desk if you are unsure. If you do not have one, work out which route applies. If you will live in the Netherlands for longer than 4 months, register as a resident in the BRP with the municipality where you live, in person within 5 days of arriving. In law the test is that you have lawful residence and are expected to be in the Netherlands for at least two thirds of the time over a six-month period, so separate short stays within six months can add up to resident registration. If you live outside the Netherlands or will stay for less than 4 months, you may register as a non-resident in the RNI using your address abroad. Some people living abroad receive a BSN through the Tax Administration, SVB, DUO, CAK or UWV, but only when the specific official route applies to their situation; there is no universal overseas application route.

1. 1

   Check for an existing BSN, then choose the right route

   If you previously lived, worked or studied in the Netherlands, you may already have a BSN. Check your Dutch documents or MijnOverheid, or ask an RNI desk to verify whether you are registered. If you do not have a BSN and will live in the Netherlands for more than 4 months, register as a resident in the BRP through the municipality where you live. If you live outside the Netherlands or will stay for less than 4 months, use the non-resident RNI route with your address abroad. A government organisation can register some people living abroad when its specific official route applies, but this is not a universal overseas application.

   Do this: Check for an existing BSN first; if you do not have one, decide which official registration route applies before booking anything.

   Common mistake: Do not start a new registration merely to obtain another number. A Dutch residential address is not required for the RNI route; non-residents register using an address abroad.

   Official source

   Netherlands Worldwide · Where to find or verify an existing BSN
2. 2

   Book the relevant registration appointment

   Residents book with the municipality where they live. For the RNI route, Dutch nationals and nationals of an EU or EEA country or Switzerland may choose an RNI desk. People with another nationality can register only at the RNI desks in Breda or Venlo under the rule introduced in January 2026. In most cases you need an appointment, so book the desk that applies to you well ahead of time.

   Do this: Check the RNI desk rule for your nationality, then book the appointment for the route that applies to you.

   Processing time

   If you are registering as a resident you must register in person within 5 days of arriving in the Netherlands. Appointment availability varies by municipality or RNI desk.

   Common mistake: Do not book another RNI desk if you are not Dutch and do not have EU, EEA or Swiss nationality; from January 2026 the registration desks for that group are Breda and Venlo.

   Official source

   Netherlands Worldwide · RNI desk eligibility and other BSN routes for people living abroad
3. 3

   Bring the documents for your route

   The document list differs for resident and RNI registration. Bring valid identification and check the appointment instructions for any address, residence or civil-status documents required in your case.

   Do this: Use the appointment checklist from the municipality or RNI desk rather than a generic document list.

   Documents needed

   • Valid ID or passport
   • Documents listed in your appointment confirmation

   Common mistake: Do not assume the resident and RNI document lists are the same.

   Official source

   Netherlands Worldwide · Checklist for moving to the Netherlands
4. 4

   Receive your BSN

   Your BSN is issued as part of your registration. If you register as a resident you receive your BSN within a few weeks, and how long this takes depends on the municipality. If you register as a non-resident you receive a BSN through your RNI registration. Keep it secure; you will use it in dealings with Dutch public services and often for work, healthcare and taxes.

   Do this: Check that your registration details are correct and keep your BSN somewhere secure.

   Official source

   Government.nl · Personal Records Database (BRP)

• Valid ID or passport
• If registering as a resident: proof of occupancy, such as a rental contract, a contract of sale or written permission from the property's main occupant
• Residence document if it applies to your situation
• Civil-status documents if the municipality asks for them, such as a birth certificate or proof of divorce, and proof of deregistration if you are coming from Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius or Saba

• Municipal registration: usually free

If you are registering as a resident, you must register in person with your municipality within 5 days of arriving in the Netherlands. You then receive your BSN within a few weeks, and how long this takes depends on the municipality. Non-residents receive a BSN when they register in the RNI. Appointment availability varies by municipality and by RNI desk.

Requirements depend on your situation. Check the latest requirements with the relevant authority.

• Starting a new registration without checking for an existing BSN: if you previously lived, worked or studied in the Netherlands, first use the official find-your-BSN route
• Assuming everyone needs a Dutch residential address: non-residents and people staying less than 4 months can use the RNI with an address abroad
• Not checking whether resident or non-resident registration applies to your situation
• Assuming every non-resident can use any RNI desk or obtain a BSN through any government organisation: nationality affects the desk choice, and administrative routes for people living abroad apply only in specified situations
• Missing the 5-day deadline: if you register as a resident you must register in person with your municipality within 5 days of arriving, and appointments are often needed well in advance, so contact the municipality before you travel

• Use your BSN to open a bank account
• Register with a GP (huisarts)
• Apply for health insurance