BSN in the Netherlands: what it is and how to get one

The BSN (burgerservicenummer) is a personal identification number assigned to everyone registered in the Netherlands. It is nine digits, unique to you, and used by the Belastingdienst, your employer, your health insurer, your bank, your huisarts, and most government agencies. You get it when you register at your gemeente.

Why you need it first

Almost everything you need to set up in the Netherlands requires a BSN. Your employer cannot process your salary without it. Your health insurer cannot activate your policy. Your bank cannot open an account (some banks allow you to start the process, but they need the BSN to complete it). Your huisarts cannot register you in their system.

This creates a practical problem: you need health insurance within four months of arrival, but you cannot get it until you have a BSN, and you cannot get a BSN until you have registered at the gemeente. If your gemeente has a waiting list for registration appointments, that timeline gets tight. Book your appointment as early as possible.

The gemeente appointment

You register at the balie (counter) of your local gemeente. In most cities, you need an appointment. You can book online through your gemeente's website, or call them.

Bring your passport or ID card, your rental contract or proof of address, and your birth certificate (apostilled or legalised, depending on your country of origin). If you are married, bring your marriage certificate. Requirements vary slightly between gemeenten, so check your gemeente's website for the exact list.

At the appointment, the ambtenaar (civil servant) enters your details into the BRP (basisregistratie personen), the national population register. They will ask your name, date of birth, nationality, and address. The conversation is often in Dutch, especially at smaller gemeenten outside the Randstad.

Phrases you will hear: "Heeft u een afspraak?" (Do you have an appointment?), "Mag ik uw paspoort?" (May I see your passport?), "Wat is uw adres?" (What is your address?), "Kunt u hier tekenen?" (Can you sign here?).

Phrases you might need: "Ik wil me inschrijven" (I want to register), "Ik heb een afspraak om ..." (I have an appointment at ...), "Dit is mijn huurcontract" (This is my rental contract).

What happens after registration

Your BSN is generated immediately and printed on the registration confirmation. You can use it right away. A few days later, the gemeente mails you a brief van inschrijving (registration letter) confirming your BRP entry.

With your BSN in hand, these are the next steps most expats take: apply for a DigiD, register for health insurance, open a Dutch bank account, and give your BSN to your employer.

Your BSN also appears on your verblijfssticker (residence permit sticker) if you have one, and on correspondence from the Belastingdienst.

Where to find your BSN later

Your BSN is on the registration letter from your gemeente, on your Dutch ID card or residence permit, on any letter from the Belastingdienst, and on your jaaropgave from your employer. If you cannot find it, you can call your gemeente or check MijnOverheid under Persoonlijke Gegevens.

Practice the vocabulary

TikTaal's free gemeente registration scenario covers exactly this appointment: arriving at the balie, answering the ambtenaar's questions, and understanding what each step means. Every Dutch word is clickable for pronunciation and translation. No account required.