BSN
If you have decided to work in the Netherlands, you have probably been asked if you have a BSN or maybe you have read or heard about this BSN somewhere. What is BSN and how can you get it?
WHAT IS THE BSN IN THE NETHERLANDS?
BSN (burgerservicenummer) is a personal identification number in the Netherlands. Until 2007 it was called Sofinummer. It is a unique number, which is granted only once in a lifetime and never expires, even if you move to another country or return to your country of origin. If you have worked in the Netherlands before and obtained a Sofinummer it means that you already have a BSN and there is no need to ask for another one, nor is it possible.
HOW CAN I GET A BSN IN THE NETHERLANDS?
To get a BSN in the Netherlands you have to register in the Dutch register of persons (BRP in Dutch) as a resident or in the database for non-residents (RNI registration in Dutch). Getting a BSN is free. Registration in the database for non-residents is done at one of the 19 city halls specifically intended for foreigners who come to work in the Netherlands temporarily. On this website you can find a list of these city halls as well as their address and phone number. Most city halls require an appointment that can be made either by phone or online (usually only if you have DigiD), depending on the chosen city hall.
After you have gone to the appointment and registered in the database for non-residents, you will receive your BSN on an official document. It is advisable to keep this document well.
BSN IN THE NETHERLANDS - DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
To obtain a BSN you need a valid passport or a valid national identity card (if you are an EU citizen). After arriving in the Netherlands, our coordination department will arrange an appointment for you at one of the 19 town halls specifically intended for foreigners coming to work in the Netherlands temporarily and will send you all the details by email.
WHAT DO I DO IF I LOST THE BSN DOCUMENT?
If you have lost your BSN, you can request a document with the BSN on it from the city hall where you registered (for a fee, depending on the city hall). The BSN can also be found in other documents such as those from the tax register (Belastingdienst in Dutch), on payslips or annual salary statements.
BSN IN THE NETHERLANDS - WHY SHOULD YOU GET A BSN
First of all the BSN is necessary to be able to work and get paid. It is also necessary when opening a bank account, if you apply for health insurance, government benefits, to obtain a pension, to go to the doctor or even when you want to get a telephone subscription. This is also required to obtain a DigiD. DigiD is a secure login method that allows you to identify yourself online when dealing with government institutions, healthcare, educational institutions or pension funds. Read more about DigiD here.
CONCLUSION - BSN IN THE NETHERLANDS
The BSN is a unique personal numerical code, absolutely necessary to be able to work in the Netherlands but also for other important things such as opening a bank account or applying for health insurance. It can be obtained from one of the 19 city halls specifically intended for foreigners who come to work in the Netherlands temporarily. You need a valid passport or a valid national identity card (if you are an EU citizen) to get one. The BSN is free and is issued after you have attended the appointment with the city hall. Our coordinators will help you get it. They will make an appointment for you and send you an email with all the necessary information. Simple, right? Don’t wait any longer and apply now for one of our vacancies!
