What is a BSN number in the Netherlands and how to get one

If you’re moving to the Netherlands to work, study, or settle in for the long haul, one acronym you’ll likely come across is BSN. It’s your Dutch identity key that’s needed for everything from healthcare and banking to registering for utilities and starting a job.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what the BSN number is, why you need it, and how Americans can get one without unnecessary delays.

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Table of contents
What is a BSN number? How to apply for a BSN Number as an American Who needs a BSN number? How to check your BSN number in the Netherlands What to do if you have lost your BSN number Frequently Asked Questions

What is a BSN number?

BSN stands for Burgerservicenummer, or Citizen Service Number. It’s a unique personal ID number issued by the Dutch government. Every resident in the Netherlands—whether citizen, expat, or international student—gets one.

Your BSN ties together your personal records across all major Dutch institutions. That includes:

• Tax authorities
• Health insurance providers
• Banks and pension services
• Schools and universities
• Local councils and public utilities

💡 Much like the U.S. Social Security Number, your BSN streamlines everything bureaucratic. Once you have it, you can sign contracts, start working, and register with a doctor.¹

Why do you need a BSN in the Netherlands?

Without a BSN, life in the Netherlands is more or less on pause. You’ll need it to:

• Start a job or freelance legally
• Open a Dutch bank account
• Register for health insurance
• Enroll at a school or university
• Sign a rental contract
• Pay Dutch taxes or receive benefits
• Register with your local municipality

Even something as simple as getting internet or electricity often requires a BSN. In short, it’s the first step to fully participating in Dutch society.

How to apply for a BSN Number as an American

If you're an American moving to the Netherlands, here's how to quickly and correctly apply for your BSN number.

Step 1: Register with your local municipality (GBA)

The BSN is issued when you register with the Basisregistratie Personen (BRP), the Personal Records Database maintained by your local gemeente (municipality).

You’ll typically do this once you’ve arrived in the Netherlands and secured a local address.

To register, book an appointment with the city hall or municipal office in the area where you’re living. In larger cities like Amsterdam, The Hague, or Rotterdam, you can book this online in advance.¹

Step 2: Provide required documents

At your appointment, you’ll need to bring:

• A valid passport
• Your rental contract or official proof of address in the Netherlands
• Birth certificate (official copy, translated and apostilled if needed)
• Marriage or divorce certificate, if applicable
• Employment contract or university admission letter (for visa holders)
• Your MVV visa or residence permit (if applicable)

The requirements may vary slightly by city, so check with the gemeente ahead of your appointment.

Once you’re registered in the BRP, you’ll receive your BSN number on the spot or by post within a few days.

Using your BSN: What to expect

Once you have your BSN, you’ll use it for:

• Banking: Most Dutch banks require a BSN to open an account. Some also need proof of registration in the BRP
• Healthcare: Health insurance companies and doctors will request your BSN when you register or make appointments
• Employment: Your employer will use your BSN for tax and salary administration
• Taxation: The Dutch tax authority (Belastingdienst) uses your BSN for all records and correspondence

💡 Be cautious with your BSN, as it’s considered sensitive personal data. Only share it with official institutions or trusted partners.

Who needs a BSN number?

If you're planning to live, work, or study in the Netherlands for any length of time, you'll need a BSN number. This includes:

• Expats and foreign workers: Whether you're employed by a Dutch company or freelancing for international clients, a BSN is required for tax, social security, and payroll
• Students: A BSN is required to enroll in a Dutch university, apply for student insurance, or open a student bank account
• Remote workers and digital nomads: Even if your income comes from abroad, you’ll need a BSN to access local services like housing, internet, and healthcare
• Family members and dependents: If you’re relocating with a partner or children, each person will need their own BSN
• Property buyers and retirees: Planning to settle or invest in Dutch property? You’ll need a BSN for contracts, utilities, and municipal registration

In short, if you plan to stay in the Netherlands for more than four months or need to interact with Dutch public services or banks, you’ll need a BSN.

How to check your BSN number in the Netherlands

Your BSN number is usually issued when you register with your local municipality (gemeente). You’ll receive it either:

• On your registration confirmation letter
• On the back of your Dutch ID card or residence permit
• On official correspondence from the Belastingdienst (tax office)
• Within your DigiD account, if you have registered for digital government services

If you’re not sure where to look, try logging into MijnOverheid with your DigiD. This secure online portal allows you to view your government records, and your BSN will be listed under your profile information.²

Just remember: your BSN is private and should be shared only with trusted institutions like banks, government offices, and healthcare providers.

What to do if you have lost your BSN number

Misplaced your BSN number or lost the document it was printed on? Don’t worry, you can retrieve it easily, as long as you’re registered in the Netherlands.

Here’s what to do:

1. Check your DigiD or MijnOverheid account: If you’ve signed up for Dutch digital services, you can log in and view your BSN there.
2. Look at official documents: Your BSN may be printed on your residence permit, tax forms, or municipality registration letter.
3. Contact your local gemeente: If you can’t find it, contact the municipality where you registered. Bring valid ID and proof of address, and they can reissue your registration letter with your BSN.

Since you’re only ever issued one BSN, you cannot apply for a new one. It stays the same even if you leave and return to the Netherlands later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about your BSN number in the Netherlands? Here are clear answers to the most common ones.

Do I need a BSN to open a Dutch bank account?

Yes, most banks require your BSN and proof of Dutch address to open an account.

Is a BSN the same as a DigiD?

No. DigiD is a digital identity used to access government services online. You’ll need a BSN to register for a DigiD.

Can I work in the Netherlands without a BSN?

Not legally. Your employer must use your BSN for tax and social security purposes.

Is my U.S. Social Security Number valid in the Netherlands?

No. Your SSN and BSN are not interchangeable. You need a BSN for any Dutch administration.

How long does it take to get a BSN?

The processing time depends on where you register and whether you are a full or short-term resident.- Full residents (BRP registration): You’ll often receive your BSN during your municipality appointment or within 5–10 business days.- Short-term residents (RNI registration): Usually issued on the same day.Delays can occur during busy seasons or in larger cities, so it’s wise to book your appointment early and prepare all required documents.

Does my BSN expire?

No. Your BSN stays the same for life, even if you leave the Netherlands and return years later. You only get one, and it’s tied to your identity forever.However, if you deregister from the BRP (for example, when moving abroad), your BSN remains inactive until you return and re-register.

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Getting your BSN is your first major milestone toward living in the Netherlands. It opens the door to everything, from healthcare and housing to job contracts and tax filings.

If you’re an American moving abroad, plan ahead, gather your documents, and book your registration appointment early. And to make your money go further in the Netherlands, use Wise to handle your international transfers with low fees and real exchange rates.

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Sources

1. Iamexpat – BSN number in the Netherlands
2. Netherlandsworldwide – Where can I find my citizen service number?

Sources checked 07/02/2025