How can I get a citizen service number (BSN) if I live outside the Netherlands?
You will get a citizen service number (BSN) when you register in the Non-residents Records Database (RNI). You can do this at an RNI desk in the Netherlands. In some cases you can get a BSN via a Dutch government organisation that you have to arrange something with.
Where can I get a BSN?
Read where and how you can get a BSN:
You will get a BSN when you register at an RNI desk. You can register at an RNI desk if you:
- live outside the Netherlands; or
- will be staying in the Netherlands for less than 4 months.
How does it work?
Your nationality determines which desk you can register at::
- If you are a Dutch national or a national of another EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you can make an appointment at any RNI desk.
- If you are not a Dutch national or a national of another EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you can only make an appointment at the RNI desk in Breda or Venlo.
Making an appointment
Make an appointment at an RNI desk.
- Alkmaar
- Almelo
- Amsterdam
- Breda*
- Doetinchem*
- Eindhoven
- Goes
- Groningen
- Heerlen*
- Leeuwarden
- Leiden
- Nijmegen*
- Rotterdam
- Terneuzen
- The Hague*
- Utrecht
- Venlo*
- Westland*
- Zwolle
Preparing for your appointment
You need a valid passport or valid ID card to register at an RNI desk.
If you don’t speak Dutch or English, bring someone with you who can interpret for you.
Registering children
Children aged 16 or older can register themselves. If you wish to register a child under 16, bring the following additional documents with you:
- Your child’s valid passport or ID card.
- Your child’s birth certificate or a declaration of acknowledgement of parentage stating that you are their parent. Find out if you need to have a foreign document legalised and/or translated. Check with the RNI municipality to find out what requirements the document must meet.
Registering in person
You must register at an RNI desk in person so that a staff member can verify your identity. If you want to register anyone other than yourself, that person must be present too. This also applies to children.
After registering
At the RNI desk you will receive an overview of your data in the RNI and a letter with your BSN.
If you live outside the Netherlands you can get a BSN via the Tax Administration if you:
- need to declare gift or inheritance tax
- need to declare transfer tax
- wish to register for a dividend tax refund
- will be employed by a Dutch employer
- receive, or will receive, a pension
- own property in the Netherlands
- need a BSN for your benefit partner
- need a BSN for your tax partner
- are entitled to childcare benefit and need a BSN for your child.
How does it work?
If any of the situations above applies to you, you can apply for a BSN via the Tax Administration. The Tax Administration will arrange the registration in the RNI. Once you are registered you will receive a BSN.
Apply for a BSN via the Tax Administration (Belastingdienst.nl)
If you live outside the Netherlands you can get a BSN via the SVB if you:
- are entitled to old age pension (AOW)
- are entitled to child benefit and need a BSN for your child.
How does it work?
If any of the situations above applies to you, apply for AOW pension or child benefit via the SVB. The SVB will arrange your registration in the RNI. Once you are registered you will be given a BSN.
If you live in Aruba, Curaçao or St Maarten and are going to study in the Netherlands, you can get a BSN via DUO if you have Dutch nationality and apply for student finance before you leave for the Netherlands. Students in secondary vocational education (MBO) who are under 18 can also get a BSN via DUO.
How does it work?
If the situation above applies to you, apply to DUO for student finance. DUO will register you in the RNI. Once you are registered you will receive a BSN.
Find out more about getting a BSN via DUO (DUO.nl) (information in Dutch)
If you live outside the Netherlands and are entitled to a benefit from the central office for exceptional medical insurance (CAK) or the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV), one of these organisations may be able to register you in the RNI. Once you are registered you will receive a BSN.
More information
Contact the CAK or UWV for more information
Moving to the Netherlands?
If you are moving to the Netherlands and don’t yet have a BSN, you will be given a BSN when you register with the municipality. If you are moving to Bonaire, St Eustatius or Saba, you will be given a BSN when you register in the population register.