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Information about the citizen service number (BSN) outside the Netherlands

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Find out more about the citizen service number (BSN) outside the Netherlands. This page explains what a BSN is, what you may need a BSN for and how to get a BSN if you live abroad.

A BSN is a unique personal number to use in your dealings with the Dutch authorities. A BSN helps to prevent mistaken identities, for example.

If you are registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP), you have a BSN. If you live outside the Netherlands and are registered in the Non-residents Records Database (RNI), you also have a BSN.

A BSN is comprised of 9 digits. It may begin with one or more zeros.

You need your BSN to arrange matters with the Dutch authorities such as:

  • tax returns
  • health insurance
  • pension

If you want to apply for a DigiD, you need a BSN for that too.

All government organisations can use your BSN to carry out their tasks. Other organisations may only use your BSN if they are allowed by law to do so.

Find out which organisations may use your BSN on the Dutch Data Protection Authority website.

If you are registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP), you have a BSN. If you live outside the Netherlands and are registered in the Non-residents Records Database (RNI), you also have a BSN.

How do I check if I have a BSN?

Not sure if you have a BSN? Check whether you have a BSN.

Your BSN is usually on your Dutch passport, ID card or driving licence.

You can also look up your BSN online via MijnOverheid. Dutch payslips, annual salary statements, health insurance cards and health insurance policies often have your BSN on them too.

Where to find your BSN

If you live outside the Netherlands, you will get a BSN if 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 government organisation you need to arrange things with.

Find out how to get a BSN if you live outside the Netherlands

Find out how your child can get a BSN outside the Netherlands

Attention: If you live in the Netherlands, you automatically get a BSN when you are registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP), for example at birth or if you move to the Netherlands. Your BSN remains valid even if you later move abroad.

A BSN is the same as a personal number.

Attention: On your passport or ID card your BSN is given as your ‘persoonsnummer’.

The BSN has replaced the former tax and social insurance number (sofinummer).

Attention: If you moved from the Netherlands to another country before 1 October 1994, you may not be able to use your sofinummer as your BSN. Check whether you have a BSN.

You only get a BSN once. Your BSN is valid indefinitely and never changes. Even if you live or move abroad, or if you move back to the Netherlands from abroad.

Read what you can do if you suspect someone is fraudulently using your BSN on Rijksoverheid.nl (information in Dutch).

Contact

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.