30-second summary
- BSN = Burgerservicenummer (citizen service number). A unique personal number used by Dutch authorities and some private organisations (health insurers, universities) to link your data.
- Where to find it? Official letters (municipality/Tax Administration/DUO), MijnOverheid portal, DigiD app, and sometimes derivable from the MRZ on Dutch passports/ID cards (depends on issue year). Not printed on the driving licence.
- How to get it?
- Staying >4 months: register your address in the BRP (Municipal Personal Records Database) → BSN follows automatically.
- Staying ≤4 months: register at an RNI desk (Non-residents Register) → BSN usually issued on the spot.
- When needed? Work & salary, opening a bank account, health insurance, university enrolment/DUO, taxes, GP/hospital, sometimes for rentals and housing benefits.
- Security: Share your BSN only with organisations that have a legal basis. Mask it on non-essential ID copies.
Contents
- What is a BSN number?
- BSN on your ID: where exactly is it?
- How to obtain a BSN (BRP vs RNI)
- When will you need your BSN?
- How to retrieve your BSN
- Common mix-ups: BSN vs ID/document number vs V-number
- Privacy & security tips
- FAQ
- Useful links & Domakin services
What is a BSN number?
The Burgerservicenummer (BSN) is your lifelong Dutch citizen service number. It lets government bodies and some legally authorised organisations securely match your records for taxes, healthcare, education, benefits, and employment.
If you are an international student or expat, you receive a BSN once you register correctly.
BSN on your ID: where exactly is it?
This depends on your document type and its issue year:
- Dutch passport / ID card: the BSN may be derivable from the MRZ (machine readable zone) or stored in the chip/QR on newer models; it’s often not printed as “BSN” on the front.
- Driving licence: does not show your BSN.
- For a clear, readable reference, use MijnOverheid or the DigiD app rather than decoding the MRZ.
Tip: When a landlord/employer asks for your BSN, provide it from MijnOverheid/DigiD or an official letter rather than a full, unmasked ID copy.
How to obtain a BSN (BRP vs RNI)
A) Staying more than 4 months → BRP registration
- Book an appointment with the municipality (gemeente) where you’ll live (service desk for BRP/Population/Registration).
- Bring: valid passport/ID, rental contract or housing statement; sometimes a legalised birth certificate (varies by municipality).
- Register your residential address.
- You’ll receive a confirmation and your BSN (by letter or digitally).
B) Staying 4 months or less → RNI registration (non-residents)
- Book an appointment at an RNI desk (selected municipalities).
- Bring your passport/ID.
- You usually receive your BSN immediately after registration.
- If you later move and stay >4 months, convert to BRP at your new municipality.
When will you need your BSN?
- Employment & payroll (contracts, payslips, tax withholding).
- Banking & insurance (opening an account, health insurance).
- Housing (rent contracts/checks; sometimes housing benefit).
- Education (university enrolment, DUO).
- Healthcare (GP registration, hospital, pharmacy).
- Taxes & benefits (Tax Administration, allowances).
- Digital government (DigiD, MijnOverheid, Studielink).
How to retrieve your BSN
- MijnOverheid.nl (log in with DigiD).
- DigiD app → personal details.
- Official letters from the municipality, Tax Administration, DUO, SVB.
- Employment documents (ask HR/Payroll; they are authorised to process BSN).
- Your health insurer or GP may have it on file (they won’t disclose it casually).
Common mix-ups: BSN vs ID/document number vs V-number
- BSN = national personal number.
- Document/ID number = the unique document code of your passport/ID card (not your BSN).
- V-number (IND) = number used by the IND in residence procedures; not your BSN.
- Student number (university/DUO) = internal identifier, not your BSN.
Privacy & security tips
- Share your BSN only with organisations that have a legal basis (employer, tax, healthcare, university, bank under KYC/Wwft).
- Avoid unnecessary ID copies. If a copy is required, mask the BSN and other fields not needed.
- Beware of phishing: the government will not ask for your BSN via email/WhatsApp.
- Suspect identity fraud? Contact your bank, report to the police, and inform the relevant authorities (Tax Administration/DUO/insurer).
FAQ
Is my BSN printed on my Dutch driving licence?
No.
Can I work before I have a BSN?
Your employer will need your BSN for payroll and tax filings, so register RNI/BRP as soon as possible.
I’m an exchange student for 3 months. Do I still get a BSN?
Yes — via RNI registration as a non-resident.
Does my BSN ever change?
In principle, no — it’s meant to be lifelong.
Where can I find my BSN most easily?
In MijnOverheid or the DigiD app, and in official letters from the municipality or the Tax Administration.
Useful links & Domakin services
- Municipal appointment (BRP/RNI): search your city + “BRP registration” or “RNI desk”.
- MijnOverheid & DigiD: retrieve your BSN and official digital mail.
- Domakin.nl — Housing for internationals:
- ✅ Remote viewing — we visit properties for you so you can choose confidently.
- ✅ Find a room/studio in all major student cities.
- ✅ Municipal registration checklist with documents and timelines.
A practical 7-day plan to get your BSN fast
- Today: book your BRP (if >4 months) or RNI (≤4 months) appointment.
- Tomorrow: collect documents (passport/ID, rental contract; check if a legalised birth certificate is required).
- Day 3–4: housing handover (Domakin can assist).
- Day 5: attend your appointment and register.
- Day 5–7: receive your BSN (often immediate at RNI).
- Next: open bank account, take out health insurance, activate DigiD.
Why Domakin?
Landing in a new country is hard enough. Domakin helps you secure housing quickly, navigate municipal registration, and line up your BSN so you can start studying and working without stress.
Need a room before your BSN appointment?
Start here: Find listings and book a remote viewing on Domakin.nl.
