Citizen Service Number – what is it and where do I find it?
If you are registered in a Municipality in the Netherlands, you have a Citizen Service Number also known as Burgerservicenummer (BSN).
What is a Citizen Service Number?
A Citizen Service Number (BSN) is a unique personal number for anyone who has contact with the Dutch government.
Government organisations use your BSN to find your details. This means you don't have to provide your details every time. The government also uses your BSN to help fight fraud and protect your privacy.
You have a BSN if you are registered in a municipality in the Netherlands.
If you are not registered in a municipality in the Netherlands, you may be able to apply to us for a BSN. You can apply for a BSN for yourself, your tax or benefits partner and your child or children.
Where can I find my BSN?
Your can find your BSN in the following documents:
- your Dutch passport
Read more: Where can I find my citizen service number on my Dutch passport? on netherlandsworldwide.nl - your Dutch identity card
Read more: Where can I find my citizen service number on my Dutch identity card? on netherlandsworldwide.nl - your Dutch driving licence
Read more: Where can I find my citizen service number on my Dutch driving licence? on netherlandsworldwide.nl - a tax return letter or tax assessment (for example, for income tax) that you receive from us
- the confirmation letter for your registration in the Non-residents Records Database (Registratie van Niet-Ingezetenen, RNI). You receive this letter from the the National Office for Identity Data (Rijksdienst voor Identiteitsgegevens, RvIG).
How do I apply for a BSN?
You receive a BSN when you register with a municipality in the Netherlands.
A municipality is the local government in a city or town. It provides services such as registration, housing, and civil matters.
If you do not live in the Netherlands or will stay in the Netherlands for less than 4 months, you can apply for a BSN at a municipality with a Non-residents Registration (RNI) desk. Find out how to register at an RNI desk.
In some situations, you can apply for a BSN for yourself, your tax or benefits partner, or your child or children. To do this, use the ‘Application Citizen Service Number’ form. The form explains when you can use it.
We will send you application to the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken en Koninkrijskrelaties). They will process your application and send you a reply within 4 to 8 weeks.
Which number does your business get in the Netherlands?
Your business will receive either a Citizen Service Number (BSN) or a Legal Entities and Partnerships Information Number (RSIN). RSIN stands for the Dutch term: Rechtspersonen en Samenwerkingsverbanden Informatienummer.
The number your business gets depends on its legal form. Sole proprietors usually get a BSN. Legal entities, such as private limited companies (BV), get an RSIN.
More information about the BSN
Read more about the Citizen Service Number (BSN) and how to apply for one.