Citizen Service Number

What is it?

Everyone has a unique personal number: the citizen service number (BSN). You do not have to apply for the number. If you are registered with a Dutch municipality, you will get it automatically.

The citizen service number (successor to the social security number) allows you to go to any government office, such as the municipality. Health care providers and health insurance companies also use the citizen service number.

Do you not live in the Netherlands? You can register as a non-resident at an RNI counter (in Limburg municipality of Heerlen or Venlo). You will then receive a citizen service number.

How does it work?

Do you live outside the Netherlands and want a citizen service number? An RNI counter can be found at the following municipalities:

  • Alkmaar
  • Almelo
  • Amsterdam
  • Breda
  • The Hague
  • Doetinchem
  • Eindhoven
  • Groningen
  • Goes
  • Heerlen
  • Leeuwarden
  • Leiden
  • Nijmegen
  • Rotterdam
  • Terneuzen
  • Utrecht
  • Venlo
  • Westland
  • Zwolle

You must come by yourself for registration.

Additional information

Your citizen service number (BSN) is on your passport, driver's license and identity card. Don't have a BSN yet? You get the BSN when you first register with a Dutch municipality. Your child receives a BSN when he or she is registered at birth. The municipality then sends the BSN automatically. Non-residents can apply for a BSN at an RNI desk.

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