Everyone in the Netherlands has a registration number: the personal public service number (burgerservicenummer, i.e. BSN). Formerly called the ‘SOFI number’, a BSN is issued to Dutch citizens with their birth certificate. Those newly arriving in the Netherlands wil need to apply for a BSN.
A BSN is required in order to be permitted to work; open a bank account; make use of a health care institution and to apply for benefits or an allowance.
You will receive a BSN number, upon registration with the municipality (gemeente). Those who have come to the Netherlands as a highly skilled migrant can arrange registration at the Expatcenter and will receive a BSN number during the appointment. Those who work in the Netherlands but don’t live here must apply to the Tax and Customs Administration (Belastingdienst) in Heerlen for a BSN.
There are no costs involved with getting a BSN.
See the section “Registration” under Visas for more information on the process.
