A BSN, a citizen service number, is a unique personal registration number for any interaction with the Dutch authorities, getting paid, being entitled to benefits, but also for opening a bank account and taking out a health insurance.

When you register at your municipality, you’ll get your BSN — your personal citizen service number. sometimes you’ll receive it right away, other times it might take a bit longer, depending on how that municipality works.

If you’re staying in the Netherlands for less than 4 months but still need a BSN, you can register at one of 19 special municipalities that handle short stays (this is called RNI registration). If you decide to stay longer, you’ll need to update your status at the town hall from short-stay to long-term resident.

Your BSN is your personal citizen service number — kind of like your Dutch ID number. you get it when you register at the town hall, and it’s used by the government, healthcare, tax office, and more to identify you in official systems.

Your DigiD is your digital login for Dutch government websites. It’s linked to your BSN and lets you access services like taxes, healthcare (like your health insurance or GP), and even study financing.

We’re here to make this step super smooth. we’ll tell you exactly which documents you need, whether you’re registering as a resident or non-resident. we’ll also help set up the appointment — and if agreed, we’ll come with you to make sure everything goes as planned. In many cases, you’ll get your BSN right away. if not, it’ll arrive by post within a few weeks.

Let us take the stress out of your move and help you make the best new start in the Netherlands!