BSN Registration Netherlands: Complete Guide + Verified Services
Get your citizen service number with our step-by-step guide
⚠️ Important Deadline
You must register for your BSN within 5 days of arriving in the Netherlands if you plan to stay longer than 4 months. Don't delay!
Getting your BSN (Burgerservicenummer) is the first crucial step when moving to the Netherlands. This unique citizen service number is required for everything from opening a bank account to getting health insurance. Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about BSN registration, including verified services to help you through the process.
What is a BSN Number?
A BSN (Burgerservicenummer) is your Dutch citizen service number - a unique 8 or 9-digit identifier that every resident of the Netherlands must have. Previously known as the SoFi number, the BSN is essential for:
BSN Registration Process: Step-by-Step
Choose Your Municipality
You must register at the municipality (gemeente) where you will be living. Each city has different procedures and waiting times.
Book an Appointment
Most municipalities require appointments for BSN registration. Booking early is crucial - popular cities like Amsterdam can have 2-month waiting lists.
Gather Required Documents
Prepare all necessary documents and have them translated if needed.
Attend Your Appointment
Arrive on time with all documents. The registration process typically takes 30-45 minutes.
Receive Your BSN
You'll receive your BSN number immediately or within a few days by post.
Required Documents for BSN Registration
Essential Documents for Everyone:
- Valid passport or EU national ID card
- Proof of address (rental contract, property deed, or permission letter from main tenant)
- Birth certificate (apostilled/legalized and translated if not in Dutch, English, French, or German)
Additional Documents for Non-EU Citizens:
- Residence permit or MVV visa
- Marriage certificate (if applicable, apostilled and translated)
- Divorce decree (if applicable, apostilled and translated)
For EU Citizens Working in Netherlands:
- Employment contract or proof of employment
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements)
📋 Document Translation Requirements:
Documents not in Dutch, English, French, or German must be translated by a sworn translator (beëdigd vertaler). Find certified translators at NGTV.nl.
BSN Registration by City
Amsterdam BSN Registration
City Office (Stadsloket)
Amstel 1, 1011 PN Amsterdam
IN Amsterdam (Expat Center)
Weteringschans 230, 1017 XJ Amsterdam
Average Wait Time: 6-8 weeks
Languages: Dutch, English
Cost: Free
Appointment Booking:
Book AppointmentRotterdam BSN Registration
Rotterdam City Office
Coolsingel 40, 3011 AD Rotterdam
Average Wait Time: 2-4 weeks
Languages: Dutch, English
Cost: Free
Appointment Booking:
Book AppointmentThe Hague BSN Registration
City Hall
Spui 70, 2511 BT Den Haag
Average Wait Time: 3-5 weeks
Languages: Dutch, English, French
Cost: Free
Appointment Booking:
Book AppointmentUtrecht BSN Registration
Stadskantoor Utrecht
Stadsplateau 1, 3521 AZ Utrecht
Average Wait Time: 2-3 weeks
Languages: Dutch, English
Cost: Free
Appointment Booking:
Book AppointmentEindhoven BSN Registration
Stadhuis Eindhoven
Stadhuisplein 10, 5611 EM Eindhoven
Average Wait Time: 1-2 weeks
Languages: Dutch, English
Cost: Free
Appointment Booking:
Book AppointmentVerified BSN Registration Services
🌟 Premium BSN Registration Assistance
Access NL - Professional Relocation Services
Service: Complete BSN registration assistance
Location: The Hague, Amsterdam, Rotterdam
Price: €150-250 per registration
Languages: English, Dutch, German, French
Special Features:
- Appointment booking service
- Document preparation assistance
- Accompaniment to municipality
- Translation service coordination
Expat Network Netherlands - BSN Support
Service: BSN registration guidance and support
Location: Nationwide
Price: €75-125 consultation
Languages: English, Dutch
Special Features:
- Pre-appointment document check
- Online guidance sessions
- Follow-up support
🏛️ Official Municipality Services
IN Amsterdam - International Newcomers Amsterdam
Service: Combined BSN + IND appointments
Location: Amsterdam
Price: Free (BSN registration)
Languages: English, Dutch
Special Features:
- One-stop-shop for highly skilled migrants
- Combined BSN and residence permit collection
- Priority booking for skilled workers
Holland Expat Center South - Eindhoven
Service: Complete expat registration services
Location: Eindhoven region
Price: Free
Languages: English, Dutch, German
Special Features:
- Serving Brainport region
- Tech industry focus
- Fast-track services
Common BSN Registration Problems & Solutions
🚨 Problem: No Permanent Address Yet
Solution Options:
- Temporary Registration: Use AirBnB/hotel address with host permission letter
- Friend's Address: Register at friend's address with signed permission (toestemmingsverklaring)
- RNI Registration: For short stays under 4 months
- Employer Assistance: Some companies provide temporary address registration
🚨 Problem: Missing Documents
Solution Options:
- Request documents from home country embassy
- Use certified translation services
- Consider apostille/legalization services
- Contact municipality for alternative document options
🚨 Problem: Long Appointment Wait Times
Solution Options:
- Book in multiple municipalities simultaneously
- Check cancellation lists daily
- Consider smaller municipalities nearby
- Use premium services for faster booking
🚨 Problem: Language Barriers
Solution Options:
- Bring English-speaking friend
- Use official translation services
- Book with expat-friendly municipalities
- Prepare documents in advance
After Getting Your BSN: Next Steps
✅ Immediate Actions (Week 1):
Open Dutch Bank Account
Required for salary payments, needed for health insurance, essential for daily transactions
Get Health Insurance
Mandatory within 4 months, compare providers and plans, apply for zorgtoeslag if eligible
Apply for DigiD
Digital identity for government services, required for tax filings, needed for many online services
✅ Within First Month:
Register with GP (Huisarts)
Essential for healthcare access, required for specialist referrals, important for prescription medications
Set Up Utilities
Electricity and gas, water (if not included), internet and phone
Apply for 30% Ruling (if eligible)
Significant tax benefit for highly skilled migrants, must apply within 4 months of starting work, requires employer cooperation
BSN Registration Quick Facts
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Timeline | Within 5 days of arrival (if staying 4+ months) |
| Cost | Free at municipality |
| Validity | Permanent (stays with you for life) |
| Required For | Banking, employment, healthcare, taxes |
| Processing Time | Immediate or 1-3 days by post |
| Appointment Needed | Yes, in most municipalities |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does BSN registration take?
The appointment itself takes 30-45 minutes. You usually receive your BSN immediately or within 1-3 days by post.
Can I work without a BSN?
No, employers need your BSN to process salary payments and tax deductions. Some employers may advance salary pending BSN receipt.
What if I move to a different city?
You must update your address at the new municipality within 5 days, but your BSN number stays the same.
Can I register at any municipality?
No, you must register at the municipality where you actually live.
What if my appointment is delayed?
You can explain the delay to employers/banks - most are understanding about BSN waiting times.
Ready to Start Your BSN Registration?
Choose your path:
Register Yourself (Free)
- • Book appointment directly with municipality
- • Prepare all documents carefully
- • Allow extra time for potential complications
Use Professional Service (€75-250)
- • Faster appointment booking
- • Document preparation assistance
- • Guidance through entire process
- • Accompaniment to appointment
Corporate Relocation Package (€200-400)
- • Complete relocation support
- • BSN + banking + insurance
- • Family registration assistance
- • Ongoing expat support
Dutch Health Insurance
Complete guide to mandatory health insurance for expats
Amsterdam Expat Services
Complete guide to living in Amsterdam as an expat
Expat Checklist
Interactive checklist for your move to Netherlands