How can I get a citizen service number (BSN) if I live abroad?
You will be given a citizen service number (BSN) when you register with the Non-residents Records Database (RNI). You can do this at an RNI desk in the Netherlands. In some cases, you can get a BSN via a government organisation. This depends on your situation.
Where can I get a BSN?
Read where you can get a BSN and how it works:
You will be given a BSN when you register at an RNI desk. You can register at an RNI desk if you:
- live outside the Netherlands
- will be staying in the Netherlands for less than 4 months
How does it work?
Your particular situation will determine which desk you can register with:
- If you are a Dutch national or have the nationality of another EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you can choose yourself which RNI desk to make an appointment with.
- If you are not a Dutch national and do not have the nationality of another EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you can only make an appointment with the RNI desk in Breda or Venlo.
Make an appointment
Make an appointment at an RNI desk.
- Alkmaar
- Almelo
- Amsterdam
- Breda
- Doetinchem
- Eindhoven
- Goes
- Groningen
- Heerlen
- Leeuwarden
- Leiden
- Nijmegen
- Rotterdam
- Terneuzen
- The Hague
- Utrecht
- Venlo
- Westland
- Zwolle
What to bring
- A valid passport or identity card.
- If you don’t speak Dutch or English, bring someone with you who can interpret for you.
Registering children
Children aged 16 or older can register themselves. If you wish to register a child under 16 you will also need to bring:
- Your child’s valid passport or identity card.
- The child’s birth certificate or a declaration of acknowledgement of parentage stating that you are the child’s parent. Foreign certificates and declarations may first have to be translated and/or legalised. Check with the municipality to find out what requirements the document must meet.
Registering in person
You must register at an RNI desk in person so that a staff member can verify your identity. If you want to register anyone other than yourself, the person in question will need to come with you to the desk. This also applies to children.
After you have registered
The RNI desk will give you a summary of your data in the RNI and a letter with your BSN.
If you live abroad you can get a BSN from the Tax Administration if you:
- need to declare gift or inheritance tax
- need to declare transfer tax
- wish to register for a dividend tax rebate
- will be employed by a Dutch employer
- receive, or will receive, a pension
- own property in the Netherlands
- need a BSN for your benefit partner
- need a BSN for your tax partner
- are eligible for childcare benefit and need a BSN for your child.
Dutch nationality
If you are a Dutch national you can also get a BSN via the Tax Administration if you:
- need a DigiD
- wish to open a bank account in the Netherlands.
How does it work?
If one of the above situations applies, you can apply for a BSN via the Tax Administration. The Tax Administration will take care of registration in the RNI. Once you are registered you will be given a citizen service number.
If you live abroad you can get a BSN via the SVB if you:
- are eligible for AOW pension
- are eligible for child benefit and need a BSN for your child.
How does it work?
If one of the above situations applies to you, you can apply for a BSN via the SVB. The SVB will take care of registration in the RNI. Once you are registered you will be given a citizen service number.
If you live in Aruba, Curaçao or St Maarten and are going to study in the Netherlands, you can get a BSN via DUO if you have Dutch nationality and apply for student finance before you leave for the Netherlands. MBO students aged under 18 who meet these conditions are also eligible for get a BSN via DUO.
How does it work?
If you meet the above conditions, you can apply to DUO for student finance. DUO will register you with the RNI. Once you are registered you will be given a citizen service number.
Find out more about getting a BSN via DUO (Information in Dutch)
If you live abroad and are eligible for an allowance or benefits from the central office for exceptional medical insurance (CAK) or the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV), one of these organisations may be able to register you in the RNI. Once you are registered you will be given a citizen service number.
If you would like more information
Contact the CAK or UWV for more information
Are you moving to the Netherlands?
If you are moving to the Netherlands, you will be issued with a BSN when you register with the municipality. You will also receive a BSN if you register with the population register in Bonaire, St Eustatius or Saba.