BSN number

BSN number in the Netherlands

The BSN (Burgerservicenummer) is your personal citizen service number in the Netherlands. It is a unique number used when dealing with Dutch government organisations and many other essential services.

If you move to Rotterdam or elsewhere in the Netherlands, getting your BSN is usually one of the first administrative steps you need to complete.

You may need your BSN for things such as starting a job, arranging health insurance, dealing with taxes, using healthcare services, applying for DigiD and completing many other official procedures.

🇳🇱 BSN at a glance
SITUATION	WHAT TO DO
Staying more than 4 months	Register as a resident with the municipality where you live
Staying less than 4 months	You may be able to register as a non-resident through the RNI
Working in the Netherlands	You will normally need a BSN for payroll and tax administration
Non-EU/EEA citizen	A BSN does not replace any residence or work permit you may need

What is a BSN used for?

Your BSN is used to identify you when dealing with Dutch public authorities and other organisations that are legally allowed to use it.

You may need it when:

starting a job in the Netherlands
dealing with Dutch taxes
arranging Dutch health insurance
registering with healthcare providers
applying for a DigiD
applying for certain government benefits
dealing with your municipality

A BSN is therefore an important part of your administrative life in the Netherlands, but having a BSN does not automatically give you the right to live or work in the country.

Do I need a BSN to work in the Netherlands?

In practice, if you work in the Netherlands you will normally need a BSN because your employer needs it for payroll and tax administration.

However, the BSN itself is not a work permit. Depending on your nationality and personal situation, you may also need a valid residence permit or permission to work.

If you are looking for employment, you can also read our guide on finding a job in Rotterdam.

How to get a BSN if you are staying more than 4 months

If you intend to live in the Netherlands for more than 4 months, you must register as a resident in the municipality where you live. This should normally be done within 5 days after arriving in the Netherlands. When you are registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP), you receive a BSN.

In Rotterdam, this means registering with the Gemeente Rotterdam. You will normally need to make an appointment and attend in person.

The exact documents depend on your personal situation, but you should generally expect to provide:

a valid passport or identity document
proof of your address in the Netherlands
original civil-status documents when required
residence documents if these apply to you

The municipality can ask for additional documentation depending on your nationality, family situation and previous registration in the Netherlands.

What if you are staying less than 4 months?

If you will be in the Netherlands for less than 4 months, for example for temporary work or study, you may be able to register in the Register of Non-Residents (RNI).

After registering, you receive a BSN that can be used for your contacts with Dutch authorities. RNI registration does not, however, give you residence or employment rights.

EU/EEA and non-EU citizens

EU/EEA citizens: you can generally live and work in the Netherlands without a work permit, but you still need to complete the appropriate municipal registration if you are living here.

Non-EU/EEA citizens: you may need a residence permit, work authorisation or other immigration documents in addition to registering for a BSN. The requirements depend on your nationality and reason for staying in the Netherlands.

Where to get your BSN in Rotterdam

If you are moving to Rotterdam for more than 4 months, you register with the Gemeente Rotterdam. The municipality will tell you which location to attend and which documents to bring when you make your appointment.

Because appointment procedures and required documents can change, it is best to check the latest information directly on the official Gemeente Rotterdam website before attending.

What should you do after getting your BSN?

Once you have your BSN, several other administrative steps become easier. Depending on your situation, the next things to arrange may include:

✅ After getting your BSN
NEXT STEP	WHY IT MATTERS
Apply for DigiD	For online government services
Arrange health insurance	Required for many people who live or work in the Netherlands
Register with a doctor	Your GP is normally your first contact for healthcare
Look for work	Your BSN is used for payroll and tax administration

Things to arrange when moving to the Netherlands

Getting your BSN is only one of the administrative steps involved in moving to the Netherlands. You may also need to arrange your DigiD, health insurance, doctor, employment and other practical matters.