BSN

What is (BSN)

The citizen service number (BSN = burgerservicenummer) is the first bureaucratic issue expats in the Netherlands have to deal with and is also a unique personal number allocated to everyone registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP). Everyone who registers with the BRP is automatically given a BSN. The government uses your citizen service number (BSN) to process your data. You can use your BSN for any government service in the Netherlands. You do not have to provide your data to each government organization – they can find it using your BSN.

The BSN in healthcare

The citizen service number (BSN) allows you to identify if you need care. Recognized care providers, such as general practice doctors and health insurance companies, must use the BSN.

The BSN in education

The BSN is also used in education, and it is called the personal identification number (PGN) or education number. The PGN is the same number as the BSN. Schools must use the PGN in their records.

The BSN for childcare benefits, housing benefits

Childcare organizations must ask for your child’s and your BSNs. The Benefits Office of the Tax and Customs Administration checks the number of childcare hours you report against those in the childcare organization’s records. The same applies to landlords, the housing benefit, and healthcare insurers and the healthcare benefit.

Using the BSN to prevent identity fraud

The BSN’s primary purpose is to help with contacts between government organizations, individuals, and the government. Non-government organizations – like general practice doctors and other healthcare providers, pharmacies, and insurers – can only use the BSN if the law requires it. The BSN makes it easier for government organizations to exchange personal details without errors. Each organization must make sure that you are using your own BSN.

How do you apply for a citizen service number?

You will receive your BSN when you register with the municipality (gemeente) of the area you will live in. Everyone who lives in the Netherlands, for all or a significant part of the time, must register with their municipality within five days after arrival if they plan to stay for more than four months. When registering and thus receiving their BSN, EU citizens will need to provide valid proof of identity (such as a passport, not a driving license) and their address to be registered, while non-EU expats must present other documents (such as their residence permit and employment contract, etc.).

If you need help or prefer to have advice before apply BSN number,  simply make an online or physical appointment with one of our advisors.
You can book an appointment via this link: https://123nlbv.simplybook.it/v2/