Getting a BSN as a newly-arrived foreigner in the Netherlands
A BSN (Citizen Service Number) is your key to everything Dutch — bank, GP, job, contract: (1) Stay >4 months: register at the city (Stadsloket Amsterdam, appointment at amsterdam.nl/verhuizen) — BSN issued at counter. (2) Stay <4 months: go to the RNI desk (Non-Resident Registration): Amsterdam Stadsloket Centrum 020-364 8000. (3) EU/EEA citizens: city only, no residence permit needed. (4) Non-EU: also IND residence permit (ind.nl) required — usually arranged beforehand. (5) Documents needed: passport/ID, birth certificate with apostille (NL/EN translation), rental contract or main-occupant consent, residence-permit proof (non-EU). BSN is lifelong, stays the same on moving/emigration/return.
Step by step
- 1Make appointment at cityAmsterdam: stadsloket appointment via amsterdam.nl/verhuizen or phone 14 020. Appointment first (wait time ~2-4 wks Amsterdam centre, faster North/Southeast).
- 2Gather documentsPassport, birth cert with apostille (translation), rental contract or main-occupant consent, possibly IND residence permit (non-EU). Sworn translations via Wbtv register.
- 3Appear in personPersonal appearance required (BRP registration). Documents scanned. BSN paper issued immediately. Registration confirmation by post within 1-4 weeks.
- 4Open bank account with BSNBunq/Revolut/ING/ABN AMRO: BSN needed to open. With Bunq/Revolut: often online directly. Traditional banks (ING/ABN): appointment needed with BSN proof.
- 5Register with GP/healthcareWith BSN: health insurance mandatory within 4 months of arrival, then GP via insurer. ZorgkaartNL for options.
All contacts
Frequently asked questions
Can I work in NL without BSN?
Legally: no. Employers require BSN for tax + insurance. Practically: freelance work possible via “company number” temporarily (KvK registration without BSN briefly), but BSN needed within 60 days.
How long does the BSN process take?
Complete application = BSN same day at counter (paper). Appointment takes 2-4 weeks in Amsterdam centre. Less busy areas (North, Southeast): 1-2 weeks. RNI desk: often walk-in possible.
Do I need a rental contract for BSN?
Yes, address proof is required. Temporary hotel/Airbnb: insufficient. Living-in with someone: consent letter from main occupant. Universities: often via student housing with enrolment proof.
Can my employer apply for my BSN?
No, personal appearance required. Employer can make appointment and accompany you to city, but you sign and appear at counter yourself.
How long until my BSN is registered with my employer?
BSN paper issued at counter. Employer can enter same day in payroll. First payslip: max 1-2 weeks delay if HR is slow to activate.
Does my foreign license work in NL with new BSN?
EU license: always valid in NL. Non-EU license: max 185 days after BRP registration, then RDW exchange mandatory (often new driving test unless “exchangeable” country).
Sources
🔎 Common search queries
Recognise your own search? Our answer above covers all of these variants.
- “BSN number for foreigner”
- “RNI desk Amsterdam”
- “EU citizen register Netherlands”
- “BSN for expat”
- “Stadsloket BSN appointment”