How to Get Your BSN Number: Registering at the Dutch Municipality

The BSN (Burgerservicenummer) is your unique citizen service number in the Netherlands. You cannot open a bank account, get a phone contract, or receive a salary without it. It is arguably the most important piece of paper you will receive upon arrival.

This guide covers how to register with your local municipality (Gemeente) and what to do if you're struggling to find a permanent address.

1. Who Needs to Register?

Legally, anyone planning to stay in the Netherlands for more than 4 months must register in the Personal Records Database (Basisregistratie Personen or BRP) at their local municipality.

• When to register: Within 5 days of your arrival.
• Where to register: At the city hall (Gemeentehuis) of the city where you live.

2. Booking the Appointment

In major student cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, or Rotterdam, appointments can fill up weeks in advance.

• University Registration Days: Many universities organize "One-Stop-Shop" days where the municipality comes to campus. Check your university email for these opportunities.

3. Required Documents

When you go to your appointment, you must bring original documents. Digital copies are usually not accepted.

1. Valid Passport or ID card.
2. Your Rental Contract (signed by you and the landlord).
3. Legalized Birth Certificate: This is the most common "gotcha." Many municipalities require a recent, legalized (apostilled) copy of your birth certificate.
4. Residence Permit (or Approval Letter): If you are a Non-EU student.

4. No Permanent Address? Use the RNI

If you are staying in a hotel, hostel, or short-term Airbnb that doesn't allow registration, you have a problem: you can't get a regular BSN.

However, you can register as a non-resident in the RNI (Registratie Niet-Ingezetenen).

• Validity: An RNI registration gives you a BSN immediately.
• Duration: It is intended for people staying less than 4 months, but it's a common "bridge" for students to open a bank account while house hunting.
• Address: You can use your home country address for RNI registration.

5. What Happens at the Appointment?

The process is usually quick (15–20 minutes):

1. The official checks your documents.
2. They register your address in the system.
3. The Result: You will receive a "Basisregistratie Personen" (BRP) extract which contains your BSN. Keep this safe!