Practical Guide

BSN (Burgerservicenummer) Registration

Why and how international students should get a BSN in the Netherlands

Why You Need a BSN

For most international students, a BSN is essential to arrange daily life in the Netherlands. It's commonly needed to:

Work (and handle payroll administration)

Take out Dutch health insurance (when required)

Open a bank account

Apply for DigiD (your login for Dutch government services)

Deal with the municipality and other government procedures

Which Registration Route Applies to You

Staying 4 months or longer

BRP Registration

You must register as a resident in the BRP at the municipality (gemeente) where you live, and you will receive a BSN through that registration.

Staying less than 4 months

RNI Registration

You can register as a non-resident in the RNI (using your address abroad) and receive a BSN that way.

How to Get a BSN via BRP Registration

Most degree students use this route

Step 1

Book a Municipality Appointment

Most municipalities require an appointment for first registration from abroad. Some universities coordinate group registrations—ask your international office.

Step 2

Prepare the Documents (Bring Originals)

Requirements vary by municipality, but commonly requested documents include:

Passport / EU ID card

Proof of address / occupancy (e.g., signed rental contract, or consent from the main occupant + ID copy)

Birth certificate (often legalised/apostilled and translated)

Proof of lawful stay for non-EU/EEA students (e.g., residence permit card/sticker or IND letter/receipt. It depends on the city.)

Some municipalities may also ask for other civil-status documents (e.g., marriage certificate) if relevant.

Step 3

Attend in Person and Receive Your BSN

After registration, you'll receive your BSN either immediately or shortly after (timing varies by municipality).

How to Get a BSN via RNI Registration

For short stays

If you're in the Netherlands for 4 months or less, you can register at an RNI desk (available at a limited number of municipalities). You register in person and receive a BSN through the RNI process.

Important

If you will stay more than 4 months, you should not use the RNI route—you must register in the BRP in your municipality of residence.

Practical Tips (to Avoid Delays)

Start early

Appointments can be fully booked at the start of semesters.

Bring a legalised + translated birth certificate

If you were born abroad. This is a common "missing document" issue.

Check old official documents or MijnOverheid

If you already lived in NL before, you may already have a BSN.

Apply for DigiD

Once you have your BSN, you can apply for DigiD (very useful for government-related tasks).

Need Help with Your BSN Registration?

We help international students navigate the registration process — from booking your appointment to making sure you have the right documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

A BSN (Burgerservicenummer) is your personal citizen service number for dealing with Dutch authorities and many everyday services. You usually receive a BSN when you register in the BRP (Personal Records Database) as a resident, or via the RNI (Non-residents Records Database) if you stay short-term.
After registration, you'll receive your BSN either immediately or shortly after (timing varies by municipality). The main delay is usually in getting an appointment — especially at the start of semesters when slots fill up fast.
Yes. If you're staying less than 4 months, you can register as a non-resident in the RNI (using your address abroad) and receive a BSN that way. If you're staying 4 months or longer, you must register in the BRP at the municipality where you live.
In most cases, yes — Dutch banks require a BSN to open an account. Some banks may allow you to start the process and add your BSN later, but you will need one.
Requirements vary by municipality, but commonly requested documents include: passport / EU ID card, proof of address / occupancy, birth certificate (often legalised/apostilled and translated), and proof of lawful stay for non-EU/EEA students. Some municipalities may also ask for other civil-status documents (e.g., marriage certificate) if relevant.
No. BSN registration requires you to attend in person at a municipality (BRP) or RNI desk. You cannot register remotely before arriving in the Netherlands.