BSN registration in the Netherlands

Choose the correct route

If you will live in the Netherlands for more than four months, register as a resident with the municipality where you live, normally within five days of arrival. For a stay of no more than four months, you can register as a non-resident in the RNI and receive a BSN.

Book the municipality appointment

Processes vary by municipality. Search for “first registration”, “registration from abroad” or “inschrijven vanuit het buitenland”. Book as soon as your arrival date and address are firm because availability can be limited. Partners and children who moved with you may need to attend personally.

Documents to prepare

• Valid passport or accepted identity document.
• Proof of the Dutch address, such as a rental agreement, purchase contract or consent from the principal occupant.
• Residence permit, IND decision or relevant evidence of lawful residence where applicable.
• Original birth certificate and relevant marriage, partnership, divorce, adoption or custody documents.
• Legalisation or apostille and translation where required.
• Completed municipality forms and appointment confirmation.

Bring originals and secure copies. Do not assume that a scan will be accepted where an original is requested.

What happens after registration

The municipality records you in the BRP and assigns the BSN. Government bodies, employers, health insurers, healthcare providers and schools use it. After the BSN and Dutch registration address are active, you can apply for DigiD. The activation code is sent by post to the registered address.

RNI for short stays

People staying no more than four months, some cross-border workers and some people living abroad can register as non-residents at an RNI desk. This produces a BSN but is not resident registration. If the stay becomes longer, contact the municipality about resident registration.

Common problems

• The address cannot be registered.
• A civil document lacks legalisation or translation.
• Names, dates or places differ across documents.
• The appointment is booked in the wrong category.
• A family member is absent when attendance is required.
• The municipality cannot yet verify lawful residence.