How do I get a BSN: municipality or RNI?
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Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
A Dutch citizen service number is issued through registration, not purchased as a separate document. If moving to the Netherlands for more than four months, normally use your home municipality. For less than four months or living abroad, RNI may apply. First check whether you already have a BSN.
On this page
1. Check for an existing BSN
A Dutch BSN remains valid for life. If you lived here before or received one previously, first check Dutch identity documents or ask the municipality. Returning, a new passport or moving does not automatically require a new number. In this preparation record only whether you have one; do not share the number in our chat.
2. Choose according to your actual stay
If coming to live in the Netherlands for more than four months, register as a resident with your home municipality. If living abroad or staying here for less than four months, non-resident RNI registration may fit. Do not choose solely by appointment speed. For exactly four months, intermittent stays or changed plans, ask the municipality which registration is required.
3. Arrange resident registration
Resident registration is normally required within five days of arrival. Contact the municipality immediately if a timely appointment is unavailable. Government guidance lists exceptions where a necessary residence permit is pending without valid residence status, or identity requires investigation. Have applicability confirmed. Registration is free. Without a home address, ask about a correspondence address; RNI is not an automatic substitute.
4. Choose the correct RNI desk
For RNI, consult the official desk list. NetherlandsWorldwide says Dutch, EU/EEA or Swiss nationals may choose an RNI desk. Without one of those nationalities, Breda and Venlo are currently designated. Check before booking. If living abroad for a particular tax, pension or benefit matter, the competent government organisation can sometimes arrange RNI registration; follow that official route.
5. Prepare the official appointment
RNI requires personal attendance with a valid passport or identity card. Completing the RvIG form and obtaining a QR code beforehand does not replace the appointment. Ask about additional documents. Children have extra attendance and document rules: check the official page. For resident registration, obtain your municipality’s document list. Do not upload passports, BSNs or child data to our preparation tool.
6. Check registration and the next step
Keep the confirmation and check name, date of birth and address in the official record. RNI provides a letter with your BSN; existing numbers stay unchanged. Report incorrect data to the municipality or RNI desk. A BSN is not a residence permit, work permit or automatic benefit entitlement. Have registration checked if your stay changes. Our assistance request can help with an unclear route or refusal, but registers nothing and suspends no deadline.
Can I choose RNI because my municipality has no early appointment?
Not for that reason alone. The route depends on your actual and expected stay. If moving here for more than four months, contact the home municipality promptly about timely registration. Discuss a missing address or special residence status instead of choosing an unsuitable registration.
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- Previously received a BSN: yes/no/unknown
- Arrival date and expected stay
- Home municipality or appropriate RNI route
- Nationality category and suitable desk
- Official document list and in-person appointment
- Confirmation, correct details and next question
Contact with a lawyer
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Need personal assistance? Request a lawyer through our chat. We explain the next step; submitting a request does not engage a lawyer. The links below support the legal information.
Rijksoverheid · BSN krijgen ↗Rijksoverheid · Inschrijven in de BRP ↗NederlandWereldwijd · RNI inschrijven ↗RvIG · Inschrijven in Nederland ↗Sources may be in Dutch. General information about Dutch law, not individual legal advice.