When you’re relocating to another country for work, there’s a lot to take on board. As an employment agency that connects workers from the EU with projects in the Netherlands, we try not to overwhelm newcomers with too much information.
One of the key stages in our induction process is getting you registered with the Dutch authorities. Obtaining your Citizen Service Number (BSN) is important for a number of reasons, not least because it enables you to get paid. Here’s what you need to know.
What is a Citizen Service Number?
A Citizen Service Number – or Burgerservicenummer (BSN) – is a unique identification number issued to every citizen of the Netherlands, resident or nonresident. It replaced the tax and social insurance number – Sofinummer – in 2007.
Similar to a social security number issued in other countries, the BSN is essential for accessing government and other administrative services, including:
- Employment – employers need your BSN to process your wages.
- Banking – a BSN is required to open a Dutch bank account.
- Healthcare – it enables you to register for the healthcare system.
- Education – school or university registration needs a BSN.
- Benefits – you can apply for government benefits.
- Taxes – it’s used by the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration – Belastingdienst.
- DigiD – an online authentication system to securely access public services.
Why do you need a BSN?
A BSN is essential for almost every aspect of life in the Netherlands. From getting paid to renting a place to live, your unique 8 or 9-digit number goes everywhere with you. If you leave the country or return to the Netherlands from another country, your BSN remains the same.
If you’re moving to the Netherlands for work, and you don’t have a BSN, you won’t be able to open a Dutch bank account or get paid. For that reason, as an employment agency, registration for the BSN is one of the first things we help you to do.
How do you obtain a BSN?
To obtain a BSN, you need to book a face-to-face appointment at one of 19 city halls – gemeentehuis – around the Netherlands, where you can register with the municipality. If you are coming to the Netherlands to study or work for 4 months or less, your details are entered in the Non-residents Records Database (RNI). Whilst most public services in the Netherlands have information in both Dutch and English, you may find it helpful to have a Dutch speaker on hand to help you navigate your appointment at city hall.
For that reason, here at InAxtion, our consultants help you get started. If you’ve not worked in the Netherlands before, we’ll arrange an appointment with city hall to get you registered. You’ll need to bring a valid passport or identity card and complete the registration form.
After registration, you’ll receive your unique Citizen Service Number. It’s issued once, on paper, so it’s a good idea to take a photograph or carefully record it, in case the paper gets misplaced!
How InAxtion get you work-ready
There are certain times of the year when it can be difficult to get an appointment with city hall, such as between May and August. In those circumstances, your InAxtion consultant will communicate with city hall to see if an appointment becomes available. It may also be possible to travel to register at another city hall that’s further afield.
After helping you register for a BSN, your InAxtion consultant will arrange for you to complete the VCA – Veiligheid, Gezondheid en Milieu Checklist Aannemers – the Dutch certification system for safety, health, and environmental practices in the workplace.
One of our consultants will also show you to your accommodation and provide you with a key. We’ll also provide you with a vehicle for travel to your workplace, if necessary. So that’s registration, work, and accommodation all taken care of by InAxtion – your family away from home.
To learn more about working with InAxtion, see our information for candidates and employees
