Citizen Service Number (BSN)
The citizen service number (BSN) is a unique personal number assigned to everyone registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP).
You need a BSN for most dealings with Dutch authorities, such as:
- Health insurance
- Opening a bank account
- Education and enrolment
- Taxes and social security
Because you will need your BSN for several essential arrangements upon arrival in the Netherlands, it is important to obtain it as soon as possible.
Our Payroll department also requires your BSN to pay your salary correctly. Without a BSN, we are legally obliged to withhold a higher tax rate from your salary (see note below).
Your BSN remains valid even if you move abroad. If you return to the Netherlands, you can continue using the same number. Do you no longer recall your BSN? You can find out what your BSN is, by requesting an RNI extract.
How to register in the BRP?
| Staying in the Netherlands ≥ 4 months | Staying in the Netherlands ≤ 4 months |
If you are living in South Limburg, ISSO will schedule an appointment via the Expat Centre Maastricht Region to register at your new home address. For addresses in the rest of the Netherlands, contact your municipality directly to arrange an appointment. Important: You must register as soon as possible after your arrival in the Netherlands. After registration, you will receive your BSN by post at your new home address within 3–5 working days. More information on registering in the BRP can be found via this link | You can apply for a BSN via the Registry for Non-residents (RNI-desk). The nearest RNI desk to Maastricht is in Heerlen. Make an appointment via this link: You will receive your BSN immediately at your appointment. You can find more information on the RNI procedure + locations of other RNI desks through this link. Applying for a BSN is free-of-charge. |
Important
If you do not have a BSN, the UM Payroll department - by order of the tax authorities - must apply a 52% tax rate to your salary until the BSN is registered in your personnel file. Once your BSN is registered, your salary will be corrected retroactively in the following month.
Important: Corrections can only be made if the BSN is obtained in the same calendar year.
Example: If you start working in December but receive your BSN in January, the excess taxes can only be refunded via your personal tax return.
For more information, please check the following websites