Starting today, Orangesplaash will feature the Netherlands Expat Guide. This guide will focus on issues faced by expats moving to the Netherlands, including the documentation phase, and will also aim to explain in detail other aspects of living life as an expat in the Netherlands (also read 30% ruling for the highly skilled expats in the Netherlands).
I look forward to sharing as much information as possible and sincerely hope this guide (with many more parts to come) proves useful to my dear readers and other expats out there, as well as people looking forward to travel to the Netherlands. The other posts will continue on Orangesplaash as usual.
We start today with the BSN (Burgerservicenummer) : -
What is the BSN (Burgerservicenummer)?
The BSN is a Dutch personal identification number also known as the Citizen Service Number. The BSN, a 9 digit number unique to every person living in the Netherlands was introduced on November 26, 2007. Before that, the Sofi nummer (Social Fiscal Number) was used for all interactions with the Dutch authorities. The Sofi number has replaced the BSN in practically all cases and is numerically the same as the BSN for any individual living in the Netherlands.
Why do you need a BSN?
BSN is important for people living and working in the Netherlands since it facilitates communication with the Dutch authorities and is required for many purposes like - getting a job, opening a bank account, applying for benefits and allowances, social security contributions as well as registering for health insurance and so on.
How do you get a BSN?
In order to get a BSN, you need to register yourself with the Dutch Municipality (town hall) or the Dutch Tax administration (Belastingdienst).
Documents required for obtaining a BSN (for non-EU citizens) :-
- Proof of Identity (the passport and not the driving license)
- Proof of local address (a rental contract or purchase agreement).
- Employment Contract.
- Residence Permit/ Work Permit.
- Proof of registration with the Gemeente (local town hall).
Documents required for obtaining a BSN (for EU citizens) :-
- Proof of identity
- Proof of local address.
In case you have an accompanying partner or children, additional documents like marriage certificate, birth certificates of the persons accompanying etc are also required.
Note :-
- If your stay in the Netherlands will not be for more than 4 months, you will not receive a BSN. In this situation, you can apply for the Sofi number with the Belastingdienst.
- The BSN number does not automatically imply that you may stay or work in the Netherlands. Related documents like Residence Permit and Work Permit are required for establishing rights for the same.
Disclaimer : Every effort has been made to ensure the information included in this post is up-to-date and accurate. However, it is possible I might have missed some information. Please consult the official BSN website for more details.
[Photo Credit - Mike McHolm]
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Love this ! At first I was something you needed to get a Double Bacon and Cheeseburger.
ReplyDeleteNow that you made me hungry I think I'll go get one !
Seriously, this is an informative blog and very thoughtful of you.
Cheers,
Mike
@ Mike : Thank you Mike, I am glad you found the posts useful. Keep reading and sharing your views!
ReplyDeleteI can't quite remember how I got mine...I remember that I needed to get a birth certificate for something, though, which is easier said than done when you don't have one...
ReplyDeleteGreat, thanks for sharing! Very concise and helpful info.
ReplyDelete@ Jules: Birth Certificate is required, yes, and has to be legalised. And of course, as you mentioned it is difficult to get that done - consider India, which has so many states and each state has an entirely different procedure to be followed for legalisation.For us, getting the documentation done was a learning process, and was actually fun in parts!
ReplyDelete@ la petite lulu : Thank you for the vote of confidence. I am glad you found the post useful.
ReplyDeleteDear Orangesplassh,
ReplyDeleteI am privileged to find this website. It very helpful for those who is thinking to travel Netherlands.
- Kindly let me know the immigration lawyer who helped you to get your work permit at IND.
- Where is the office (address) to apply for BSN in Amsterdam?
- Is Dutch Municipality and Gemeente different? What is address of Dutch Municipality and Gemeente in Amsterdam?
As mentioned in your website, I will be staying for less than 4 months so I should apply for Sofi number. Kindly let me know what documents are required tp apply Sofi number and where I can apply (office address) for Sofi number?
Can you help me out with some information on Resident Permit? What are requirements for Resident Permit and where I can apply (office address) for it?
Dear I know that these are a lot to answer but I really thank you for the answers. I am planning to visit Netherlands, so I need to know all these. It looks very complicated as all the information is interlinked.
Kindly mail me all these information at gauravgupta09@rediffmail.com or let me know if there is any registration to be done.
Thanks & Regards,
Gaurav
@ Anonymous : Thank you for visiting my blog and for your comment. I have sent you a detailed email answering all your questions.
ReplyDelete