What is aBSN number (Sofi number)?
BSN number (Burgerservicenummer) is an individual tax and registry numerical sequence used in the Netherlands to identify aperson to the tax administration and other administrative institutions.
Consisting of nine digits, this unique number replaced the so-called Sofi number ( Sociaal Fiscaal nummer) on January 1, 2007. Both numbers, whose Polish equivalent is NIP, have the same function – they enable the daily functioning of aperson staying in the Netherlands with respect to formalities.
Who needs aBSN number?
Anyone who wants to work legally in the Netherlands needs a BSN number ( former Sofi number). It is also required if you are staying in the Netherlands for more than 4 months.One will need to have this identification number to be able to perform activities including:
- maintaining communications with public administration offices
- opening abank account
- obtaining health insurance
- buying medicines at apharmacy
- using social benefits
- enrolling children in school or nursery
- settling income tax.
How and where do I obtain aBSN (Sofi number)?
The process of applying for a BSN in the Netherlands is not complicated, and you can handle it on your own. Employment agencies, including those offering jobs to seasonal workers, also offer assistance in obtaining this identification number. The processing time depends on how long the worker intends to stay in the Netherlands.
Arranging for aBSN number in the Netherlands – for astay shorter than 4 months
Those who intend to be staying in the Netherlands for ashort time (up to four months), for example as seasonal workers, will receive a BSN number at arelevant public administration office on the spot. For this purpose, they must apply to one of the 19 municipality offices ( Gemeenten) – all contact details and the cities where such procedures are handled can be found on https://www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl/.
At the municipality office of your choice, you must register in the natural persons register as anon-resident (niet-ingezetene). After performing this step, you will receive their BSN number. Please remember that when applying for aBSN, you must have avalid identity document with you.
Importantly, you must make an appointment to visit the local municipality office. It can be done online (using an online form), by e-mail; or just by calling the chosen municipality office. Registering in the natural persons register (BRP) is free of charge.
Arranging for aBSN number in the Netherlands – for astay longer than 4 months
Those who plan to stay in the Netherlands for alonger time will also need to register as aresident. A BSN number is then issued at the time of first registration. In this case, you should visit amunicipal office (dealing with matters relevant to the locality where they intend to register). If this is your first registration as aresident in the Netherlands, you will automatically be entered in the natural persons register (BRP) and given aBSN number. The waiting time for the whole set of documents is then extended to several weeks.
Again, an appointment with an official dealing with the matter is made via the municipality office’s website or by phone. You must submit avalid identity document (i.e., an ID card or passport) and adocument proving your right to reside at the Dutch address you stated in your application.
Can I arrange for aBSN number online?
No – it is not possible. Online, it is only possible to make an appointment with amunicipal official.
A BSN number for achild
It is possible to arrange for aBSN number (formerly aSofi number ) for achild. If the child was born in the Netherlands, aBSN is assigned to them immediately after birth. In the case of achild with adifferent nationality, it is necessary to furnish documents proving the child’s identity – i.e. birth certificate, identity cards or passports of the parents as well as the child – at the municipal office. Importantly, some of the institutions may require the physical presence of the child in the office when dealing with the formalities. The parent(s) will also receive aBSN for their child automatically when they apply to the SVB for achild benefit, so-called kinderbijslag.
Arranging for aBSN number for the worker’s partner
It often happens that aperson working in the Netherlands has apartner staying in Poland at the same time. If aworker residing in the Netherlands applies for the toeslag allowance, their partner will also need aBSN number. How to go about it?
A BSN number for your partner can be obtained in two ways:
- You must apply to one of the municipal offices where aBSN number can be obtained for your partner as anon-resident.
- Both you and your partner must fill in and sign arelevant application Verzoek burgerservicenummer voor toeslagpartner buitenland. The application must be accompanied by acopy of adocument that proves your continuing relationship, e.g. amarriage certificate, apartnership deed, or aformal cohabitation agreement. In addition, you must enclose acopy of your partner’s valid identity document (passport or identity card) and avalid (not older than 6 months) certificate of residence issued by the relevant municipal office. If both you and your partner live outside the Netherlands, the certificate must show that you live together at the same address. The application can be filled in on the computer, printed out, and sent together with the attachments to the address given on the document.
What should be kept in mind after obtaining aBSN number?
The document is completely free of charge, and aBSN number is issued for life. Re-obtaining anumber that has already been assigned is significantly more difficult. It is advisable to ensure that the original document is kept in asafe place and that aphotocopy is used for all official matters.
How do I check my BSN number (former Sofi nummer)?
You can do it online – provided that you have avalid DigiD, which is adigital ID that proves your identity to state administration institutions. How to go about it?
After logging on to the website https://www.svb.nl/nl/ you must select the option Raadplegen (Check), which contains your personal data, including your BSN number. If you do not have aDigiD, you should contact the SVB by phone or in person.
Employment agency assistance in obtaining aBSN number
Going to work in the Netherlands with an employment agency means help in arranging for aBSN number. The recruiter will ask if you have an ID number as early as at the stage of choosing the job offer. Importantly, without this document, your employer will not be able to draw up acontract for you.
What if you don’t have aBSN number? Don’t worry! All the necessary formalities are taken care of with the help of an employee of the agency’s local branch in Holland.
For those who don’t speak English or Dutch, such assistance from the agency can be indispensable.
