BSN (burgerservicenummer, citizen service number)

Government.nl describes the BSN as a unique personal number allocated to everyone registered in the Personal Records Database (Basisregistratie Personen, BRP). Government bodies use it to find your data, so you do not have to give it to each of them separately. Recognised care providers such as GPs and health insurers have to use it, and it lets you identify yourself when you need care. Non-government organisations may only use your BSN where the law requires it.

1. Living in the Netherlands for more than four months: register with the municipality where you will live, within five days of arriving. Registration is free, and partners and children coming with you must attend too.
2. The municipality enters you in the BRP and you receive your BSN.
3. Staying less than four months, or living abroad: register as a non-resident in the RNI at one of 19 RNI desks, in person with your passport. Non-EU nationals can only book at the desks in Breda or Venlo. You receive a letter with your BSN.

The government's guidance notes exceptions to the five-day rule, such as waiting for a residence permit from the IND.

• Payroll and tax: it appears on your payslips and annual salary statements, and government bodies use it for tax.
• Health insurance: insurers must use it, and it is printed on your insurance card.
• DigiD: you cannot apply for DigiD without a BSN.
• BIG registration: the BIG-register's online portal uses DigiD, which needs a BSN; if you do not have one yet, it offers a separate BIG login.

Where to find it: Netherlands Worldwide lists your Dutch passport, ID card or driving licence, MijnOverheid (log in with DigiD and choose Identiteit), payslips and annual salary statements, your health insurance card and your insurance policy. An RNI desk can check whether you already have one.

Netherlands Worldwide says you can complete the online RNI form beforehand to receive a QR code to bring to the desk, which saves time. Bring a valid passport or ID card, and an interpreter if you do not speak Dutch or English. Children under 16 need their own passport or ID card plus a birth certificate or parentage declaration, and foreign documents may need translation or legalisation. After registering you get a summary of your data and a letter with your BSN.

Your BSN is also used for childcare, housing and healthcare benefits, and each organisation must check that you are using your own number, which helps prevent identity fraud.

• No address yet. Without registration you have no BSN, which delays salary and DigiD.
• Unlegalised documents. Translation or legalisation costs are yours, so start early.
• Sharing it too freely. Only bodies allowed by law should ask for it.