BSN

The BSN. The Burgerservicenummer. Perhaps the most important number you will have in The Netherlands, after your PIN. But what it is?

You will have received one when you registered with the local municipality. If you have not, you should get right on that. If you ever hear someone call it the sophie nummer, they are talking about the old name for the BSN – the SoFi nummer or sociaal fiscaal nummer.

The number is important as it allows you to pay your taxes, and receive a rebate if you over paid. your employer will request it and you won’t be able to work without it (not legally, anyway). You will use it in dealings with your municipality, the hospital, schools, or benefits agencies, for example. It also helps the government combat identity fraud. It is 9 numbers long and once you have it you will always have it, even if you leave the country.

Once you have it, you can also set-up a DigiD (via this website) which allows you to log into government websites, healthcare, educational institutions quickly and simply, without having to remember username and passwords.