Last updated 04/02/2026
When you run a Dutch business, even if you are a non-resident, you most likely need to obtain a BSN number (Tax identification number) in the Netherlands.
In addition to taking care of your tax worries, you may be required to obtain a BSN number in order to open a personal or corporate bank account in the Netherlands. It’s possible that a shareholder won’t normally need to have a BSN number.
Are you a paid employee of a business in the Netherlands?
Do you plan on staying in the Netherlands for less than four months? Following that, we will refer to you as a non-resident. Even though you do not live in the Netherlands, you have a relationship with the Dutch government. You must register as a non-resident in a municipality with a unique registration facility. When you register with a municipality, you will be given a citizen service number.
As a result, the employee travels to the Netherlands and begins working for the bank in less than four months. Because taxes are owed, this strengthens ties with the Dutch government.
A worker must register with the Personal Records Database (BRP) if they have been employed in the Netherlands for more than four months. Is the person a foreign worker who hasn’t received a citizen service number yet and hasn’t spent more than four months in the Netherlands? Then they must complete the Non-Resident Registration (RNI). Non-residents can register with the RNI at registration centres located in 19 Dutch municipalities. Alkmaar, Almelo, Amsterdam, Breda, The Hague, Doetinchem, Groningen, Goes, Heerlen, Leeuwarden, Leiden, Nijmegen, Rotterdam, Terneuzen, Utrecht, Venlo, Westland and Zwolle are a few of these. Migrant employees must physically provide a valid form of identification before registering. They must also provide their home address in their country of origin.
Apply for a BSN at the City Council
Non-residents who register at the counter receive their Citizen Service Number (BSN) and a copy of the personal data included therein. Registration is free of charge. Employers may also accompany a group of foreign workers to the office at the same time. Then, an appointment must be scheduled. To obtain your employees’ citizen service numbers as soon as possible, it is preferable to immediately schedule an appointment at a registration facility.
How to apply for a BSN in Amsterdam
You can register with the municipality of Amsterdam if you are an expat who will be living or working there for a while.
That is certainly feasible. You can register with the municipality if your stay is under four months. After that, you’ll fill out the Non-Resident Registration form (RNI). You will receive a citizen service number (BSN) right away following registration. You must register in person; no one else can do it for you.
Make a reservation.
You must schedule an appointment to register:
- Call the Amsterdam municipal information line at 14 020. (From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday; local rate)
- You will receive written confirmation of the appointment by mail or email. Bring the confirmation of your appointment with you.
The meeting is held in Stadsloket Zuidoost.
What do you need to bring?
In any case, you need to bring a legal ID. The appointment confirmation will include what else you might need to bring.
Do you intend to register your underage child? The birth certificate of the child must then be presented.
Is registration necessary?
If you want to stay in the Netherlands for less than four months, you do not need to register. However, you can only enrol if you need to obtain a BSN number in the Netherlands. Before, a social security number may be requested from the tax authorities but that is no longer possible. Working in the Netherlands requires having a citizen service number (BSN).
Do you intend to stay here for at least four months?
If you are still in the Netherlands after four months, dial 14 020 once more. You will be asked again if you plan to stay in the Netherlands for four months or more throughout the course of the following six months. It does not cover the duration of your stay, just the next six months.
If you plan on staying in the Netherlands for less than four months over the course of the next six months, there is nothing you need to do. Your registration will remain active.
If you intend to stay in the Netherlands for four months or more over the next six months, you must change your registration. You need to return for it, and you must now sign up for the Personal Records Database (BRP). To do this, you must schedule an appointment. To make an appointment, only dial 14 020. You have the option of scheduling an appointment at any city counter; there are seven separate places. Please be informed that stays lasting four months or more have additional requirements. If you are not an EU citizen, you must have a valid residence permit.
You must modify your registration if you anticipate remaining in the Netherlands for 4 months or longer in the ensuing 6 months. You need to return for it. You must now sign up for the Personal Records Database (BRP). To do this, you must schedule an appointment. Only use 14 020 to schedule an appointment. You have the option of scheduling an appointment at any city counter. There are seven separate places. Please be aware that there are extra requirements for stays lasting 4 months or more. You need to have a current residence permit if you’re not an EU citizen. Read more here. in the Netherlands for the first time.
Please contact us at launch@bolderlaunch.com / corporate@bolderlaunch.com or +31 76 230 0011 to learn more about how we can help expand your business in the Netherlands. We are more than happy to assist with guidance!
The publication has been prepared for general guidance on matters of interest only and does not constitute professional advice. You should not act upon the information contained in this publication without obtaining specific professional advice. No presentation or warranty (express or implied) is given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this publication, and, to the extent permitted by law, Bolder Business Services (Netherlands) B.V., its members, employees and agents do not accept or assume any liability, responsibility or duty of care for any consequences of you or anyone else acting or refraining to act in reliance on the information contained in this publication or for any decision based on it.
