Citizen service number (BSN) (2024)

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Citizen service number (BSN) (1)

The citizen service number (in Dutch: burgerservicenummer or BSN) is a unique personal number that is used for contact between citizens and the government. All banks in the Netherlands are required by law to have the BSN of their customers. For example, we need your BSN to share financial information, such as account balances or your assets, with the government.

On this page you will find more information about the BSN. We also explain how you can safely provide your BSN.

Providing your BSN when applying as a customer

When you become a customer at ABN AMRO, we will ask you to take a picture of your proof of identity (ID). In most cases, we will then automatically receive your BSN, as this number is stated on your ID. Do you not have a Dutch ID when applying as a customer? Then we will not receive your BSN automatically. In that case, we will ask you to enter your BSN yourself at a later time.

Do you not have a BSN yet?

If you will be living in the Netherlands for more than 4 months, you must register in the Basisregistratie Personen (BRP). You can do this at the municipality. After your registration, you will automatically receive a BSN. It may take a while before you receive your BSN.

Are you still waiting for your BSN, but would you already like to become an ABN AMRO customer? That is possible. In that case it is important that you provide us with your BSN as soon as possible. If you do not provide your BSN on time, we will block your account after 90 days. If after 120 days we have not received a BSN from you, our relationship with you as a client will unfortunately end.

Please note: if you have a passport from outside the EU, we will also need your proof of residence in the Netherlands. You cannot use your account until you have provided this. Read more about providing your proof of residence.

How to provide your BSN:

Step 1: Look up your BSN

Do you have a Dutch passport, ID card or driving license? Then your BSN will be stated on any of these documents. You can also look up the number online via Mijnoverheid. Furthermore, you can find your BSN on a Dutch pay slip, annual statement, healthcare pass or healthcare policy.

Step 2: Enter your BSN

Do you have access to the ABN AMRO app or Internet Banking? Then you can provide your BSN there. This works as follows:

Via the ABN AMRO app:

  • Log in.
  • Tap 'Profile' at the bottom right of the screen. Then tap 'Personal data' and scroll down to your tax details.
  • Under 'Burgerservicenummer (BSN)', the number ‘999999999’ is automatically filled in. Enter your own BSN here.

Via Internet Banking:

  • Log in.
  • Click on the drop-down menu in the top right-hand corner, next to your profile. Click on 'Personal data' and scroll down to your tax details.
  • Next to 'Burgerservicenummer (BSN)', the number ‘999999999’ is automatically filled in. Enter your own BSN here.
Step 3: Done!

Was your account not blocked? Then we will process your BSN immediately. You don't have to do anything else.

Did you enter your BSN after your account was blocked? Then please contact us to unblock your account.

How to provide your BSN:

Step 1: Look up your BSN
Step 2: Enter your BSN
Step 3: Done!

Step 1: Look up your BSN

Do you have a Dutch passport, ID card or driving license? Then your BSN will be stated on any of these documents. You can also look up the number online via Mijnoverheid. Furthermore, you can find your BSN on a Dutch pay slip, annual statement, healthcare pass or healthcare policy.

Step 2: Enter your BSN

Do you have access to the ABN AMRO app or Internet Banking? Then you can provide your BSN there. This works as follows:

Via the ABN AMRO app:

  • Log in.
  • Tap 'Profile' at the bottom right of the screen. Then tap 'Personal data' and scroll down to your tax details.
  • Under 'Burgerservicenummer (BSN)', the number ‘999999999’ is automatically filled in. Enter your own BSN here.

Via Internet Banking:

  • Log in.
  • Click on the drop-down menu in the top right-hand corner, next to your profile. Click on 'Personal data' and scroll down to your tax details.
  • Next to 'Burgerservicenummer (BSN)', the number ‘999999999’ is automatically filled in. Enter your own BSN here.

Step 3: Done!

Was your account not blocked? Then we will process your BSN immediately. You don't have to do anything else.

Did you enter your BSN after your account was blocked? Then please contact us to unblock your account.

Frequently asked questions about the BSN

What does ABN AMRO use my BSN for?

Banks may only use your BSN if this is stated in the law. For example, we may request your BSN if we need to share information about you with the government. The government will only receive the information it really needs.

Do we ask you to scan an ID with your BSN on it, and are we not allowed to use your BSN for that process? Then your BSN will automatically be blurred. This way, your BSN cannot be retrieved for that process.

The two most important laws that require banks to share information with the government and to use your BSN are: the General Law on State Taxes (Algemene Wet inzake Rijksbelastingen) and the Deposit Guarantee Scheme (Depositogarantiestelsel):

  • According to the General Law on State Taxes, banks must provide information about balances and loans to the Dutch Tax Authorities. This information allows the Dutch Tax Authorities to pre-fill income tax returns.
  • The rules of the Deposit Guarantee Scheme require banks to include their customers' BSN in bank records. This allows banks to quickly share the correct information about a customer's account balance to De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), if DNB needs it to administer the Deposit Guarantee Scheme.
Does ABN AMRO need my BSN to identify me?

No. The Dutch Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (Prevention) Act (in Dutch: Wet ter voorkoming van witwassen en financieren van terrorisme, or Wwft) states that banks must regularly check the identity of their customers. We do not need your BSN to do this.

However, to check if your identity, we do need a valid ID. Sometimes, to check the authenticity of an ID, we need the BSN to be visible. If you have an older passport or identity card, we can’t check the authenticity if the BSN is not visible. With the newest Dutch passports and identity cards, the authenticity can be checked without the BSN being visible. A driver's license can also be checked for authenticity without a visible BSN.

As a customer, can I refuse to give my BSN?

No, we need your BSN to comply with the law. All banks in the Netherlands are required by law to share information about their customers with the government and De Nederlandsche Bank. To exchange this information, we have to use the BSN.

What happens if I do not receive a BSN?

In some situations, you will not receive a BSN. For example, if you reside in the Netherlands on a privileged status. This is the case if you are a diplomat or if you work for certain International Organizations (IOs). Does this apply to you? Then please call the Expat Appointment Desk on +31 (0)20 343 44 22 (usual call charges apply). You can reach us by phone Monday to Friday from 10.00 - 15.00.

We will ask you to provide proof of your status. Please do so as soon as possible, otherwise our relationship with you as a client will unfortunately end.

I did not yet have my BSN when I became a customer. What should I do now?

It is important that you provide us with your BSN as soon as possible. If you do not provide your BSN on time, we will block your account after 90 days. If after 120 days we have not received a BSN from you, our relationship with you as a client will unfortunately end.

Do you expect that you cannot provide your BSN in time, and do you still have money in your account? If so, be sure to transfer this money before your account is blocked. Once your account is blocked, you will no longer have access to your account.

Do you have a negative balance when your account is terminated? Then the bank may use a debt collection agency to recover the money owed. In that case, you will have to pay interest on your negative balance and on the collection costs.

I have a passport from outside the EU. Do I need to provide anything else?

If you have a passport from outside the EU, we first need your proof of residence in the Netherlands. Once we’ve received this, we’ll ask you to provide your BSN.

Please note: without proof of residence you can open an account, but you cannot use it yet. This is only possible after you have provided your proof of residence. Read more about providing your proof of residence.

Citizen service number (BSN) (2024)

FAQs

How do I get a citizen service number in BSN? ›

If you come to live or work in the Netherlands, you can obtain a BSN . To do so, you must register with your municipality. You must then go to town hall in person with a valid identity document. You will receive your BSN immediately after your registration.

Is my BSN number valid? ›

Period of validity

You receive a citizen service number once. Your citizen service number will always remain valid and unchanged. Even if you live abroad (or are going to live abroad).

What is BSN identification number? ›

The Burgerservicenummer (BSN) or Dutch Citizen Service Number is your official national identification in the Netherlands. All residents in the Netherlands must have one. The BSN functions as a social security number, a national identification number, and a tax number in the Netherlands.

What is the format of BSN number? ›

The Burgerservicenummer (BSN) is 9 digits in the format NNNN. NN. NNN. Leading zeroes are commonly omitted.

How to get proof of BSN number? ›

Your citizen service number (BSN) can usually be found on your Dutch passport, identity card or driving licence. You can also look it up online on MijnOverheid.

How long does a BSN letter take to arrive? ›

You will automatically receive a letter with your BSN from the government. Usually you will receive a letter containing your BSN within 4 weeks of your registration in the BRP.

Why do I need a BSN number? ›

The citizen service number (BSN) allows you to identify yourself if you need care. Recognised care providers like general practice doctors and health insurance companies have to use the BSN.

How many digits are there in BSN number? ›

Your BSN consists of 9 numbers. Above your BSN is the text 'personal number', which is another word for BSN. Your BSN is also in the long row of letters and numbers under your photo.

How to get a temporary BSN number? ›

BSN via an RNI municipality

If you live outside the Netherlands or are coming to the Netherlands for less than 4 months to study or work, you can register in the Non-residents Records Database (RNI). You can register in person at one of the 19 municipalities with an RNI desk in the Netherlands.

Where is BSN on ID card? ›

4. QR code with BSN. The cardholder's citizen service number (BSN) is contained in a QR code on the back of the identity card.

What is a burger service number? ›

On this page. In the Netherlands, anyone who registers with the municipality they live in automatically receives a citizen service number (burgerservicenummer, BSN). The BSN is a unique personal number you use to identify yourself to government agencies.

What is BSN number for students in the Netherlands? ›

If you are a resident in the Netherlands or becoming one than you will need a BSN number (Burgerservicenummer). The BSN number is since 2007 implemented together with DigiD and includes 9 figures. The purpose of the BSN number is to prevent mistakes in identities. Everyone has their own unique number.

How to get a Dutch number? ›

In order to get a Dutch phone number and a phone contract at one of the communications companies in the Netherlands, you need to have the following:
  1. A valid ID/PASSPORT (if you are an EU/EEA citizen),
  2. A Dutch resident permit (if you are a citizen outside EU/EEA)
  3. Your BSN Number.
  4. A Dutch Bank account.
  5. A local home address.

Where is the ID number on a Dutch residence permit? ›

V-number: your 10-digit V-number is indicated at the bottom of the residence permit, following the letters VNR. Your V-number is also indicated in correspondence that you receive from the IND. What can you do with this residence permit? You can live in the Netherlands as long as your residence permit is valid.

How do I activate my BSN online? ›

To proceed with your online transaction banking, one-time verification is required. There are 2 options to activate your myBSN access: Visit our nearest BSN branch for assistance. Call BSN Contact Centre at 1-300-88-1900 / +603-2613 1900 (Overseas)

How can I get RNI in the Netherlands? ›

If you live outside the Netherlands, you can register in the Non-residents Records Database (RNI) in person at one of the 19 municipalities in the Netherlands with an RNI desk. A government organisation may also be able to register you, depending on your situation.

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