Without the BSN number, you cannot receive a legal salary, cannot get health insurance, and cannot open a bank account in the Netherlands. The good news: Romanian citizens can obtain it easily, usually within the first week after arrival. Here are the steps.
What is the BSN number
BSN (burgerservicenummer) is the personal identification number in the Netherlands, used for taxes, salary, health insurance, and dealings with state institutions. You receive it once and it remains with you for life, even if you leave and return.
BRP or RNI: where to register
You automatically receive the BSN when you register in one of the two registers of the Dutch state:
| How long you stay in the Netherlands | Where to register | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 months | BRP, at the municipality (gemeente) where you live | within 5 days of arrival |
| Under 4 months | RNI (non-residents register), at one of the RNI counters in certain municipalities | before you start working |
For most workers coming for a longer contract, the correct option is registration in BRP, with the address of residence in the Netherlands.
What documents you need
- valid ID card or passport (original);
- address in the Netherlands, usually the accommodation contract or a statement from the landlord or agency, for BRP;
- sometimes, birth certificate, preferably in international format (multilingual) or translated and apostilled. Ask the municipality in advance.
Steps, briefly
- Make an appointment at the municipality in the city where you live (or at an RNI counter).
- Present the documents mentioned above.
- You receive the BSN on the spot or within a few days, on paper or by mail.
- You give it to your employer or agency, so you are paid correctly and the correct tax is withheld.
What to do after receiving the BSN
- get your health insurance (zorgverzekering), mandatory for those working in the Netherlands;
- open, if needed, a Dutch bank account;
- you can create a DigiD, the online account for state institutions (taxes, allowances).
We can help you
Candidates placed through Irimia Recruitment receive support in Romanian for registration, BSN, and the first steps in the Netherlands. See available jobs or read how much you earn in the article about minimum wage in the Netherlands in 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work without a BSN?
You can start in the first days, but without a BSN your employer will withhold tax at the maximum rate. That’s why it’s good to obtain it as soon as possible.
How much does the BSN cost?
Registration and receiving the BSN number are free.
Updated information in October 2026, based on official guidelines from the Dutch government. The exact procedure may vary slightly from one municipality to another.
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