BSN, sofi-nummer & DigiD
Here you will find information about unique identifcation numbers you need when contacting the government: The BurgerServiceNumber, which now nearly completely replaces the old sofi-number; and the DigiD, which you need for electronic correspondence with the government.
BurgerServiceNummer (BSN)
It is a general unique registrationnumber for every citizen and is to be used in contact with any government service. Your employer needs your BSN for example to be able to pay you a salary. Also you need your BSN to register yourself with the public healthcare insurance.
You receive your BSN when you are registered with your local council (in the registration called the GBA). When you receive the confirmation from your local council that you have been succesfully registered in the GBA (Gemeentelijke Basis Administratie) you will also find your BSN number in this letter.
Sofi-nummer
when you need a BSN, but you cannot apply for one, you can apply for a sofi-nummer.
Reasons for not being able to apply for a BSN are:
- Your stay in the Netherlands will be shorter than 4 months
- You will not stay in the Netherlands at all
Staying in the Netherlands for shorter than 4 months
If you need a BSN but you are not registered in the administration of the city council, because you are only in the Netherlands for less than 4 months, soon a special registration system will be opened for you at the city council named RNI. Until then you can still acquire your sofi-number from the Tax Office as was usual practise before the introduction of the BSN.
Our factsheet on the sofi-nummer tells you where you can obtain a social-fiscal number and what papers you will need to show when you apply.
You will not stay in the Netherlands at all
When you work for a Dutch employer but you are not situated in the Netherlands, a sofi-nummer might still be required. It is possible to apply for this sofi-nummer via the mail. Read our factsheet on how you can obtain a sofi-nummer from abroad.
Digid
DigiD stands for Digital Identity. It is a personal digital identity which allows the user to obtain service from governmental bodies, where identification needs to be provided.
In short: DigiD provides users with a personalised login code for the full spectrum of contact with various governmental bodies, such as:
- SVB, the social insurance institute
- Belastingdienst, the Tax office
- CWI, the Centre for Work and Income
- UWV, the Employees' Insurance and Benefits Office
Read more about DigiD on www.digid.nl. Although the procedure can only be followed in Dutch, on the website clear English instructions are provided.
You can contact the DigiD helpdesk: (0800) 023 04 35 on workdays from 08.00 untill 22.00.
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