Quick Overview
All residents must register at gemeente (municipality) within 5 days to receive BSN (Burgerservicenummer - citizen service number) required for work, banking, healthcare. Free registration. Non-EU citizens need residence permit from IND (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst) costing €174-1,107. EU citizens only need BSN registration. Appointment booking at gemeente takes 1-3 weeks.
Key Facts
BSN registration deadline
5 days from arrival (free, €0)
Appointment wait time
1-3 weeks (book immediately)
Required document
Birth certificate with apostille + Dutch translation
BSN processing
Issued same day at appointment
Non-EU residence permit
€174-1,107 (kennismigrant €174)
Key agencies
Gemeente (BSN), IND (residence permits)
How It Works
Netherlands Expat: BSN & Residence in Netherlands
BSN registration at gemeente is mandatory within 5 days. Book appointment online 1-3 weeks ahead. Bring: passport, rental contract, birth certificate with apostille + Dutch translation. BSN issued same day. Non-EU citizens must also apply for residence permit at IND (€174-1,107). EU citizens only need BSN registration.
Register at municipality to receive citizen service number
Book gemeente appointment online
Schedule BSN registration at local municipality.
Prepare required documents
Gather all mandatory paperwork for BSN registration.
Attend gemeente appointment
Complete BSN registration in person.
Receive and safeguard BSN
Obtain your 9-digit citizen service number.
Apply for verblijfsvergunning if you are from outside EU/EEA/Switzerland
Apply for residence permit at IND
Submit verblijfsvergunning application.
Provide biometrics and additional documents
Attend IND appointment for fingerprints and photo.
Receive residence permit card
Collect your verblijfsvergunning card.
Netherlands Expat: BSN & Residence Costs in Netherlands (2025)
Free for all residents
Per document - birth certificate, marriage cert
Obtained in home country
Highly skilled migrant
Standard work permit
For entrepreneurs
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BSN registration | €0 | Free for all residents |
| Document translation (beëdigd vertaler) | €50-100 | Per document - birth certificate, marriage cert |
| Apostille | €20-50 | Obtained in home country |
| Residence permit - kennismigrant | €174 | Highly skilled migrant |
| Residence permit - regular work | €430 | Standard work permit |
| Residence permit - self-employed | €1,107 | For entrepreneurs |
| Total estimate | €50-150 for EU citizens (translations only) / €224-1,257 for non-EU (translations + permit) | |
*BSN registration is free. Main costs are document translations and apostilles. Non-EU citizens pay significant residence permit fees. Kennismigrant route is cheapest for non-EU (€174). Prices current as of January 2025.
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