APPLYING FOR A BSN IN THE HAGUE – IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL FAMILIES
Anyone moving to the Netherlands needs to obtain a BSN (Burgerservicenummer) as soon as possible. The BSN is your personal identification number in the Netherlands and is required for many administrative procedures as well as everyday matters.
For international families in The Hague in particular, applying for a BSN is one of the first and most important steps after relocating.
WHAT IS A BSN?
The Burgerservicenummer (BSN) is comparable to a tax identification or social security number. It is issued by the Dutch government and remains linked to you throughout your stay in the Netherlands.
A BSN is required for, among other things:
- Registering with the municipality
- Opening a bank account
- Taking out health insurance
- Starting employment
- Applying for government benefits and allowances
- Communicating with public authorities
- Using DigiD, the Dutch digital identification system
Without a BSN, many everyday matters can only be handled to a limited extent.
WHERE DO YOU APPLY FOR A BSN IN THE HAGUE?
Your BSN is issued when you register in the Dutch Personal Records Database (BRP).
To do this, you need to make an appointment with the Municipality of The Hague.
Once your registration has been completed successfully, you will receive your BSN. You can then take care of other important matters, such as opening a bank account or taking out health insurance.
WHICH DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED?
The documents required may vary depending on your personal circumstances.
As a general rule, you will need:
- A valid passport or identity card
- A birth certificate
- Proof of your residential address
- A marriage certificate, if applicable
- Documents relating to children and other family members
We recommend bringing all important original documents and, where necessary, having certified translations available.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER REGISTRATION?
You will receive your BSN once your registration has been completed.
You can then:
- Open a Dutch bank account
- Take out health insurance
- Apply for DigiD
- Enrol your children in a nursery, kindergarten or school
- Apply for government benefits and allowances
For families, this is often the starting point for many other organisational steps following their move.
CHILDREN AND SCHOOLS IN THE HAGUE
In addition to registering with the municipality, many families are concerned with finding a suitable school or kindergarten.
The German International School The Hague has supported international families for more than 150 years and offers:
- A bilingual kindergarten
- German and international educational pathways
- Personalised support
- A multilingual environment
- Individual guidance for newly arrived families
Our contact person will be happy to assist new families with any questions regarding kindergarten, school and the admissions process.
PERSONAL GUIDANCE FOR NEW FAMILIES
Do you have questions about the German International School The Hague or our bilingual kindergarten?
Our contact person for new families will be pleased to provide personal guidance and support you with all questions relating to registration, kindergarten and school.
Please feel free to contact us to arrange a personal consultation or a school tour.