BSN · DigiD · plain English
BSN and DigiD, explained for foreign founders.
Two of the first Dutch acronyms that confuse every newcomer. The BSN is your personal ID number; DigiD is your personal government login. Here is what each one is, how you get a BSN, and how DigiD differs from the business login, eHerkenning.
- What the BSN and DigiD actually are
- How to get a BSN — gemeente (BRP) vs RNI
- DigiD (personal) vs eHerkenning (business)
- What you really need to run a BV from abroad
In one line
The BSN identifies you as a person; DigiD logs you in as a person; eHerkenning logs in your company. You get the BSN by registering with a municipality, then apply for DigiD.
Running a company? See eHerkenning for the business side.
The BSN — your personal number
The BSN (burgerservicenummer) is your unique Dutch citizen service number. Almost every official interaction runs on it: the tax office uses it, your employer needs it to run payroll, your health insurer needs it, and most banks ask for it. It identifies a person — it is not a company number (that is the KVK number and RSIN, which your BV gets separately).
How to get a BSN
You get a BSN by registering in person with a Dutch municipality. Which register depends on whether you are actually living here:
| Situation | Where you register |
|---|---|
| Living in the Netherlands (or staying 4+ months) | The gemeente (municipality) where you live, in the BRP (Basisregistratie Personen / population register). |
| Not living here, or a short stay under 4 months | As a non-resident in the RNI (Registration of Non-Residents), at one of the designated RNI municipalities. |
You are issued the BSN at registration. Book an appointment, and bring a valid passport or ID card — and, for BRP registration, proof of your Dutch address and sometimes birth or marriage documents. The RNI route is the one most non-resident founders use before they relocate.
DigiD — your personal login
DigiD is the digital identity that lets you, as an individual, log in to Dutch government services online — the Belastingdienst, your municipality, health and benefits portals. It is tied to your BSN, so the order matters: BSN first, then DigiD. You apply for DigiD once you are registered, and activation typically involves a verification code. DigiD is for your personal matters only.
DigiD vs eHerkenning — don’t mix them up
This is the distinction that saves foreign founders the most confusion:
| DigiD | eHerkenning | |
|---|---|---|
| For | A private individual | A company and its representatives |
| Tied to | Your BSN | Your KVK-registered company |
| Used for | Personal tax, municipality, health | Business filings (e.g. payroll tax, Vpb) |
| Cost | Free | Paid, per year, from an approved supplier |
So as a director-shareholder you may end up using both: DigiD for your own income tax, and eHerkenning for the company — unless a bookkeeping office files for the company on your behalf, which can remove the need for your own eHerkenning entirely.
What you actually need to run a BV from abroad
You do not need a BSN or DigiD simply to own or direct a Dutch BV from another country — company registration runs through the KVK and notary, and company filings use eHerkenning. A personal BSN (and usually DigiD) becomes relevant when you draw a salary, become a Dutch resident, or have to deal with the tax office as an individual. We tell you which of these apply so you only chase the ones you need.
Registration procedures and the documents required are set by the municipalities, the RNI network and Logius (DigiD); this is general information, not legal advice. Requirements change and differ per municipality — verify before you travel to an appointment.
BSN & DigiD — FAQ
What is the BSN?
The BSN (burgerservicenummer, or citizen service number) is your unique Dutch personal identification number. The government, the tax office, your employer and your bank all use it to identify you. You need a BSN before you can be paid a salary, file income tax, take out Dutch health insurance or open most bank accounts. It identifies a person, not a company.
How do I get a BSN as a foreigner?
You get a BSN by registering in person. If you are living in the Netherlands, you register at the gemeente (municipality) in the BRP (population register). If you are not (yet) living here or stay under four months, you register as a non-resident in the RNI (Registration of Non-Residents) at one of the designated RNI municipalities. You receive the BSN at registration; bring a valid passport or ID and, where relevant, proof of address.
What is DigiD?
DigiD ("digital identity") is the login that lets a private individual access Dutch government services online — the tax office, health insurance, your municipality and more. It is linked to your BSN, so you need a BSN first, and you apply for DigiD once you are registered. It is for you as a person, not for your company.
What is the difference between DigiD and eHerkenning?
DigiD is personal — an individual logging in with their BSN. eHerkenning is the business equivalent — the login a company and its authorised representatives use for government portals such as the Belastingdienst. As a founder you may use DigiD for your own affairs and eHerkenning (or your bookkeeper’s login) for the company.
Do I need a BSN and DigiD to run a Dutch BV from abroad?
Not always personally. You can own and direct a Dutch BV without living here, and much of the company filing runs on eHerkenning rather than your personal DigiD. But if you draw a salary, become a Dutch resident, or need to deal with the tax office as an individual, a BSN (and usually DigiD) becomes necessary. We flag which of these apply to your situation.
Sources
- Rijksoverheid — Citizen service number (BSN) (what it is, who uses it).
- Rijksoverheid — Personal data (BRP / non-resident registration) (RNI vs BRP registration).
- DigiD — About DigiD (personal login, applying, activation).
We are an independent company-formation and bookkeeping office, not a government body (the municipalities, RNI or Logius). Registration rules, documents and procedures differ per municipality and change periodically — verify your situation before booking an appointment. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Not sure which numbers and logins you need?
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