BSN Registration in Almere: Complete Guide for Newcomers

What is a BSN and Why Do We Need It?

Burgerservicenummer (BSN), or Citizen Service Number, is our unique personal identification number in the Netherlands. This 9-digit number is essential for virtually everything we'll need to do in Dutch society - from opening a bank account and getting health insurance to receiving your salary and accessing government services.

Without a BSN, we cannot:

• Open a Dutch bank account

• Get health insurance (verplichte zorgverzekering)

• Register with a GP or access healthcare

• Receive our salary legally

• Apply for benefits or allowances

• File tax returns

• Buy property

• Register for DigiD (digital identity for government services)

Who Needs to Register for BSN in Almere?

For Long-Term Stays (4+ months)

If we're planning to live in Almere for more than 4 months, we must register in the Personal Records Database (BRP) within 5 days of our arrival. This applies to:

• EU/EEA citizens and their family members

• Non-EU citizens with valid residence permits

• Students attending Dutch educational institutions

• Workers with employment contracts

• Entrepreneurs and business owners

• Family reunification cases

For Short-Term Stays (Less than 4 months)

If we're staying in the Netherlands for less than 4 months, we can register in the Registry for Non-Residents (RNI) that is available in 19 municipalities to obtain a BSN. This is useful for:

• Temporary workers

• Short-term students

• Cross-border workers

• Researchers on short assignments

• Digital nomads with temporary projects

Step-by-Step Registration Process in Almere

Step 1: Choose Our Registration Path - Two Registration Options Available:

Option A: Direct Almere City Hall Registration

• For all residents moving to Almere

• Free registration service

• Make appointment and visit in person

Option B: IN Amsterdam Service

• For highly skilled migrants or EU citizens

• One-stop-shop service (fees apply)

• Requires employer with IND recognised sponsor status

• Covers multiple procedures at once

Step 2: Secure Address

Before we can register, we must have a residential address in Almere where we can legally register. This requires:

• For renters: Active rental contract (huurcontract) signed by both parties

• For homeowners: Purchase contract (koopcontract) or property deed number (kadastrale nummer)

• Living with others: Written permission from primary resident/owner with copy of their ID

Critical Requirement: We must be physically present in the Netherlands legally and have a confirmed Almere address.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents (Almere City Hall Process)

Essential Documents for Everyone:

• Valid passport or EU/EEA ID card (driving licenses NOT accepted)

• Original birth certificate (photocopies not accepted)

• Rental or purchase contract showing Almere address

Additional Documents by Situation:

Married Persons:

• Original marriage certificate (not a copy)

Parents with Children Under 16:

• Valid proof of identity for accompanying parent/guardian/care provider

• Proof of legal guardianship authorisation (if applicable)

• Child must be present at appointment

Document Language & Authentication:

• Certificates must be in Dutch, English, French, or German

• Other languages require certified sworn translator

• Foreign certificates generally need authentication (apostille/legalisation)

• Check specific country requirements at netherlandsworldwide.nl

Step 4: Make Our Appointment

Contact Almere Municipality:

• Phone: 14 036 (within Netherlands)

• Phone: +31 36 539 99 11 (from abroad)

• Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30-17:00

For IN Amsterdam Option:

• Complete online form first at iamsterdam.com

• Then call +31 20 254 7999 to schedule

Booking Strategy:

• Call as soon as we know our arrival date

• Have all document details ready

• Ask about specific requirements for our situation

• Confirm location, time, and required documents

Step 5: Attend Our Registration Appointment

Location: Almere City Hall

• Address: Stadhuisplein 1, 1315 HR Almere

• Bring all original documents

• Arrive punctually (late arrivals may need to reschedule)

What Happens During Registration:

• Staff verify our identity and documents

• Address registration is confirmed

• Personal data is recorded in BRP database

• We receive BSN number

• Registration extract is provided

If Documents Are Missing:

Almere provides a 3-month grace period to submit missing authentication documents like apostilled certificates. We can register initially and schedule a follow-up appointment to complete our file. During the first appointment, staff will specify exactly which additional documents we need and the timeline for submission.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Long Waiting Times - Solution: Book appointments immediately upon arrival planning. Consider IN Amsterdam if we qualify. Monitor for cancellations.

Missing Documents - Solution: Don't wait for all documents - book our appointment and use the 3-month extension for missing certificates.

Address Issues - Solution: Ensure our rental contract allows registration. If staying temporarily, get written permission from the primary resident with their ID copy.

Language Barriers - Solution: Almere has English-speaking staff for registration services. Bring a Dutch-speaking friend if needed, or consider IN Amsterdam.

Document Authentication - Solution: Start the apostille process early - it can take weeks. Check specific requirements for country of origin on government websites.

After Registration: Next Steps

Once we have our BSN, we can:

1. Open a Bank Account: Major banks like ING, ABN AMRO, and Rabobank have branches in Almere

2. Get Health Insurance: We have 4 months to arrange this (but do it immediately)

3. Register with a GP: Essential for healthcare access

4. Apply for DigiD: Our digital identity for government services

5. Register for Municipal Services: GSD (waste collection), library card, sports facilities

Important Reminders

• Register within 5 days of arrival for long-term stays

• Keep our BSN safe, never share it with someone you don't know - we'll use it constantly

• Update our registration when we move within the Netherlands

• Deregister properly when leaving the Netherlands permanently

• Our BSN is for life - it stays the same even if we leave and return

Building Bridges in Almere

As newcomers to Almere, taking care of official requirements like BSN registration demonstrates our commitment to integrating properly into Dutch society. This proactive approach helps build positive relationships with both officials and Dutch neighbors, showing that internationals are here to contribute positively to the community.

The BSN registration process, while sometimes challenging, is our first step toward becoming fully participating resident . Don't hesitate to ask questions - municipal staff are there to help, and fellow internationals who've been through the process are usually happy to share their experiences.

Need Help?

Remember that proper registration protects both ourselves and the Dutch system. If we're struggling with the process, consider:

• Contacting Gemeente Almere

• Asking colleagues or friends who've registered

• Using professional relocation services if our employer provides them

• Reaching out to international student services if studying

Emergency Contacts:

• Gemeente Almere: 14 070

• Emergency Services: 112

• Police (non-emergency): 0900-8844

Getting our BSN is a milestone worth celebrating. It means we're officially part of the Netherlands and can start building our new life in Almere with confidence.

This guide is updated regularly to reflect current procedures. Last updated: September 2025. Always verify current requirements with Almere municipality or official government sources.