Residence permit

Registration at the Town Hall

Bank account

BSN / sofi / tax number

Everyone who works in the Netherlands has to be in the possession of a "Burgerservicenummer" (BSN) or, alternatively, a "sofi number".

"Burgerservicenummer" (BSN)

The BSN is a unique registration number for every citizen which is to be used in contact with any government service, such as the tax administration. After you have completed your town hall registration, you will automatically receive a BSN. You can find this number of the overview of personal details that your local town hall will send you a few weeks after your registration.

"Sofi number"

If your stay in the Netherlands will not exceed 4 months, you cannot register with the town hall. Consequently, you will not receive a BSN. In that case you can apply for a "sofi number" ("social fiscal number", social security number). Foreign employees in Leiden can apply for a sofi number at the Tax Office in the Stationsplein. This is one of the 16 locations where sofi numbers are issued.

At your appointment at the Tax Office you are required to show valid proof of identity (not a driving licence).  You also have to give your address.  If you are not registered with the local council, then you may be asked for proof of address. Depending on your nationality, you may also be required to show a residence and/or work permit. 

Non-EU citizens are required to have a passport containing a residence permit and a work permit as well as an employment contract, of course.  A new regulation has recently been introduced whereby the Tax Office can issue a sofi number on the basis of proof that a residence permit has been applied for.  The proof is the sticker which the local council places in your passport when you apply for a residence permit.  The sticker must state that you permitted to work in this country. 

Please note that having a BSN or a sofi-number does not automatically mean you are permitted to work in the Netherlands!