Citizen’s identification number

In order to apply for a (surviving dependants’) pension or an AOW state pension, you need a citizen’s identification number (bsn). Don’t have a bsn yet? The process for getting one depends on what you need your bsn for.

You want to apply for state pension from abroad
If you live outside of the Netherlands, you will need to apply for state pension using your bsn 6 months before reaching your statutory retirement age. Don't have a bsn number? Then the Social Insurance Bank (Sociale Verzekeringsbank, SVB) will make sure you are registered as a non-resident and are given a bsn. For this, you will need to contact the SVB. In other words, you do not have to travel to the Netherlands in this case.

Please note: the age at which you will start to receive a state pension depends on your date of birth. If you have not always lived or worked in the Netherlands, this will affect the amount of your state pension. For an estimate of your statutory retirement age and how much state pension you have accrued, please go to SVB.nl.

You would like to receive a pension benefit
If you do not have a bsn, you will need to apply for one from the tax authorities. Depending on your situation, the process for applying for a bsn is as follows:

• You live abroad and are able to travel to the Netherlands yourself
  If you live outside of the Netherlands you can register with the Non-residents Records Database (RNI). You can register in person at one of the 19 municipalities that have an RNI desk in the Netherlands. After registering at an RNI desk, you will receive a bsn number.

• You are unable to travel to the Netherlands and need a bsn
  For example, you need a bsn to register your pension or to receive a surviving dependants’ pension. In this case, you will need to send a cover letter for a bsn to the tax authorities in the Netherlands. This letter should contain the following information:

  •  The reason why you need the bsn
  •  Letter of confirmation of employment with Shell
  •  Copy of your passport ID
  •  Proof of address abroad
  •  Proof of record of your Uniform Pension Overview (UPO)

  For your application, please use our sample cover letter (pdf) to submit your request for a bsn application.

  Please note: the proof of address should be no older than 6 months.

Are you applying for a bsn for someone else who does not live in the Netherlands?
That’s possible, but that person has to declare in writing that they are authorising you to apply for a bsn. When you apply, please use the authorisation declaration (pdf) and our sample cover letter (authorisation) (pdf) to submit your application.

How long will it take to receive your bsn after you have applied?
After the tax authorities have received your application, it will take about 8 weeks for you to receive your BSN.

Have you received your bsn?
Inform us via 'Send us a message' at contact page. Let us know your name and date of birth. We will request your bsn and register it in our pension administration system.

Also, be sure to always keep us informed of any changes in your personal life, such as registering a partner, getting divorced or moving house.