Apply for a Dutch BSN from Abroad (AL 049): Fill In Online

What is Aanvraag burgerservicenummer (apply for a BSN from abroad)?

The Aanvraag burgerservicenummer (form AL 049) is the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration's (Belastingdienst) paper form for requesting a citizen service number (burgerservicenummer, BSN). You can use it for yourself, your (allowance) partner or your child, in one of the 14 situations the form lists, for example when you will work for a Dutch employer, receive a Dutch pension, inherit or receive a gift, own real estate in the Netherlands, need to file a property transfer tax return, or want to register for a dividend tax refund. Dutch nationals abroad can also use it to open a Dutch bank account or apply for a DigiD.

Each reason comes with its own list of attachments, always including a clear copy of a valid passport or ID card and a document showing where the person lives. The form says the Belastingdienst only handles the application when all attachments are included, and only accepts attachments in Dutch, English or German. It forwards your application to the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK), which handles it; you hear from them within 4 to 8 weeks.

FileIt explains the form in English next to the Dutch wording, shows the attachments your chosen reason needs, asks for part 3 only when it applies, checks any BSN with the eleven test, and prints your answers into the Belastingdienst's own PDF. You sign it and post it with the attachments yourself — FileIt never sends anything.

Who fills it: Someone who needs a Dutch BSN for themselves, their allowance or tax partner, or their child
Sent to: Belastingdienst, Postbus 29, 6400 AA Heerlen, the Netherlands
Processing: Handled by the Ministry of the Interior (BZK); a reply within 4 to 8 weeks
Signatures: You sign; your partner or the other parent or guardian signs too when part 3 is filled in
Edition: AL 049 - 1Z*6FOL

Who needs to fill out Aanvraag burgerservicenummer (apply for a BSN from abroad)?

Someone whose allowance partner (toeslagpartner) lives abroad and wants to apply for an allowance, or whose tax partner (fiscale partner) lives abroad.
Parents who need a BSN for their child to apply for childcare allowance (kinderopvangtoeslag).
People who received, or will soon receive, a gift or inheritance and must file a Dutch gift or inheritance tax return.
Seafarers, international drivers and platform workers, and directors or board members of a Dutch legal entity registered with the KVK.
People who will work for a Dutch employer, or who receive or will receive a pension.
Owners of real estate in the Netherlands, people who must file a property transfer tax return, or who want to register for a dividend tax refund or need a BSN under the Natuurschoonwet.
Dutch nationals who want to open a bank account in the Netherlands or apply for a DigiD.

When to use Aanvraag burgerservicenummer (apply for a BSN from abroad)

When one of the 14 reasons in question 1 applies to you and you don't have a BSN yet.
Once you have every attachment your reason needs: the form says an incomplete application isn't handled.
If you can't send an attachment, the form says to call the BelastingTelefoon Buitenland on +31 555 385 385 first.

What you need before you start

The reason you need a BSN (one of A to N).
A clear copy of a valid passport or ID card.
Proof of where the person lives: a certificate of residence from the municipality no older than 6 months, a recent gas, water and electricity bill if the municipality doesn't issue one, or another document showing it.
Extra documents for some reasons, e.g. a marriage or partnership certificate (partner), a birth register extract (child), your employment contract (seafarer, driver, platform worker), a KVK register extract naming you (director), or proof of life and the pension payer's letter (pension).
Your name, date of birth, address abroad, phone number and email, and your own BSN if you apply for a partner or child.
For a partner, or the other parent or guardian: their name, date of birth, address, nationality and (for childcare allowance) BSN.

What’s on Aanvraag burgerservicenummer (apply for a BSN from abroad)

The 2025 edition has 4 pages. FileIt asks for it in 4 parts, and it is signed by Applicant and Partner, or other parent or guardian:

1. Reason for the application (Reden aanvraag)Applicant
2. Your details (Uw gegevens)Applicant
3. Allowance partner, tax partner, or other parent or guardianPartner, or other parent or guardian
4. Signature (Ondertekening)Applicant

How to fill out Aanvraag burgerservicenummer (apply for a BSN from abroad), step by step

1 1 Reason for the application

Tick the one situation that applies. Next to each reason the form lists the attachments you must send. Write your initials and surname on every attachment and don't staple them.

2 2 Your details

Your surname (with any prefix such as van or de in the small box), all first names, date of birth, address, country, phone and email. Give your own BSN only when you apply for your allowance partner, tax partner or for childcare allowance.

3 3 Partner, or other parent or guardian

Only for an allowance partner abroad, a tax partner abroad or childcare allowance: their name, date of birth, address, country and nationality, and for childcare allowance the other parent's or guardian's BSN.

4 4 Signature

Date the form and sign within the box. The person in part 3 signs the second box, only if part 3 is filled in.

Common mistakes to avoid

Leaving out an attachment. The form says the application is only handled when all requested attachments are included.
Sending attachments in a language other than Dutch, English or German without a translation.
Stapling or clipping the attachments, or not writing your initials and surname on each one.
Ticking more than one reason. Choose the one that applies.
Forgetting the second signature when part 3 is filled in.
Using a certificate of residence older than 6 months.

After you fill it out

Sign the form, add every attachment for your reason, and post it in an envelope with enough postage to Belastingdienst, Postbus 29, 6400 AA Heerlen, the Netherlands. FileIt doesn't send it.

The Belastingdienst forwards it to the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, which handles it. The form says you hear from them within 4 to 8 weeks.

Keep your BSN safe once it arrives; FileIt keeps the filled PDF in your vault. If you then start a job in the Netherlands, give your employer your details with the Model Opgaaf gegevens voor de loonheffingen.

Fill out Aanvraag burgerservicenummer (apply for a BSN from abroad) online with FileIt

Pick the person. Choose someone from People and FileIt fills in their name, date of birth, address and other details it already knows.
Answer plain-language questions. One part of the form at a time, with the official help text beside each question — 27 fields in all. Your answers save as you go.
Check the live preview. Watch your answers land on the real Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax and Customs Administration) form, and let FileIt do any worksheet arithmetic.
Generate the official PDF. FileIt prints your answers into the agency’s own PDF and files it in that person’s folder in your vault. Sign it, or send it for e-signature.

FileIt fills the form — it never files or submits anything for you. Deliver the finished form to whoever asked for it, the way the form’s instructions say.

Start Aanvraag burgerservicenummer (apply for a BSN from abroad) now — it’s free

Aanvraag burgerservicenummer (apply for a BSN from abroad): frequently asked questions

Who can apply for a BSN with this form?

Anyone in one of the 14 situations listed in question 1, such as working for a Dutch employer, a Dutch pension, a gift or inheritance, Dutch real estate, a dividend tax refund, or a partner or child who needs a BSN for allowances or tax.

Where do I send it?

To Belastingdienst, Postbus 29, 6400 AA Heerlen, the Netherlands, together with all the attachments.

How long does it take?

The Belastingdienst forwards the application to the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, and the form says you hear from them within 4 to 8 weeks.

Can I send documents in English?

Yes. The form says attachments are accepted in Dutch, English or German; anything else needs a translation you arrange yourself.

Is there an English version of the form?

An English edition has existed, but the current edition is the Dutch AL 049 - 1Z*6FOL. FileIt explains each question in English and prints your answers on the Dutch PDF.

Who do I call with questions?

The form gives the BelastingTelefoon Buitenland: +31 555 385 385.

Official sources

Blank form (PDF), published by Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax and Customs Administration): https://download.belastingdienst.nl/belastingdienst/docs/bsn_aanvragen_al0491z6fol.pdf
Official instructions and guidance: https://download.belastingdienst.nl/belastingdienst/docs/bsn_aanvragen_al0491z6fol.pdf
Edition shown on this page: AL 049 - 1Z*6FOL (checked 2026-09-28).

FileIt is not affiliated with or endorsed by Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax and Customs Administration) or any government. This page explains the form in general terms and is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Always read the official instructions, and check that you are using the edition the recipient accepts. Page last reviewed 2026-09-28.