Citizen service number

A unique personal number for patients or care consumers is needed to make data exchange in the care sector reliable.

Everyone in the Netherlands received a citizen service number (BSN) in 2007. This number replaces the social security number (social tax number). In addition to the government, the healthcare sector will also use the BSN as a unique personal number.

With effect from 1 January 2008 all healthcare providers are legally obliged to record the Citizen Service Number (BSN) of their patients in the administration. In addition, the legislator requires that we not only verify your ID, but also check your BSN number.

From June 2009 all correspondence must contain this unique number.