I've just arrived to the Netherlands through the KM Scheme, and I have registered with the Municipal (GBA), and going to visit the IND office and complete the TBC examination in the coming week.

But, what I dont realize before I get to the Netherlands is that I need a BSN (or, perhaps other things as well?) to open a bank account. The staff at the personnel office said it will take around 4-5 weeks to get my residence permit, then I can have my bank account. I'm wondering whether it's the case? Do I need the residence permit and BSN to open a bank account; or, just the BSN will do?

Also, how long does it normally takes to get the BSN from the responsible authority? Because I didn't realize the requirement for bank account, and I'm slowly running out of cash... (+ without a bank account, I can't even get any $ from my employer).

Any advice will be very helpful to me. Thanks!

I got my sofi (BSN now) the same day as my residence permit.

ABN required proof of address to even add me onto my husband's existing account, but I was able to open a Postbank account without any hassle over that.

That will be a month of waiting, and by then I will be running out of my cash...

ummm

I'm in a similar situation. I arrived here last week. Went to the town hall to register. Have an IND appointment this week. I've been told by the town hall people that after I go to the IND it will take up to two weeks to get my BSN (sofi) number card in the mail. I'm not sure if I'll get something I'll get a temp card or what though.

I have finished the IND appointment last monday, I forgot to ask her about the BSN thing. Argh.

Anyway, I hope they would be sending me the BSN asap, if not, I will need to talk to my boss about my situations (and, that would be rather.... weird, I suppose)

Well I registered with the Gemeente Velsen on the 27th June, I was told 2 weeks. My wife rang up this morning and we've now been told it will be 4 weeks in total, so don't expect to see it soon. From my experience you've got no chance of doing anything until you get it, as you can't open a bank account and thus blah blah blah....... Really bloody frustrating!!!

We opened an account with ABN AMRO without the BSN number. They just asked us to supply them with the number as soon as we receive it. We had no difficulties with that.

I agree. You don't need a BSN number to open a bank account.

Years ago I moved here and 3 days later I opened an account at Rabobank. I think they just asked me to write down my address and of course, they wanted to see my passport.

I think that was all but if you are here for work - bring along your Work Contract .. in case they question your reason for opening an account.

I don't think that is true anymore. I tried at two banks today and both said NO to opening an account without a SOFI Number. If anyone knows of a bank that will, please let me know.

I got this problem too before. Try to go ABN Amro in Appololaan in Amsterdam. Show the letter that you currently waiting for BSN number. If still not possible ask your company to help you to make an appointment with the bank.

If you've already received any letters sent to you from town hall, check up the top where the reference numbers are...I didn't get 'official' notification of my BSN, but it's on a letter they sent me regarding my 'integration'....ABN Amro in Haarlem were happy with that when I opened my account.

I registered Wed. in Amsterdam. I was told I could go to any city hall in 3-4 days and make a request for my BSN (costs 12 euros). In the mail it takes 2 weeks.

I will check on Monday at a city hall and report back.

The number was in the system on Wednesday (I did not go check prior). Those cost for a written copy of the BSN was 11.50. Just the number read to you was no charge.

My god will they do nothing for free
And what if they read it to you wrong
For goodness sake, I think you should get a letter what is your bsn number

You always get a letter when you register for your BSN/sofinummer.
The letter specifies that they won't deliver a copy and that you have to keep the original and/or a copy files in your administration.
And no, they do nothing for free, except breathing the same air and even that is arguable...

Thanks for the info!

I've been waiting for almost a month, but I never receive anything from the Town Hall (I'm living at my friend's home now, worrying whether the postoffice know how to, or indeed would, deliver a mail with my name on that to the address.

I think I better call them to get my own address...

So much to go through now,... I don't even find a place to stay yet. sigh.

I've been getting my mail since I moved here in April with no problems.

Hi there!
I wonder why you didn't get the BSN yet?

I also just arrived here 2nd of June and I already have my bank account! Not that easy tho haha.
When I first arrived, I only get an appointment at the GBA 2 weeks after my arrival. Went there, registered and then within 7 days, I received my BSN number at the registered address.

I also made an appoinment with IND for my residence permit directly after registering at the GBA, that was another 2 weeks. So, when I went to IND, I already have my BSN number.

About this BSN number, I thought I could opened my bank account already but nooooooo.... since I am not EU citizen, I have to have IND sticker in my passport so I waited for that 2 weeks until my appointment at IND, get that bloody sticker that says my residence card is in process then went to the bank again.

This time it was a bit easier altho I encountered a problem to open a bank account at ABN Amro Apollolaan, so I went to Rabobank instead and voila! I got my bankcard and pin within a week. So now I am just waiting for my residence card to be ready, supposedly another 1 month or so. I can't wait to get it over with, really.

I had no problem with cash because I brought all cash when I was here and even if that wasn't enough I can still use my bankcard from my home country. My employer paid me cash in advance for my June salary since I didn't have a bank account yet that time, so it was sweet... just that I felt like my grandma a bit, hiding money in the closet, haha. Thank god the apartment wasn't on fire.

Btw, in your case, maybe you could talk to ur employer and ask for cash advance on your salary, I think they definitely can do that. Also, go back to the GBA and asked for your BSN number, it is so weird that you didn't receive it yet? Did you moved from the address you registered? I'd checked it again if I were you.

Good luck!

I was told you can go to any town hall in the Netherlands and get the copy of your BSN.

When I say written its on official paper with a stamp and signature. 'Suitable for Framing'