Starting July 2025, residents of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba will finally receive a Citizen Service Number (BSN), a unique nine-digit personal identification number linked to their personal data. The number will enable residents to conduct official transactions with government authorities online, securely and efficiently.

The BSN will replace the current identification number in the coming years and will allow residents to apply for DigiD, a tool used to access government websites. Government authorities will use the BSN to quickly and accurately retrieve personal information.

Residents can collect their BSN letter during designated weeks in July 2025. Details about collection dates and locations will be announced later. Those who already have a BSN will retain their existing number. 

The introduction of the BSN comes nearly 14 years after the new status of the three island as special municipalities and part of The Netherlands. 

Van Huffelen

While respective ministers and state secretaries dragged their feet with the issue, it was under State Secretary Van Huffelen and the Rutte IV cabinet that the decision was taken to provide all residents of Caribbean Netherlands with the BSN.