RSIN Number in the Netherlands: What is it, and when do you need it?

Starting your business venture in the Netherlands can be exciting but also overwhelming. One area of confusion is in the RSIN number.

So, what is the RSIN number? Well, in short, the RSIN number is a unique 9-digit code assigned to legal entities in the Netherlands that have no individual as an owner. Mixing the two can cause confusion down the line, and so to avoid this, and so you can focus on business growth, we've created this guide.

What is an RSIN Number?

Short for Rechtspersonen en Samenwerkingsverbanden Identificatienummer, the RSIN is a unique identifying code to link your business entity across various government databases. It's used for communication with official Dutch government bodies, such as the Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax and Customs Administration).

RSIN Nummer vs. BTW Nummer

If you're new to all this, it's easy to mix up the RSIN with the BTW-number (VAT number). But they serve separate administrative purposes. Here is a breakdown of the differences;

RSIN number company code

Here's how it works:

• Upon registering a new legal entity, the KVK will generate an RSIN number for you. You do not need to apply for one separately.
• Your RSIN number is then recorded in the Business Register (Handelsregister).
• This, in turn, notifies the Belastingdienst (tax authority) of the organization's existence. From here they:

• Generate your VAT number and any payroll tax numbers—should you hire staff.
• Register your corporate tax account.

How do I find my RSIN number?

There are a few ways to locate your RSIN:

Through your official Chamber of Commerce Extract

The official KVK extract document (uittreksel), either a PDF or printed document, contains your RSIN number, usually just next to where it says "RSIN."

The 'KVK' portal

Using your DigiD, log in to My KVK. You should be able to see the RSIN from there.

On an organization's website

Some entities display their RSIN on their website. Please note that this is mainly for public benefit organizations (like charities) that are legally required to publish it.

So, who gets an RSIN?

An RSIN is automatically given upon registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK).

As an example, a Besloten Vennootschap (BV) (a private limited company) receives an RSIN upon registration. But these aren't the only entities to receive one. A KVK is issued to the following types of legal entities and partnerships, too:

• Maatschap
• Naamloze Vennootschap (NV
• Stichting (Foundation)
• Vennootschap onder firma (VOF)
• Vereniging (Association)

Do I need an RSIN Number for a Sole Proprietorship?

No, and this is a common misunderstanding that needs to be cleared up: a sole proprietor does not require an RSIN number.

For sole proprietorships, the Dutch government uses your BSN for tax identification. This is because this particular business status is attached to you as an individual.

Real-life examples

These scenarios should demonstrate when you do - or don't - need the 9-digit RSIN.

Example 'A': Creating a BV

Suppose you set up a marketing company. You register it as a BV, and a KVK officer confirms registration. The entity you registered automatically gets assigned an RSIN.

This RSIN is automatically shared by the KVK with the Belastingdienst, which will later send you:

• A VAT number (for tax returns purposes)
• Corporate tax reference (for annual filings)

Example 'B:' Freelancer setup (eenmanszaak)

You are an independent website coder registered as a sole proprietorship.

As a sole proprietor:

• You do not receive an RSIN from the KVK.
• The Belastingdienst will instead generate BTW-ids (for your invoicing) and a VAT number (for your tax returns).
• It will use your individual BSN instead of an RSIN to identify you.

RSIN vs. BTW-Key differences

• RSIN: Serves to link your entity with the government
• BTW: Goes on customer and supplier invoices

The RSIN identifies your company to relevant government agencies. The BTW identifies you with the people you do business with.

When Would You Need an RSIN?

You won't need it every day, and you won't need to memorize it, but it's essential in complying with specific communication with the Dutch authorities.

Your RSIN will be used in these situations:

• Communication with the Tax authorities (Belastingdienst): the RSIN is used to track corporate tax responsibilities.
• Tax filing: For filing your corporate income (vennootschapsbelasting) or dividend tax.
• Specific business registrations: If you open a business bank account or apply for a business-related permit.

The RSIN Number in the Netherlands

If you're an international entrepreneur operating in the Netherlands, the RSIN is your corporate identification number—issued automatically by the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK) at the time of legal entity registration (e.g., a BV).

The RSIN is for internal government use to identify you for your DJA (corporate tax filing), and is different from your VAT number, which must be used on every commercial invoice. Only legal entities and partnerships are assigned a number; sole traders do not.

Are you looking to grow your business in the Netherlands?

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