Accounting
What is an RSIN Number? Everything You Need to Know as an Entrepreneur
RSIN number explained for entrepreneurs. Who gets one, and how it links to your VAT number and tax registration.
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8 min
Intro
When you set up a BV or register another legal entity in the Netherlands, you will come across the RSIN number. It is not a number you actively use in your day-to-day operations, but it does play a central role in how your business is identified by government authorities.
Most entrepreneurs only encounter the RSIN in the context of taxes, banks, or official registrations. Understanding what an RSIN is and where it appears helps prevent unnecessary confusion, especially when starting a business or changing your legal structure.
What is an RSIN number?
RSIN stands for Legal Entities and Partnerships Information Number (Rechtspersonen en Samenwerkingsverbanden Informatienummer). It is a unique nine-digit identification number assigned to legal entities and partnerships registered in the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) Business Register.
The RSIN was introduced to simplify and secure information sharing between government organizations. Thanks to this number, a business does not have to repeatedly submit the same information to different authorities. The RSIN acts as a common key that allows organizations such as the Dutch Tax Administration, the Land Registry (Kadaster), and the Personal Records Database (BRP) to link data efficiently.
For context: before December 2010, the Dutch Tax Administration used a similar identification number known as the fiscal number (Fi-number). In 2010, this number was automatically converted into the RSIN, after which its management was transferred to the Chamber of Commerce (KvK). If you hear someone refer to a “fiscal number” in relation to a legal entity, they are usually referring to the RSIN.
How you use the RSIN: in day-to-day business operations, you will hardly use the RSIN actively. You do not need to include it on invoices or quotes. It is primarily an administrative number used by (government) organizations, working behind the scenes to link all your fiscal and registration data.
Who receives an RSIN number in the Netherlands?
Not every entrepreneur receives an RSIN. The number is only assigned to legal entities and partnerships registered with the KvK.
Legal entities that receive an RSIN:
Private limited companies (BVs)
Public limited companies (NVs)
Foundations
Associations
Cooperatives
Partnerships that receive an RSIN:
General partnerships (VOFs)
Professional partnerships (maatschappen)
Limited partnerships (CVs)
What these structures have in common is that they are legally separate from the individuals who own or manage them. Within the Dutch legal system, they are considered independent entities and therefore require their own identification number.
Who does not receive an RSIN? A sole proprietorship. You will find out why later in this article.
Difference between RSIN, Chamber of Commerce (KvK) number, and VAT number
Entrepreneurs often confuse the RSIN with the KvK number or the VAT number. While they may seem similar, each serves a different purpose. Here is a clear overview:
Feature | RSIN | KvK Number | VAT Number |
|---|---|---|---|
Full name | Legal Entities and Partnerships Information Number | Chamber of Commerce number | VAT identification number |
Number of digits | 9 | 8 | 14 characters (NL + 9 digits + B + 2 digits) |
Issued by | KvK (upon registration) | KvK (upon registration) | Dutch Tax Administration |
Purpose | Information exchange between government bodies | Identification in the Business Register | VAT administration and invoicing |
Required on invoice? | No | No (but commonly used) | Yes |
Sole proprietorship? | No | Yes | Yes (based on BSN) |
Is the RSIN the same as the VAT number?
No, but there is a direct relationship. The Dutch Tax Administration uses the RSIN as a building block to create the VAT number. A Dutch VAT number has the structure:
NL + [RSIN] + B + [2 digits]. The RSIN is the nine-digit block between “NL” and “B”. This means you can always find your RSIN within your VAT number.
Is the RSIN the same as the KvK number?
No. The KvK number identifies your business in the Business Register and is the primary registration number at the Chamber of Commerce. The RSIN is an additional number used to link your business to other government systems, such as the Tax Administration and the Land Registry. Both numbers are assigned at the same time during registration.
RSIN vs. BSN
The BSN (Citizen Service Number) is the equivalent of the RSIN for natural persons, meaning individuals. The RSIN serves the same purpose, which is unique identification, but for legal entities and partnerships.
Where can you find your RSIN number?
Finding your RSIN is straightforward. There are several ways to locate it:
1. On your KvK Business Register extract
When you register your legal entity or partnership, you automatically receive an extract from the Business Register. Your RSIN is listed there. If you no longer have it, you can order a new extract via KvK.nl. This is a paid service. You can also request the information by phone via 0900 123 45 67.
2. Via Mijn KvK
Log in to the KvK portal via Mijn KvK to view your RSIN directly in your business details. This avoids the need to order an extract.
3. In your VAT number
As explained earlier, your RSIN is embedded in your VAT number. Look at the digits between “NL” and “B”. Those nine digits are your RSIN.
4. Looking up another company’s RSIN
If you need the RSIN of another organization, for example for a tax return or a business donation, you can consult the KvK Business Register. Keep in mind that obtaining company details through an official extract is a paid service. For ANBI organizations, which are charities, the RSIN can also be checked for free via the Dutch Tax Administration’s ANBI database.
How do you get an RSIN number for a BV?
Short answer: you do not need to do anything. When you register your BV or another legal entity with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce, the RSIN is assigned automatically.
The process works as follows:
Incorporation with a notary
The notary prepares the deed of incorporation and the articles of association for your BV.Registration with the Chamber of Commerce
The BV is registered in the Business Register. At this point, the KvK assigns both a KvK number and an RSIN.Data shared with the Tax Administration
The KvK automatically forwards your registration details, including the RSIN, to the Dutch Tax Administration.Receiving tax numbers
Based on the RSIN, the Tax Administration generates other tax numbers, such as the VAT identification number, the VAT number, and, if applicable, the payroll tax number. You usually receive these within five working days after registration.
If additional information is required, the Tax Administration will contact you by phone or in writing before finalizing these numbers.
In short, you do not apply for an RSIN. You receive it automatically once your legal entity exists.
What is an RSIN number used for?
In daily business operations, you usually do not use the RSIN actively. It is not a number that needs to appear on invoices, and customers rarely ask for it. Still, it has several practical uses.
Tax returns and fiscal correspondence
The Dutch Tax Administration uses the RSIN as the central reference for all tax-related activities of your business, including corporate income tax, payroll taxes, and VAT filings. These are all linked to the RSIN.
Deducting business donations
If you want to deduct a donation to a charity, you need the RSIN of that organization. The Tax Administration uses this number to verify whether the organization is a registered public benefit institution (ANBI).
Onboarding with banks and financial institutions
Banks, payment providers, and other financial institutions use the RSIN to verify your legal entity when opening a business account or providing financial services. It forms part of standard Know Your Customer procedures.
Filing annual accounts
When submitting your annual accounts to the Chamber of Commerce, the RSIN is used to identify your legal entity. It ensures that your financial reports are linked to the correct entity in public registers.
Data exchange between government systems
This is the core purpose of the RSIN. It connects your business data across different government systems, such as the Tax Administration, the Land Registry, and the Personal Records Database. This means you do not have to submit the same information repeatedly.
Does a sole proprietorship have an RSIN?
No. A sole proprietorship does not have an RSIN, and there is a clear legal reason for that.
The RSIN is assigned to legal entities and partnerships. These are structures that are legally separate from the individuals who manage them. A BV is a legal entity, which means it has its own rights and obligations, separate from the director-major shareholder. This requires its own identification number.
A sole proprietorship is not a legal entity. The business and the owner are legally the same person. There is no separation between private and business assets. Because the owner already has a unique identification number, the Citizen Service Number (BSN), this number is used for the tax identification of the sole proprietorship. In a sole proprietorship’s VAT number, the BSN of the owner is embedded instead of an RSIN.
In practice, this changes when you convert a sole proprietorship into a BV. Once the BV is incorporated and registered with the Chamber of Commerce, it automatically receives an RSIN. From that moment, the BV becomes the legal entity that pays taxes, issues invoices, and enters into agreements, rather than you as a private individual.
Frequently asked questions about RSIN
Is the RSIN public?
Yes. The RSIN is registered in the Chamber of Commerce Business Register and can be accessed through an official extract. Some organizations, such as foundations with ANBI status, are required to publish their RSIN on their website.
Can an RSIN be changed?
No. The RSIN is assigned once at incorporation and does not change. Even if your company name or address changes, the RSIN remains the same. It is a permanent identification number for the lifetime of the legal entity.
Is an RSIN mandatory?
You cannot apply for or refuse an RSIN. It is assigned automatically when you register a legal entity or partnership. For sole proprietorships, it does not apply.
Do you pay for an RSIN?
No. The RSIN is issued automatically as part of the registration process. You only pay for related costs such as notary fees for setting up a BV and registration with the Chamber of Commerce.
How does it work for foreign companies?
The RSIN is a Dutch number and applies only to entities registered in the Netherlands. If a foreign company has a branch or subsidiary in the Netherlands, that Dutch entity will receive an RSIN upon registration. The foreign parent company itself does not receive one.
How can you verify the RSIN of a supplier or business partner?
You can request an extract from the Chamber of Commerce Business Register, which includes the RSIN. This is usually a paid service. For ANBI organizations, the RSIN can often be checked for free through the Dutch Tax Administration’s database.
A Small Number With a Big Role
The RSIN is not the most visible number in your business. It does not appear on your invoices, and clients rarely ask for it. Still, it plays an essential role behind the scenes. It connects your BV, foundation, or partnership to government systems and forms the basis for your VAT number, payroll tax number, and overall tax identity.
As an entrepreneur, you do not need to use it actively. But understanding what it is, where to find it, and why a sole proprietorship does not have one helps avoid confusion. This is especially relevant when opening a business bank account, filing taxes, or considering a move to a BV.
If you are thinking about switching from a sole proprietorship to a BV, or simply want better control over your financial and tax structure, Neno combines automated bookkeeping with personal advice from certified accountants so you can focus on running your business.
Discover how Neno can simplify your financial administration.
This article is based on the most up-to-date information from the Dutch Tax Administration and the Chamber of Commerce. Always consult a tax advisor or accountant for advice tailored to your specific situation.
Written by
Nick Knuppe
CEO & Founder
