Uniform personal number

In July 2007 a new law was adopted by the Dutch Parliament, aiming to simplify the data processing between different authorities, as well as the communication between authorities and citizens. With this new law – which entered into force on 26 November 2007 - one uniform personal number has been introduced, the so-called 'burgerservicenummer' (BSN).

The BSN will make an end to the use of different personal registration numbers. Since the BSN is used for different purposes, issuing tasks have been allocated to the local town hall.

Previously, all foreign nationals who needed a social fiscal number ('sofi-number') had to apply for such a number at the authorised tax authorities. In order to be able to apply for a 'sofi-number', an appointment had to be made with the tax authorities. During this appointment the 'sofi-number' was issued.

Now (as of 26 November 2007) the local town halls are in charge of the issuing of BSN's for foreign nationals who are registering at the local town hall.

At the same time, 'sofi-numbers' of foreign nationals who were already registered at the local town hall have been automatically changed into a BSN.

The tax authorities will remain authorised to issue 'sofi-numbers' to foreign nationals who cannot be registered at the local town hall. For instance, in case they will not be residing in the Netherlands for more than four months within a period of six months.

New salary requirement for knowledge migrants

The salary requirement for knowledge migrants is being indexed on an annual basis. As of 1January 2008 the salary requirement to fall within the scope of the knowledge migrant policy, will increase as follows:

The knowledge migrant should earn a gross salary of at least EUR 47,565 per year (EUR 34,881 if aged under 30 years) to obtain a (temporary) residence permit as a knowledge migrant.

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