One of the first frustrations many newcomers face is trying to get a Dutch mobile subscription, only to be asked for a BSN they don’t yet have. The good news? You don’t always need one to get connected.
Whether you’re a tourist, international student, or freshly arrived expat, there are legitimate ways to get a Dutch SIM card and mobile plan without that infamous Burgerservicenummer.
Let’s walk through the process.
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What is a BSN — and why do I need one in the Netherlands?
A BSN (burgerservicenummer, or Citizen Service Number) is a unique personal number issued to everyone registered in the Dutch Personal Records Database (Basisregistratie personen, or BRP).
You can think of your BSN as the Dutch equivalent of a national identification number or social security number.
READ MORE | Registration in the Netherlands: the complete guide for 2026
If you’ll be staying in the Netherlands for longer than 90 days, getting a BSN is mandatory. This string of digits will come up in practically every official interaction you have with Dutch authorities.
It doesn’t matter if you’re starting a new job, opening a bank account, filing taxes, using the healthcare system, applying for benefits, or registering a change of address — you’ll likely be asked for your BSN.
However, there’s often a delay of several weeks between registering at your municipality (gemeente) and receiving your BSN.
For many internationals, this means you may have to wait several weeks before you can purchase a mobile phone subscription, set up your utilities, or even open a Dutch bank account.
Can you get a Dutch mobile subscription without a BSN?
The short answer is that it depends on the type of mobile plan you’re looking for.
For standard SIM-only contracts, you’ll typically need a valid passport or EU ID card, a BSN, proof of a Dutch address, and a Dutch bank account for direct debit. Contracts that combine a SIM plan with a mobile phone (especially those worth over €250) will also require a credit check.
So, if you’re eyeing a SIM package bundled with the latest iPhone, you’ll probably be asked for a whole host of documents — in addition to your BSN and complete credit check (BKR assessment).
However, if you haven’t got a BSN yet, there are excellent alternatives: prepaid SIMs and flexible SIM-only plans.
For these types of mobile subscriptions, all you need is some form of identification and a payment method (like a debit card or a device with Google Pay enabled) — effectively bypassing a great deal of stress and bureaucracy.
Best Dutch mobile subscriptions that don’t require a BSN
Don’t have your BSN yet, but want a Dutch SIM card? These are the best prepaid plans and flexible SIM-only options, depending on your budget, data needs, and other requirements.
Simyo: best for flexible bundles
Simyo has been voted the best Dutch mobile provider no fewer than 36 times, and their flexible bundles are where they really shine.
Whether you’re looking for an affordable prepaid plan, a SIM-only contract you can adjust monthly, or a SIM and mobile phone, these bundles punch well above their weight in terms of price and customisability. Best of all: they don’t require a BSN!
Lebara: best for cheap international calls
If staying in touch with friends and family back home is your top priority, Lebara is our top pick for BSN-free international calling.
With their ‘All in International’ prepaid bundle, you can call and text contacts in up to 44 countries at super-affordable rates. Calling a Dutch number instead? You can opt for unlimited minutes/texts.
KPN: best for nationwide coverage
As one of the Netherlands’ “Big Three” providers, KPN services the cities, suburbs, and all the little villages in between. Their prepaid packs are available at airports, supermarkets, and mobile shops across the country, with no BSN required.
While KPN isn’t the cheapest option on this list, they’re a clear choice if signal strength and reliability are non-negotiable for you.
Budget Mobiel: best for users on a budget
If your goal is sticking to a budget, the aptly-named Budget Mobiel delivers. This provider offers discounted access to KPN’s network, so you get the same coverage and speed — just at a noticeably lower price.
Their SIM-only plans are monthly terminable and don’t involve the kind of credit checks that long-term phone contracts require, making them a solid option if you don’t have a BSN yet.
Vodafone: best for unlimited data
If you’re a heavy data user, Vodafone has you covered. Their prepaid unlimited data bundles are available for 7, 14, or 30 days, with no Dutch bank account or BSN required.
Once your BSN comes through, upgrading to their postpaid unlimited plans is pretty straightforward — so Vodafone can grow with you as you settle in.
How to get a Dutch mobile subscription without a BSN
Finding the right plan for you depends on why you’re here and how long you’re staying.
Here’s how to choose the best plan for you:
As a tourist
If you’re just visiting the Netherlands, prepaid SIM cards are your best friend.
No Dutch bank account or BSN is required — you can pick up a prepaid SIM at Schiphol Airport, official mobile provider stores, supermarkets, or general shops.
Not keen on hunting down a SIM kiosk after a long flight? An eSIM would be a simple, stress-free option.
You can buy and activate one before you even board, and be online the moment your plane touches down.
As an international student
If you’re an international student, you’ll need to register with your gemeente (municipality) as soon as you arrive.
However, there’ll be a wait time of a few days to a few weeks before you receive your BSN, so a prepaid SIM or a flexible (i.e. monthly terminable) SIM-only plan is your best bet.
Once you have your BSN and a student bank account set up, switching to a fixed SIM-only plan is a solid move if you’ll be in the Netherlands long-term.
In addition to giving you more data, a one- or two-year SIM-only contract will likely be more cost-effective than repeatedly topping up your prepaid SIM.
As an expat
From setting up your utilities to registering at a GP’s office, establishing your new life in the Netherlands is a lot easier with a Dutch mobile number.
The fastest route is a prepaid SIM or a monthly rolling SIM-only plan.
Providers like Simyo, KPN, and Vodafone make it straightforward to upgrade from a prepaid or monthly plan to a postpaid contract, so you don’t have to start from scratch when your paperwork comes through.
Getting a Dutch mobile subscription without a BSN: Frequently asked questions
Can I get a Dutch mobile subscription without a BSN?
This generally depends on the type of plan you’re looking for.
Prepaid plans are the most accessible and don’t require a BSN or credit check. Depending on the provider, certain SIM-only plans may also be BSN-free.
However, if you’re on the hunt for a SIM subscription bundled with a mobile phone, you’ll be required to provide your BSN and agree to a credit assessment.
Do I need a BSN to get a Dutch SIM card?
No, you don’t need to have a BSN to purchase a Dutch SIM card.
Prepaid SIM cards are accessible at multiple locations across the country, from airports to supermarkets and general shops. These don’t require a BSN.
What is a BSN in the Netherlands?
A BSN (Burgerservicenummer or citizen service number) is a unique personal ID issued by the Dutch government to all residents of the Netherlands.
Whether you’re an expat or an international student, you’ll need your BSN for most official tasks — from opening a bank account to purchasing a mobile subscription.