Starting 11 November 2025, residents of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba will be provided with a Citizen Service Number (BSN). Following the House of Representatives, the Senate has now also approved the plans. This signals approval for deploying the BSN and digital government services across the islands.
This means that the civil affairs departments of the three islands can issue BSN numbers to their residents. From 11 November 2025, residents will be able to collect their personal BSN letter during the designated collection weeks. After these weeks, they can always request their BSN from the civil affairs department. Residents who already have a BSN will keep the same number and can also collect a letter.
“Step towards equal public services”
State Secretary Van Marum: “This marks another important step towards providing equal public services for the people of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba. I believe it’s essential that citizens understand what the new digital options mean for them. That’s why we’re providing clear information about what the BSN is and how to use it safely. All information is available in multiple languages, both online and offline. We’re doing everything we can to reach as many residents as possible.”
Improved public services
With a BSN, all residents will soon have one unique personal number for dealing with government services. This allows them to apply for DigiD, the digital login tool. Over the coming years, public sector organisations in the Caribbean Netherlands will also begin switching to systems that support the use of BSN and DigiD. This will make it increasingly possible for residents to handle government-related matters online using their BSN and DigiD.
