Get a BIS number if you deal with Belgium but do not live there

An identification number for people outside the population register

Belgian authorities identify residents by a national number. If you work, study for a short time or have other dealings in Belgium without being registered as a resident, you receive a BIS number instead. An employer or a doctor can often request it for you, and some municipal offices will do so when needed. It is not a residence permit and it does not register your address.

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How it works

Register as a non-resident

Get a personal identification number if you work or have dealings in the country without living there.

Some countries give a personal identification number to people who do not live there but need one, for example to work, pay tax, own property or receive benefits. Examples are the Dutch RNI registration with a BSN, the Belgian BIS number, the Spanish NIE for non-residents, the Polish PESEL without address registration and the Icelandic system ID. You usually apply in person with your passport and proof of why you need the number. If you live in the country, register as a resident instead.

Also searched as

non-resident registrationRNI registrationBSN numberBIS numberNIE numberPESEL numberID number for non-residents

At a glance

Offices
5 offices in 5 cities
Book online
At 1 of 5 offices
Apply online
At 2 of 5 offices
Offices for specific groups
  • For non-residents: 3 offices
  • For international students: 1 office

Get in touch first, then visit if asked

Where non-residents can ask for a BIS number

Only some Belgian town offices handle these requests, and each one has its own first step, such as an online form, an email or a phone call. A BIS number identifies people who are not in the national register, and it does not register you as a resident.

See BIS offices

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Other countries

The same task in other countries

Moving on, or comparing before you decide? See how this works elsewhere.

Where to next

BIS number offices in Belgium

Town offices that handle BIS number requests, with the first step each one asks for and what to prepare before you get in touch.

BIS number offices, Belgium

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