So those of you following along with the adventure know that I went in mid-December to the gemeente (local government) for my first inschriving (enrollment, letting the government know who lives where so they can ensure appropriate and adequate services are provided for the populace).
The very nice man at the gemeente said I should expect to hear from his office in a week or two weeks with my burgerservicenummer (like a Social Security Number). That's the number that I need to get health insurance--which I need for the IND (immigration), and to complete the registration of my business with the KvK (Chamber of Commerce)--which I need for the IND, and to set up a bank account--which I need for everything.
And there's been no word. (Insert scowly face.)
On Wednesday, I got a letter from Werkplein Baanzicht letting me know that I have to come see them next Wednesday because they have to determine whether or not I'm required (at this time) to complete an inburgering cursus (social education course covering basic language, history and customs of NL). That letter had a "kenmark" noted on it. A kenmark is a unique identifier, but it can be something as simple as a customer number from a business.
But still no word from the gemeente.
Today, however, I got a letter from Social Verzekeringbank. For the purpose of retirement, that's like the Social Security Administration. They let me know how to check at any time on the balance of my SVB Pension. And they casually inserted at the top of the letter: "Burgerservicenummer." With a number. My number. Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.
So while I haven't officially been notified by the official in charge of notifying me of what my BSN is, I have one and I know what it is!
So today I made an appointment with the KvK to register my business (on the 16th), and next week I'll open my bank account and talk to the Werkplein people. (As I understand it, I am not required--due to the terms of the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty--to do an inburgering cursus in connection with my residency permit, only if I later decide to become a Dutch citizen. But I'll go talk to them.)
Partytime in Me-Ville.
Yikes and yikes again and the YAAYs too. It sounds like you are getting there but I think my patience would have run out. Thank whatever you believe in and for your Special Friend ;)
ReplyDeleteLove you!
Dee
I know right! I get sooooo frustrated and my Special Friend just laughs and makes me laugh and says he thought it would all take much longer and be harder than it is! grrrr. If he'd told me that before I moved I don't know if I'd be here!
DeleteBut one step at a time... it goes!