BSN and RNI

The RNI is for people who are only staying in Holland for a short-time; there is no difference in the qualifying information you will need to provide for a BSN number, so there is no benefit in applying for an RNI first, in fact, you would just be delaying the issue of your BSN.

Could be true. However, there is actually a difference between them and it's the fact that you need an address to register at the gemeente, which happens to be the opposite when you get a RNI (you register your foreign address).

After reading a few other people's experiences with this dilema, I will be taking a RNI to start looking for a job and then register at the gemeente once I find a house.

Thanks your quick reply!

I think you are misunderstanding the system.  If you are intending to stay in Holland for less than 4-months, then you use the system you describe (RNI).  You cannot register from outside Holland, you must turn up in person at the Town Hall and register (with your passport and proof of your foreign address).

You can do exactly the same thing, talking to the same person in the same office, in the same Town Hall when you register for your BSN - and it takes the same time.  The only difference is that you must provide proof of residence in Holland, not abroad; the Dutch address you can change if needed, just like you will have to do if you register as RNI.