What do you need a DigiD for in the Netherlands?
A DigiD is a digital login method linked to the Dutch Citizen Service Number (Burgerservicenummer, BSN). You use your DigiD to verify your identity when handling matters online. This applies, for example, to government authorities, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and your pension fund in the Netherlands.
With a DigiD, you can handle administrative matters online, for example with the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration (Belastingdienst), the Social Insurance Bank (Sociale Verzekeringsbank, SVB), the Employee Insurance Agency (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen, UWV), other government authorities, health insurance providers, and pension funds. Once you have logged in with your DigiD, you can read messages in the relevant institution’s digital portal, submit applications, file tax returns, and much more.
Good to know
- Receiving SMS messages: You need a mobile phone capable of receiving SMS messages to apply for a DigiD.
- DigiD app: A smartphone is recommended for logging in with DigiD. Alternatively, you can use a computer or laptop. You can use the DigiD app to log in.
- Validity period: A DigiD automatically expires if it has not been used for three years. In that case, you must apply for a new DigiD.
Who can apply for a DigiD?
To handle administrative matters in the Netherlands, online access via DigiD is generally required. An exception applies when an alternative European login method can be used (“European Login” via the European Commission’s eIDAS system). People aged 14 and over must apply for their own DigiD. For children under 14, parents or legal guardians can apply for a DigiD if necessary, as described below.
Please note: People living abroad who receive or will receive a Dutch state pension (AOW) should apply for their DigiD through the Dutch Social Insurance Bank (SVB). Further information is available on the Nederland Wereldwijd website and the SVB website.
How can you apply for a DigiD if you do not live in the Netherlands?
Applying for a DigiD involves three steps:
- Online application
- Identity verification and receipt of the activation code
- Activation
1. Application
The quickest way to apply is online, including from abroad, via the official website of the Dutch Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations.
After submitting your application, you will receive a service desk code (baliecode) by SMS and email.
This service desk code begins with the letter B and is valid for thirty days . It is used to verify your identity in person. This can be done either at a DigiD service desk or via video call.
2. Identity verification and activation code
During identity verification, you will receive an activation code, which you can use in the final step to activate your personal DigiD.
The activation code begins with the letter A and is valid for 21 days.
2.a. Identity verification at a DigiD service desk
Once you have received your service desk code, you can make an appointment at a DigiD service desk in the Netherlands or abroad. A list of DigiD service desks is available on the Nederland Wereldwijd website (in Dutch only).
Important: Check in advance whether you need to make an appointment at the relevant service desk. In addition to your service desk code, bring your Citizen Service Number (BSN) and the national identity card or passport that you specified in your application.
2.b. Identity verification via video call
Once you have received your service desk code, you can make an appointment for a video call with Nederland Wereldwijd. This allows you to verify your identity in person, regardless of where you are staying, and receive your personal DigiD activation code. Further information about making an appointment, the requirements, and the procedure is available on the Nederland Wereldwijd website.
3. Activation via the website or app
Once you have received the activation code, you can activate your DigiD. There are two options: using the DigiD website or the DigiD app. The advantage of activating via the app is that you activate both your DigiD and the DigiD app in the same process.
3.a. Activation via the website
Visit the official website at https://digid.nl/activeren. Log in using the username and password you received in the previous step, together with the activation code. Complete the activation using the designated code.
Afterwards, when using your DigiD to handle administrative matters in the Netherlands, you will log in with your username, password, and an SMS code.
3.b. Activation via the app
You can find the DigiD app download link on the Nederland Wereldwijd website. To activate your DigiD via the app, you will need:
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Your username and password, which you received in the previous step together with the activation code.
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An SMS code, sent to the mobile phone number you provided when applying.
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The activation code from Step 2.
From this point onwards, you can use the DigiD app to log in with a PIN and access Dutch government services. Depending on the device on which the app is installed, you may also be able to log in using facial recognition or your fingerprint.
Are there alternatives to DigiD for accessing online services in the Netherlands?
Yes. Residents of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) can use a European login method recognised in their country of residence to access various Dutch online government services.
This is done through the European eIDAS system, which enables cross-border electronic identification within Europe. As a result, people without a DigiD can also access certain Dutch digital government services.
Germany
German citizens can verify their identity online using their German national identity card (Nationaler Personalausweis), provided that the online identification function has been activated by the competent authority. In addition, EU and EEA citizens, as well as third-country nationals aged 16 and over who live in Germany, can apply for an eID card for electronic identification or use an electronic residence permit (resp. Personalausweis of Aufenthaltstitel). These identification methods are recognised under the eIDAS system and can be used to access Dutch government services that support cross-border login via eIDAS.
Further information is available on the website of the German Federal Ministry of the Interior:
Belgium
Residents of Belgium can verify their identity online, regardless of their nationality, using the Belgian electronic identity card or electronic foreign national’s card (eID), or the itsme® app.
The eID is an official document containing an electronic chip that allows users to identify themselves online. To use the eID, you need a card reader, the relevant eID software, and the associated PIN.
itsme® is a mobile identity app that allows users to securely log in to government services and other organisations using a smartphone.
Both the Belgian eID and itsme® are recognised login methods under the eIDAS system. They can be used to access Dutch government services that support cross-border login.
Further information is available on the Belgian federal government’s website about the electronic identity card (eID) and on the itsme® website about logging in with itsme®.
Please note: Not all Dutch government authorities support login via eIDAS. Therefore, always check the relevant authority’s website to see which login methods are available.