DigiD in the Netherlands

Expats living and working in the Netherlands need to apply for a DigiD. Here's what you need to know about the digital identification system in the Netherlands, how it works, and how you get a DigiD in the Netherlands. 

What is a DigiD?

DigiD (short for Digital Identification) is a form of online ID that allows you to access many services and government websites in the Netherlands. It’s like a digital version of your passport or driving licence.

The DigiD consists of a username and password that are linked to your personal citizen service number (BSN).

Why do I need a DigiD in the Netherlands?

You need a DigiD to do your administration online in the Netherlands. This includes doing your taxes, applying for benefits and allowances, checking your pension, and many other actions.

Dutch organisations that use the DigiD

There are hundreds of organisations in the Netherlands that use the DigiD. These include:

• Government departments
• The Belastingdienst (Dutch tax office)
• Gemeenten (city municipalities) and their partners
• Pension funds
• The Dutch police
• Dutch provinces
• Regional water boards
• Healthcare providers (including pharmacies)
• Dutch health insurance companies

How to apply for a DigiD

You can request a DigiD for free on the DigiD website by clicking the button that says "apply". The online application form is relatively simple and available in English. Before you start, make sure that you have your BSN, the address where you are registered, and your mobile phone to hand. Click "Apply via the application form" and follow this step-by-step guide. 

Step 1: Personal information

On the first page fill in your personal information:

• BSN (burgerservicenummer)
• Date of birth (geboortedatum)
• Postal code (postcode)
• House number (huisnummer)
• House number suffix (toevoeging) (if applicable - for instance if you live at 34b)
• Click the "next" button (volgende)

Step 2: SMS controle

You can make your DigiD extra secure by receiving a text message authentication (SMS controle) every time you use it.

This feature is optional, but most government services require the SMS controle as an extra security measure. This also makes it easier to restore your password if you forget it.

• Select yes (ja) if you want the SMS controle or no (nee) if you don’t.
• Click the "next" button (volgende).

Step 3: Username and password

On the third page choose your username and password:

• Username (gebruikersnaam): The username is case-sensitive and must not include spaces.
• Password (wachtwoord): The password is case-sensitive, must be between 8-32 letters and include at least one lower-case letter, one upper-case letter, one number and one special character.
• Retype your password (herhaal wachtwoord).
• Tick the box under password recovery (wachtwoordherstel) if you would like to be able to recover your password via email or SMS.
• Enter you mobile number (mobiel nummer).
• Enter your email address (e-mailadres).
• Accept the terms by clicking on the box (gebruiksvoorwaarden).
• Click the "next" button (volgende).

Make sure to remember your username and password! If you forget them before activating your DigiD, you will need to reapply, so it's good to note them down somewhere. 

Step 3.1: Text message validation

You will now receive an SMS code on your mobile phone.

• Enter the code in the field under SMS code.
• Click the "next" button (volgende).

Step 3.2: Email validation

You will now receive another code via email. Make sure not to close the DigiD window when checking your email.

• Enter the code in the field under email code.
• Click the "next" button (volgende).

Application (almost) complete

Once you have done the above steps your application is almost complete. To finish the process you will receive a letter with a final code to activate your DigiD.

The activation code will be sent to your registered address within three working days. You need to activate your DigiD account in less than 20 days.

Step 4: How to activate your DigiD

To activate your DigiD with the code from your letter, go to the DigiD activation webpage and:

• Click on "enter activation code" (activeren).
• Enter your username (gebruikersnaam).
• Enter your password (wachtwoord).
• Enter the activation code from the letter (activeringscode).
• Enter the transaction code (transactiecode) you received via SMS (only if you applied for a text message validation).
• Click on "activate" (activeren).

Keep your DigiD safe

Remember that your DigiD grants access to many (financial) aspects of your life online, so you should take care to keep it secret and also not to lose it. If you forget your DigiD username or password, you can visit the DigiD contact page for help.

DigiD app

Once you have activated your DigiD, you can also use the DigiD app to log in securely (you won't need a password - just a PIN code) and identify yourself online, change your address, and much more. 

More information about DigiD

If you have other questions or issues you can contact the DigiD helpdesk:

• By telephone on 088 123 65 55 (8am-10pm, Monday to Friday).
• By email at info@digid.nl (provide your phone number, but never your username or password).