WHAT IS DIGID IN THE NETHERLANDS?
DigiD (digital identification) is a secure login method that allows you to identify yourself online when dealing with government institutions, healthcare, educational institutions or pension funds.
WHEN SHOULD I USE DIGID?
If you want to be able to do certain administrative things online such as income taxes, claim certain benefits or check your pension contribution, you must log in with DigiD. Apart from the tax office (belastingdienst in Dutch), government and municipalities, DigiD is also used by the Dutch provinces, the police, healthcare providers (including pharmacies) and Dutch health insurance companies.
HOW CAN YOU APPLY FOR DIGID?
You can apply for DigiD (for free) even if you are not registered in the Netherlands. You will need:
- a valid passport or ID card from an EEA country (driving license is not accepted)
- your BSN
- a registration in the database for non-residents (RNI)
- a telephone number where you can receive SMS messages
- an email address
Visit this link to apply.
If you are registered in the Netherlands you can apply for DigiD here or in the DigiD app. You will need:
- your BSN
- the address where you are registered in the Netherlands
- a phone number where you can receive SMS messages
- an email address
SERVICE CODE FOR DIGID
If you are not registered in the Netherlands you will receive a service code via SMS and email. With this code you can pick up the DigiD activation code letter from one of the DigiD service offices within 30 days. It is advisable to make an appointment before submitting your application for a DigiD account because it is very busy and an appointment may take longer than the 30 days you have to pick up the activation code.
To pick up the DigiD code you need:
- the service code (which you received via SMS and e-mail)
- passport or identity card of an EEA country (the document used at the request of the DigiD)
- your BSN
You can pick it up in the Netherlands or in one of the countries that have a DigiD service desk.
If you are not able to collect the activation code from one of the DigiD service offices, and you are not yet in the Netherlands, you can request it via video call. You can make an appointment here.
For the appointment you need:
- the service code (which you received by SMS and e-mail)
- passport or ID card of an EEA country (the document used on the DigiD application)
- your BSN
- username and password chosen on the DigiD application
- a registration in the database for non-residents (RNI)
- a laptop with a web camera and microphone or a tablet with a front-facing camera
- a stable internet connection to make the video call
- an up-to-date internet browser such as Microsoft Edge, Firefox or Safari.
If you already live in the Netherlands, you will receive the activation code at home in a maximum of 3 working days.
HOW DO I ACTIVATE DIGID?
After obtaining the activation code, you can activate your DigiD in the DigiD app or on the website. It is important to activate your DigiD as soon as possible because it will expire and you will have to repeat the whole procedure. It is also important to remember the username and password chosen at DigiD’s request.
WHAT DO I DO IF I FORGOT MY USERNAME OR PASSWORD?
If you have forgotten your username, you must apply for a new DigiD because your username is private and cannot be found by anyone, not even customer service representatives. If you have forgotten your DigiD password, you can reset it by e-mail and SMS here or in the application.
DIGID - CONCLUSION
The DigiD is a secure login method that allows you to identify yourself online when dealing with certain courts in the Netherlands. You can request it online for free, even if you are not yet in the Netherlands (if you already have a BSN). After picking up/receiving the activation code, you can use your DigiD immediately.
