DigiD is a digital identity used to log in to many Dutch government and public services online. If you live in the Netherlands, you will often need DigiD to arrange official matters, read government messages, apply for benefits, use online tax services, or access some healthcare and pension services.
DigiD stands for Digital Identification. It allows you to prove your identity online when using Dutch government and public services.
You can use DigiD to log in to many official websites, including government organisations, municipalities, tax services, healthcare services, educational institutions, pension funds, and water boards. For example, you may use it to log in to MijnOverheid, report a move, apply for benefits or allowances, use online tax services, access some healthcare portals, view pension information, or complete forms with your municipality or another public organisation.
The exact services you can access depend on your situation. It is useful to apply for DigiD soon after you receive your BSN, especially if you expect to arrange government, tax, healthcare, or benefit-related matters online.
DigiD is personal. Never share your DigiD username, password, PIN, or login codes with anyone else.
You can apply for DigiD through the official DigiD website. You usually need your BSN (burgerservicenummer—citizen service number), date of birth, postcode, house number, and a mobile phone.
After applying, you will receive a letter with an activation code at your registered address. This is why it is important that your address in the BRP, the Dutch Personal Records Database, is correct.
The activation letter usually arrives within a few working days. You need to activate your DigiD within the period stated in the letter. If you do not activate it in time, you may need to apply again. After receiving the activation letter, follow the instructions from DigiD to activate your account. You may need your username, password, activation code, and phone or DigiD app, depending on the login methods you choose.
DigiD activation is time-sensitive. After applying, you must activate your DigiD within a certain number of days. Otherwise, you need to submit a new application. If the activation does not work, use the official DigiD help pages or apply again if needed.
DigiD offers different login methods. These can include the DigiD app, SMS verification, username and password, and, for some services, logging in with an identity document.
The DigiD app is often the easiest way to log in securely. Some organisations require stronger login methods, especially when the information is privacy-sensitive. DigiD also offers SMS verification, where you log in with your username and password and then enter an SMS code.
Some users may also be asked to add an ID check to the DigiD app. This can give access to more services. Check the official DigiD website for current instructions, supported identity documents, and activation steps.
DigiD gives access to personal and official information, so it is important to use it carefully. Keep your login details private and use the official DigiD website or app.
Be careful with emails, text messages, or phone calls that ask for your DigiD details. DigiD, banks, and government organisations will not ask you to share your password, PIN, or login code by message or phone.
If you think someone else has access to your DigiD, change your login details and contact DigiD through the official website.
DigiD is personal, so you should not share your DigiD username, password, PIN, login codes, or app access with anyone else. However, if you need help arranging online government matters, you can use DigiD Machtigen, also known as DigiD Authorisation.
With DigiD Authorisation, you can give another person permission to arrange specific online matters on your behalf. The person helping you logs in with their own DigiD, not yours. They only get access to the service or information for which you have given permission.
This can be useful if you want help from people you trust, like a partner, family member, close friend, or an advisor. The authorisation is usually connected to a specific organisation, task, or period. Always check carefully what you are authorising before you confirm it.
If you are planning to leave the Netherlands, it can be useful to arrange your DigiD app, SMS verification, and recovery options before you move. You may still need DigiD after leaving the Netherlands, for example for tax, pension, or government matters.
DigiD advises people who are moving abroad to download the DigiD app, add the ID check, add a mobile phone number, and activate SMS verification before departure.
The DigiD app is a secure way to log in to online government and public services. Some organisations require the app or another stronger login method to access privacy-sensitive information.
You usually need a BSN (burgerservicenummer—citizen service number), date of birth, postcode, house number, personal details, and a mobile phone. Your activation code will be sent to your registered address, so make sure your registered address at the municipality is correct.
It is useful to apply soon after you receive your BSN. You may need DigiD for government services, taxes, benefits, healthcare portals, pension information, municipality services, and MijnOverheid.
After applying, you receive an activation code by letter. Follow the instructions from DigiD to activate your account. If you do not activate it in time, you may need to apply again.
In most cases, yes. If you move abroad, it is useful to arrange the DigiD app, SMS verification, and recovery options before leaving the Netherlands, so you can still access Dutch online services when needed.
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