DigiD is the Dutch government's digital identity system — and without it, you can't do much online in the Netherlands. Filing taxes, checking your pension, arranging healthcare allowance, viewing your own data at the gemeente: all of it requires DigiD. Here's how to get it.
DigiD (short for Digitale Identiteit — digital identity) is the login system used by almost all Dutch government organisations. Think of it as a verified digital ID card that proves you are who you say you are when accessing government websites.
You'll need it for:
You must have your BSN before you can apply for DigiD — no exceptions. If you haven't registered at the gemeente yet, do that first.
You also need:
Go to digid.nl and click DigiD aanvragen (apply for DigiD). The form is available in Dutch only, but it's straightforward:
The letter arrives within 3–5 working days. It contains an activation code you enter on digid.nl to complete your registration.
The basic DigiD login (username + password + SMS) works for most things. But some services — including filing your tax return and checking your pension — require a higher security level: DigiD with the app.
After activating your basic DigiD, download the DigiD app and link it to your account. This requires an ID check — you scan your passport or identity card with your phone's NFC reader. Most modern smartphones support this; older phones may not.
The app upgrade is worth doing straight away. Without it, you'll hit a wall at exactly the moment you need DigiD most (usually tax season).
You can't apply for DigiD without a Dutch address — the activation letter has to go somewhere. If you're in temporary accommodation, register at that address first. Even a hotel or temporary rental counts if your gemeente accepts it for registration.
If you've registered via an RNI desk (for non-residents working in the Netherlands), you can apply for DigiD using the address you registered with.
From application to fully active DigiD with app: roughly 1–2 weeks. Allow for postal delays, especially around public holidays. Apply as soon as you have your BSN — don't wait until you actually need it.
I applied but never received the activation letter. What now?
Log in to digid.nl with your username and password and request a new letter. Check that your address in the gemeente system is correct — a wrong house number or postcode is a common cause.
My phone number isn't Dutch. Can I still apply?
Yes — DigiD accepts foreign mobile numbers for the SMS verification step. Make sure your number is set up to receive international SMS messages.
Do I need DigiD immediately?
Not on day one, but you'll need it within your first few months — latest by tax season (March–May). Apply for it right after getting your BSN so you're not scrambling later.
My phone doesn't support NFC. What do I do?
You can upgrade to the app level using a DigiD reader — a small card reader available at some gemeente offices. Contact your gemeente or check digid.nl for alternatives.
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