Dutch digital identity: DigiD

Having a ‘Dutch Digital Identity’, or ‘DigiD’, will equip you to manage many of your practical, financial and legal matters in the Netherlands. It is a personal code, which you can use to safely take care of these important affairs online. Acquiring a DigiD is not technically an entry requirement for the Netherlands. Therefore, compared to arranging documents like resident permits or Visas, it is not too complicated! You can find an overview of what the DigiD is, what it’s for and how to get one on this page.

Do you need a DigiD?

You are not actually obligated to have a DigiD in Holland!

Most proceedings for which you would use your DigiD can be taken care of over the telephone, or by letter
Having a DigiD will, however, make it possible for you to take care of said matters online
This is simply more efficient, and enables you to manage your affairs singlehandedly

Tip

Entry Requirements for the Netherlands

Whilst you are not obligated to have a Digid there are certain requirements to which every natural person, who wishes to work in the Netherlands, must adhere:

This rule applies to you as an expat in NL, whether you work for an employer or for yourself
You must, for example, have a Dutch Citizen Service Number
Depending on where you come from, you may also need a visa and/or some further permits

‘DigiD‘ stands for ‘Digital Identification’. Each person who lives in the Netherlands, and applies for a DigiD, is given their own individual digital identification number. Here’s what you need to know about it:

Your DigiD will consist of a username and password
This code allows you to make use of the electronic services of several government institutions and organizations in NL
It is used as a kind of password
Some organizations link your DigiD to an ‘sms code‘ code
This is used as an extra precaution to protect your online security
In practice, this means that a text message will be sent to your mobile phone before you can login to secure websites
To set up this safety measure, visit the DigiD website

When do you use your DigiD in NL?

Here are a few examples of when you will use your DigiD in the Netherlands:

To file your online tax return
To arrange Child Benefit
For ordering municipal documents online
To make an appointment for your driver’s exam
To view your health care insurance expenditures

How to acquire a Dutch DigiD

To obtain your own DigiD, you must make sure you are registered with the municipality in which you live. Next, simply visit the DigiD website. Here, you will be asked for the following information:

Citizen Service Number
Date of birth
Postal code
House number
E-mail address

Five days after filling out the online form for your DigiD you will receive your activation code by mail. With the activation code will come instructions on how to activate your DigiD. You must use your activation code within 20 days of receiving it. Then, you will officially be able to use your DigiD in the Netherlands!

Useful links

DigiD: The official site
The Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment
The Dutch Social Insurance Bank

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