DigiD for Expats in the Netherlands

What DigiD is

DigiD is the Dutch digital identity and login system used to access many official portals in the Netherlands. It is not the same as a passport or ID card, but it is linked to your identity in Dutch government systems.

Expats usually encounter DigiD after they have completed municipality registration and received their BSN (citizen service number). This page is for awareness and planning; always confirm current requirements and steps with the official DigiD website.

What DigiD is used for

DigiD is commonly used to log in to government and government-related services online. Examples include:

• Tax administration portals (e.g. Belastingdienst)
• Municipality (gemeente) services and forms
• Healthcare-related portals and insurer portals that use DigiD
• Student finance and education-related services
• Public benefits and other official government portals

Why DigiD is important

DigiD gives you one login for many government-related services. Once you start handling Dutch administration online — for example after you have registered your address and received your BSN — you will often need DigiD to access tax portals, municipal services, healthcare access, and official communications.

If you have not yet registered your address or received your BSN, see our guides on BSN registration and registering your address in the Netherlands. Health insurance and tax-related steps also often rely on having DigiD set up; our health insurance and first-90-days guides can help you plan the order of tasks.

Step-by-step: how DigiD activation usually works

Activation typically happens after address registration and once you have your BSN. The activation code is usually sent by post to your registered Dutch address. The exact process can change; always check the official DigiD instructions for current steps.

• Complete address registration in the Netherlands
• Receive your BSN
• Visit the DigiD website
• Request DigiD using your details
• Receive an activation code by post at your registered address
• Activate your DigiD online

What you usually need before applying

People commonly need the following before or during the DigiD application process. This list is indicative; official sources may specify different or additional requirements.

• BSN (citizen service number)
• A registered Dutch address
• Access to your post so you can receive the activation letter
• Any required identity details as specified on the DigiD site
• A mobile phone if optional verification (e.g. SMS) is used

Services you can access with DigiD

With DigiD you can typically access a range of official and government-linked services. Common categories include:

• Taxes — declarations, messages, and tax-related portals
• Municipality services — address changes, extracts, and local government forms
• Healthcare — portals that use DigiD for identification
• Student finance and education-related services
• Benefits and other official government portals

When expats usually activate DigiD

Most expats activate DigiD after municipality registration and after receiving their BSN. It often happens in the first weeks after arrival, when people start using official portals for tax, municipal, or healthcare matters.

What expats typically arrange next

After DigiD is activated, many expats continue with opening a bank account, arranging health insurance, setting up tax and government access, and handling other digital admin. Our guides on moving to the Netherlands, first 90 days, and health insurance can help you plan the sequence.

• Opening a bank account
• Arranging health insurance
• Setting up tax and government access
• Handling other digital and official admin