If you’ve recently moved to the Netherlands or will be doing so soon, getting a DigiD should be one of your first priorities. It sets you up to handle everything from healthcare matters to tax returns, all from the comfort of your home.
Getting it can feel complicated, especially if you don’t speak Dutch, but it doesn’t have to be. At Domek, we help make the process smooth and stress-free.
In this article
- What exactly is DigiD?
- How does it work?
- Why do you need one as an expat?
- How do you get one?
- Not registered yet? Here’s what to do first
- How Domek can help
What exactly is DigiD?
DigiD is the Netherlands’ national digital identity system, managed by the Dutch government. It gives residents a secure way to prove their identity online when dealing with official organisations.
Think of it as a master key — verified once and used everywhere — replacing the need to creating different accounts for every official website.
DigiD provides one secure login for hundreds of government and public services.
How does it work?
DigiD works like online banking: username, password, and a quick verification code sent to your phone.
Your account is linked to your BSN number (Dutch citizen service number), so the government knows it’s really you each time you log in.
You can access it via browser, but the DigiD app makes it even faster, allowing login via PIN or fingerprint.
For step-by-step guidance, check out the official DigiD tutorial videos.
Need help applying for DigiD?
Why do you need one?
If you’re living and working in the Netherlands, Dutch life runs on DigiD. Without it, even basic administration becomes unnecessarily complicated.
You’ll need DigiD to:
- Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Authority) – file taxes and view your tax info
- Mijn SVB – manage pensions or apply for child benefits (kinderbijslag)
- MijnOverheid – access your personal government inbox for official letters and updates
- Municipality (gemeente) – update your address, request documents, and more
- Healthcare portals – access your medical history and communicate with your GP
- Healthcare insurance providers – manage policies online
The bottom line: the sooner you get your DigiD, the easier daily life in the Netherlands becomes.
How do you get one?
If you’re not yet registered at a Dutch address, skip to the next section.
Getting a DigiD is straightforward but takes a little patience:
- Apply online at digid.nl using your BSN.
- Receive an activation letter at your registered Dutch address (3–5 working days).
- Activate your account online using the code in the letter.
- Download the DigiD app for easy access across all services.
Not registered yet? Do this first
If you’ve just arrived in the Netherlands and don’t yet have a registered address, you need two things to get a DigiD: an address and a BSN (Burgerservicenummer).
1. Get an Address
If your employer provides accommodation:
They usually handle your registration at the gemeente. Ask whether they’ve already registered you or what documents they need from you to complete it.
If you are staying with friends, relatives, or in transitional housing:
Some municipalities offer solutions for temporary residents. Contact your gemeente to discuss how you can receive your activation letter.
If you rent your own apartment or house:
you need to register your address in the BRP (Municipal Personal Records Database) at your local gemeente (municipality). Your landlord must agree to the registration.
2. Get a BSN (Burgerservicenummer)
Your BSN is your Dutch citizen service number, automatically issued when you register your address at your local gemeente.
Once you have your address and BSN, getting a DigiD usually takes just a few days. Sorting this early will make life in the Netherlands much easier.
How Domek can help
New to the Netherlands? We make financial decisions — from buying a home to arranging insurance — simple and stress-free.
With over 15 years of experience and more than 15,000 clients helped, we don’t just guide you — we handle the process with you. Not sure where to start with your mortgage or insurance? We help you understand what you need, prepare the right documents, and go through each step with confidence.
Call us at 088 1021 500, email info@domek.nl, or fill in the contact form — we’ll handle the rest
