DigiD (Digitale Identiteit) is the Dutch government's digital identity system. You use it to log in to government websites like the Belastingdienst (tax authority), Mijn Toeslagen (allowances), your health insurance, and your municipality's website.

Do I need a BSN to get DigiD?

Yes. You must have a BSN (burgerservicenummer) before applying for DigiD. You get your BSN when you register at your local gemeente. If you have just arrived, register at the gemeente first.

How long does it take to get DigiD?

The activation letter takes 5-7 working days to arrive. Total time from application to active DigiD is typically 7-10 days. Allow extra time if you apply around public holidays.

What if I don't have a Dutch address yet?

You need a registered Dutch address to receive the activation letter. If you have just arrived, consider opening a bank account first (bunq doesn't require a BSN for 90 days), then register your address at the gemeente to begin the DigiD process.

Updated March 2026

How to Get DigiD in the Netherlands

Your DigiD is your digital identity for Dutch government services. Follow these 5 steps — the whole process takes about 10 days.

5Steps

~10 daysTotal time

FreeCost

BSN + addressRequired

🏛️ Register at your gemeente

Before you apply

Before getting DigiD, you need to be registered at your local municipality (gemeente) with a Dutch address. You will receive your BSN (burgerservicenummer) at registration — you need this for your DigiD application.

⚠️ Note: Book your gemeente appointment online well in advance — waiting times can be 2-4 weeks in large cities.

💻 Apply online at digid.nl

10 minutes

Go to digid.nl and click "DigiD aanvragen". You will need: your BSN, date of birth, and the postal code of your registered address. Choose a username and a strong password.

💡 Tip: The website is in Dutch but you can use browser translation. The form itself is straightforward.

📬 Receive your activation letter

5–7 working days

After applying, a letter with a unique activation code is sent to your registered address. It takes 5-7 working days. Make sure your address registration is correct — the letter cannot be forwarded.

💡 Tip: If the letter does not arrive after 10 working days, you can request a new one via digid.nl.

🔑 Activate your DigiD

5 minutes

Log in to digid.nl with your username and password, then enter the activation code from your letter. You have 20 days to activate before the code expires. Once activated, your DigiD is ready to use.

⚠️ Note: Activate as soon as the letter arrives. Expired codes require starting the process over.

📱 Upgrade with the DigiD app

15 minutes

Download the DigiD app (iOS / Android) and complete an identity check with a selfie and your passport or ID card. This gives you DigiD with ID verification (DigiD Hoog) — required for the highest security level services like the Belastingdienst and healthcare portals.

Need a bank account first?

Open a Dutch bank account in 5 min — no BSN needed for 90 days

Open bunq — No BSN Needed →

✅ DigiD activated — what next?

With an active DigiD you can now: file your Dutch tax return, apply for toeslagen (allowances), register for health insurance, and access hundreds of government portals.

Check Toeslagen Eligibility →Compare Health Insurance →Calculate Your Tax →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DigiD?▼

DigiD (Digitale Identiteit) is the Dutch government's digital identity system. You use it to log in to the Belastingdienst (taxes), Mijn Toeslagen (allowances), your health insurance, and hundreds of government services.

Do I need a BSN to apply?▼

Yes — you need a BSN (burgerservicenummer) from your gemeente registration. Get your BSN first, then apply for DigiD.

How long does it take?▼

The activation letter takes 5-7 working days. Total time from application to active DigiD is 7-10 days.

What can I do with DigiD?▼

File tax returns, apply for toeslagen (allowances), access your healthcare records, log in to your gemeente portal, manage your pension, and much more.

I don't have a Dutch address yet — what do I do?▼

You need a registered Dutch address for the activation letter. Open a bank account first (bunq works without a BSN for 90 days), find accommodation, then register your address at the gemeente to start the DigiD process.

Need a bank account before you can register?

bunq lets you open a Dutch NL IBAN account without a BSN for the first 90 days.

Open bunq — No BSN Needed →Compare All Banks →