Guides / DigiD
Stage 3: your first weeks
With DigiD you log in to the tax office, your municipality and other public organisations. You can apply once you have a BSN and a registered address.
Checked on svb.nl and netherlandsworldwide.nl, November 2026
You get your BSN and your address is recorded. You need both for DigiD. Read the registration guide.
On the DigiD website or in the DigiD app, choose a username and password and enter your mobile number and email address. You confirm both with a code.
DigiD sends a letter with your activation code to the address where you are registered.
Activate your DigiD with the code. From then on you log in with the DigiD app or with a code by text message.
DigiD shows organisations that you are who you say you are. In the Netherlands you use it for the tax office (Belastingdienst), the SVB, DUO, your municipality, care institutions, educational institutions and pension funds.
Many government organisations in other European countries accept DigiD as well.
Keep your login to yourself: never share your username, password or codes with anyone.
Do you have a BSN but live abroad? Then you apply in a different way and need a valid passport or ID card. In some countries you collect your activation code at a desk. See netherlandsworldwide.nl (opens in a new window).
No. You need a BSN and a registered address first. You get both when you register with your municipality.
To the address where you are registered in the Netherlands.
Yes, if you don’t use it for 3 years. You get a message 30 days before it expires.
The tax office, the SVB, DUO, municipalities, care and educational institutions and pension funds, and many government organisations elsewhere in Europe.
Sources: svb.nl, applying for a DigiD (opens in a new window), netherlandsworldwide.nl, what is DigiD (opens in a new window), netherlandsworldwide.nl, applying from abroad (opens in a new window). Checked November 2026. Rules change, so check the source before you decide.
