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Netherlands · Digital government · Last verified September 19, 2026
DigiD is the login you use to identify yourself online with Dutch government bodies and many healthcare, education and pension organisations. For most newcomers living in the Netherlands, the practical order is: register with the municipality, receive your BSN, apply for DigiD, wait for the activation letter and then activate the account before the code expires.
Quick answer
- You need: a BSN, an address where you are registered with a Dutch municipality, and a phone.
- After applying: DigiD sends an activation letter to the address recorded for you in the BRP.
- Delivery: DigiD says the letter normally arrives within a few working days and can take up to 5 working days depending on local mail delivery.
- Deadline: activate the account within 21 days or you must apply again.
- Best setup: activate the DigiD app or SMS verification because more organisations require two-step login.
What is DigiD and why do newcomers need it?
DigiD stands for digital identification. It lets you prove who you are when arranging personal matters online with organisations such as government agencies, healthcare providers, educational institutions and pension services.
It is not the same thing as your BSN. Your BSN is your citizen service number; DigiD is the secure login system that uses your identity details to let you access online services.
What you need before applying
- Citizen service number (BSN)
- Registration address with a Dutch municipality
- Phone
DigiD sends the activation letter to the address where you are registered with your municipality in the Personal Records Database, known as the BRP. If that address is wrong, DigiD advises contacting your municipality.
Turtle tip: wait until your municipal registration is correct
The activation letter follows your registered address. If you have just completed municipal registration or recently changed address, make sure the municipality has the correct details before relying on the DigiD letter.
Step 1: apply for DigiD
Use the official DigiD application page and enter your details. If you apply through the website form, remember the username and password you create because you will need them when activating the account.
Step 2: wait for the activation letter
After applying, DigiD sends an activation code by post to your registered address. DigiD’s English guidance says the letter is sent within a few working days and may take up to 5 working days depending on mail delivery in your region.
The activation code in the letter starts with the letter A. Keep the latest letter if you made more than one application because earlier activation codes may no longer work.
Step 3: activate DigiD within 21 days
This deadline matters. DigiD states that you must activate your account within 21 days. If the activation code expires, you have to apply for a new DigiD.
You can activate through the DigiD app or through the website. If you applied with SMS verification, you may also be asked for the SMS code during activation.
Step 4: set up the DigiD app or SMS verification
DigiD recommends using the app or SMS verification because more organisations require login with an additional security step. With SMS verification, you log in with your username and password and then enter a six-digit code sent to your phone.
The DigiD app is designed to make secure login easier. Depending on your situation, the app can be activated using an SMS route, a letter or an identity-document check. An ID check is not always required for ordinary DigiD use.
One point that catches internationals out: foreign identity documents and Dutch residence documents cannot be used for the DigiD app’s ID-check function. If the ID check is not available to you, DigiD explains alternative activation routes such as SMS verification.
Can you use a foreign phone number?
Yes. DigiD’s SMS-verification guidance says a foreign phone number can be used. It also supports mobile numbers, fixed lines and voice delivery of verification codes in supported situations.
What if you live abroad or are not registered at a normal home address?
The standard newcomer route above assumes you are registered with a Dutch municipality. DigiD also has separate procedures for people living abroad or in the Caribbean Netherlands who have a BSN.
If you live in the Netherlands but do not have a permanent home address, DigiD says a qualifying postal address registered with the municipality may be used. A PO box or empty address is not accepted as that registered postal address.
Five DigiD mistakes newcomers should avoid
- Applying before your BRP address is correct. The activation letter goes to the address registered with the municipality.
- Forgetting the 21-day deadline. An expired activation code means starting the application again.
- Using an older activation letter after applying again. Use the code from your latest application.
- Assuming username and password alone will always be enough. More organisations require the DigiD app or SMS verification.
- Clicking a DigiD link in an email or text. Official DigiD guidance says its emails, texts and letters never contain a login link or QR code.
Security rule worth remembering
DigiD says its employees will never ask for your login credentials. It also says genuine DigiD emails, text messages and letters do not contain a login link or QR code. If a message tells you to click a link to log in, do not use it; navigate to DigiD yourself.
A simple newcomer sequence
- Register with your municipality.
- Receive your BSN and confirm your BRP address.
- Apply for DigiD through the official website.
- Watch for the activation letter.
- Activate within 21 days.
- Set up the DigiD app or SMS verification.
- Keep your login details private and type the DigiD web address yourself.
Official sources checked
- DigiD — apply for a DigiD
- DigiD — activate your DigiD
- DigiD — DigiD app
- DigiD — SMS verification
- DigiD — secure login tips
- DigiD — recognise fake messages
Verification date: September 19, 2026. DigiD procedures can change, especially app and identity-check requirements, so use the official DigiD pages above if your situation differs.
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