Get DigiD in Groningen (2026 Guide for Expats)
DigiD is the Dutch digital identity required to access all government services online in Groningen — including zorgtoeslag, tax returns, and health portals. With approximately 18,000 expats in Groningen (Groningen Province), many are missing out on Dutch benefits simply because they don’t have DigiD. This guide explains how to apply, activate, and use DigiD as an expat in Groningen — and what Benefitly can do if you need services before DigiD arrives.
BSN Office
Gemeente Groningen Publieksplein
Kreupelstraat 1, 9712 HX Groningen
Processing time in Groningen
1–2 weeks
Local insight
Groningen has a large student expat community from Rijksuniversiteit Groningen. The gemeente office is compact but efficient. Appointments available quickly compared to Randstad cities.
How do expats get DigiD in Groningen?
Expats get DigiD in Groningen by first registering at Gemeente Groningen Publieksplein for a BSN, then applying at digid.nl. An activation letter is mailed to your registered address within 5 business days. If you need government services before DigiD arrives, Benefitly can act on your behalf using official Dutch power of attorney.
Key Facts
- BSN required before applying for DigiD
- Apply online at digid.nl — takes 5 minutes
- Activation letter delivered in 5 business days
- Must be registered at a Dutch address (gemeente Groningen)
- Free to obtain
- Benefitly can act without DigiD using official machtiging
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
Register at gemeente Groningen and get your BSN
DigiD requires a BSN. Register at Gemeente Groningen Publieksplein (Kreupelstraat 1, 9712 HX Groningen). Processing time in Groningen: 1–2 weeks. Groningen has a large student expat community from Rijksuniversiteit Groningen. The gemeente office is compact but efficient. Appointments available quickly compared to Randstad cities.
- 2
Apply for DigiD at digid.nl
Go to digid.nl and click ‘DigiD aanvragen’. Enter your BSN, date of birth, and postcode registered in Groningen. Choose a username and password. Takes 5 minutes. An activation letter is sent to your registered address.
- 3
Receive your activation letter
A letter with your unique activation code is mailed to your Groningen address within 5 business days. Make sure your address is correctly registered at gemeente Groningen — the letter cannot be forwarded. If you don’t receive it, call the DigiD helpdesk: 0900 1292.
- 4
Activate your DigiD
Go to digid.nl/activeren and enter your username, password, and the code from the letter. Your DigiD is now active. Download the DigiD app for faster login using PIN or biometrics.
- 5
Use DigiD to access Dutch benefits
With DigiD you can: apply for zorgtoeslag at toeslagen.nl, file your tax return at mijnbelastingdienst.nl, view health records, and access all Dutch government services. Benefitly can help you apply for benefits in Groningen immediately — no DigiD needed while you wait.
Helpful Tips
- Apply for DigiD the same week you receive your BSN in Groningen — don’t wait, as the activation letter takes 5 days.
- Groningen has a large student expat community from Rijksuniversiteit Groningen. The gemeente office is compact but efficient. Appointments available quickly compared to Randstad cities.
- Make sure your address is registered correctly at gemeente Groningen before applying — DigiD letters cannot be forwarded.
- Set up the DigiD app immediately after activating — it’s faster and more secure than SMS codes.
- While waiting for DigiD in Groningen, Benefitly can apply for zorgtoeslag and tax returns on your behalf using a machtiging.
- Your DigiD expires after 3 years of inactivity — log in at least once a year to keep it active.
- In Groningen, approximately 18,000 expats live and work — many miss Dutch benefits because they don’t have DigiD yet.
Quick Answer for Expats
DigiD is the Dutch digital identity used to access all government services in Groningen: zorgtoeslag, tax returns, health portals, and more. Apply at digid.nl after registering your BSN at Gemeente Groningen Publieksplein. The activation letter arrives within 5 business days. If you need services before DigiD, Benefitly applies on your behalf using official Dutch power of attorney.
- Required for zorgtoeslag, tax returns, all Dutch online services
- Apply at digid.nl after getting your BSN
- Activation letter: 5 business days by post
- Must be registered at gemeente Groningen
- No DigiD? Benefitly uses official machtiging
Already have a BSN in Groningen? Apply for DigiD today at digid.nl, then use Benefitly to apply for zorgtoeslag.
Start Eligibility CheckFrequently Asked Questions
After applying at digid.nl (5 minutes), the activation letter arrives within 5 business days. Total time from application to active DigiD: approximately 1 week. You must be registered at gemeente Groningen to receive the letter.
No. DigiD sends the activation letter by post to your registered Dutch address. Register at gemeente Groningen (Kreupelstraat 1, 9712 HX Groningen) first. While waiting, Benefitly can apply for government services on your behalf.
DigiD gives access to: zorgtoeslag applications (up to €123/month), Dutch tax returns (average €300–800 refund), health portals, MijnOverheid.nl, pension overview, and hundreds of other government services. All the benefits available to expats in Groningen require DigiD — or Benefitly’s machtiging.
Contact the DigiD helpdesk at 0900 1292 (Monday–Friday 8:00–22:00). They can resend the letter. Make sure your address is correctly registered at gemeente Groningen. Letters cannot be forwarded.
Yes. Benefitly uses an official Dutch machtiging (power of attorney) to act on your behalf with the Belastingdienst. We can apply for zorgtoeslag, file your tax return, and handle other government services — all without DigiD. This is fully legal and recognized by Dutch authorities.
You need DigiD to apply online at toeslagen.nl. However, Benefitly applies for zorgtoeslag on behalf of expats in Groningen using an official machtiging — no DigiD needed. This is the fastest option for newly arrived expats.
Need Dutch government services before DigiD arrives in Groningen?
Benefitly applies for zorgtoeslag and tax returns on your behalf using official Dutch power of attorney. No DigiD needed, ever.
We speak English, Spanish, and Polish. No DigiD needed.