How to Get DigiD in the Netherlands (2026 Guide for Expats)
DigiD (Digitale Identiteit) is the Dutch government’s digital identity system. You need it to file taxes, apply for zorgtoeslag, access your health records, and use almost every Dutch government service online. Without DigiD, most government processes require paper forms and take much longer. This guide explains how to apply, activate, and use DigiD as an expat — and what Benefitly can do if you need government services before DigiD arrives.
How do expats get DigiD in the Netherlands?
Expats apply for DigiD via digid.nl using their BSN. An activation letter is mailed to your registered Dutch address within 5 business days. You then activate your DigiD via the website or app using the code in the letter. The entire process takes about 1–2 weeks from application to activation. If you need government services before DigiD is ready, 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
- Activation letter delivered in 5 business days
- Must be registered at a Dutch address to receive letter
- Free to obtain
- DigiD app available for smartphone authentication
- Benefitly can act without DigiD using machtiging
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
Get your BSN first
You must have a BSN (Burgerservicenummer) before applying for DigiD. Register at your local gemeente to get your BSN. Processing takes 1–4 weeks depending on your city. Once you have your BSN and are registered at a Dutch address, you can apply for DigiD.
- 2
Apply online at digid.nl
Go to digid.nl and click ‘DigiD aanvragen’ (Apply for DigiD). Enter your BSN, date of birth, and postal code. Choose a username and password. The system will send an activation letter to your registered Dutch address.
- 3
Receive and use your activation letter
An activation letter (activatiebrief) is delivered by post to your Dutch address within 5 business days. The letter contains a unique code. Go to digid.nl/activeren and enter your username, password, and activation code. Your DigiD is now active.
- 4
Set up the DigiD app (recommended)
Download the DigiD app from the App Store or Google Play. Log in with your username and password, then link your smartphone. The app allows you to log in to government services quickly using a PIN or biometrics — much faster than the SMS code method.
- 5
Use DigiD to access Dutch government services
With DigiD you can: file your tax return at mijnbelastingdienst.nl, apply for zorgtoeslag at toeslagen.nl, view your health insurance information, check your DigiD usage history. Most government websites accept DigiD login.
Helpful Tips
- Apply for DigiD the same week you receive your BSN — don’t wait, as the activation letter takes 5 days to arrive.
- Make sure your address is correctly registered at the gemeente before applying — the letter cannot be forwarded.
- If you moved after applying, contact DigiD helpdesk (0900 1292) to redirect your activation letter.
- Set up the DigiD app immediately after activating — it’s faster and more secure than SMS authentication.
- Your DigiD expires after 3 years of inactivity — log in at least once a year to keep it active.
- While waiting for your DigiD, Benefitly can apply for zorgtoeslag and other benefits on your behalf using a machtiging — you don’t need to wait.
Quick Answer for Expats
DigiD is the Dutch digital identity used to access all government services online, including the Belastingdienst (tax), Mijn Toeslagen (benefits), and health portals. To get DigiD you need a BSN and a registered Dutch address. Apply at digid.nl, receive an activation letter in 5 days, and activate online. If you need government services before DigiD arrives, Benefitly can apply on your behalf using official Dutch power of attorney (machtiging).
- Required for all Dutch online government services
- Apply at digid.nl with your BSN
- Activation letter: 5 business days by post
- Free to obtain
- No DigiD? Benefitly uses official machtiging
Already have a BSN? Start your DigiD application now at digid.nl, then use Benefitly for your first benefits applications.
Start Eligibility CheckFrequently Asked Questions
The DigiD application takes 5 minutes online. The activation letter arrives within 5 business days by post. Total time from application to active DigiD: approximately 1 week. You must be registered at a Dutch address to receive the letter.
No. DigiD requires a registered Dutch address because the activation letter is sent by post. If you just arrived and haven’t registered at the gemeente yet, register first. While waiting for DigiD, Benefitly can apply for government benefits on your behalf.
DigiD gives you access to: Mijn Belastingdienst (tax returns and income details), Mijn Toeslagen (zorgtoeslag and other allowances), MijnOverheid.nl (government correspondence), health insurance portals, Dutch pension overview (MijnPensioenoverzicht), and hundreds of other government services.
Contact the DigiD helpdesk at 0900 1292 (Monday–Friday 8:00–22:00). They can resend the letter or verify your address. Make sure your address is correctly registered at your gemeente. Letters cannot be forwarded.
If your DigiD expired due to inactivity (3+ years), you need to apply for a new one at digid.nl. The process is the same as the first application. Your new DigiD will have a new username.
Yes. Benefitly uses an official Dutch machtiging (power of attorney) to act on your behalf with the Belastingdienst and other government agencies. This is fully legal and recognized by Dutch authorities. You don’t need DigiD at any point when using Benefitly.
Need Dutch government services before DigiD arrives?
Benefitly applies for zorgtoeslag, tax returns, and other services on your behalf using official Dutch power of attorney. No DigiD needed, ever.
We speak English, Spanish, and Polish. No DigiD needed.