The Dutch government loves digital authentication. So much so that you'll juggle at least three types of identification systems in your first year here. DigiD for your personal admin. eHerkenning if you're self-employed. Your BSN for everything else.
Here's what each one is, when you need it, and how to get it without losing your mind.
Your BSN: The Foundation
Start here. Your burgerservicenummer (BSN) is your Dutch social security number. Nine digits. Printed on your residence permit, your driver's license conversion paperwork, and every official letter you'll get from the government.
You get it when you register at the gemeente. That's the municipality office in your city. Book an appointment online — most gemeentes open slots four weeks ahead. Bring your passport, proof of address (a rental contract works), and proof of health insurance.
The BSN itself doesn't expire. You'll use it to open a bank account, file taxes, register with a GP, and apply for benefits. Write it down somewhere safe. You'll type it into forms at least once a week.
DigiD: Your Government Login
DigiD is how you log into government websites. Think of it as your universal username for anything official. You'll use it to access Mijn Overheid (your tax letters), file your income tax return, check your pension accrual, and apply for childcare benefits.
How to Get DigiD
You can apply once you have a BSN and a registered address. Go to digid.nl and click "DigiD aanvragen" (request DigiD). You'll need:
- Your BSN
- A Dutch address registered at the gemeente
- A Dutch phone number or email address
The application takes five minutes. You'll get an activation code by post within five business days. Once it arrives, go back to digid.nl, enter the code, and set your password.
Watch for: If you move house before the letter arrives, it won't forward. You'll need to restart the process at your new address.
SMS Authentication vs. the DigiD App
When you first set up DigiD, you'll authenticate with SMS codes. That works fine. But if you're logging in frequently — say, you're self-employed and checking tax stuff monthly — download the DigiD app. It's faster and you don't need cell signal.
The app requires a one-time setup with an SMS code. After that, you approve logins with your phone's biometrics or a PIN.
eHerkenning: For Business Use
eHerkenning is the business version of DigiD. If you're a freelancer (zzp'er) or run a company, you'll need it to log into the Tax Office's business portal, file VAT returns, or interact with government procurement systems.
You don't need eHerkenning if you're employed. Your employer handles the business-side admin. But if you invoice clients under your own name, get it sorted early.
How to Get eHerkenning
Unlike DigiD, eHerkenning isn't free. You buy it from a private provider — companies like Reconi, KPN, or DigIdentity. Prices start around €30 per year for the most basic level (eHerkenning 1), which covers most freelancers' needs.
Steps:
- Choose a provider. Reconi is popular with expats because their interface is clearer.
- Register online with your KvK number (Chamber of Commerce number, which you got when you registered as a zzp'er).
- Verify your identity. Most providers let you do this with iDIN, a bank-based verification system. If you bank with ING, ABN AMRO, or Rabobank, it's instant.
- Pay the annual fee.
- Log into government portals using your eHerkenning credentials.
Watch for: There are four levels of eHerkenning (1 through 4). Level 1 is enough for most freelancers. Level 3 and 4 are for companies bidding on government contracts or handling sensitive data. Don't overpay.
iDIN: The Banking Shortcut
iDIN isn't a separate ID. It's a verification method. When a website needs to confirm your identity — say, you're opening a Trade Republic savings account — you can use iDIN instead of uploading passport scans.
Here's how it works: You select your bank, log into your banking app, and approve the verification. The website gets confirmation that you are who you say you are. Your bank details stay private.
Most Dutch banks support iDIN: ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank, SNS, ASN, RegioBank. Some neobanks like bunq and Revolut don't, which means you'll fall back to uploading documents.
When You'll Use Each One
Here's a cheat sheet for what you'll reach for in common scenarios:
- Opening a savings account: iDIN if your bank supports it, otherwise passport scan + BSN
- Filing your annual tax return: DigiD to log into Mijn Belastingdienst
- Applying for childcare benefits (kinderopvangtoeslag): DigiD
- Filing quarterly VAT as a freelancer: eHerkenning
- Checking your pension accrual: DigiD to log into Mijn Pensioenoverzicht
- Registering a company: eHerkenning (after you've registered at the KvK in person)
Lost Your DigiD Password?
Go to digid.nl and click "Inloggen lukt niet". You'll get a new activation code by post. It takes the same five days as the original setup. There's no faster option unless you visit the gemeente in person with your passport and ask them to reset it on the spot.
Some gemeentes offer this service, some don't. Call ahead.
What If You Don't Have a BSN Yet?
You can't get DigiD or eHerkenning without a BSN. You're stuck with in-person visits and paper forms until you're registered at the gemeente. This is why registering should be your first task after landing.
If the gemeente appointment is weeks away and you need a bank account now, some banks let you open an account with just your passport. ICS Visa World Card Gold allows applications before you have a BSN, though they'll ask for it eventually.
Do You Need All Three?
Most expats need a BSN and DigiD. That's non-negotiable if you're employed and paying taxes here. eHerkenning is only necessary if you're self-employed or running a business.
iDIN is a convenience. You don't apply for it separately — it's just built into your bank's app. If your bank supports it, you'll use it. If not, you won't miss it.
Set up your BSN and DigiD in your first month. Add eHerkenning only when you register at the KvK. That order keeps things simple.